« Return to Newsletters

Newsletter: February/March 2010 Newsletter

FEBRUARY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Our February 16, 2010 speaker will be VADM Hank Giffin, USN (Ret.) and Mr. Josh Prueher from the Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition (VOW), a new organization to promote offshore wind energy in Virginia. Up and down the East Coast of the United States, wind farms are in various stages of development in federal and state waters.  No other state has more opportunity for economic gain and to be a leader in the offshore wind industry than Virginia.
 
VOW includes developers, manufacturers, utilities, localities, businesses and environmental groups. The goals of the coalition are to promote the development of offshore wind energy in Virginia and to develop the Hampton Roads area of the state as the hub of manufacturing and supply for future offshore wind farms on the East Coast.
Energy Division and vice chairman of VOW. "We must act now to capture it."

VOW is working closely with Virginia legislators to place the state in a position of leadership within the industry. The coalition is working on state legislation that will make Virginia competitive with other states pursuing offshore wind.

Coalition members include Apex Offshore Wind, AREVA, BAE Systems Ship Repair, the city of Virginia Beach, Colonna's Shipyard, Dominion Virginia Power, Earl Industries, Fugro Atlantic, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, Science Applications International Corp., Seawind Renewable Energy Corp., Weeks Marine and W. F. Magann.
 
Our March speaker will be Capt. Tim Corrigan, USN, Director, Surface Ship Life Cycle Management Activity.

JANUARY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Mr. E. Dana Dickens, III, President and CEO Hampton Roads Partnership (HRP) was our guest speaker at the January General Membership Meeting. He discussed three areas of interest to the region.
 
The education system of the region is important to employers in Hampton Roads as well as those considering moving here. Therefore, HRP recommends the cities in the region work together to raise the level of excellence in all of the schools in the region.
 
High speed rail is important to both the state and the region. The plan is to get high speed rail from Washington, D.C. to Richmond and then to Hampton Roads. Mr. Dickens pointed out that Hampton Roads is the largest metropolitan region in the country that is not served by passenger rail. The high speed rail will support residents, tourists and our military. Mr. Dickens announced the dates of upcoming hearings in the area and encouraged member companies to attend and advocate for funding.
 
The HRP is promoting a comprehensive economic development strategy for the region. We need to improve our economy and bring jobs to the region. The current three pillars of our economy are military and federal spending, the port, and tourism. The HRP wants to support these areas while adding new opportunities for jobs.

RECENT NEW MEMBER COMPANIES

The Board of Directors approved the following new members at its January meeting:
            Advanced Benefit Strategies
            Rayco Supply
This brings VSRA’s total membership to 191 companies.

ADAVANCED BENEFIT STRATEGIES

Advanced Benefit Strategies (ABS), founded in 1993, is a third-party administrator of pre-tax employee benefits. Their sole business mission is to deliver hassle-free, Section 125 cafeteria, flexible benefit administration. Over 600 employers across the country and over 10,000 plan participants look to ABS every year for impartial, confidential pre-tax benefit plan administration services. The Principals of ABS are strongly dedicated to employee benefit education and responsive employer plan service.
 
To find out more about ABS, please visit their website at http://www.abs125.com/

RAYCO SUPPLY

Rayco Supply is a small, woman-owned industrial marine products supplier carrying over one million products, such as valves, pipe fittings, metals, pipe, plumbing, welding, abrasives, lagging, fasteners, and safety products. Their mission is to provide customers with the best value product and to satisfy and exceed expectations on cost, quality and timeliness.  They have partnered with Mancon in a Defense Logistics Retail Supply Store located on Norfolk Naval Station. 
 
To find out more about Rayco Supply, please visit their website at http://www.raycosupply.com/

2010 ANNUAL SURVEY OUT IN FEBRUARY

The Communications Committee will distribute its annual survey this month. Please take the time to respond to the survey so we can better provide the services that are valuable to you. The results of the survey will be published in a future newsletter, and all of the information will be briefed to the VSRA Board of Directors. Feel free to forward the survey to other employees in your company who interact with VSRA. Thank you in advance for your participation!

VSRA CAREER DAYS

VSRA is pleased to host career days at local high schools. Please volunteer to attend if it all possible. Attendance at these events is imperative to assuring a successful future for Ship Repair in Hampton Roads. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Martin Erickson directly via email or phone.
 
Bayside High School - February 19, 2010 from 8:45am to 1:00pm. This career day will include Juniors and Seniors from Bayside. P.O.C. - Stefanie Hall, 757-648-5214, email: Stefanie.hall@vbschools.com or Terry Mejia, 757-648-5216, email: terry.mejia@vbschools.com 
 
**If you are interested in attending any of the above Career Days please contact Martin Erickson or Josephine Anderson, to sign up.  The VSRA office number is 757-233-7034 or email at info@VirginiaShipRepair.org

ANNUAL SAFEY SUGGESTION AWARD

Mark Sword, an employee of Tecnico, was recognized with the Annual Safety Suggestion Award. Mark was previously recognized with the 3rd Quarter Safety Suggestion for creating a device that can control the release of toxic gases and contaminated liquid while breaking into CHT piping. His device would wrap around the pipe and consists of a cut off handle, ball valve, and rubber gasket. The cut off handle with the ball valve is then opened, and a hole is drilled through the valve. Once the hole is drilled, a marine chemist can test the pipe by inserting the probe of his meter through the valve to ensure there are no toxic gases. If toxic gases or liquids are found in the pipe, the cut off valve can be quickly closed. Mark was awarded $500 for the Annual Safety Suggestion Award. Congratulations Mark!

SAFETY ORIENTATION: GET YOUR CARDS NOW!

Written by: Brian Applewhite, Chairman VSRA Safety Committee
 
After a year of development, the Safety Committee has completed the VSRA Safety Overview for Hampton Roads Shipyards. The session is available NOW at http://otraining.VirginiaShipRepair.org. When your workers take this safety overview, they will receive a card that will be required at Metro Machine, BAE Systems, Earl Industries, MHI, Tecnico and Colonna’s Shipyard. Representatives from NNSY, OSHA and MARMC contributed to the development of this session. The session was developed to:
Create more consistency in safety information.
Reduce costs by eliminating the need for workers to take a new safety session each time they work with a new company or in a new shipyard, and
Improve access to safety information.
 
We are making every effort to support the safety of ALL workers who conduct ship repair, as well as reign in costs associated with training. We strongly encourage you to participate in this program.
 
Contact VSRA to receive materials to conduct bulk live classroom training. Cost is $3.00 per trainee for VSRA members ($5.00 for non-members).
 
To order a CD copy for bulk live training, contact Michelle Carrera at mcarrera@VirginiaShipRepair.org .
Cost: $50.00 includes 5 student access codes.

4TH ANNUAL LEGO SHIP REPAIR AWARENESS COMPETITION

This competition for middle school student promotes ship repair industry awareness, while increasing competitive mathematical, analytical and conceptual skills in students. Participation has grown from two teams the first year to 13 last year. This year, we opened the competition to Peninsula schools, so we anticipate a larger number will join in the competition. The teams will use LEGO Digital Design software to design a portion of a ship that is often repaired in Hampton Roads, prepare an 800 word essay on ship repair occupations, and prepare a presentation on the design and essay and deliver it on competition day (April 23) at Nauticus. 
 
Competition is scheduled for the last week of April. The winning teams will receive:
1st Place: A specially designed LEGO kit for the students to build a real 3D model of their design, tickets to Nauticus for the design team, and a $500 cash award/incentive for the school.
 
2nd Place: A $250 cash award/incentive for the school and tickets to Nauticus for the design team.
 
3rd Place: Tickets to Nauticus for the design team.
 
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

2010 NATIONAL SHIP REPAIR INDUSTRY CONFERENCE (NSRIC)

The 2010 National Ship Repair Industry Conference will be held March 1-3, 2010 at the Embassy Suites, Crystal City.  The organizing ship repair associations, in partnership with the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), will follow the same format of last year’s conference. Attendees will meet with Navy leaders on the first day of the conference and with Members of Congress on the second day.  The basic agenda is: 
 
Monday, March 1st            Travel / Opening Evening Reception sponsored by Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association
Tuesday, March 2nd           Navy Day at Embassy Suites
Wednesday, March 3rd      Hill Day / Evening Hill Reception sponsored by VSRA
Thursday, March 4th          Individual visits to the Hill / Travel Home
 
The specifics of the agenda for both days are being developed.  Invitations have been sent to Navy and Congressional leaders.  The following Navy leaders have already accepted:
 
Admiral Gary Roughead, CNO
RADM Joe Campbell, SEA04
Ms. Peggy Harrell, SEA04Y
RADM Ostebo, CG-4, US Coast Guard
CAPT Mark Butt, CO, USCG Surface Logistics Center
 
We expect a very impressive array of both military leaders and congressional representatives will be addressing the conference.  You should not miss this opportunity.
 
The 2010 NSRIC Registration Form should be completed and sent to SCA, along with your registration fee.  Please note that the VSRA members fee is $300 (same last year).  Attendees who are not members of one of the partner Ship Repair Associations or SCA will be charged a $350 registration fee.
 
Rooms have been arranged at the Embassy Suites.  To make your reservations, call 1-800-EMBASSY, or log on to www.embassysuites.com .  

OTHER MEETINGS OF INTEREST

2/17/09 - The American Society of Naval Engineers will host RADM Carol M. Pottenger, Commander Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), at the Springhill Suites Hotel on Newtown Road. 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. Make your reservations using the on-line form at www.asne-tw.org.
 
2/17/09 – TASC-TGIC will host Mr. Mark Honecker (SES), Executive Director, United States Fleet Forces Command at their Luncheon, which is held at the Norfolk Airport Hilton at 11:30 a.m. To register for this event, go to www.tasc-tgic.org.
 
3/17/09 - The American Society of Naval Engineers will host Ms. Peggy Harrell, Commander, Regional Maintenance Centers, at the Springhill Suites Hotel on Newtown Road. 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. Make your reservations using the on-line form at www.asne-tw.org.
 
3/17/09 – The TASC Monthly Luncheon is held at the Norfolk Airport Hilton at 11:30 a.m. To register for this event, go to www.tasc-tgic.org.

OSHA PARTNERSHIP

At the February General Membership Meeting to be held February 16, 2010, Malcolm Branch of VSRA and Leo Edwards of OSHA will sign the agreement renewing the VSRA-OSHA Partnership. All seventeen member companies in the partnership will be recognized. VSRA is leading the way in the ship repair industry with this historic partnership, and we encourage all members companies to join the partnership to ensure its continued and future success.

COMMITTEE UPDATE

Communications Committee
At the February meeting, the committee met to review the Feb/Mar newsletter and to fianlize the survey questions. The committee meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the QED conference room at 4646 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
 
Contracts Committee
At the January meeting, Capt. Stephanie Douglas briefed the committee on current Navy issues, and Jim Stricker briefed the committee on developments in NOAA. The committee meets the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Troutman Sanders conference room, 150 Main Street, 16th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510.
 
Environmental Committee
At the January meeting, the committee elected Mike Ewing as the chairman. The committee meets on odd-numbered months on the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.
 
Human Resources Committee
At the February meeting, there were two guest speakers from the Virginia Employment Commission. Roger Bushell shared information on how unemployment rates are determined, tips for proper submission of separation statements, and the minimum and maximum amounts claimants may be awarded. Richard Keatley gave a presentation on how separation of employment affects employee benefits. The committee meets the first Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. in the Troutman Sanders Conference Room, 150 Main Street, 16th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510.
 
Quality Assurance Committee
At the January meeting, the committee discussed the Graduated QA program. Ken Edwards was nominated as the VSRA representative, and George Gray was nominated as the co-chair. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Q.E.D. Systems, Inc. Conference Room, 4646 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
 
Safety Committee
At the January meeting, the committee discussed the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), a new global system that will standardize definitions, data sheets, classification of material, and labeling around the world.  The U.S. has not adopted the requirements, but hearings are scheduled for March and April. The committee meets the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.
 
Security Committee
At the January meeting, Russell Struebing also announced there is a web address for NGC to check on your visitor badges: http://sourcing.nn.northropgrumman.com/sourcing/_Visitor_Badge_listing/VBL.stm
Mr. Shutter provided a review of the process for obtaining a Regional Contractor’s Badge (RCB), Contractor’s Verification System (CVS) website, and What To Do If You Are “Denied”. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Conference Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

We are pleased to offer the following courses:
 
First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder ½-Day Refresher Training
Location sponsored by United Coatings Corp.
COST: $90.00 VSRA members; $125.00 Non VSRA members
DATES:  February 24, March 31, April 28, May 26, September 29, October 27, November 17, December 16, 2010, 7:30 am – 11:30 am
LOCATION: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707
 
 
First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder Certification
Location sponsored by United Coatings Corp.
COST: $115.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: February 23, March 30, April 27, May 27, September 28, October 26, November 16, December 15, 2010, 7:30am - 4:30pm
LOCATION: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707
 
Emergency First Responders ~ OSHA Approved/Internationally Accepted
*This certification is OSHA-approved/internationally accepted and is a step beyond the Red Cross certification and is more oriented to industrial environments.* This course provides comprehensive instruction in CPR and First Aid, as well as Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, emergency oxygen administration and conscious choking management skills. Upon successful completion of this course, attendees receive a Certification Card.
 
 
Senior Supervisor’s Leadership Course
COST: $325.00 VSRA members; $465.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: March 18-19, May 27-28, August 26-27, October 7-8, December 2-3, 2010, 7:30am - 3:30pm
LOCATION: Tecnico Corporation, 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324
 
This course is designed for supervisors with more than five years of experience. Course learning centers on leadership demands, behavioral management, tracking professional goals, and developing stronger workers through career development and goal setting. The course delivers 16+ hours of lecture, video, hand-on activities, the Kouzes & Posner Leadership Challenge System and text-based assignments over a two-day period. Students spend four hours developing leadership communication patterns using job safety analysis, inspection and investigation scenarios to apply what they learned to real world examples.
 
 
Junior Supervisor’s Leadership and Safety Course
Location sponsored by Old Dominion University
COST: $485.00 VSRA members; $575.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, September 3, September 10, September 17, September 24, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, 2010, 8:00am - 4:00pm
LOCATION: Tecnico Corporation, 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324
 
This course weaves Leadership and Management applications throughout the National Safety Council course.  Supervisors will learn about the labor market, their own leadership and management strengths and how to effect change on the waterfront.  Passing students receive the National Safety Council Supervisors Certification. This course will be for 4 weeks, only on Friday.  The course dates are Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6, and Feb 13 2009.  This course is for supervisors with 5 years or less experience.
 
 
NAVSEA Standard Items FY10/11 Training
COST: $250.00 VSRA members; $325.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: March 3-4 (Class Full), May 20-21, October 21-22, 2010, 8:00am - 4:00pm
LOCATION: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707
Standard Items Update uses on-line capabilities along with text copy to overview Standard Items and hone-in on pertinent changes for 2000-2010. After a general overview, the instructor covers the material MOST relevant to the students in class. Little time is wasted in covering areas that students don't need. So, every class is different, but they meet all needs of the students and companies who send them! There are only 15 slots for this course, so please don't delay in signing up those employees who need this training!
 
 
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Prep Course
Location sponsored by Earl Industries
COST: $225.00 VSRA members; $275.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: March 30-April 4, June 22-24, October 13-15, November 30-December 2, 2010, 8:00am-4:30pm both days
LOCATION: Metropolitan Labs, 330 County St.,  Portsmouth, VA 23707
                                                                                            
This course will review coating documents such as SSPC PA-2, NSTM Chapter 631 and NSTM Chapter 634 for non-skid and others. It will also provide a thorough review of SI 009-32 and applicable sections of 009-04. Recent changes to the NAVSEA NBPI Exam have resulted in lower pass rates. In order to better prepare your workers, VSRA is offering a 1-1/2-day pre-course specifically to address exam standards and increase inspector-level knowledge. Each attendee will receive a current copy of NAVSEA Standard Items 009-32 and 009-04.
 
 
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Training (NBPI)
Sponsored by VSRA and course approved by NAVSEA
COST: $675.00 VSRA members; $850.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: February 22-26, April 12-16, July 12-16, October 25-29, December 6-10, 2010, 7:00am - 5:00pm
LOCATION: MARMC Building LF-18, Norfolk Naval Base
 
Attendance is limited to 20 applicants. A score of 80% or higher is required to be eligible for the certification. Students passing the exam will receive a four-year certification and a laminated wallet card from SSPC. Test results will come directly from SSPC. 
 
Due to changes with the SSPC, all documents related to this course need to be submitted to the SSPC representative, Jeannine Bodack. Her email address is: bodack@sspc.org, phone: 877-281-7772 x 2204, fax: 412-281-9995. These documents must be submitted two weeks before the first day of class. Please go to the SSPC website http://www.sspc.org to view the current required documents.
 
 
NAVSEA Cableway Training and Certification Training
This training is certified by NAVSEA
COST: $725.00 VSRA Members; $845.00 Non-VSRA Members
DATE: March 15-19, May 17-21, August 23-27, November 1-15, 2010, 8:00am – 4:00pm
LOCATION: Earl Industries, Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23702
 
Attendance is limited to 20 applicants. This course delivers 35+ hours of lecture, video, hands-on lab work and text-based assignments over a five day period. A score of 70% or higher on the comprehensive exam is required for successful completion. The course covers all NAVSEA requirements and skill sets in depth. Upon successful completion of this course, the attendee will receive a NAVSEA Cableway Certification Card.
 
 
Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawing Orientation
Location sponsored by Earl Industries
COST: $375.00 VSRA Members; $475.00 Non-VSRA Members
DATE: March 23-26, May 4-7, September 14-17, 2010, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
LOCATION:  Metropolitan Labs, 330 County St., Portsmouth, VA 23707
 
This course is directed to rising welders and shipfitters, or workers who need a familiarity with blueprint terminology, symbols and design features specific to ships. The course provides 28 hours of instruction with take-home activities, 3 quizzes and a final exam.  Attendees will receive critical drawing analysis experience, as well as hands-on blueprint activities.  For a complete course outline please contact the VSRA office.
 
 
Please register on the VSRA website www.virginiashiprepair.org for above seminars. Online registrations are preferred; however, phone reservations can be accommodated. For questions/help registering please call our office at 757-233-7034.
 
**Please note, you must be logged in to receive the discounted VSRA price for seminars.**
 
Refund & Cancellation Policy: VSRA offers courses at a greatly reduced rate to our members. Cancellations must be made within 4 business days of the course date to receive full credit contingent on slots being filled. Late cancellations will be given a 50% credit towards future training or 100% if open slot is filled. No-shows WILL BE CHARGED the course fee, and no refunds will be made. Substitutions are welcome; however, please contact the VSRA office as soon as possible. If VSRA has to reschedule or cancel a course, we will work with your company to place employees in a future training course.