If it’s the same deal as when MMP acquired the old TECO ships, you wouldn’t automatically get the A-Book. Those guys held “CE” (company employee) cards and as far as I’m aware those that jumped ship and went “off the board” were re-registered as Applicants. To qualify for any book meant several years or more on that contract and even then they still had to apply to roll in with the book. So if I were them I’d be a little leery about the idea that they can just scootch over and pick it up instantly (not that any or all of them are suggesting that…)
We acquired those bulkers in Dec 2012 and a lot of the guys who squatted on those permanent jobs didn’t cross over as A-Books till as late as 2017-18. Maybe these guys got a different deal, but considering there’s a balance that needs to be maintained and folks ahead of them with more points and time in, it’s a dicey game to play.
Edit: Someone just showed me that one of their mates hit the NJ hall a few days back looking to night mate while home and his card says “APP-OSG,” so I don’t even know.