Newsletter: November/December 2011 Newsletter

Our guest speaker for the December General Membership meeting will be Congressman Randy Forbes, who will provide us with a legislative update. Mark your calendars now! This is our Holiday Luncheon, and we invite the members of all VSRA committees to attend and be recognized. Please note the December General Membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 13, which is one week earlier than our usually scheduled meeting.

Our speaker for the December 13 General Membership Meeting is Congressman Randy Forbes. Please note that this meeting is one week earlier than our usual meeting.  Since his constituents elected him to Congress in 2001, one of Randy’s key priorities has been to protect and defend our nation. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, Randy is tasked with ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the equipment, facilities, and training to be the most effective military in the world. Randy’s position is central in developing the nation’s long-term strategies to meet our future security needs. As a result of his work on behalf of our military, in 2009, Randy became one of only a few individuals to have been honored with the highest civilian award offered by both the United States Army and the United States Navy.

 

A life-long resident of Virginia, Randy began his career in private law practice helping small and medium-sized businesses and ultimately became a partner in the largest law firm in southeastern Virginia. From 1989-2001, he served the Commonwealth of Virginia in the General Assembly. As a member of the House of Delegates, he served 7 years, quickly establishing himself and serving as the Floor Leader until his election to the State Senate in 1997. One year later, he became the Senate Floor Leader. He served in the State Senate for 3 1/2 years, until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Randy was chief patron of some of Virginia's most important legislation ranging from state funding for school construction to the abolition of parole.

Randy graduated from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake in 1970. He was valedictorian of his 1974 class at Randolph-Macon College. In 1977, Randy graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law.

At the October General Membership meeting, four volunteers were recognized for their long-term service to VSRA. Ken Edwards was thanked for his years of service as the outgoing chairman of the Quality Assurance Committee.   Buck Hodges was thanked for his eight years of service as the chairman of the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation. David Hartley was thanked for his eight years of service, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for the past few years, on the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation Board. Don Fisher was recognized for his service to Association from 1977 through 2011 on the Board of Directors for the Tidewater Maritime Training Institute and the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation Board of Directors. We appreciate your service to VSRA!

The guest speaker at the October General Membership meeting was RDML (sel) Larry Creevy, N43 Fleet Maintenance Officer, Fleet Forces Command. RDML Creevy observed that we are approaching a period of extreme vulnerability, as we are losing great Navy leaders to retirement, and budgets are getting tighter. His command is working hard to insure funding is not removed from successful programs and processes his predecessors had built. 

 

RDML Creevy’s focus is on ownership, getting maintenance right, and accountability. Some of the policy and infrastructure changes he is implementing include establishing maintenance control teams on ships, putting in place enhanced process control procedures (EPCP), moving toward universal PCPs, and availability and completion certifications. 

 

With the small number of ships and the high operations tempo, we need to conduct maintenance predictably and reliably. Late completion dates cause less predictable schedules; decrease training time; and increase cost, workarounds, deviations from specifications, and CASREPs. Availabilities are not completing on time. Too much new work is discovered during the availabilities. Key planning milestones are being missed. There is room for improvement on all sides, and the key to success is teamwork and a strong relationship between the Navy and its industry partners. 

At the November meeting, the Board of Directors approved five new member companies. The new companies are Gibbs & Cox, Inc.; MDP Marine Insurance, LLC; Metalskills, Inc.; US Joiner, LLC and Waddell and Reed, Inc. 

 

This brings our total membership to 219 member companies. 

Gibbs & Cox, Inc. is an independent engineering and design firm specializing in naval architecture, marine engineering, management support, and engineering consulting. The firm provides engineering services and support to various shipyards in the Virginia shipyard community. It is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia with offices in New York City, Washington D.C., Hampton, Virginia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Please visit their website at www.gibbscox.com.

MDP Marine Insurance is a marine, property, and casualty insurance agent/broker. Their day-to-day work involves placing insurance policies in the marine world. They assist various maritime clients, such as ship companies, ship-repair firms, and terminals, in helping them get the best insurance at the best rates, anywhere in the world.

Metalskills engages in training, testing, certification and staffing augmentation of welders, ship fitter, millwrights, machinists, inspectors, engineers, and other skilled work teams. They are able to assess, test, and train the right employee for the job, so our clients’ cost remains low.

Please visit their website at www.metalskilljobs.com.

Please visit their website at www.usjoiner.com.

Waddell & Reed provides comprehensive financial services, such as financial planning, investments, insurance (life, health disability, and long-term care), employer-sponsored retirement plans, federal employee benefits, workplace financial wellness training, business succession planning, and estate planning. Their practice specializes in serving professionals and business owners in the maritime industry.  Insurance products are offered through Insurance companies with which Waddell & Reed has sales arrangements.

 

Please visit their website at www.mikebarclift.wrfa.com

It’s only November 2011, and the VSRA staff has already received 9 Lego Team Applications and many inquiries. As we expect more applications, we are in need of Technical Advisors to assist. The list below includes duties of Technical Advisors:

1.      Coordinates and works with the Team Teacher

2.      Attends the Team Event Kick-Off on the date the Team Leader has set. You will meet the team and the teacher to discuss their design ideas. The VSRA office will make sure you are well stocked with VSRA give-aways to bring to the meeting.

3.      Follow up with school via phone or email checking on progress of the project.

4.      Visit the team when the design is almost complete – offer advice for improvement (this is the ‘Mid-Engineering Critique’)

5.      Watch the students practice their presentations and offer feedback

6.      Attend the Preliminary Competition

7.      Attend the Final Competition (accordingly)

8.      Required Time Spent: 10 hours (minimum)

If you are interested in becoming a Technical Advisor, please contact Bahar Davis (BDavis@VirginiaShipRepair.org) (757-233-7034)

VSRA offers an extensive list of great training materials- DVD’s, pamphlets, books, training kits etc… You will be able to find anything from Blood Borne Pathogens to Machine Safety and Workplace Violence. Our wide variety of training materials are available to all our member companies at no cost! If you would like to check out any of the library items, please contact Bahar Davis (BDavis@VirginiaShipRepair.org) (757-233-7034)

VSRF Career Day Outreach is off to a great start for the 2011/12 School Year, and we need more volunteers. So far this fall, we have participated in two Career Day events reaching over 647 students. Two more Career Day Events have been scheduled for 2011, with 6 more on the calendar for the spring of 2012. Once again this year, we have the opportunity to participate in area Elementary School Career Days by providing materials and branding items to promote the ship repair industry. This fall, we have participated in 2 Elementary School Career Day events reaching over 195 students. We have two more scheduled for 2011, with 12 more on the calendar for the spring of 2012. We thank all of our volunteers who continue to share their work knowledge and experience with the youth in the area.     

By Caroline Taylor, RN

 

For companies in Hampton Roads and throughout the United States, fall isn’t just a seasonal transition that brings cool weather and some of nature’s most extraordinary colors…it’s flu season and vaccinations are first and foremost on the minds of our savvy business owners and managers who know that as sure as fall will turn to winter, employees will be stricken with this infectious disease without the benefit of prevention. What many companies don’t realize, however, is that the threat of infectious disease to the health and welfare of their company—and ultimately their bottom line—is not restricted to influenza. Whooping Cough, also known as Pertussis (caused by a type of bacteria called Bordatella pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease which can be very serious in adults and fatal to children. 

 

Pertussis is spread through coughing and sneezing, putting anyone in close contact at risk…and it’s not just the workplace where the disease can be easily spread. Think family gatherings, church services, shopping malls, restaurants, sports events—anywhere there are other people. Why should this matter to companies? Good question. Employees who contract the disease and then spread it to other workers increase absenteeism, which in turn impacts productivity. Adults with Pertussis are most infectious during the first phase where symptoms are mild and mimic the common cold (runny nose, low grade fever, sneezing and mild cough) and during two weeks after the onset of the cough. What’s risky is that employees often continue to work during this time frame and until the symptoms get more serious increasing the likelihood of coworkers getting the infection. Pertussis can lead to severe coughing (lasting as long as three months), vomiting, weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures, fainting, and pneumonia.   Exhaustion is also a symptom which can directly impact your company’s productivity. Some patients are hospitalized as a result of these complications.

 

What should be of serious concern to companies is that Pertussis isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, it is estimated that there are 600,000 cases of adult Pertussis per year. The Virginia Department of Health reports that rates are up 200% since 2007. A full recovery may take up to three months and that doesn’t include hospitalization. Statistically, 61% of infected workers miss work with an average number of missed days of 10 and 66% require two or more medical visits. The average healthcare cost per adult infected with Pertussis is $773 versus $80 for other common respiratory diseases. Time missed from work comprises the largest portion of the cost. These findings, combined with the increasing incidence of Pertussis among adults, call for increased attention to the need for vaccination.    

 

Adults are susceptible to infection because immunity to Pertussis wanes 5-10 years after vaccination. In October 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices began recommending that adults from age 19-64 years of age be vaccinated with newly licensed adult booster, tetanus, diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine (Tdap). The vaccine is the single most effective and medically recommended way to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease and is available at most physicians’ offices. Immunity lasts for up to 10 years and costs about $65-$85. It’s a small investment when you consider how much your company will gain in the long run by being proactive in protecting the health and wellbeing of your employees and your business.   For additional information on Pertussis/Whooping Cough, go to www.helppreventwhoopingcough.com.

 

By: Gregg Kennerly   

 

Businesses across the country are struggling with the new reality of tighter margins on lower revenue brought on by the recession and continuing malaise in the economy. Providing medical benefits to attract and keep top employees continues to be important to VSRA members, but continuing medical plan cost increases are putting unprecedented pressure on companies to not only maintain current spending levels, but cut costs. In our practice, we’ve had success with these strategies that can help maintain benefit levels while easing cost increases and the administrative burden on your staff:

 

Maximize your position, by making changes that use every advantage the tax code, state and federal law can give your plan. Section 125 of the Federal Tax Code allows employees to pay for benefits with pre-tax dollars. This seems like a no-brainer, but surprisingly, we find relatively large employers that aren’t taking advantage of this. Another important tool in the battle is the implementation of a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). These flexible, tax-advantaged accounts can be used to lower premium costs, preserve cash flow, and avoid the “use it or lose it” provisions of Flexible Spending Accounts. Although they use strictly employer funds, HRA strategies can be quite useful in lowering total costs to both employers and employees.

 

Offer multiple plan designs. Almost without exception, plan designs that reimburse virtually all expenses from the first dollar are not good values. Insurance companies know these plans appeal to “high utilizers”, and they charge more than is actuarially necessary. Consider implementing a plan with at least a $1500 deductible for hospital expenses and then use an HRA to reimburse part of it. If removing a rich plan design isn’t politically feasible for your company, offer it as a buy-up and let them pay the difference through pre-tax payroll deduction.

 

Carefully monitor developments in health care reform. Adopting a ‘watch and wait’ position is the best approach for 2012. The legislation, if it remains intact, will have far-reaching effects on every enterprise in the country. There is no need to panic, however. So far, most of the compliance burden has fallen on insurance companies. The major provisions of PPACA (health reform bill) take effect in 2014 and will require close analysis from a benefit professional to determine the specific impact on any particular business. Many provisions are subject to repeal, and spending large sums on analysis should be delayed until the picture is clearer. 

 

Make sure you are getting the help you need. The economy has squeezed the HR functions in most small businesses, and HR personnel have typically taken on increased responsibilities. Compliance with health reform and increased regulation has multiplied the problem. Your health insurance broker should provide assistance with compliance, enrollment, communication to employees and much more. These functions are the minimum you should expect, and can go a long way toward easing the work load on your HR staff.

 

Join the VSRA Association Medical Plan. One of the only truly “free” benefits in healthcare. Optima offers lower co-pays and additional Employee Assistance Plan visits to VSRA members insured with Optima that have less than 100 employees. Joining is simple- just complete a one-page form certifying your membership, and the additional benefits start at your renewal date with Optima. The VSRA association plan has grown to over 700 insured employees and is now Optima’s largest of over 40 association plans nationwide. Advanced Benefit Strategies (ABS) is the endorsed broker for the VSRA plan, and we will be happy to help you get started.

 

Although costs continue to rise, and the conversation continues to gain complexity, there are concrete actions you can take to make sure your company has done everything possible to fare better financially than your competition in offering meaningful benefits to your employees.

 

Gregg Kennerly is a Principal at Advanced Benefit Strategies of Virginia, LLC. ABS is the endorsed broker for the VSRA Association Medical plan offered through Optima. Advanced Benefit Strategies of Virginia, LLC, Phone: 757-536-4554 • Fax: 757-257-0487, www.absofva.com • gregg@absofva.com.

W R Systems, Ltd (WRSystems) has been asked to supply its Emsys™laser‐based Emissions Monitoring System (EMS) for the purpose of emission verification for an ongoing fuel trials on‐board the AP Moller‐Maersk vessel Maersk Kalmar. WRSystems was asked to provide the Emsys™ system installation as part of a wider project between

Maersk Line Limited (Maersk) and the US Navy to test biofuels for their long‐term suitability for maritime applications. Emsys™ was requested by Maersk following successful trial installations on two US‐based Maersk container vessels. Previous trials were used to prove system efficacy and aid the comprehensive marine Type Approval process under the supervision of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

 

The Emsys™ system will collect comprehensive emissions and Particulate Matter (PM) data. This data will be included in a comprehensive performance report to be prepared by Maersk and audited by Lloyds Register (LR). Data collected will include Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), Sulfur Oxides (SOX), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and PM. Additionally the report will detail findings o the effects of biofuels on the engine’s fuel system performance and normal wear and tear. The Emsys™ system is unique in its measurement of emissions by Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology. The system is highly accurate, stable, and suitable for the harsh environment experienced in the vessel’s upper funnel space. PM measurement takes place outside the stack, which allows a single optic to measure multiple stacks.

 

Emsys™ is designed to be virtually maintenance free, affording the lowest cost of ownership of any EMS systems currently available. Measuring the exhaust gas ‘hot and wet’ also removes the requirement for costly and maintenance intensive gas conditioning equipment. The system carries full Type Approval from ABS for MARPOL Annex VI NOx and SOx regulations. It also has been comprehensively tested and Type Approved for the measurement of PM, Mass Emissions, and the CO2 Operational Index, as detailed in IMO Circular MEPC 471.

 

WRSystems has been established for over 26 years and has a strong reputation for developing and supporting mission-critical, high technology maritime navigation and communications equipment. The company, based in Fairfax, VA, with its Engineering Services Division in Norfolk, VA, supports multiple navies and commercial maritime companies around the world on a 24-hour basis. ESD has an extensive track record in developing extremely rugged technology to meet applications where existing market offerings are unsuitable.

 

For more information, please contact Amy Morris, Business Coordinator at (757) 858-6000, ext. 255 or at: amorris@wrsystems.com.

Website: www.emsysmarine.com

11/16/11 - TASC Luncheon held at the Norfolk Airport Hilton, 11:30 A.M.   To register, go to www.tasc-tgic.org. The guest speaker will be Ms. Monica Shephard
Vice Deputy Director for Joint and Coalition Warfighting, J7.

 

11/16/11 – Joint ASNE/SNAME Tidewater Section Dinner Meeting is held at the Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd., 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. The Guest Speaker will be RADM Tom Moore, PEO Carriers. To register, go to www.asne-tw.org.

 

12/14/11 – ASNE Tidewater Section Dinner Meeting is held at the Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd., 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. The Guest Speaker will be CDR Cory Kenniston, Commanding Officer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51). He will discuss the Burke’s 20-year mid-life upgrade.

The October / November Newsletter has been posted on the VSRA Website. The Committee is looking for articles. The committee meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at QED Systems, Inc. at 4646 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. The next meetings are on November 14, 2011 and December 12, 2011.

 

The Contracts Claims Seminar, the last in the Contracts Committee 2011 Mini-Seminar Series, was held on November 2nd, held at the offices of Kaufman and Canoles. Daniel Weckstein of Vandeventer Black, LLP was the guest speaker. The Contracts committee meets the 1st Thursday of every month.   The next committee meetings are on December 1, 2011 and January 5, 2012.

                                                                                   

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. The next meeting is January 12, 2012.

The committee meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Q.E.D. Systems, Inc., 4646 North Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach. The November meeting has been moved to Thursday, November 17, 2011 with the December meeting scheduled for December 28, 2011.      

 

The VSRA 16th Annual Safety & Health Seminar was a huge success with the largest turnout in its history.   There were “210” signed-up and “192” in attendance. There have been two Safety Suggestion Award winners so far this year: Mark Sword (Tecnico) for the 1st quarter; and John Budnick (Tecnico) for the 2nd quarter. There were five submittals for consideration for the 3rd quarter Safety Suggestion. The winner is to be announced at the November General Membership Luncheon Meeting. 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. The next meetings are on December 8, 2011 and January 12, 2012.

 

RapidGate continues to be the Hot Topic for the Security Committee. Notification was received on September 30th that the implementation of RapidGate was rescheduled to October 31st. In October, Leigh Kennedy, Security Committee Chair, joined representatives from NNSY and NSSA to meet with EID Passport to discuss RapidGate implementation issues being experienced by member companies of VSRA. RapidGate stated that they are working on improvements. VSRA members were encouraged to forward any RapidGate concerns to Leigh Kennedy or Dave Shutter. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707. The next meetings are on December 13, 2011 and January 10, 2012.

 

The Worker’s Comp. Committee meets the second Thursday of the even numbered months at 10:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707. The next meetings are on December 8, 2011 and February 9, 2012.

We are pleased to offer the following courses:

COST: Member: $185.00        Non-Member: $260.00

DATES: Dec 7 (5-9 p.m.) and Dec 8 (8 – 4 p.m.), 2011

Dec. 19 (5-9 p.m.) and Dec 20 (8 – 4 p.m.), 2011

Jan. 20, 2012 (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Jan. 21, 2012(8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), 2011

LOCATION: VSRA 150 Boush Street Suite 802 Norfolk, VA 23510

The OSHA 10-hour course awards the 10-hour certification card and meets all of the mandated regulations for Maritime Industry (OSHA Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1915) course 7615 in a format that specifically addresses the challenges and environmental conditions specific to shipyards.   In addition, ship yard specific regulations and issues are covered in depth. Instructors are authorized by OSHA endorsed certification programs. The completion card is valid for 5 years at which time the course must be repeated. Our instructors are OSHA accepted certified to conduct this class and grant the award of certification cards. Cards are issued through the Instructor’s certifying body. All book, material and certification costs are covered in the course fee.

 

 

Instructed by Tom Stockdale, West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension

COST: Member: $800.00        Non-Member: N/A

January 17 – 20, 2012 and January 31 – February 3, 2012

Location TBA

Brought to us by West Virginia University, this course is designed for personnel in the private sector interested in teaching the mandatory 10 and optional 30 hour maritime safety and health outreach program to their employees and other interested groups. Special emphasis is placed on those topics that are required in the mandatory 10 and optional 30-hour programs as well as on those that are the most hazardous, using OSHA standards as a guide. Course participants are briefed on effective instructional approaches and the effective use of visual aids and handouts. This course allows the student to become a trainer in the Outreach Program and to conduct mandatory 10 and optional 30 hour maritime classes in Shipyard Employment with Shipyard specific topics and exemplars; and to issue cards to participants after verifying course completion. The completion card is valid for 5 years at which time the course must be repeated. 2.6 CEU’s. For more information see:

 

COST: Members $120.00       Non Member $150.00

DATES: November 21^st (7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

LOCATION: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707

COST: Members $100.00       Non Member $135.00

DATES: November 22^nd (7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)

LOCATION: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707

*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.

COST: Members: $320.00      Non Member: $425.00

DATES: November 30^th – December 1^st & 2^nd (7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

LOCATION: 9727 Avionics Loop Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA 23511

In order to better prepare your workers for the NBPI Course VSRA offers a 3 day pre-course specifically to address exam standards and increase Inspector knowledge. 
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.

Each attendee will receive a current copy of NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32 and 009-04.  However, they should read over these instructions prior to class to maximize their study time during the course.

 

COST: Member: $750.00        Non Member: $900.00

DATES: December 12^th - 16^th (7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

LOCATION: 9727 Avionics Loop Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA 23511

Passing students receive a four-year certification and a laminated wallet card from SSPC.  Test results will come directly from SSPC.

 

COST: Members: $375.00                  Non Member: $495.00

DATES: December 8^th -9^th (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

LOCATION: Tecnico - 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake VA 23324

The training centers on leadership demands, behavioral management, tracking professional goals and developing stronger workers through career development and goal setting. Supervisors are a critical link between the work on the ground and the planning that goes into production. Today, the job of a supervisor is complicated by the changing work environments, and a new breed of employees coming in the door. Supervisors will learn about the labor market, their own leadership and management strengths and how to effect change on the waterfront. The course delivers 16 plus hours of lecture, video, hands-on activities, The Kouzes & Posner Leadership Challenge System and text based assignments.

 

 

**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.