The Marine Chemist Association held a Board of Directors (BOD) meeting July 7, 2024 in Denver, CO. This was preceded by our annual seminar. Information on the seminar, board meeting, business meeting along with general information follow.
The 65th annual seminar was held at the Denver Sheraton Downtown Hotel. There were 27 Chemists, 1 GFE, two trainees and one MCE in attendance. Additionally, about 50 friends and guests attended.
The seminar had a variety of technical presentations along with many social events. In all, something for everyone.
Our seminar started out on Sunday evening following the BOD meeting. Registration was held in the hospitality suite and was well attended. Due to almost all hotels making groups adhere to a policy of not bringing in outside food and drink the MCA decided to have the hotel provide an open bar and food. Based on prior experiences our expectations were low. However, both the food and bar service turned out to be much better than expected and there were comments saying how good the food and bar service was. The MCA may follow this protocol going forward.
A piece of information on the open bar at the reception.
Almost 30% of the drinks ordered were soft drinks, with the balance of harder drinks as follows.
| Soft Drinks | Beer | Hard Seltzer | Wine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 42 | 12 | 14 |
Following the Welcome Breakfast the group split up and the Family and Friends Tour began. The tour started with a ride on the Georgetown Railroad.
At the conclusion of the rail tour the group was taken to the Red Rocks Theater Trading Post and provided lunch. While the food was great the view and friendship was outstanding on a warm Denver day. Hence the need for the umbrella hats.
Following lunch, the group was given some free time to explore the area which included the Red Rocks Theater and the Trading Post Store.
When the Spouses and Friends were away the MCA held its annual business meeting. During the meeting membership was presented with an overview on the business of the MCA. Additionally, membership voted on several items which passed. They can be summarized as follows.
- Membership voted to increase the room rate for the annual from $350 per night to $500 per night. (Most if not all of this will be offset by the incentive payment)
- Membership voted to increase the cost of a spouse/friend to attend the seminar to $300 (without a tour) and $325 (with a tour)
- Membership also voted to maintain providing charms to female spouses/partners who attend the seminar and pay the full amount. (12 and under are not eligible)
- Membership voted to increase annual dues to $350 and to eliminate the sectional fund and roll it into the general MCA account. This will continue to be used to pay for the food and beverages at the registration.
- The current fee of $1000 for non-members to attend the annual will remain the same.
Your Board of Directors (BOD) The following is your BOD. Note that the alternates term on the BOD starts when noted below. Each year the sections nominate a new alternate sectional representative.
As of August 2024
| Person | Position | Term Starts/ Ends* |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Giles | Past Chair | July 2024/July 2026 |
| Geoffery Jenny | Chair | July 2024/July 2026 |
| Josh Marshall | Chair Elect | July 2024/July 2026 |
| Greg Gadbois | Pacific | July 2024/July 2026 |
| Max Chou | Pacific | July 2023/July 2027 |
| Eric Moore | Gulf | July 2024/July 2026 |
| Chris Thompson | Gulf | July 2023/July 2027 |
| Mark Bruff | Atlantic | July 2024/July 2026 |
| John Loprino | Atlantic | July 2023/July 2027 |
| Scott Hernandez | Pacific Alt. | Term starts July 2026* |
| Whitney Cerilli | Atlantic Alt. | Term starts July 2026* |
| Jason Taylor | Gulf Alt. | Term starts July 2026* |
*Term starts after Annual Meeting
Monday Afternoon Seminar
Following lunch break on Monday the technical sessions for the chemists began. Presentations from the MCQB, MGHCP, and NFPA were given. These groups are directly associated with the MCA and it is important that communication between the groups flows both ways so each has an understanding of what the other does.
Following these presentations James Dodd from ABS spoke about how ABS inspectors approach their jobs and the role a Marine Chemist plays in it. This along with all of the presentations are available to members on the website and can be found on your dashboard.
Monday night was a free night which allowed members and guests to explore the town and reconnect with friends. This has been very popular and having an open night allows attendees to plan, explore and experience the town as they wish.
The technical sessions began after breakfast on Tuesday, Bob Henderson gave a talk on portable instrumentation and measuring benzene. As expected, this presentation generated many questions and comments on sensors and measurement. Following Bob’s presentation Scott Williamson from SPI Safety spoke on the various types of instrumentation and calibration methods for portable meters.
Finally, the morning session was concluded with a presentation of flashpoint testing by Jeff Walkup representing the Noria Corp.
Following this the MCA Insurance Fund hosted its annual luncheon and gave a presentation on the state of the fund.
The afternoon session included various benzene instrument manufacturers who provided information on their meters. Representatives included Ed Ligus from Draeger, Kevin Wilson from RKI, Nick Flores from Ion Science and Gabe Miller from Honeywell. Chemists asked generally about accuracy, limits of detection, cost and maintenance and availability of the instrumentation.
The night was ended with the MGHCP/MCA Social Event which was held in the lobby of the Sheraton at the Bezel Nightclub where there was food and drinks available. On the social side directly across the hall from Bezel was Top Golf, where two challenges were presented, closest to the hole and the longest drive. Chemist Robert Tew won for the longest drive and our chairman (at that time) Phil Giles won the closest to the hole competition. Prizes were awarded in various categories.
Wednesday morning started with Chemist Robert Albert giving a presentation on Respiratory Protection in the Marine Environment. This was followed by Jeremy Fuchs from OSHA giving an overview of OSHA’s maritime work. Then session concluded with a roundtable presentation with tips on Competent Person Training. Phil Giles acted as moderator and presented the following questions to panelists, Larry Russell, John Edgar, Robbie Walker and Don Sly.
- What teaching style, technique or process do you use to keep the class engaged in the training process? Do you have any training tips? Do you do any exercises which help deliver information?
- How do you determine if a student will be acceptable as a SCP? Do you have an exam or test at the end of a class?
- What do you do if you feel that a person is not competent or fails to understand the process and responsibilities of being a SCP or more importantly you do not feel that they will protect their fellow workers and/or the vessel?
- Provide your thoughts on in-person training vs virtual training. What do you feel are the benefits to each type of training?
- How do you do hands on training on the use of a meter? What meter do you use? What points do you cover?
- Do you conduct a course evaluation at the end of the class by the students? What key points do you ask?
The seminar concluded with our farewell luncheon where we said goodbye to our many friends.
Planning for the 2025 seminar has begun and you will be kept updated as we move forward with selecting a location, tours, social activities and of course, technical presentations.
NFPA 306
The BOD has solicited members of the association to consolidate comments on behalf of the MCA to the next edition of 306. Brian Axelrad will head up the committee assisted by Don Raffo. A site in the forum has been added to permit members to post comments on the suggested changes to 306. As time gets closer the comments will be reviewed and possibly submitted by the MCA. Everyone should remember you can also submit your own comments. The closing date for the next revision of 306 is June 3, 2026. This means that comments should be posted by July 2025 so the committee and BOD can review them in time for submission.
Benzene Information
ACGIH has lowered the benzene TLV to 0.02 ppm or 20 ppb. Most chemists felt that if requested by the customer they would test to meet the new TLV. Everyone attending the seminar believed that the instrumentation vendors had instrumentation to meet the 20ppb limit. The MCQB will be coming out with a letter similar to the one on H2S on benzene testing. In general, it is thought that it will say that you must test to the OSHA level unless the customer requests it to be tested to the 20ppb level. An email from the MCQB has been sent out with their position on this.
A suggested sampling plan and some information were provided at the sectional seminar as follows.
306 States;
7.1.1.3*
Any toxic chemicals in the atmosphere associated with cargo, fuel, tank coatings, inerting mediums, adjacent spaces, fumigants, or other contents shall be within permissible concentrations at the time of the inspection, except as provided in 7.1.1.4. (See 7.1.1.6.)
A.7.1.1.3
Permissible concentrations can be found in the latest version of Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents, published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, in Subpart Z of 29 CFR 1915.1000, “Permissible Exposure Limit Value,” or the value listed in the manufacturer’s safety data sheet (SDS).
When determining “permissible concentrations” according to 7.1.1.3, the Marine Chemist should use the lower value of the published ACGIH’s Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) or OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) as the primary source for compliance with this requirement. Only in the absence of a published TLV and PEL for a substance should the Marine Chemist refer to the manufacturer’s SDSs to determine if any alternate value exists.
OSHA
Where OSHA does have a PEL, it must be used. If there is no PEL for the substance, the employer must use the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for the chemical if one exists. Employers can always be more protective, but the minimum standard would be the PELs provided in the OSHA standard.
Suggested Strategy (NOT MANDATORY)
- Speak to your customer and ask which toxicity level they wish to use, the TLV or PEL.
- Test the atmosphere of the space using a total VOC or PID sensor. (This assumes that it previously contained a hydrocarbon product which may contain benzene, the decision is yours)
- If the PID (TVOC) is less than the 15ppm diesel TLV, then no additional for benzene should be required as the 15ppm TLV incorporates an acceptable benzene concentration
- If using ACHIH and the PID reading (TVOC) is greater than the 15ppm TLV and there may be benzene present then you should consider testing for benzene. There are instruments available that can measure to this level according to manufacturers.
- If the customer wishes to use the PEL and you have a greater than 15ppm reading (TVOV) you may want to test for benzene to meet the PEL.
MCQB
Report John Edgar was voted in by members of the Association and began as an alternate on the MCQB following the annual seminar.
Vince Pempeit was appointed as the independent chemist on the board by NFPA. He began serving his term as a voting member following the annual meeting.
One of the first items that the new members encountered was the applications of two new chemists.
Both applicants passed the interview and were awarded CMC numbers as follows.
NFPA Report
The certificate count information is as follows;
2024 Fall Sectional Seminar
The fall sectional seminar will be held at the;
Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel
2435 South 47th Street
Phoenix, AZ.
The seminar will be on October 12th with a BOD meeting being held on the 13th. To register for the seminar and book a room please go to our website where you can do both. Please only book a room through this site as the MCA must meet a minimum room number or pay for excess rooms. This applies to the BOD also.
The theme of the seminar will be; Pipelines and Hollow Structures and Hot Work. The agenda will be the same as in Houston. You can only get credit to attend one sectional seminar per year.
The goal of the sectional seminars is to provide information as to what is required in NFPA 306 so those attending will have the information. None of the presentations are a mandate on what each chemist has to do. Each inspection is different and the goal is to provide information so each person has a good understanding on the minimum requirements of 306 and information to do a complete inspection including how to write a certificate.
2024 Annual Seminar Incentive Information
If you went to the Denver seminar and are looking for the incentive payment available to regular members. ($1040) The final date for incentive payment submission is October 11, 2024. If you submit for the reimbursement later than this date the incentive payment will not be available.
To be eligible for the incentive you must meet the following conditions and there must be sufficient funds available to cover the costs;
Seminar Incentive Program Requirements
- The seminar fee ($400) will be reimbursed. However, you must initially register and pay the seminar fee.
- Up to $600 towards room fees will be reimbursed.
- Stipulations are as follows.
- You must be a regular member, (Certified Marine Chemist) and attend the entire seminar (100%) and obtain credit for attending. Note: The 90% attendance waiver will not apply to be eligible for the incentive payment.
- You must attend the entire seminar to qualify for the incentive, however if you only attend 90% you will get credit for attending the seminar
- You must stay at the seminar hotel under the MCA room block and your room charge expenses must be at least $600 (Does not include incidentals and you can be reimbursed a lesser amount for the room cost only).
- You will be required to pay the fees up front and then submit your hotel receipt. At the conclusion of the seminar and when credit for attending is obtained, your receipt for the hotel can be submitted. Please email copies of the document to dvraff@comcast.net and a check will be sent out.
Seminar and Meeting Dress Code and Information
The BOD reminds you that we are a professional organization and all members are expected to dress properly during meetings. Business casual dress is required at all seminars and BOD meetings. Additionally, when coming before any Board you are reminded to dress professionally and use appropriate language. This is especially true when going before the MCQB.
- Dress for all seminars is business casual which is defined as;
- Neatly pressed tweed, khaki, clean denim or cotton pants/skirts
- Knit shirts, polo shirts, cardigans or long-sleeved button-downs
- Knit sweaters
- Tie (optional)
- Close-toed shoes for men
- No shorts of any kind
The insurance fund reminds every chemist that if appearing before the MCQB for any type of a review you are permitted and encouraged to bring counsel, documentation, or any information to make your case. The MCQB also encourages this practice.
Finally, the MCQB has gotten reports of chemists showing for an inspection not wearing the PPE or dress required by the customer. This reflects badly on the profession and we are reminded that the customer is hiring us and we should abide by their requirements on dress and PPE. Please consider this when showing up for an inspection as poor performance can reflect on us all.
Marine Chemist Physical Ability to Perform Duties
NPFA sends the following reminder to Chemists who may not be able to perform their work due to a temporary physical limitation.
The NFPA Marine Field Service wishes to remind all Marine Chemists, the Rules for the Certification and Recertification of Marine Chemists, as amended 01 September 2023, Section II. Qualifications – General, Paragraph A, requires all Marine Chemists to “be of an maintain good character, and physically able to perform the duties of a Marine Chemist”. In the event that a Marine Chemist is unable to physically perform his or her duties due to injury or illness; the Marine Chemist should be examined by a licensed physician and obtain a statement attesting to the Chemist’s physical ability to perform the duties of a Marine Chemist. The General Medical Examination Form (Form No. CMC-MD-01) may be used for this purpose.
Members of the MCQB have questioned the 5-year physical exam requirements and are looking into changing this requirement to have it done more frequently.
Ethics
Past chair Michael Schmidt (Ethics Committee Chair) reported that there are no ethics issues before the board.
Website
The MCA website (marinechemistassociation.com) now has become the central location for all MCA information. If you encounter any issues first contact the support email at support@marinechemistassociation.com. If you still have an issue, email Don Raffo and I will contact the web person for a resolution.
The MCA has been trying to acquire the website marinechemist.org for several years. You may remember that this was our old website which was lost upon the passing of Ed Willwerth. It was then bought by a third party which used it for various ads and as a porn site. Recently the domain name became available and the MCA was able to purchase it. Soon if you log into that website, it will direct you to our current website. This remains a work in progress although the purchase is complete.
The forum is now the primary way for communication with members. Information for chemists is posted on the website. Failure to sign up for the Forum indicates consent to not receive meeting notifications. Any member can post on the Forum and this is the best way of increasing information and interactions.
To access the website, you must log in with your password. Once that is done you will be automatically logged in after that. If you have problems logging in, please contact the webmaster at: support@marinechemistassociation.com.
One of the changes is the ability for more control over your account, information, and membership. You now can change your personal information on the website and no longer need to contact Donald Raffo or the web person. It can be accomplished by going to the My Dashboard section (located in the upper right of the home page) and making the changes. It will then appear on the site.
All information on seminar attendance can be found in the My Dashboard section of our website. Note that you must click on the year tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet to view by year. If you attended a seminar and have a question on attendance, please contact D. Raffo. If you recently attended a seminar, please verify that the information is correct. A screenshot follows;
Members may view the forum section. It is an area where news and technical discussions may be posted. If you are registered, you will get a text message and/or email whenever there is new information. Information on seminars, newsletters, events or general information also can be found on the site. If you have not registered you must enter the site to obtain the latest news and posts. We encourage all chemists to join the forum and obtain notifications.
Additionally, all billing and seminar registration is on the website. You may also book a room via the website to attend a seminar.
Finally, some chemists asked to be able to list additional locations on the website. The web person has made these changes and you can now add an additional location. The first location listed is free, additional locations will be charged at a rate of $50.00/year. Video instructions on how to do it are as follows;
- Additional Locations: Intro
- Additional Locations: Getting started
- Additional Locations: Adding a new location
- Additional Locations: Adding international location
- Additional Locations: Cancelling subscriptions
MCA Committee Appointments
The following individuals represent the MCA on various committees. This is for general information.
Control of Gas Hazards – NFPA 306. (Appointed Positions by BOD)
Greg Grondin, principal, Jim Bruff alternate
John Bell, principal, John Edgar, alternate
Hot Work Operations – NFPA 51B. (Appointed Positions by BOD)
Greg Grondin principal
Robbie Walker, alternate
Tank Leakage and Repair Safeguards – NFPA 326 & NFPA 329. (Appointed Positions by BOD)
Brian Axelrad, principal
Vince Pempeit, alternate
NFPA 350 Guide for Safe Work in Industry Confined Spaces (Appointed Positions by BOD)
Robbie Walker, principal
Vince Pempeit, alternate
MCQB (Voted in by membership)
Brian Axelrad, principal
John Edgar, alternate
Marine Field Service Advisory Committee (Appointed Positions by BOD)
Donald Raffo
Chairman elect
SSRAC (Volunteers)
John Ward, principal
Robbie Walker, alternate
MACOSH (Appointed by BOD)
Donald Raffo
Code of Conduct for Meetings
During any official MCA meeting there should be no discussion of personal matters, private disputes, or business pricing. Discussion should be limited to technical matters and the business of running the MCA.
Facebook Page
For those of you who are on Facebook, visit Friends of Marine Chemist Association. It is a closed group and only chemists, spouses and friends may view and post on the page. If you’d like to access the page, send a friend request to the group. We encourage all to post information, photos, comments or anything else related to our profession, seminars, and events. Please check it out. It proved very popular when posting information about our annual seminar. Please consider sharing some on-the-job photos with the group.
David Trebisacci
Many of the chemists with lower CMC numbers will remember David Trebisacci who was in Larry’s position after Guy Colonna took another position at NFPA. Sadly, just after the annual seminar Dave passed. At the seminar the group had a moment of reflection to honor Dave. His obituary can be accessed at the following link: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/32343419/david-g.-trebisacci
We all wish Dave fair winds and following seas.
Conclusion
If you have any comments, thoughts or ideas on any aspect of the MCA please submit them to me and I will present them to the BOD for consideration. Remember, you are the MCA and without your participation it will not work. Be safe all.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald Raffo
Secretary/Treasurer
Marine Chemist Association
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