Maersk fires captain due to harassment case from 2015

Professional Mariner Forum
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Via ShippingWatch:

Maersk subsidiary Maersk Line Limited has fired ship captain Mark Stinziano because of a harassment case from 2015. The Maersk captain has been suspended for the past four months by authorities due to ”inappropriate conduct” toward a ship cadet.

BY DAG HOLMSTAD

Published: 23.08.22 at 08:50

Once again, Maersk is releasing leading employees in the carrier’s US subsidiary, Maersk Line Limited, following cases of harassment.

In February this year, Maersk fired five employees for violating the company’s internal policies.

Now, Maersk confirms that ship captain Mark Stinziano, who has been suspended by US authorities since April 2022, has been dismissed.

The discharge officially occurred on Aug. 5, 2022, Maersk confirms in an email to Shippingwatch.

According to Maersk Line, the reason for the discharge is that Stinziano has given conflicting explanations in relation to a serious harassment case from 2015 aboard Maersk vessel Idaho.

When the case emerged in 2015, Stinziano provided his view on the matter in relation to Maersk’s internal investigation.

But when authorities in the shape of Administrative Law Judge Michael J. Devine treated the case previously this year and on April 20 decided to suspend Stinziano’s license to operate ships for 12 months – of these, four months were unconditional – it occurred on the basis of ”factual findings.”

But these factual findings from Judge Devine ”are contrary to CM Stinziano’s statements to MLL in its 2015 initial investigation,” states Maersk Line in an email to ShippingWatch.

Stinziano was chief officer at Maersk Line at the time of the harassment case in 2015 but was promoted to ship captain. Stinziano was behind sexual harassments against a ship cadet and the second officer on Maersk Idaho.

The Maersk vessel was owned and operated by Maersk Line Limited and sailed under the US flag.

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https://www.tradewindsnews.com/law/captain-fired-by-maersk-line-ltd-after-hazing-suspension/2-1-1284850

The Maersk Line Ltd captain slapped with a short suspension for “hazing” a cadet has been let go by the shipping giant’s US arm.

Mark Stinziano, who was accused of groping and abusing a US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) deck cadet while serving as chief mate aboard the 4,658-teu Maersk Idaho (built 2000), has had his employment terminated earlier this month.

Maersk Line Ltd said the findings of a US Coast Guard administrative law judge in April ran contrary to statements Stinziano made during the company’s initial investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations in 2015.

“Sexual harassment, sexism or any form of discrimination has no part in our culture or our values at Maersk,” the company said in a statement

“We are committed to [continuing] our collaboration with subject matter experts in the field of anti-sexual assault/sexual harassment (SASH), as well as with other industry participants and advocates, labour unions and government partners, to improve SASH and alcohol policies and practices, and to work towards industry-wide changes to the culture of the maritime trade, ensuring that the shipboard environment is safe, supportive and welcoming to all.

“As communicated to the entire Maersk and [Maersk Line Ltd] fleet, we will not tolerate any breach of our policies regarding the fair treatment of all personnel.”

On 20 April, Coast Guard administrative law judge Michael Devine said Stinziano hazed a cadet when he groped the cadet and grabbed the cadet from behind and simulated sex among other instances of sexual misconduct.

Devine argued those actions were done without malice but were ultimately inappropriate.The Coast Guard prosecuted the case — which was not a criminal case and subject to a preponderance of evidence standard — and sought to have Stinziano’s captain’s license revoked, but Devine instead sentenced Stinziano to a four-month suspension and another eight suspended on probation.

The agency has since appealed the decision, arguing Devine’s conclusions were not supported by evidence and law and that he abused his discretion. Stinziano’s attorney, William Hewig said that he has since filed a reply brief arguing that the decision was correct. Hewig declined to comment on the termination as it is subject to grievance procedures under the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots union contract, of which Stinziano is a member.

The union did not return a request for comment. Both Maersk Line Ltd and the USMMA has been rocked by sexual misconduct allegations in the last year. In addition to Stinziano’s case, Hope Hicks, also known as Midshipman X, went public with an account of her rape aboard one of its ships while a student at the USMMA on the Maritime Legal Aid & Advocacy website.

Hicks has since filed suit in New York state court against Maersk Line Ltd, as has a classmate known as Midshipman-Y.

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Maersk Line Ltd fires captain in sexual harassment case

August 24, 2022

US-based Maersk Line Ltd, a subsidiary of Denmark-based Maersk, is reported to have dismissed Captain Mark Stinziano following an infringement case from 2015 (IMN May 6th 2022). He had been suspended for 12 months by an American court on April 20th, eight of which were suspended, as a result of a case of sexual harassment and assault committed when Stinziano was first mate on the Maersk Idaho (IMO 9193264). However, the captain was not convicted on the indictment and the decision was appealed by the US Coast Guard with demands for a harsher penalty. After the four-month suspension, Maersk Line Ltd has chosen to fire Stinziano.

After several infringement cases came to light Maersk launched a comprehensive investigation, in which 350 female employees on the shipping company’s ships were interviewed so that the shipping line could map the extent of the problem.

Stinziano had been accused of groping and abusing a deck cadet. According to the judge from the US Coast Guard Stinziano had groped and grabbed the cadet from behind, by simulating sex on two occasions, by threatening to hit the cadet in the groin, by drawing a penis on his helmet and by demanding , that the cadet called the chief mate “Big Daddy” and himself as “Buttercup”.

The judge said that the behaviour had been inappropriate, but in his eyes the behaviour was not an expression of sexual abuse or sexual assault. The judge instead defined it as “not in accordance with good order, discipline and safety at sea”. Maersk Line Ltd had previously investigated Stinziano after the cadet’s allegations of being abused. This led to the captain being recommended to take a training course.

Stinziano had denied all charges against him, but admitted during the trial that he had a “raw” sense of humour.

2000-built, USA-flagged, 50,698 gt Maersk Idaho was owned and managed by Maersk Line Ltd-USA of Norfolk, Virginia, USA. It was entered with Standard Club (International Division) but is now entered on behalf of AP Moller Singapore Pte (European Division). Maersk Idaho was previously known as Gosport Maersk.

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US-based Maersk Line Ltd, a subsidiary of Denmark-based Maersk, is reported to have dismissed Captain
Mark Stinziano following an infringement case from 2015 (IMN May 6th 2022).

He had been suspended for 12 months by an American court on April 20th, eight of which
were suspended, as a result of a case of sexual harassment and assault committed when Stinziano was first mate on the Maersk Idaho (IMO 9193264). However, the captain was not convicted on the indictment and the decision was appealed by the US Coast Guard with demands for a harsher penalty. After the four-month suspension, Maersk Line Ltd
has chosen to fire Stinziano.

After several sexual abuse cases came to light Maersk launched a comprehensive investigation, in which 350 female employees on the shipping company’s ships were interviewed so that the shipping line could map the extent of the problem.

Stinziano had been accused of groping and abusing a deck cadet. According to the judge from the US Coast Guard Stinziano had groped and
grabbed the cadet from behind, by simulating sex on two occasions, by threatening to hit the cadet in the groin, by drawing a penis on his helmet and
by demanding , that the cadet called the chief mate “Big Daddy” and himself as “Buttercup”.

The judge said that the behaviour had been inappropriate,
but in his eyes the behaviour was not an expression of sexual abuse or sexual
assault. The judge instead defined it as “not in accordance with good
order, discipline and safety at sea”. Maersk Line Ltd had previously
investigated Stinziano after the cadet’s allegations of being abused. This led
to the captain being recommended to take a training course.

Stinziano had denied all charges against him, but
admitted during the trial that he had a “raw” sense of humour.

2000-built, USA-flagged, 50,698 gt Maersk Idaho was owned
and managed by Maersk Line Ltd-USA of Norfolk, Virginia, USA. It was entered
with Standard Club (International Division) but is now entered on behalf of AP
Moller Singapore Pte (European Division). Maersk Idaho was previously known as
Gosport Maersk.

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“METOO” gets waterborne with " let the mega-milking begin" battle cry. Picking the biggest fish and " richest" seems a familiar tactics with tested script straight from UN-HOLLYWOOD.

No longer anonymous, “Midshipman X” files suit against Maersk Line - Marine Log

Is it just an end , beginning …or?

(55) Churchill: “This is not the end” (nov. 1942) - YouTube

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Not sure that’s a great way to characterize it. Ryan Melogy has been pursing this vendetta against Stinziano for a while now. While I’m not too familiar with the facts of the incident, it doesn’t really seem like the objective has been to milk the system.

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May be it is not a great way, may be even it is a very disgusting way for some but it is my way how I see it.

Bottom line - She was the victim , justice must be done , perpetrators of the crime punished. But She is not after the rapist suing for damages due to Her w/o any doubts . She is after the alleged “crime facilitator” Big Blue.
Well i had the pleasure of reading their SMS and BB is too big and too serious player regarding PR and other issues to leave any loopholes or room for ambiguities. No way Jose.

I am not the only one who has doubts regarding whom She is suing for damages.

Below is a combined screenshot of the post from gCaptain which I have saved just in case. Do not ask why but I had my reasons.

If one goes to gCaptan FB profile and in “search” option pastes " Taylor Gunnery " the original post shows up with relevant comments but the above mentioned author comment somehow disappeared.
Why? i do not know.

It could be deleted by the author it could be deleted by FB censor or the owner of the profile , somebody with certain agenda who forgot that " nothing disappears " from the web.
Cheers.

Midshipmen X on gCaptain comments section Taylor Gunnery
Midshipmen X on gCaptain comments section Taylor Gunnery646×559 157 KB

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And yet it took SEVEN YEARS for Maersk to fire Captain Stinziano for violating the SMS

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Alias Louisd75

I have read in some older/stale news, that He was fired for non compliance with company policy regarding alcohol consumption on board. They have dry ships and zero alcohol policy. It is difficult to figure, which stories are true as media joints spin it at their convenience.

The latest reports/articles concentrate on the rape issue only. There are many articles in Splash247 as well as on gCaptain main page.

One has to dig in the past to notice , that certain issues /revelations disappear faster then the spread of bush fire. Then suggest to hurry up and read/save older stories to get the picture how the story morphs.

I have no idea what is the set up between USMMA and Maersk USA regarding cadets.

All cadets I had o/b had a contract , letter from the management to master with instructions and requirements , similar B.S from the crewing agent or merchant school cooperating with Owner /Manager and that’s it.

In my presence She/He signed the company alcohol policy , later on familiarizations and was given several days to read SMS relating to cadets and some other generalities concluding the process with signature under SMS familiarization check list and receipt for all the copies of signed documents. If flag state has some B.S on the issue of cadets and articles of agreement, then it was added to the list. End of story.

May be US flag has different rules but it is my understanding the cadets can read with understanding for example the contents of " company alcohol policy" . May be She paid no attention to fine print- I do not know.

But when I had read the following :
quote
At 6 or 7 AM I woke up in my bed completely naked, and began freaking out,” the post from the alleged victim states, going on to detail: “My clothes were all over the floor and they were soaking wet, I had a massive hangover, there was blood on my sheets, and I knew immediately that I had been raped. I was a virgin and had been saving myself, and as soon as I woke up I could feel that I was very sore and knew exactly what had happened.” END QUOTE.

then at such a dictum as above I lost interest in poor child fate and turned my attention into Saul Alinsky shake down techniques.

Few examples of still available material pls find below . Cheers.

US Lawmakers Press for Action on Merchant Marine Academy Sexual Assault Allegations (gcaptain.com)

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CAPTAIN Stinziano was fired for sexual harassment.

The unnamed FIRST ENGINEER was fired for drinking on board after the Midshipman X rape in 2019. We’re talking about two separate individuals and separate cases.

Again, it took SEVEN YEARS to fire Captain Stinziano for an incident reported in 2015.

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For all MSP (Military Sealift Program) vessels aka vessels that receive US government subsidies have to take USMMA cadets and those cadets get first dibs. The are not obligated to take State Academy Cadets. I find most of the state academy cadets are more motivated and harder workers because they are thankful to get an opportunity to be on a commercial ship to learn rather than a training ship. It also could be that they are paying for their education and thus more invested. Whereas Kings Pointers (USMMA) are placed on multiple commercial ships through their education - sea years. This also means they get less of that traditional college / coming of age experiences that the state academy kids get so they usually strike me as being less mature. With these controversies and incidents involving USMMA cadets overwhelmingly more than other cadets, it should be no surprise that officers may be reluctant or won’t work with their cadets from the USMMA and possibly cadets in general. American officers do not get paid extra for training cadets and it’s not in their job description. No one can force an officer to work with, train or teach a cadet. There may be more ships in the future with officers refusing to interact or speak with cadets. Some (maybe unjustifiably) might not even speak to cadets for fear of even accidentally offending them. Do I think this is the right decision- no. But it is each officers personal decision weather they want to work with a cadet.

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Actually, it is.

At least where I worked - the Chief Mate was the “mentor” for the deck cadets, and the First Engineer for the engine cadets.

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I stand corrected, in most US officers job descriptions they are not required to mentor cadets. Where did you work?
Historically all ships I have worked on the c/m and 1AE have been the mentors and in charge of the cadets. But I wonder specifically if in the job description it states that the c/m and 1AE are required to. I wonder if it’s one of those MUST or MAY or SHOULD act as a “mentor” to the cadets situations. If my company requires me to with a MUST. I’m going to tell the Union I want extra pay put into the contract for when a cadet is onboard.

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Yes You are right. Then possibly it was another captain I read about from another Maersk USA vessel, who tolerated drinking bouts pretending he knew nothing about it.

I read it in some maritime news and this could be fake or distorted news. Who knows. As the issue of rape/harassment seems to be wide spread in US Merchant Marine as reported by some news joints one might expect the resulting hype will gain momentum.

By the way. Thx for renewing my interest in the story as it prompted me to search with extra energy and vigor.

My findings leave me no other option but to congratulate You and US Merchant Marine for ingenious , original , imaginative, let alone bizarre mentoring techniques and rituals as depicted in below links.

So far I was familiar only with crossing equator rituals ( some quite abusive as well) but thx to a/m story i have got better understanding of the word " hazed".
Expressions like " big daddy and buttercup" really inspired my imagination. Well…we learn as we go. Looks like i have missed some real juice in my professional life.

If You deduct the time between event and the moment the case got some traction , then it is not surprising. One can not expect firing/dismissal of the senior officer based on tip offs or rumors , blogs , news stories and/or ratting/snitching.

There are grievance procedures , disciplinary procedures , legal procedures and all administration/bureaucratic machines are slow and cautious not to overcook it as unfair dismissals in case of permanent contract may prove very costly. In case He got shitty short term/voyage contract like 95% of FOC seafarers he would be a gonner, ditched long time ago.

I will keep my ground stating that Maersk SMS is the best I have ever read in comparison with many others. But it is my subjective opinion.

As to the case of " chief mentor" Stinziano one need to remember that "man remains innocent until proven guilty in the Court of Law "

quote:
The case touched on a range of issues including time limitations for the complaints, which ranged between three and five years, as well as jurisdiction and the level of severity of the counts based on definitions in the law and issues such as intent. The Coast Guard initially filed five counts again Stinziano in August 2020 and later amended it to a sixth count in April 2021. The Coast Guard was moving to revoke his license. End quote. It took TWO!!! Years for Judge Dread USCG to revoke the license.

Have You seen or read about court verdict in the case of Midshipman X v/s chief mentor, buttercup Stinziano proving beyond any doubt he was guilty of rape and sexual harassment crime?. If so ,show me the link or pdf please.

Maersk USA had no option but to dismiss as his license was revoked and it dovetailed nicely with their PR.

Now let’s hypothesize . What would happen if Midshipman X arrived at first US port after her first alleged rape , weird rituals and hazing ceremonies , run to any stevedore office and screamed for help at the top of her voice with her story, called the police, USCG , CNN including gCaptain .??? Was she an orphan with no Pa and Ma to protect or help Her or advise what to do. ?

Cheers

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Once again. These are two different cases involving the same company. The Stinziano case is not the same as the Midshipman X case.

But by all means. Please continue to troll away…

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UUUUps :joy:
I am then very sorry for confusion thus created and revert back to study Saul Alinsky shake down techniques.

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My guess is that conspiracy-minded members would quickly post long, hastily banged out missives without even a basic understanding of the facts.

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Captain. I would be very glad and very grateful to be lectured and educated in order to get better understanding of the basics on one condition.

It would be done by an individual who lasted until 2nd or 3rd grade and knows that “X” means or may mean unknown. Trust it clarifies.

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This case is about the firing of Captain Stinziano. The cadet involved in that case has been known all along. It’s Ryan Melogy and he’s a man not a women.

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Then please feel free to call me an " asshole " at your convenience. :joy: :rofl: :joy: