Shipyard Leader Passes - Titan in Ship Repair
April 01, 2010
By Robert McCabe
The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK
With the passing of John L. Roper III, the Norfolk waterfront lost one of its links to a time when families, instead of big companies, controlled local shipyards.
Roper, 83, former chairman and CEO of Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp., which later became Norshipco, died at his Norfolk home on Sunday.
Sold in 1998 to a company owned by The Carlyle Group, the family enterprise became part of BAE Systems five years ago.
For decades, though, it was one of the moorings of the homegrown maritime community.
“The Roper family was really the shipyard family in Norfolk – not just John but his father and his grandfather,” said Richard Goldbach, chairman and CEO of Metro Machine Corp., a Norshipco competitor. “The family was extremely community oriented.”
In 1951, Roper joined the family business begun by his grandfather George W. Roper in 1914. Over the course of the next few decades, he helped recast it from a small ship-repair operation to a major ship-repair and shipbuilding concern.
A Coast Guard veteran, with degrees from the University of Virginia and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he began as a shipyard apprentice and worked his way to the top of the firm in 1983, after the death of his father.
Roper, however, had been running the company long before his father’s death, said Robert Twine, owner of Portsmouth based Collins Machine Works, who worked at Norshipco for 26 years.
“Mr. Roper put a lot of confidence in me at a very young age,” said Twine, who was made a vice president while in his 30s. “He was very intelligent; he could see the big picture. He didn’t major in minors; he did the things that true leaders do.”
One of those things was orchestrating a deal between Norshipco and El Paso Natural Gas in the 1970s that allowed the financing and construction of the largest floating drydock in the Western Hemisphere, Twine said. The deal positioned the company for further growth.
Though Roper was among seven shipyard executives convicted in a bribery scandal involving Navy inspectors in the mid-1970s, he rebounded to a respected place in community life.
“They had a reputation for looking after their employees,” Twine said of the Ropers. “He was a visionary.”
A short list of Roper’s charitable contributions and commitments include his work with the Mariners’ Museum, the Chrysler Museum, the Medical College of Hampton Roads Foundation and the Virginia Opera.
“He left quite a mark on this area during his lifetime,” said his son, Jack Roper. “He was involved in so many charitable things, so many business ventures ...
“He touched a lot of things in this area that made it a better, more vibrant place to live. He was a wonderful father; he was a wonderful person.”
Roper is survived by his wife, Jane Preston Roper, five children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service is planned at 11 a.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Norfolk.
Robert McCabe, (757) 446-2327,
robert.mccabe@pilotonline.com
2010 Annual VSRA Communications Survey
April 01, 2010
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Maritime Community Loses a Lifelong Leader
March 30, 2010
NORFOLK - John L. Roper III died March 28, 2010 at home. He was 83. He was the beloved husband of Jane P. Roper. John was born in Norfolk Jan. 19, 1927, the eldest son of the late John L. “Jack” Roper II and Sarah Roper. Growing up in Norfolk, he attended Virginia Episcopal School and the University of Virginia. In 1945, he served our country in World War II in the United States Coast Guard, protecting our shores from Nazi U-Boats, attaining the rank of lieutenant (j.g.) in the U.S. Naval Reserve (retired). In 1949, John graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in mechanical engineering. Afterwards, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating in 1951 with a degree in naval architecture I and marine engineering. On Sept. 29, 1951, he married his sweetheart, Jane “Jinnie” Preston, in Tazewell, Va., afterwards moving to Norfolk to join the family business: Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation, which was founded by his grandfather, George Wishham Roper in 1914. John began his career in the shipyard industry as a college student in 1946. In 1951, he enrolled as a shipyard apprentice, working his way up to the top executive position, and ultimately taking control of the company in 1983 upon the death of his father. The consummate businessman, John took great pride in building Norfolk Shipbuilding from a relatively small ship repair company into a large ship repair and shipbuilding enterprise.
John was an innovator in his field in the establishment of the “take and pay” contract with a major energy company, enabling the construction of the largest floating drydock in this hemisphere, the Titan. Constructed in Brazil and towed to Norfolk, the Titan, combined with the construction of a new 1000-foot pier, enabled the company to compete and win larger contracts to build and repair ships, enter into agency agreements, and to market to foreign customers. Changing its name to Norshipco, the company’s employment rose from approximately 1,000 employees to a peak of over 5,000 employees in the late 1970’s. In 1998, John retired from Norshipco after the sale of the company to Southwest Marine. At the time of the sale, the company employed approximately 2,000 individuals.
Mr. Roper’s business accomplishments were only exceeded by his generous record of charitable service to the community. Mr. Roper served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations. In the 1960s, he was president of the Tidewater Chapter of the American Red Cross, a board member of the Independent Junior Colleges of Virginia and of the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. He served as the chairman of the Virginia Port Authority, a trustee of the Chrysler Museum, a member of the Medical College of Hampton Roads Foundation, and a trustee of the Virginia Opera, only to name a few. He formed a company trust dedicated to giving to charitable organizations throughout the Hampton Roads area, giving to local hospitals, charities, institutions of higher learning, and the arts. Mr. Roper was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Norfolk. Mr. Roper was an avid sportsman and golfer, and enjoyed many good times with his friends and colleagues.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Preston Roper, five children, 10 grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild. His children are as follows: his son, John L. Roper IV and his wife Ruth; his four daughters, Dr. Susan St. Clair Roper and her husband Dean Kuhne of Clearwater, Fla., Sarah Massie and her husband Gerry of Norfolk, Jane Van Sciver of Norfolk and Hayward Stout of Poway, Calif. His 10 beloved grandchildren are: Rachel Roper, Daniel Kuhne, Laura Kuhne, Sarah Kuhne, Katherine Tekamp, Austin Tekamp, Jessica Van Sciver, Robbie Van Sciver, Ryan Stout and Cheyney Stout. He is also survived by his lovely sister, Isabel Yates and her children, Maida, Ann, Isabel, and Cherie, and by his brother, George Roper.
A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 3, in the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church by the Rev. Charles Riddle. The family will receive friends in the Norfolk Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Virginia Opera, Virginia Symphony or to the Mariners’ Museum. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.
OSHA Authority in Maritime Employment
March 29, 2010
Last month, OSHA released a directive to its Regional and Area Offices titled, "OSHA Authority Over Vessels and Facilities on or Adjacent to U.S. Navigable Waters and the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)." This directive explains OSHA authority over and jurisdictional issues related to maritime employment. The directive can be found HERE: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02-01-047.pdf.
Significant updates include, among others:
- Provides policy guidance for the enforcement of the OSH Act with respect to towing vessels that on August 9, 2004, were added by legislation to the 46 U.S.C. 3301 list of vessels that require inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Provides updated guidance regarding enforcement on permanently moored craft (previously known as permanently moored vessels), such as craft used for gaming or entertainment purposes which do not have a practical capacity to get underway.
- Addresses the applicability of OSHA's General Industry Standards (29 CFR Part 1910) to maritime hazards, as well as the coverage of OSHA’s Shipyard Employment Standards (29 CFR Part 1915), Marine Terminals Standards (29 CFR Part 1917), and Longshoring Standards (29 CFR Part 1918), and address marine operations in the Construction Industry (29 CFR Part 1926).
- FAQ Section
2010 SSRAC INFORMATION RELEASED
March 29, 2010
1. The 2010 SSRAC meeting will be held 27-30 July 2010, at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida (about 9 miles south of Atlantic Beach down A1A). Our agreement with the hotel requires that all out-of-area attendees stay at the Marriott where we have reserved a block of rooms at current per diem rate per night (single).
2. Attendees must be trade oriented and familiar with the Standardization Program and SSRAC objectives. Those who meet the requirements should submit a request to attend, using the SSRAC Registration Request Form (also available on the SSRAC web site at http://www.sermc.surfor.navy.mil/ssrac1/jul10mtg/jul10mtg.htm. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, E-mail completed forms to linda.mayle@navy.mil (preferred), or FAX to (904) 270-4146 NLT 28 May 2010. WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT REGISTRATION REQUESTS IN ANY OTHER FORM.
3. Milestone dates for the meeting are as follows:
a. 28 MAY 10: Final registration deadline.
b. 28 MAY 10: Final submission of proposed agenda items to SSRAC Coordinator utilizing an Official 2010 Change Request Form (attached and also available on the SSRAC web site at www.sermc.surfor.navy.mil/ssrac1/meetings.htm). Please be sure to indicate whether the proposal is considered to be "Major" or "Minor" and whether or not there is a cost or schedule impact.
Submissions should be e-mailed to linda.mayle@navy.mil but may be FAX'd to (904) 270-4146 in the event the use of e-mail is unavailable. The SSRAC Coordinator will take action on minor administrative changes, but all "major" proposals will be given a SSRAC Number and will be referred to the appropriate subcommittee for action.
The milestone for proposal submission must be strictly adhered to. No submissions will be accepted at the meeting except in the case of safety/health related issues.
c. 27 JUN 10: SSRAC Coordinator will provide draft agenda to scheduled attendees, identify subcommittees, designate subcommittee chairmen, and provide proposed changes and back up data via e-mail attachments.
d. 27 JUL 10: Convene SSRAC meeting.
4. Attached you will find information and RESERVATION INSTRUCTIONS for the Marriott Sawgrass and directions to the hotel from the airport. No conference fee will be charged.
5. EACH PARTICIPATING PRIVATE INDUSTRY PARTNER IS REQUESTED TO LIMIT ATTENDEES TO ONE PER SUBCOMMITTEE.
The subcommittees of the SSRAC are:
Environmental/Safety/Health
Hull/Preservation
Machinery/QA
Piping/Boiler
Electrical/Electronics
4-E/Phraseology
General (non-trade-specific issues)
The subcommittees review proposals on issues relating to their technical/trade specialties and provide recommendations to the Steering Committee with supporting rationale. The Steering Committee acts on the recommendations of the subcommittees and handles issues that either cannot be resolved by the subcommittee or are beyond the scope of any one subcommittee.
　
Joey Cartwright
NAVSEA SSRAC Program Coordinator
SERMC ESH Director Code 106
Ph: 904-270-5722/904-270-5126 Ext. 3241 joey.c.cartwright@navy.mil
　
Linda D. Mayle
NAVSEA SSRAC Program Asst Coordinator
SERMC Standards Program Manager
Ph: 904-270-5593/904-270-5126 Ext. 3239
linda.mayle@navy.mil
MACOSH Meeting Announced
March 25, 2010
SUMMARY: The Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) was established under Section 7 of the OSHAct of 1970 to advise the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on issues relating to occupational safety and health in the maritime industries. The purpose of this Federal Register notice is to announce the Committee and workgroup meetings scheduled for April 27, 2010 and April 29, 2010.
DATES: The Shipyard and Longshore workgroups will meet on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the Committee will meet on Thursday, April 29, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ADDRESSES: The Committee and workgroups will meet at the Newport Marriott Hotel, 25 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840, (401) 849-1000.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: MACOSH meetings are open to the public. Interested persons are invited to attend the MACOSH meeting at the time and location listed above. The MACOSH agenda will include: An OSHA activities update; a review of the minutes from the previous meeting; and reports from each workgroup. MACOSH may also discuss the following topics based on the workgroup reports: Arc flash guidance; confined spaces and fall protection in commercial fishing; scaffolding and falls (29 CFR part 1915 subpart E); traffic lane and safety zone quick card; speed limits in marine terminals; container rail safety guidance; and stuck cone safety guidance.
Proposed Revision to HexChrom Exposure Notification Requirements
March 17, 2010
Today, OSHA proposed a revision to its 2006 HexChrom Standard. The proposed change pertains to exposure notification requirements - specifically, informing employees of ALL exposure assessments regardless of whether the results exceed the established permissible exposure limit (PEL).
Court Case and Lead-Up
As you know, on February 28, 2006, OSHA published its final rule for Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Cr (VI)). A lawsuit challenged the Agency for review of several issues with the standard. The court denied all but one issue, granting review of the employee notification requirements in the standard's exposure determination provisions. In other words, the court mandated that OSHA provide an explanation for its decision to limit employee notification requirements to circumstances in which Cr(VI) exposures exceed the PEL. Consequently, today OSHA proposed a revision of the notification requirements, by means of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), that would require employers to notify employees of the results of all exposure determinations.
Discussion of Proposed Changes
2006 NPRM Standard (Current Standard) - Paragraph (d) of the Chromium standard (29 CFR 1915.1026) is titled "Exposure Determination'' and requires employers to determine the 8-hour time- weighted-average exposure for each employee exposed to Cr(VI). As originally promulgated, paragraph (d)(4) required the employer to notify affected employees of any exposure determinations indicating exposures in excess of the PEL. The employer can satisfy this requirement either by posting the exposure determination results in an appropriate location accessible to all affected employees or by notifying each affected employee in writing of the results of the exposure determination. Under the general maritime standard, notice has to be provided within 5 work days.
Today's NPRM - This standard would have required employers notify affected employees of all exposure determinations, irrespective of the results. This broader, proposed notice requirement mirrors similar provisions in OSHA's other substance-specific health standards, for example lead. OSHA is not proposing to change any other requirements in the exposure determination or notification provisions.
OSHA Reasoning
Notifying employees of their exposures arms them with knowledge that can permit and encourage them to be more proactive in working safely to control their own exposures through better work practices and by more actively participating in safety programs. This may be of particular significance for welders, who make up almost half of the employees affected by the chromium standard.
Why this NPRM is Unique
OSHA is publishing this proposed rule along with what is called a companion direct final rule (DFR). The comment period for the proposed rule runs concurrently with that of the direct final rule. If OSHA receives a significant adverse comment, the Agency will publish a timely withdrawal of the DFR and proceed with this NPRM.
A link to the Federal Register notice can be found here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-5731.htm.
OSHA Norifies 15,00 Workplaces
March 10, 2010
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration surveys employers to collect workplace injury and illness data it uses to identify employers whose injury and illness rates are considerably higher than the national average. A letter has been sent to about 15,000 workplaces with the highest numbers of injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work, restricted work activities or job transfers, known as the DART rate.
“Receipt of this letter means that workers in that particular establishment are being injured at a higher rate than in most other businesses of its kind in the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. “Employers whose businesses have injury and illness rates this high need to take immediate steps to protect their workers.”
Employers receiving the letters also were provided copies of their injury and illness data, along with a list of the most frequently cited OSHA standards for their specific industry. The letter offered assistance in helping to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses by suggesting, among other things, the use of OSHA’s free safety and health consultation services for small businesses provided through the states.
OSHA identified businesses with the nation’s highest rates of workplace injuries and illnesses through employer-reported data from a 2009 survey of about 100,000 worksites. (This survey collected injury and illness data for calendar year 2008.) Workplaces receiving notifications had DART rates more than twice the national average among all U.S. workplaces.
OSHA’s consultation program is available to assist in addressing safety and health in the workplace for employers with 250 or fewer workers. This program is administered by a state agency and operated separately from OSHA’s enforcement program. The service is free and confidential, and there are no fines even if problems are found. Designed for small employers, the consultation program can help an employer identify hazards while finding effective and economical solutions for repairing them. In addition, the OSHA state consultant can assist in developing and implementing a safety and health management system for the workplace.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
Jo-Kell - World Class Supplier
March 08, 2010
VSRA Member receives important award
Chesapeake, VA (January 18, 2010) - Jo-Kell Inc., a local electrical distribution and engineering company was recognized for their outstanding performance and support of Northrop Grumman Corporation's Socio-Economic Business Programs (SEBP). The award was presented on December 4, 2009 at the company's annual recognition event in Redondo Beach, California. Jo-Kell CEO, Suzy Kelly and President, Marty Kelly were proud to accept the award at the event.
Northrop Grumman annually recognizes companies with the World Class Supplier Award who consistently demonstrate responsiveness and flexibility to help meet Northrop Grumman's needs with a high quality of work, on-time delivery, outstanding cost management and reliable performance.
"It is an to honor to receive this prestigious award from Northrop Grumman", said Jo-Kell CEO Suzy Kelly. "Jo-Kell is grateful to be recognized for the hard work, dedication and commitment of our employees. Our company's primary focus is to provide high-quality products, systems and superior customer service", Kelly added.
Jo-Kell is one of only a few LEAN Certified suppliers for Northrop Grumman Newport News. LEAN incorporates principles of identifying value, eliminating waste and improving processes.
VSRA - ASNE DINNER 3/17/2010
March 08, 2010
VSRA is partnering with the American Society of Naval Engineers to co-sponsor a dinner on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, beginning at 6:00 PM. The dinner will be held at the Springhill Suites on Newtown Road, Norfolk.
The speaker will be Peggy Harrell, Assistant Deputy Commander, Regional Maintenance Centers, Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 04Y). Details of the dinner, as well as the speakers bio, can be see on the VSRA - ASNE March Dinner Flyer.
Register at http://www.asne-tw.org/. This will certainly be very well attended, so make your reservations early.