1 32 1476 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a7c543085a8a48d4250a11287b9412ae.pdf d29e9ec2b77bfaed1331c0b3d0444e28 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG APRIL 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 4 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers Uphold Decades-Long Tradition Of Delivering in Operation Deep Freeze SIU members helped ensure the success of the most recent iteration of Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission to the scientific outpost at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Sailing aboard the tanker Stena Polaris (Intrepid) were Seafarers (below, from left) AB Tyler Brown, ABM Harriet Groenleer, Pumpman Rayshawn Buksha, QMED Diamond Jackson, Chief Cook Anthony Jackson, SA Tahj Ligon, Wiper Abdelhamid Deka, Chief Steward Xavier Burgos, QMED Adam Ferkula, and AB Dylan Wright. Page 20 (back page). Paul Hall Center Hosts USTRANSCOM Commander The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on March 9 hosted Gen. Randall Reed (USAF), commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), along with other personnel from the agency. Gen. Reed met with union and school officials as well as students. He is at left in each of these photos: addressing an AB class, checking out a simulator with SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, and leading the way to the Michael J. Sacco Media Center, with SIU President David Heindel in the foreground. USTRANSCOM supports 10 other U.S. combatant commands, including the U.S. Military Sealift Command. WHITE HOUSE RELEASES MARITIME PLAN • PAGE 3 // SIU AT WOW CONFERENCE • PAGE 4 �President’s Report We Will Answer the Call As of this writing in early March, Operation Epic Fury hasn’t resulted in any vessel activations. Nevertheless, the SIU has had both direct and indirect involvement, and stands ready for whatever will be needed. You may have read about the Seafarers-contracted tanker Stena Imperative being hit while in drydock overseas. We were a few days from re-crewing the ship when the attack took place, but there already were members of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO) on board. Thank heaven, there were no injuries, and the vessel damage didn’t seem extensive. David Heindel Mariners aboard another one of our ships in that region were near the location where a missile splashed down, but there were no injuries and no vessel damage. If you are currently in the Persian Gulf, know that all U.S. maritime unions remain united in support of U.S. mariners and are in close contact with your companies, MARAD, and the Department of Defense. Together, we are working to ensure your concerns are heard and to represent the interests of U.S. mariners. There is some debate about whether, in this age of connectivity, the old saying “loose lips sink ships” still applies. What I say with certainty is that the SIU will not intentionally publicize anything that puts our mariners, our military personnel, or any of our other fellow citizens at risk. No one knows how long Operation Epic Fury will last or whether our members will be called upon. Regardless of how it plays out, we will be judicious in our communications, just as we’ve been during previous military engagements. Similarly, I urge our members to avoid posting anything online that could make you or anyone else a target. With equal confidence, and as I mentioned last month in my formal report to the SIU membership, I know that if we are asked to mobilize, we will do what American mariners have always done. We will sail, and we will deliver the goods. We will support our troops professionally, safely, and proudly. That is not about politics. It’s who we are. If you happen to be new to our industry, I offer this quick history lesson: From the Revolutionary War to World War II, to operations in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, our U.S. merchant ships – crewed by American-citizen mariners – have carried the cargo, fuel, equipment, and supplies that make military operations possible. You could say it’s in the SIU’s DNA, as our union was chartered in late 1938, and our members sailed in World War II beginning just a few short years later. Wars are not sustained by weapons alone; they are sustained by logistics. And logistics move by sea. This moment underscores why commitments like the Maritime Security Program (MSP) are not optional, they are essential. The MSP provides a ready commercial sealift capacity the military depends upon in times of crisis. Sealift readiness is not something you build overnight. It requires stable cargo policy, sustained investment, and a strong pool of qualified U.S. mariners. Indirectly, the current military operation also reinforces why cargo preference laws and domestic cargo policy matter. Without cargo, there are no ships. Without ships, there are no jobs. And without U.S.-flag capacity in peacetime commerce, there is no assured sealift in wartime. There is bipartisan recognition of these facts, as well as unwavering support from our military leaders, which is why I remain optimistic about a resurgence of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Meanwhile, consistent with past practice, your union has appropriately secured extra compensation for Seafarers who sail into high-risk waters. All the details were sent to the hiring halls and to the ships early last month. Check with your port agent if you missed it and are interested in the specifics. Finally, while the Seafarers LOG retains an important role in our union community, it of course isn’t our only medium. Please keep an eye on our website and our social media pages for timely updates, and if you’re not already signed up for SIU text alerts (we’ve offered them for about 15 years), you can do so via our home page. The SIU stands ready to uphold our role as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. collective bargaining rights and driving experts Nearly Half a Million Workers Unionized in 2025 away out of their jobs. Annual BLS Report Shows Growth in Union Representation New data released Feb. 18 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows union representation grew by 463,000 in 2025, bringing the total number of workers represented by union contracts to 16.5 million. Thanks to years of sustained organizing, 11.2% of all wage and salary workers in the United States are now covered under union contracts, up from 2024 and the highest in 16 years. “Billionaire bosses and union-busting politicians have tried to throw the kitchen sink at working people and their unions – slashing our jobs and rigging the rules to scare us out of organizing – but they are failing,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Working people are experiencing relentless attacks on our freedoms and our livelihoods. These numbers confirm what we’ve seen in the labor movement: Workers … are hungry to take back their power. Workers know that the best check on a bad boss is a strong union contract. In 2026, workers will continue to organize in every corner of the country and build power to fight for the lives they deserve.” Shuler added, “Labor is one of the last institutions in this country that working people actually trust. Nearly 70% of Americans support unions and more than 50 million more workers are eager to join one, but broken labor law still has the deck stacked against Seafarers LOG Volume 88, Number 4 April 2026 Official Publication of the Seafarers International Union www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2026 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG them. Too many face vicious union-busting and retaliation for organizing and punishing lay-offs even as corporate bosses rake in profits.” “Unionization grew in 2025 despite the nation’s broken system of labor law and the most anti-union president in history,” said Heidi Shierholz, president of the labor-backed Economic Policy Institute and a former Labor Department chief economist. “And in response to the Trump administration’s aggressive attacks on federal employees and their unions, federal workers increasingly turned to collective representation. This increase is a testament to working people’s resolve and the fact that unions are recognized as critical instruments for building a fair economy.” According to the report, there was, as usual, a big earnings gap between union members and their nonunion colleagues. The median weekly earnings for all workers – the point where half the workforce is above and half below – was $1,204 last year, a $45 increase over 2024. But unionists had median weekly earnings of $1,484 and union men had median weekly earnings last year of $1,487, almost $200 more than non-union men. Union women had median weekly earnings of $1,297. The median for unrepresented workers was $1,174 overall, up $36 in a year. Non-union men had a median of $1,289, up $48 in a year, while non-union women had a median of $1,056. The BLS data also reflects the following: • Years of organizing in new industries, workplaces and in so-called “right to work (for less)” states in the South have pushed nationwide union density to 10%. • Nearly half of all union growth came from Southern states, with younger workers organizing at a rapid pace. • The number of public sector workers represented by a union grew by 236,000, up to 36.4% of that workforce. • Despite what has been described as the biggest act of union-busting in history, union density among federal workers grew to more than 31%, which is the largest single-year increase since 2011, as workers responded to DOGE-driven attacks aimed at stripping • Private-sector union representation grew to add 227,000 workers, with significant gains in health care, retail, education services and construction. “Politicians face a clear mandate to stand up to union-busting bosses, whether they are in the corner office or the oval office,” Shuler added. “We call on Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, and to reverse the single largest act of union-busting in American history by passing the Protect America’s Workforce Act in the Senate.” According to the Press Associates Union News Service, some of the state-level data should be taken with a proverbial grain of salt. “The state samples of unionists are much smaller than the national sample BLS uses for its top-line number,” the service reported. “But though the numbers should be taken with caution, the state pattern remained the same: Union members were concentrated in the Northeast, around the Great Lakes and in the Pacific Coast states, including Alaska and Hawaii. But … half the numerical gains last year occurred in states of the old Confederacy alone.” Hawaii (24.8%) was the most union-dense state last year, beating New York (21.3%), though New York is catching up in density and also added 128,000 union members last year, rising to 1.734 million. Washington state was notable for big hikes in union both density and numbers. Its density rose from 16% in 2024 to 18% last year. Union numbers increased there by 84,000. California was high in density (14.9%) and led the nation in numbers both years: 2.489 million unionists in 2025, 108,000 more than in 2024. New York was second in numbers last year, too, at 1.834 million. Illinois, which has the right to organize in its state constitution, added 24,000 union members, rising to 758,000, the BLS estimated. That kept it at 13.1% density. Alaska was third in density, the BLS estimated, at 18.1%. Also high on the 2025 list were Connecticut and Rhode Island (16.1% each), Massachusetts (14.5%), Minnesota (14.1%), Michigan (13%), New Jersey (14.7%), Oregon (15.1%), Nevada (13%), Ohio (11.6%) and Pennsylvania (10.9%). For the first time in decades, the two Carolinas did not vie for last in union density. South Dakota “beat” them both, falling to 2.3%. The two Carolinas finished below 3% each, though. APRIL 2026 �Union Applauds Food for Peace Announcement Editor’s note: The ship mentioned in the headline of the joint statement above is the Stena Imperative. No SIU members were aboard the vessel when it was damaged in a Bahrain shipyard. Please see SIU President David Heindel’s column in this edition of the LOG for more information on how the conflict with Iran may affect U.S.-flag shipping. We will post any newsworthy updates on the SIU website and in future editions of the LOG. White House Issues Maritime Action Plan The White House in February posted the “America’s Maritime Action Plan,” a strategic document mandated by last year’s executive order titled Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance. In a letter to President Trump, SIU President David Heindel thanked him for backing the industry and conveyed the union’s strong backing of the Maritime Action Plan. “Our support for the Maritime Action Plan is unwavering,” Heindel wrote. “We look forward to working with you and your administration to help achieve its goals…. There is no doubt it will take great effort to implement the many components of the Maritime Action Plan, but we are confident that, collectively, we are all up to the task.” In his report to the membership for the March meetings, Heindel said the plan “is comprehensive and contains many components we support, but none of it is likely to be enacted anytime soon. For better or worse, that’s how things work in Washington. I should also mention that there weren’t really any bombshells in the plan. It is largely consistent with the executive order and also with the SHIPS for America Act.” Broadly, the plan includes four main segments, each one addressing a different aspect of the industry. They are as follows: shipbuilding; workforce education and training; the maritime industrial base; and, national and economic security. Among other goals, the shipbuilding section includes a universal fee for foreign-built vessels entering U.S. ports. It APRIL 2026 recommends “stimulation of U.S.-flag fleet growth” and specifically mentions operating subsidies, guaranteed cargo, and a “vehicle for procuring Strategic Commercial Fleet” ships. The second section emphasizes the modernization of the credentialing process, including the removal of redundant processes and requirements. The plan further calls for incentives for maritime workforce recruitment and retention, including “new financial assistance programs” designed to encourage entering and staying in the industry. The incentives would be provided both for the entities who are handling the training, and to students in exchange for service obligations. Additionally, the plan calls for modified tax treatment of a merchant mariner’s foreign-earned income. It would permit the income a U.S. merchant mariner earns while employed on a U.S.-flag vessel operating on an international route to be excluded from gross income under the provisions that permit such an exclusion for U.S. citizens or residents living abroad. Existing maritime staples including the cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program receive strong backing in the plan, which also calls for establishing a “Maritime Trust Fund” and recapitalizing the Ready Reserve Force. The Maritime Action Plan says the administration is working on legislative proposals for all of these things. The entire document is linked on the SIU website. The SIU recently voiced its strong support when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a major purchase of U.S. food that will be transported on U.S.-flag vessels as part of the Title II PL 480 Food for Peace Program. This is the first large procurement of commodities since the Food for Peace function was transferred from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to USDA by the Trump administration. “PL 480 food aid cargoes are traditionally the largest source of non-defense preference cargo carried by U.S.-flag ships,” said SIU President David Heindel. “After more than a year of uncertainty following the closure of USAID, the ships in our fleet that depended on PL 480 cargo were in jeopardy of being lost. This new purchase should help ensure those ships remain in our fleet, and our mariners who crew them remain at work.” The USDA announced an agreement to purchase up to $432 million in mixed commodities to support our diplomatic efforts abroad, specifically combating food insecurity and in support of emergency food relief in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, and Rwanda. Under federal law, at least 50% of all foreign aid cargoes shipped by the government must be carried on U.S.-flag ships. The SIU has supported legislation and advocacy efforts to move the Food for Peace program to the USDA, which has handled other in-kind food aid programs for more than half a century. In late December, an interagency agreement gave PL 480 responsibility to the USDA, and the USDA responded quickly to turn that responsibility into action. Heindel added, “We look forward to working with the president, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Undersecretary for Trade & Foreign Affairs Luke Lindberg, and the rest of the USDA staff as they ensure that American foreign food aid shipments resume, and this vital tool of American diplomacy is put to work again. The men and women of the SIU stand ready to assist in delivering this aid, as we have for nearly 75 years.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �In the photo above (from left to right): SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, AMO Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Alaina Basciano Carouge, MEBA Government Affairs Manager Caitlyn Tierney, AMO East Coast Representative Marissa Cap, SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo, Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Great Lakes Maritime Academy Cadet Peyton Abney, AMO National President Willie Barerre, Pasha Hawaii's Matt Campbell, CMA CGM Senior Vice President of Government Relations Dick Balzano, Mass Maritime Superintendent Francis McDonald and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. ‘What True Heroes Can Look Like’ During a high-profile event spanning three days in February, a prominent American maritime spokesperson shared her genuine enthusiasm for the U.S. Merchant Marine – and she assured the aspiring mariners in attendance that they are entering a vital industry. Sara Fuentes, vice president for the well-regarded trade association Transportation Institute, delivered keynote remarks Feb. 10 in the nation’s capital, as part of a three-day Women on the Water Conference that began Feb 8. The event was hosted by the Consortium of State Maritime Academies with support from the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and Northwestern Michigan College. It took place in suburban Baltimore and in Washington, D.C. Several SIU officials attended the conference, including Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, Port Agent Mario Torrey, and Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. Fuentes, a self-described “maritime evangelist,” explained the complexities of advocating for U.S.-flag shipping and U.S. mariners. In part because the industry is heavily regulated, it takes wide-ranging outreach – and coordination among the various sectors – to deliver effective, unified messages. “Everything is maritime policy,” she stated. “The merchant marine touches almost every policy area. Every year, there are new challenges and new opportunities…. I’ve never been bored.” She spotlighted several challenges from the past couple of years that the industry collectively tackled, including ones involving cargo preference, the U.S. Tanker Security Program, attacks on U.S.-flag ships in the Red Sea, personnel shortages, trade issues and more. “We have to track more than 25 different federal agencies and 12 different Congressional committees,” Fuentes noted. Pivoting to the enticing job opportunities in numerous maritime sectors, she said, “The wonderful thing about your chosen career path is that thanks to the breadth of this industry, you can follow your passions and find the right place for you…. There are so many facets to what we do, and you can do it at sea or ashore – maritime touches everything in our lives.” Fuentes then described the typically strong cooperation between labor, management, and government when it comes to promoting maritime – specifically, in this case, how representatives from every sector pulled together during the COVID pandemic. “This is generally true for our industry,” she added. “Before we talk to Congress, we build consensus together.” She wrapped up her remarks by sharing a few stories “where the sheer heroism of mariners made me feel humbled to be associated with this industry.” Those accounts involved the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II; the evacuation of Manhattan on September 11, 2001; and mariners working throughout the pandemic. “These efforts may have been unrecognized in their time, and it took effort and teamwork to bring these stories to light,” Fuentes said. “But these stories, and these people, are what keeps us going…. One thing that this industry has demonstrated time and time again is that mariners will be there to answer the call…. This is an industry for people who want to put their heads down and be respected for the work that they do. And in a world of billionaires looking for more money or influencers looking for more attention – mariners are a beacon of what true heroes can look like.” SIU officials Asst. VP Michael Russo (standing) and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (directly to his left) offer practical advice to the next generation of mariners. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) meets with maritime stalwart Elaine Chao (former Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Labor) at the event. Keynote speaker Sara Fuentes, Transportation Institute Vice President SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 APRIL 2026 �SIU President Exposes FOC System SIU President David Heindel Editor’s note: SIU P res i de nt David Heindel also serves as Chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section. In the latter role, he recently wrote the following article, which was circulated online, including on the popular site Splash247. Recent reporting on false flags and the rise of shadow fleets has rightly raised alarms about maritime security, sanctions enforcement, environmental safety – and, too often as a secondary concern, seafarers’ rights. But much of the analysis still stops short of naming the enabling root cause. In reality, these developments are the predictable outcome of what the ITF named as the flag of convenience (FOC) system more than 75 years ago – a business model deliberately designed to obscure ownership, fragment jurisdiction, and weaken enforcement with direct and devastating consequences for seafarers, for maritime security, and for the rule of law at sea. Much of the current coverage describes the symptoms but avoids the diagnosis. False flags – the practice of flying fake flags disowned by the given registry – are not mere anomalies. They are, fundamentally, a natural outcome of the FOC system. Under the FOC model, shipowners can register vessels in states with no meaningful genuine link to ownership, management, or operation – in direct contravention of international law under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In exchange for registration fees, those flag states offer minimal scrutiny and weak enforcement, effectively selling enforcement-free sovereignty. As Mark Dickinson, general secretary of UK maritime union, Nautilus, explained to the BBC, when it comes to spiraling seafarer abandonment, including on shadow fleet ships, FOC states have demonstrated “a complete derogation of responsibility towards their fleets and the crews who sail on them.” He then rightly outlined the demand, in line with international law, for there to always be “a genuine link between shipowners and the flags under which they sail.” The jurisdictional ambiguity that allows ships to shift identities, manipulate registries, or operate without effective oversight is not accidental. It is built into the business model. This is why false flags and shadow fleets have continued to proliferate despite increased sanctions, surveillance, and massively increased media and political attention. Industry profits from opacity. Flag states – in the case of the worst offenders, with flags often outsourced to unscrupulous overseas business interests – profit from regulatory leniency. Together, they create exactly the conditions in which fraudulent registries, identity switching, and impunity thrive. And the same governance failures driving false flags also produce severe human consequences. Last month, the International Transport Workers’ Federation released new data showing that 2025 was the worst year on record for seafarer abandonment. More than 6,200 seafarers were abandoned across 410 ships, a 32% increase on the previous year and the sixth consecutive year of rising cases. When ownership is hidden and flag state responsibility is diluted, seafarers are left exposed to a perfect storm of profit-driven abuse. Abandonment, unpaid wages, unsafe vessels, denial of shore leave, and the absence of legal protection are not incidental outcomes. They are direct consequences of a system designed to enable the evasion of responsibility. The same dynamics were laid bare during the global crew change crisis, when hundreds of thousands of seafarers were trapped on board for months beyond their contracts. Once again, fragmented jurisdiction and weak flag-state responsibility allowed governments and shipowners to deflect accountability, leaving workers stranded…. The risks extend well beyond labor. The FOC system undermines maritime security, environmental protection, and the rule of law itself – risks that policymakers can no longer afford to treat as peripheral or theoretical. If governments are serious about tackling false flags and shadow fleets, they must move beyond reactive enforcement and confront the structure that enables abuse – and government investigations into FOCs, as currently underway in the U.S., are a necessary and welcome first step. Ultimately, this means enforcing the long-ignored principle of a genuine link between a vessel’s flag and its beneficial owners, operators, and managers. It means mandatory beneficial ownership transparency as a condition of registration and operation. It means holding flag states accountable when they repeatedly fail to meet their legal responsibilities. False flags, shadow fleets, and abandonment are not separate problems. They are interconnected outcomes of a failing system abandoned by decades of government inaction. History provides a clear warning: When countries retreat from national flags and cabotage, enforcement fractures as opacity becomes the norm. And the shadows become used to hide all manner of illegality and criminality, not least abuses of seafarers’ rights…. We must rebuild and defend national-flag shipping and cabotage laws to bring all maritime trade back into the open, where there is no hiding place for shadow fleets, and no means to side-step accountability, national security, safety, and fair competition. Until we do this, these crises will continue to repeat, under different names, in different contexts, but for the same reasons. Article Underscores How Jones Act Benefits Puerto Rico A recent online op-ed by a popular political commentator and columnist helped set the record straight regarding the Jones Act’s impact on Puerto Rico. In late February, Julio Rivera posted an article noting in part the speculation (within maritime circles) that the Super Bowl halftime show might include a reference to America’s freight cabotage law. “It never happened,” Rivera pointed out. “What remained instead in the aftermath were the issues that actually shape daily life on the island: fragile infrastructure, an aging power grid, and the long-running struggles of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. Those topics may not trend as easily on social media, but they sit much closer to Puerto Rico’s economic reality than any shipping statute.” Rivera stated that the Jones Act can be “an easy villain” for its critics, but that their ire is misdirected. “Puerto Rico’s economic challenges are not the result of a single law,” he wrote. “They are the result of structural weaknesses layered over time, and pretending otherwise might be politically useful but it is economically shallow.” He further asserted that the time-tested law “supports a domestic maritime industry that both Puerto Rico and the mainland United States can rely on for national security, disaster response, and supply chain stability. For an island that depends on ships for essentials like food and fuel, having a dependable domestic shipping network is not some abstract benefit. It is practical insurance. When hurricanes hit or global logistics snarl, reliability matters more than theory. “Serious economic analysis backs up the idea that the Jones Act is not the price driver some claim,” he continued. “A comprehensive study … found that the law’s impact on Puerto Rico’s consumer prices is modest compared to bigger forces like energy costs, infrastructure inefficiencies, and public-sector debt burdens. Repeal advocates often imply that removing the law would dramatically lower prices. That is a comforting narrative, but it glosses over how global shipping markets actually work. Foreign vessels do not operate at a discount out of goodwill, and international freight rates are volatile by nature.” Rivera said that the territory’s biggest challenges center on “infrastructure and governance.” The territory’s shaky electrical grid, for instance, can be “a deal breaker” for various investments there. APRIL 2026 “None of this is an attack on Puerto Rico,” Rivera clarified. “It is a recognition that the island competes globally for capital. Many places advertise stable infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and institutional transparency. Puerto Rico has enormous strengths, from its workforce to its strategic location, but unlocking its full potential requires focusing on these fundamentals. “Blaming the Jones Act for problems rooted in infrastructure and governance risks letting the real issues off the hook,” he added. “It is easier to point outward than to do the slower, harder work of reform. But reform is what attracts durable investment and longterm job creation.” Rivera further pointed out that some critics who insist the Jones Act is at the heart of Puerto Rico’s difficulties “oversimplify a complex system. Maritime analyst Sal Mercogliano and others who study shipping closely have repeatedly explained that vessel supply, fuel prices, port efficiency, insurance, and global trade dynamics all shape costs. Those realities do not disappear if one law changes. “As an American of Puerto Rican descent, I want the island to succeed economically, not just culturally,” Rivera said. “That means being honest about what holds it back and clear-eyed about what actually helps. The Jones Act is not a cure-all, but it provides structure and reliability within the broader U.S. economic and security framework.” He concluded, “Puerto Rico’s prosperity will ultimately be built on reliable infrastructure, clean governance, and investor confidence. Fixing the grid, modernizing systems, and strengthening institutional trust will do more to raise living standards than chasing a shipping-law scapegoat. Cheap shots at the Jones Act can trend for a day. Stable power and trustworthy institutions generate growth for decades…. The island’s people are resilient, creative, and entrepreneurial. With dependable infrastructure and accountable governance, they can create a stable foundation and real economic growth for generations to come.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU PROMOTING MARITIME ‒ SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan (right) meets with Alex Mealer, who’s running for Congress (Texas’ 9th District). Photo was taken in Dayton, Texas. Pegan used the occasion to emphasize the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. SINCERE THANKS ‒ SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) and American Maritime Officers President Willie Barrere (right) express gratitude to U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) for his unwavering support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Event took place Feb. 10 in the nation’s capital. MILESTONE IN JERSEY ‒ AB BOOKS RECEIVED IN ALGONAC ‒ AB Mohamed Alahmadi (left in photo above, left) receives his A-seniority book, while GUDE Sameh Suwaileh (left in remaining photo) obtains his B book. Both Seafarers are pictured at the hiring hall with Safety Director Jason Brown. Arnold Baluyot (left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Jersey City hall with SIU Asst. VP Ray Henderson. ABOARD CAPE STARR ‒ This Seafaring Selfie includes (from left) Recertified Bosuns Ritche Acuman and Antjuan Webb Sr. In the background are the Cape San Juan and Cape Sable. All three vessels are operated by TOTE. SUPPORTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS ‒ SIU VP Sam Spain and Port Agent Mario Torrey took part in the Virginia AFL-CIO 39th Legislative Conference Feb. 1-2 in Richmond. Pictured from left in the three-person photo are Spain, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, and Torrey. The other photo includes Spain and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. ABOARD GREEN DELTA ‒ ABM Rolando Dinong is pictured aboard the Waterman vessel in the Pacific Northwest. ABOARD DANIEL INOUYE ‒ Providing service with a smile aboard the Matson vessel in Honolulu are (from left) ACU Romeo Molina, Chief Steward Ronald Williams, and Chief Cook Monell Liburd. CAPE INTREPID COMPLETES SERVICE ‒ The Ocean Duchess-operated ship recently was turned over to the National Defense Reserve Fleet. These photos were taken from mid- to late January; they include snapshots from an MLK Day cookout. The five-person photo includes two inspectors from the Beaumont Reserve Fleet, along with (from left) Oiler Carmus Peet, Chief Engineer Thomas Gay, and (second from right) Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa. Removing the ship’s bell in the three-person pic are (from left) Electrician Phillip Greenwell, Oiler Carmus Peet, and Third Mate Edward Max Stovall. Chief Steward Delbra Singleton-Leslie is in the individual photo, and the remaining photo was taken at a farewell dinner. From left are Chief Mate Nasir Bousseloub, Electrician Phillip Greenwell, Chief Engineer Chris Davis, and Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa. 6 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 APRIL 2026 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Taking the oath (larger group photo) at the hiring hall are Seafarers Erris Jackson, Charles Williams, Ismael Andriamasy, and Eric Butler. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. Williams received his A-seniority book, while the others obtained their respective B books. In the remaining pic, SA Valencia Byrd (left) receives her B book. She’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman. ABOARD EVERGREEN STATE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid vessel are Pumpman Gilbert Johnson, Recertified Bosun John Cedeno, SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan, and AB Carlos Avila. ABOARD USNS JOHN GLENN ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Ocean Ships vessel on the West Coast are QEE Rahsaan Alexander, AB Joshua Lux, Steward/Baker Linda McPhetridge, QMED Wilbert Hinton, OS Jon Oliver, Bosun Teena Werner, Safety Director John Sunga, and Storekeeper Felix Rosado. AS SEEN IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND ‒ Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa shared these photos from his recent stay in Piney Point. The group photo includes classmates from a Tanker Assist DL course (from left): Christopher Moore, Ricky Desir, Kia Major, Jarrell Dorsey, LBJ Tanoa, and Joaquim Ganeto. In the other photo, the bosun catches up with retired SIU/Paul Hall Center official Bart Rogers at St. George Catholic Church in Valley Lee. BRAINSTORMING IN FLORIDA ‒ Pictured at a Keystone Crews Conference in the sunshine state are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins, Chief Mate Connor Shea, Keystone VP of Operations Dave Carroll, and Second Mate Jimmy Hargrove. ABOARD LIBERTY PRIDE ‒ Pictured from left in the three-person snapshot aboard the Liberty Maritime ship in the Pacific Northwest are ABB Andre Nero, Recertified Bosun Manolo Delos Santos, and ABM Ping San Pedro. In the remaining non-ship photo are (from left) Chief Cook Kevin Robinson and Steward/Baker Jessica Davis. APRIL 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD LOUISIANA ‒ Gathered on the Fairwater tanker in Long Beach, California, are (from left) SA Hussein Moosa, Chief Cook Yolanda Martinez, Steward/Baker Michael Todman, Recertified Bosun Albert Mensah, and SIU Patrolman Gordon Godel. APPRECIATION IN D.C. ‒ During a gathering earlier this year in the nation’s capital, SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (left) thanks U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) for his support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. WELCOME GUESTS ‒ SIU and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) personnel in late February welcomed a group from the North American Maritime Ministry Association to the Houston hiring hall. Port Agent J.B. Niday (front, third from right) and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung (front, second from right) met with them and conducted a Q&A. Dr. Jason Zuidema, executive director of the ministry group, is standing second from right. WITH SEAFARERS IN VIRGINIA ‒ Storekeeper Ruel Torres (left in photo above, right, with SIU Port Agent Josh Rawls) receives his A-seniority book, while GVA Rashona McGilberry (left in other photo, with SIU Patrolwoman Kianta Lee) obtains her full book. Both snapshots were taken at the hall in Norfolk. WELCOME ASHORE (x2) IN PHILLY ‒ Picking up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall are Chief Steward Kenneth Kelly (left in photo above, left, with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice) and Thommie Hampton (right in remaining photo, with Safety Director Andre MacCray). Kelly sailed with the union for 35 years. Hampton worked in various capacities with the SIU for nearly 40 years, including lots of time on shore gangs. TALKING MARITIME IN TEXAS ‒ SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala (left) and Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) chat with U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Sang Yi at a recent industry event in Houston. WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK ‒ Bosun Robert White (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Josh Rawls, picks up his first pension check. White sailed with the SIU for nearly 30 years. WITH SEAFARERS IN PUERTO RICO ‒ OMU Walter Figueroa (wearing yellow shirt) and OS Yanot Sanchez Cumba (left in remaining photo) receive their respective full books. Both Seafarers are pictured at the hiring hall in San Juan with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. FULL BOOK IN PINEY ‒ Chief Steward Yunlay Bridges (right) receives his book in Piney Point, Maryland. At left is SIU Port Agent Kelly Krick. 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ABOARD SBX ‒ SIU VP Hazel Galbiso (sixth from right) and Safety Director Amber Akana (far left) meet with SIU crew members aboard the TOTE vessel in Honolulu. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 APRIL 2026 �SOAK UP THE SAVINGS UP TO 50% OFF HOTELS Unwind, relax, save! Whether you’re happiest on a beach or exploring a city, we’ve got you covered with up to 50% off* hotel stays worldwide. Learn more at unionplus.org *Savings of up to 50% off based on actual non-cancellable bookings from inventory provided by Priceline. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9 �In Their Own Words: Seafarers Rising Through the Ranks Randy Diaz Editor’s note: This article is the second in an occasional series featuring former SIU members who have risen through the ranks (or, in informal maritime industry terms, have gone up through the hawsepipe). Randy Diaz graduated from the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program in 1998; he currently sails as the captain of the USNS Bowditch (Ocean Ships, Inc.). He turns 52 this month, and had just disembarked when the interview took place. How and why did you enter the maritime industry? I had heard of the merchant marine through a movie, “With Honors,” around 1996. Joe Pesci’s character advises against sailing in the engine room. Later, I was working in a meat department, and the butchers knew about the U.S. Merchant Marine. They connected me to the SIU. I’m from Queens, New York; I went to the Brooklyn hall and met Robert Selzer, and later on dealt with Jack Sheehan (Selzer and Sheehan were longtime union officials). It sounded interesting and I thought, let me try it out. I’m glad I did. At that time, I was looking for a change. Before that, I had been playing music in New York. What do you remember about the early part of your career? From the start, I already knew I eventually wanted a license. I also knew I didn’t want to go into the steward department. The kitchen is okay but it wasn’t for me. When I got on a ship, it solidified that deck was the right choice. I went up to the bridge at night (aboard the Sea Lion), and the mood reminded me of a New York nightclub. I also knew I didn’t want to go through a four-year maritime academy. Ironically, I didn’t even know there was one in New York until I went to Piney Point (where the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center is located). I sailed for eight-and-a-half years with the SIU, got my A-seniority book. What was it like when you got your first license? The SIU helped me get into the AMO school in Toledo, Ohio – Jack Sheehan had the knowledge about the process. (The American Maritime Officers are affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America.) I got my license in August 2007 and got my first job (as an officer) in November of that year. The last tanker I sailed as an AB was my first ship as a third mate, the M/V Charleston. I was very fortunate going through the hawsepipe. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything, and I wasn’t going to get an education like that at an academy. How difficult was it to earn a license? First, I tried to learn on the job, pay attention to what was happening around me. All the testing and the paperwork is just going to get you in the door – it doesn’t mean you’re going to be a great mate. I established a routine and was studying every module, every single day. At the school in Toledo, the people who took it seriously wound up doing well. What’s something you wish more people knew about the maritime industry? Half the time, when you talk about our industry, right away people are thinking about the Navy. But they don’t consider, how do we get imported cars? How do we get these sacks of rice from other countries, or food products that aren’t produced in the U.S.? People think it all comes by plane, maybe. So, it’d be great if more people knew about us, period, although I do think there’s some increased knowledge thanks to the internet. Aboard the USNS Bowditch in 2017 On that topic, how important is shipboard internet connectivity, and how reliable is it, generally? get off of here.’ I couldn’t really stay in Thailand if it wasn’t for this job. My wife understands this as well. It’s good that you asked about that. The reliability depends on where you work…. It’s very important to have access to the internet to at least do banking and things of that nature, and to stay in touch with loved ones. Speaking of family, it seems as if one of the most commonly voiced concerns for people thinking about a maritime career is the time away from home. How have you made it work? Have you experienced any unexpected benefits from this career? I’m fortunate and I really appreciate the blessings I’ve had. Back around the year 2000, I got my AB ticket and got my first AB job on the Petersburg, in Guam. On that particular tour, my last month, we were going to Japan to offload, and ultimately stopped at a Singapore shipyard. They let us go, and that’s when I discovered Thailand. There was something about this place; I wanted to go again. I went back that same year and got on the LNG Leo after that as an AB. A fellow AB gave me a book about the history of Thailand, and that’s when I realized why it intrigued me: It was never colonized. But Thailand (his current residence) is an example of why I’ve stuck with this job. It gave me so many freedoms. People may think if you’re on a ship it’s like prison, but I feel free when I’m working. You can really analyze things, and you also do a lot of growing up on a ship. I never looked at it like, ‘I can’t wait to With his lifeboat classmates in 1998 (front, second from right) 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 My wife knows we couldn’t live how we’re living if it wasn’t for this career. But the effects of being physically separated depends on the person you’re in the relationship with. It really does. How much are you invested in that relationship? For me, I’m fortunate I’m able to talk with my wife every day, and she’s happy with that. What’s something you would change about the industry? More than anything, the regulations have gotten out of control. You’re restricted on man-hours after STCW (implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping). Granted, it takes just one accident to change things (adding or modifying regulations), but I remember stories from bosuns and ABs who were working six and seven hours of overtime a day. You Capt. Randy Diaz APRIL 2026 �In Their Own Words: Seafarers Rising Through the Ranks kept on working and made more money. This and a few other industry restrictions that have been introduced, have taken away that opportunity. What’s one of the biggest differences between sailing as an officer versus sailing in an unlicensed position? I say this all the time. The good thing is, when you’re sailing unlicensed, when you’re done with your watch or what have you, nobody’s going to bother you. When you’re an officer, you’re one of one. You might have to get woken up at a certain time because you have to change the voyage plan, for example. What is something noteworthy about serving as a captain? You start to see the management abilities of people around you, how you expect people to be treated. My thing is always, do the right thing. Consider what the other person is thinking. That’s how I apply my management. This is what I learned: You can’t expect the ship to adapt to you. You have to adapt to the ship. You can do whatever is in your power, but we don’t have a magic wand to change the internet or the food, for example. You have to recognize what you do and do not control, and that includes when you’re in stressful situations. Only worry about things I can control. Have you had any particularly memorable voyages? I haven’t been in any type of rescue, which is a good thing. I always say, boring is good. But I remember I took a relief job as an AB and I remember starting in New Jersey. We went to Florida, then Texas. Went through the Panama Canal, then San Francisco, up to Anacortes and Cherry Point. Then back to Texas and Florida. Throw the Mississippi River in there, too. That was the first time I actually did the East Coast, Gulf Coast and West Coast all in one trip. It took 99 days, on the Overseas Philadelphia, around 2004. Another one comes to mind. I think I was a music snob – I played music before I went into the merchant marine. Anyway, I was standing watch with a second mate; I was an AB. He had two CDs from these country singers, and I said, ‘You’re listening to country?!’ Just giving him some [teasing]. He said if everybody liked the same music, this would be a boring world. I said, ‘You’re right, and I apologize.’ How shallow my With fellow mariners in a shipyard in 2021 APRIL 2026 Diaz is at far left in this 1999 snapshot (government vessels class). thought process was. Since then, that’s how I’ve lived: Everybody has a right to like what they want. I never want to criticize anyone’s interests again. What are your overall thoughts about the SIU? I’m appreciative of them, obviously. The SIU gave me all the help I could have asked for. You always heard (the late SIU President) Mike Sacco say upgrade, upgrade, upgrade! That was the slogan, so, I upgraded. I took it seriously. I know Mike isn’t with us any longer, but I do want to thank him for his guidance and encouragement. What advice would you give to someone who’s considering entering the industry, or to someone who only recently started sailing? Are you ready to take a plunge into something different? Maybe they know somebody in the industry but it’s not the same until you experience it. Are you okay being away from home? Is home where you make it? This job gives you so much flexibility with where you want to make your home. Knowing what this job can give you might be the motivation you need to stay. You’re going to realize that things don’t really change when you go back home after three or four months. I say embrace it. And if you try and it doesn’t On the bridge in 2023 work out, there’s no harm in saying it might not be for me. That doesn’t mean you were defeated. Find out if you can hack this, because the job can give you a lot of options. I knew I wasn’t going to be happy, for example, going from high school to college and getting into a shoreside career. Besides, how else am I going to experience the world and other cultures? In a regular shoreside job, you maybe have a week or two for vacation every year. In maritime, you’re off for long stretches. Finally, what are some advantages of sailing as a union member? You don’t feel tied down. If you’re on a ship and it’s not working out for you, you have freedom to choose. You also have representation. If you’re not happy with something, you can talk to the union. If you work for a company without a union, they literally can say take it or leave it. With a union, you can always go to a different vessel and stay employed. Also, the union benefits are really good. I know the SIU benefits were good when I was a member, and they’ve improved since then. I am very grateful for the SIU. If it wasn’t for the SIU, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t been there. With shipmates and military personnel during a 2025 reception on the Bowditch SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 This month’s question was answered by an assortment of personnel at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. At the time they were interviewed (early January), two individuals were in the apprentice program, one was working as an instructor, and the others already were active SIU members. Question: What do you like most about being an SIU member (or apprentice or instructor)? Kimberly Wilson Apprentice Lawrence Wright Chief Steward I love the teamwork. Working in the kitchen is so exciting. The people in the department as well as the staff have been really helpful. I look forward to being out on the ocean and caring for the people on my ship. I like everything, especially the vacations, and my home port in Jacksonville. I enjoy meeting SIU members from all around. Justin Landreneau Apprentice Joe Marino QMED I love working here in the galley. I’ve been here about three months now and I’m a UA training to be an SA and, hopefully in the near future, a chief cook. I’ve been sailing for 13 years and the SIU gave me the ability to be a rockstar and helped me become “Hot Rod Joe.” I restore classic cars, collect cars, vintage cars and motorcycles. I also make metal art sculptures with welding. Michael Papaioannou Electrician Pat Schoenberger Deck Instructor I’ve spent 25 years in the SIU and am close to retiring, but I truly enjoy being a sailor. I enjoy having four months on and four months off, and I also like encouraging the young people I sail with to pursue further education so they can improve their skills and achieve higher rankings. I enjoy most things about this job, but I most enjoy being able to train my students and give them the skillset to earn a great living. I was trained in a facility and given the skillset, and I had a lot of respect for the instructors that spent time and effort with me when I was going for my education. Being able to do the same for folks that are interested in the maritime world is pretty awesome. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 • SEAFARERS LOG The original caption from the July 1974 LOG: “Discussing cable loading operations are, from left: John Whiting, cable AB; Mr. Siman, who is an AT&T cable operator director, and Bosun Herb Libby.” Photo was taken aboard the Long Lines, which had a crew complement of 90. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERAPRIL 2023 2026 12 �Notice Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Important Reminders About Prescription Drug Coverage for Pensioners If you are eligible for medical benefits from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan when you retire, you will also be eligible for prescription coverage. If you are 65 or older, the Plan provides this coverage through a Medicare Part D prescription drug program administered by Retiree RxCare. However, the Plan does not provide prescription drug benefits to a pensioner’s spouse or dependents. You do not have to pay a premium for your prescription coverage if you are over 65. The Plan’s prescription coverage is comparable to the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage and is considered Creditable Coverage. If you enroll in another Medicare Part D prescription drug program, you will lose your prescription coverage from SHBP, and you will not be permitted to re-enroll in the future. Due to Medicare rules, you will also lose your prescription coverage if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription coverage. If you decide to purchase a separate plan to supplement the Plan’s vision, dental or hearing coverage, make sure it is an ancillary plan that only provides those benefits, and not a Medicare Advantage Plan. For more information, contact: SHBP Claims Department 45353 St. Georges Avenue Piney Point, MD 20674 Phone: (800) 252-4674 (Option 3) Fax: (301) 994-0116 Email: claimsdept@seafarers.org “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from February 10, 2026 - March 11, 2026. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 12, 2026. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 23 Anchorage 6 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 21 Guam 4 Harvey 7 Honolulu 2 Houston 26 Jacksonville 22 Jersey City 18 Joliet 3 Mobile 12 Norfolk 21 Oakland 6 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 1 Puerto Rico 8 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 21 Wilmington 30 11 0 2 13 2 3 2 17 34 6 2 9 11 4 0 1 8 0 3 12 0 0 0 4 1 4 1 11 11 0 3 3 6 0 2 0 3 0 0 3 9 2 1 14 1 6 2 29 25 10 1 8 19 2 2 0 6 2 17 17 3 1 3 13 0 1 0 7 25 8 0 4 15 3 0 1 8 0 4 6 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 2 6 1 1 2 10 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 1 2 13 0 3 0 13 14 9 1 4 19 0 1 0 7 1 6 7 48 4 2 28 4 12 4 44 38 30 4 11 35 15 5 2 5 1 32 48 14 1 2 19 4 10 5 32 46 9 5 7 20 4 2 2 6 0 8 21 1 2 1 10 1 4 2 21 14 3 3 8 4 1 2 0 1 0 3 5 TOTAL 236 140 52 173 102 30 104 372 217 86 Algonac 1 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 10 Guam 0 Harvey 5 Honolulu 6 Houston 2 Jacksonville 25 Jersey City 9 Joliet 1 Mobile 3 Norfolk 15 Oakland 5 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 9 TOTAL 110 2 0 3 6 0 2 2 5 21 4 0 2 12 2 1 3 1 0 1 2 69 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 4 2 0 0 5 3 1 1 0 0 0 3 25 2 0 1 6 0 0 0 4 8 4 0 1 10 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 42 9 3 3 10 1 2 8 9 35 13 4 8 16 5 6 4 5 0 12 20 173 4 0 1 13 0 4 3 16 24 7 1 2 13 3 0 2 2 0 3 9 107 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 6 6 2 0 0 3 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 28 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 1 Harvey 2 Honolulu 3 Houston 12 Jacksonville 12 Jersey City 4 Joliet 1 Mobile 3 Norfolk 12 Oakland 12 Philadelphia 4 Piney Point 6 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 7 Wilmington 15 TOTAL 108 0 1 2 4 2 2 1 7 15 6 1 3 11 3 2 2 6 2 2 3 75 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 0 3 17 1 0 1 4 0 3 3 9 13 2 1 1 9 7 2 0 4 1 4 15 80 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 4 11 1 1 1 3 4 3 2 4 1 3 9 53 8 0 1 10 1 3 11 26 27 13 1 5 20 20 3 7 5 1 9 38 209 0 5 2 5 3 6 0 15 29 4 0 1 12 2 0 2 8 1 4 4 103 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 5 2 0 0 6 2 1 1 1 0 0 5 29 Algonac 2 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 0 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 0 Jacksonville 2 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 1 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 1 Wilmington 0 3 1 4 5 1 2 1 14 22 12 1 0 12 3 1 1 1 0 3 11 12 1 1 11 1 5 6 8 28 11 0 4 26 4 4 2 0 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 2 13 22 7 1 0 10 4 0 1 1 0 0 8 2 0 0 5 0 1 2 3 17 6 0 0 12 5 3 1 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 7 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 10 1 6 10 1 4 0 24 40 20 0 0 16 9 1 0 0 0 10 15 22 1 1 16 1 13 7 16 58 22 3 3 55 8 4 1 0 0 6 29 TOTAL 6 98 146 4 75 73 23 14 167 266 GRAND TOTAL 382 240 346 299 131 222 768 594 409 Engine Department 3 0 1 8 1 4 5 9 12 7 1 1 12 2 1 0 3 1 10 8 89 2 0 4 4 0 0 1 1 18 3 1 0 12 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 53 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 2 1 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 19 Steward Department April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: April 6, May 4 Thursday: April 16, May 14 Thursday: April 9, May 7 Thursday: April 23, May 21 Honolulu Friday: April 17, May 15 Houston Monday: April 13, May 11 Jacksonville Thursday: April 9, May 7 Joliet Thursday: April 16, May 14 Mobile Wednesday: April 15, May 13 New Orleans Tuesday: April 14, May 12 Jersey City Tuesday: April 7, May 5 Norfolk Friday: April 10, May 8 Oakland Thursday: April 16, May 14 Philadelphia Wednesday: April 8, May 6 Port Everglades Thursday: April 16, May 14 San Juan Thursday: April 9, May 7 St. Louis Friday: April 17, May 15 Tacoma Wilmington Friday: April 24, May 22 Monday: April 20, May 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. APRIL 2026 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 3 19 3 1 2 11 4 3 4 6 1 3 5 69 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 9 Entry Department 460 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. LIBERTY PEACE (Liberty Maritime Corp.), November 23 – Chairman Mohamed Alahmadi, Secretary Pauline Crespo Guillen, Steward Delegate Annie Walker. Educational director reminded crew to check the Seafarers LOG for upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center. Course dates also are posted on the SIU website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in both wages and dental coverage. Dinner plates and electrical transformers ordered. Cookies and table dressings refilled. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. WASHINGTON (Fairwater Crew Management, LLC), December 20 – Chairman Jerome Luckett, Secretary Erik Ivey, Educational Director Alex Canada, Deck Delegate Carlo Gentile, Engine Delegate Brandon Fore, Steward Delegate Mario Botelho. Chairman thanked steward department for a good Thanksgiving Day dinner. He reminded everyone to keep noise down for off-watch crew members and to clean rooms well for oncoming crew. Educational director encouraged members to keep up with credentials and to renew documents six months in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship needs new mattresses. Members requested 18 for 30 vacation, increases in shoe reimbursement and extra meal pay to steward department for extra crew members. Crew discussed importance of rank-and-file involvement in contract negotiations. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. EVERGLADES TRADER (U.S. Marine Management, LLC), December 24 – Chairman Leroy Sierra, Secretary Ammar Sailan, Educational Director Jonathan Bernardez Bernardez, Deck Delegate Ramona Tapley, Engine Delegate Samuel Fagerness, Steward Delegate Ana Mohler. Blankets and fans needed for rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed questions about pay in lieu of day off. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), January 18 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Derek Chestnut, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman. Chairman thanked crew for a job well done and reported a safe trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like 25 for 30 vacation. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), January 18 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Nicholas Fortunato, Steward Delegate Brittany Ruffin. Chairman reported a good voyage overall and thanked all departments. He reminded members to leave clean rooms before sign-off and also to separate burnables, plastics and food waste for trash management. No beefs or disputed OT to report. Members conducted a memorial dedicated to the El Faro crew. Next port: Long Beach, California. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company, LLC), January 25 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director William Kilbuck, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Aljohn Fernandez, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. Chairman advised crew to check out the National Maritime Center website’s new MMC function and to renew medical certificates early. Secretary asked members to keep food out of crew’s mess sink and to not store personal baggage in crew’s linen locker. He also reminded everyone to remove personal belongings from staterooms when going on vacation. Educational director directed crew to union website for course dates offered at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members suggested a ship slop chest to provide access to basic toiletries, hats, shirts, etc. Crew requested 25 for 30 vacation, unlimited Wi-Fi, wage increases for SAs and QMEDs and increases in dental and eye care benefits. Next port: Long Beach, California. OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas Ship Management), January 25 – Chairman Paul Brown, Secretary Antajuan Beasley, Educational Director Christopher Edwards, Deck Delegate Andres Martinez, Engine Delegate Christopher Franklin, Steward Delegate Nelson Bernardez. Chairman reminded crew of online payment option for union dues and upcoming dues increase in January 2027. He mentioned new process of email-issued medical certificates and noted online options for MMC and passport renewal. Educational director emphasized the importance of maintaining credentials and upgrading at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New blankets, towels and sheets needed. Members requested unlimited Wi-Fi, 20 for 30 vacation and refrigerators in each cabin. Crew would like shorter rotary rotation for tankers, better penalty pay, higher contractual raises, domestic travel reimbursement and Christmas bonuses. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), March 1 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Jonte Crenshaw, Educational Director Dennis Malaran, Deck Delegate Autum Pough, Steward Delegate Deirick Coltrane. Chairman praised crew for job well done, while secretary encouraged shipmates to keep up the good work. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to come to him if they have problems with their rooms. Deck delegate urged members to clean up after themselves and to stay respectful. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Long Beach, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 14 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 SEAFARERS • SEAFARERS LOG PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 APRIL 2026 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA JOSEPH AYEO Brother Joseph Ayeo, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 2001 and first worked on the Delaware Bay. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ayeo most recently shipped on the Alliance St. Louis and lives in Yonkers, New York. GERY BYRD Brother Gery Byrd, 66, joined the union in 1994, initially sailing aboard the USNS Regulus. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Byrd concluded his career aboard the Overseas Long Beach. He resides in Kenner, Louisiana. CASEY CODDINGTON Brother Casey Coddington, 65, became a member of the union in 1995. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed aboard the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Coddington upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2001. He concluded his career aboard the American Endurance and makes his home in Reno, Nevada. CLIFFORD CRONAN Brother Clifford Cronan, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2006. He first sailed aboard the USNS Impeccable and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother Cronan upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last shipped on the Louisiana and lives in Coconut Grove, Florida. RIZALITO FRIGILLANA Brother Rizalito Frigillana, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2008 and first sailed aboard the Manoa. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Frigillana upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2023. He most recently sailed aboard the North Star and settled in Tacoma, Washington. STEPHEN GATELY Brother Stephen Gately, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2000 when he sailed on the Jeb Stuart. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gately concluded his career aboard the Colorado Express. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. LESLIE JACOBS Brother Leslie Jacobs, 66, signed on with the union in 1992. He initially sailed aboard the Diamond State and worked in the deck department. Brother Jacobs upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped on the Overseas Houston and is a resident of North Richland Hills, Texas. APRIL 2026 We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. NELLIE JONES ROBERT HEATH Sister Nellie Jones, 60, started sailing with the SIU in 1995 when she shipped with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Sister Jones’ final vessel was the USNS Altair. She makes her home in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Brother Robert Heath, 65, became a member of the union in 1979. He worked in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Heath initially sailed aboard the C.L. Austin. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Heath resides in Clay, Michigan. JOSE LOPEZ RODRIGUEZ Brother Jose Lopez Rodriguez, 63, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1997. A deck department member, he first sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Lopez Rodriguez upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Alaska and resides in Ponce, Puerto Rico. DENNIS REDDING Brother Dennis Redding, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 and first worked aboard the USNS Pollux. He shipped in the steward department and concluded his career on the Zera L. Tanner. Brother Redding makes his home in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. INLAND NELSON BREAUX Brother Nelson Breaux, 67, signed on with the union in 1979. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Breaux was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He resides in Dickinson, Texas. JOSEPH CARSON Brother Joseph Carson, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1978. He was a deck department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Carson worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. He calls Mandeville, Louisiana, home. REYNALDO RICARTE Brother Reynaldo Ricarte, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996. He was a steward department member and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Ricarte upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Delaware Express and lives in Cibolo, Texas. EMMANUEL FIAKPUI EDWARD STANFIELD Brother Edward Stanfield, 65, joined the union in 1998 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Stanfield last shipped on the Pride of America and settled in Kapaa, Hawaii. JAMES TIMS Brother James Tims, 76, became an SIU member in 1968. He was an engine department member and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Tims’ first vessel was the Trans Huron; his last, the Robert E. Lee. He makes his home in Purvis, Mississippi. Brother Emmanuel Fiakpui, 76, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 2007, initially working aboard the Terrapin Island. Brother Fiakpui was a deck department member. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the Dodge Island. He makes his home in Houston. KENNETH KUEHNE Brother Kenneth Kuehne, 58, joined the SIU in 1996. A deck department member, he was first employed with Westbank Riverboat Services. Brother Kuehne upgraded at the Paul Hall Cener on several occasions. He last shipped aboard the Integrity and settled in Marrero, Louisiana. NMU SILVANO GERONILLA GREAT LAKES CORNELIUS GLEASON Brother Cornelius Gleason, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1988 when he shipped on the American Republic. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sam Laud. Brother Gleason resides in Grant Township, Michigan. SCOTT HANSON Brother Scott Hanson, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1979. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Merle McCurdy. Brother Hanson last shipped on the Walter J. McCarthy and lives in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Brother Silvano Geronilla, 69, signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Kenai. Brother Geronilla lives in Panorama City, California. JOSEPH KEEFE Brother Joseph Keefe, 70, joined the union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Keefe makes his home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. ROBIN WELCH Brother Robin Welch, 70, signed on with the union in 2001, during the NMU/SIU merger. A deck department member, Brother Welch last sailed aboard the Delaware Trader. He resides in Liberty, Missouri. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ATANACIO BERNARDEZ Pensioner Atanacio Bernardez, 78, died August 6. He joined the union in 2000 and initially sailed aboard the Liberty. Brother Bernardez worked in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Maersk Ohio, and went on pension in 2015. Brother Bernardez called Dorchester, Massachusetts, home. ROGER CLEGG Pensioner Roger Clegg, 74, passed away September 26. He became a member of the SIU in 2005 when he shipped on the Pride of Aloha. Brother Clegg sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the Pride of America, and became a pensioner in 2018. Brother Clegg made his home in the Philippines. JEROME DAVIS Pensioner Jerome Davis, 77, died November 2. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Davis was a steward department member and last sailed on the Washington Express. He lived in Newark, New Jersey. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. JOSE MOLINA CHARLES JOHNSON Pensioner Jose Molina, 85, died December 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1967, first sailing aboard the Topa Topa. Brother Molina sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked with World Crane Services before becoming a pensioner in 2000. Brother Molina lived in Tampa, Florida. Pensioner Charles Johnson, 82, died December 25. He joined the union in 1990 when he shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Johnson sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Ascension. He went on pension in 2010 and resided in Hudson, Florida. CLARENCE MOSLEY Pensioner Arvis Lolley, 94, passed away December 26. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1971. Brother Lolley was a deck department member and sailed with Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. He retired in 1992 and lived in Semmes, Alabama. Pensioner Clarence Mosley, 71, passed away January 3. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Delta Columbia. Brother Mosley was an engine department member. He last shipped on the USNS Able in 1997. He became a pensioner in 2020 and resided in Norfolk, Virginia. GREAT LAKES JOSEPH NOVAK Pensioner Joseph Novak, 93, died November 26. He joined the union in 1960 and first worked with American Steamship. Brother Novak was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the St. Clair and settled in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. INLAND JAMES GAINES Pensioner James Gaines, 68, passed away November 29. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Cove Leader. Brother Gaines worked in the engine department, and concluded his career aboard the American Condor in 1992. He went on pension in 2022 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. JOE HARRIS Pensioner Joe Harris, 87, died December 23. He joined the SIU in 1964 and first sailed with Interocean American Shipping. Brother Harris sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Guayama. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. JAMES ANDERSON Pensioner James Anderson, 76, passed away November 23. He signed on with the SIU in 1969 when he worked with Inland Tugs. Brother Anderson was a deck department member. He concluded his career with Seabulk before becoming a pensioner in 2014. Brother Anderson lived in St. Louis. JOSEPH ARNAUD Pensioner Joseph Arnaud, 86, died December 18. He embarked on his career with the union in 1964. A deck department member, Brother Arnaud was first employed with Higman Barge Lines. He last worked for Dixie Carriers, and began collecting his pension in 2003. Brother Arnaud resided in Arnaudville, Louisiana. ROBERT MASCHMEIER JACK GONZALEZ Pensioner Robert Maschmeier, 69, passed away December 27. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1982, initially working on the Leo. Brother Maschmeier was a steward department member and concluded his career aboard the Yosemite Trader. He began collecting his pension in 2021 and resided in Louisiana, Missouri. Pensioner Jack Gonzalez, 81, passed away January 3. He joined the SIU in 1986. A deck department member, Brother Gonzalez was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2007 and made his home in Robstown, Texas. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ARVIS LOLLEY NMU JAMES ADAM Pensioner James Adam, 71, died December 14. Brother Adam worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Lykes Navigator, and went on pension in 2019. Brother Adam was a resident of Picayune, Mississippi. ROBERT BRADLEY Pensioner Robert Bradley, 82, passed away December 23. Brother Bradley last sailed aboard the Lash Italia. He became a pensioner in 2011 and was a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia. CARLTON CYRUS Pensioner Carlton Cyrus, 90, died December 19. Brother Cyrus worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the St. Louis Express before retiring in 2004. Brother Cyrus lived in Buffalo, New York. CLEVE HENDERSON Pensioner Cleve Henderson, 71, passed away August 17. Brother Henderson worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Cape Avinof. He became a pensioner in 2009 and settled in Portsmouth, Virginia. MAXINE JULIEN Pensioner Maxine Julien, 93, died December 19. Sister Julien sailed in the steward department. She concluded her career aboard the Cape Texas and began collecting her pension in 1998. Sister Julien lived in Houston. OLLIE OWENS Pensioner Ollie Owens, 97, died December 25. He started sailing in 1945, initially aboard the Ethan Allen. Brother Owens worked in the steward department. He retired in 1968 and settled in Baltimore. APRIL 2026 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck June 8 June 26 RFPNW May 4 June 29 August 3 May 22 July 17 August 21 May 11 June 8 May 22 June 19 Water Survival Latest Course Dates STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook June 22 August 31 November 9 August 28 November 6 January 15, 2027 Galley Operations May 4 May 29 Chief Steward May 25 June 19 Adv. Galley Operations April 27 May 22 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Boiler Technician (FOWT) May 4 May 29 Junior Engineer May 18 July 10 Marine Electrician August 3 September 4 Marine Refrigeration Tech. June 22 July 31 Adv. Refrig. Cont. Maint. (ARCM) June 1 June 12 Welding June 1 June 19 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation May 4 May 8 June 15 May 4 May 8 June 15 Government Vessels April 20 May 18 April 24 May 22 Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. June 1 August 17 November 2 June 2 August 18 November 3 Notice Upgrading Class Registration Now Available Online Recently, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has unveiled a new option for mariners looking to continue improving and upgrading their skills: The class registration form is now online. Simply fill out the form with your information, check which classes you are interested in, and hit Submit. This will make the course registration process faster, more modern and easier than ever for members to use. Please visit www.seafarers.org/upgrading-application, or scan the QR code at right. Operation Deep Freeze a Yearly Tradition Continued from Page 20 Point. “Immediately adjacent to the dock is a hut on what's called Hut Point, which was used by the Scott expedition and the Shackleton expedition to store supplies,” she explained. “Those supplies remain untouched in the hut from over 100 years ago, including just dead seals that they were burning for heat, or the box of biscuits that Ernest Shackleton left, and they're just on the ground. It's just there. There's no barrier between you and history. The director of the recreation department opened the hut specifically for us and gave us a tour, and that was amazing. I was very, very excited, AB Tyler Brown steers through the pack ice with Ice Captain Leroid Jones Jr. and 3M Tristin because it was an untouched slice of history, and it's still there in its exact condition.” Woolf. The base reminded Groenleer of college. “You go there and there's dorms, you've got the gym, you've got a little coffee shop, you've got a couple of bars, you have the cafeteria. It was like, cold, grad school,” she said. The 900 or so people living and working at the base at McMurdo Station treated the ODF participants with the utmost hospitality. “Some people work for the Air Force, and some work for the National Science Foundation, and some were maintenance workers, or PhD students,” Groenleer said. “Everyone lives in a big dorm, and they have what looks like a college cafeteria, and the people in charge of supplying that concession do a great job.” In return for their kindness, the Stena Polaris crew gave several tours of the ship to those who were interested. “I'm just really grateful to the people that worked at McMurdo for having us and An orca (also known as a killer whale) pokes its head out from the ice. treating us so well and that the operation was a success,” Groenleer concluded. 17 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #930 – Recently graduated: Nicholas Amore, Joseph Breece II, Roland Evans II, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Oscar Garibaldi, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan, Delvonta Haynes, William Land, De'aizja Martin, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata, Astrid Ortiz, Shawn Richard, Paul Schad and Jacquita Theriot. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION - PHASE 1 (LG) – Graduated February 13: James Artis, Elijah Busch, Daniel Cho, Kelvin Huffman, Kaitlyn Lipka, Alec Neace, Joseph Romanowski, Cameron Slayton, Dylan Storie, Maciej Szmytkowski, Dena Turner and Cole Waddell. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated February 13: Jatarvis Fryer Jr., Cotisha Long-Green, Christian Perez Gonzalez and Renita Walker. GALLEY OPS – Graduated February 13 (not all are pictured): Victoria Butler, Shemekia Donald, Robert Edwards, Ryan Hatch, Jasmine Pascal, Jalen Shuman and Shakisha West. WELDING – Graduated February 27: Jason Bullen, Joshua Higdon, Fernando Macato, Tariq Mamudu and Samuel Penn. Instructor Chris Raley is at far right. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated February 13: Randy Amezquita Montalvo, Morgan Boekhout, Kevin Castillo, Syniaya Lane, Christopher Lazo, Alma Lewis, Ryan McKinnon, Abraham Quintus, Julius Rogers, Hadi Selim, Dakota Snow, Joseph Vermeulen, Tevin White, Ciarra Wiggins and Kimberly Wilson. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2026 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW – Graduated March 6 (not all are pictured): Gustavo Anavitate, Hyjalun Burch, Kendell Dorsey, Brandon Givens, Kenneth Gonzalez, Kelton Greene, Christopher Jack, Kainoa MacKenzie, David Ray and Ricardo Vasquez. ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated February 27: Adam Bechtold, William Fortner, Marcel Jubert, Sandra Norato, Wilson Palacios Arriola and Gina Settle. ADV. REFER CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Graduated recently: Alvin Alcasid, Alberto Magsucang, Daryl Thomas Jr. and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Mike Fay is at the far right, and Instructor Andrew Phelps is at the far left. SERVE SAFE MANAGEMENT – Graduated February 20: Randy Amezquita Montalvo, Syniaya Lane, Alma Lewis and Kimberly Wilson. WATER SURVIVAL (UPGRADERS) – Graduated February 27: Tanesha Terrell (above) and Nolan Walker. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated February 20 (not all are pictured): Alharath Ahmed, Jose Argueta, Christopher Branch, Rio Cuellar, Ricky Desir, Jarrell Dorsey, Joaquim Ganeto, Marlon Green, Mark Griffin, Gabriel Guardiola Berrios Jr., Clarence Johnson III, Tousif Khan, Kia Major, Abdulalah Mohamed, Christopher Moore, Anthony Overholt, Nicholas Parker, Delia Peters, Ariana Ross, Jason Springer, Anpeng Sun, LBJ Tanoa, Jeremy Thigpen and Michael Zabielski.. APRIL 2026 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �APRIL 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 4 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Delivers in Operation Deep Freeze SIU members earlier this year upheld their decades-long tradition of supporting a crucial resupply mission named Operation Deep Freeze (ODF). Seafarers sailing aboard the Stena Polaris (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) journeyed to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and wrapped up on-site operations Jan. 20. They helped transport and deliver fuel to the scientific outpost. Before the Christmas holiday, the Stena Polaris loaded up fuel cargo in Greece to deliver to McMurdo Station. This was the vessel’s first time participating in ODF, and with the assistance of Navy Cargo Battalion ONE, the Stena Polaris supplied five million gallons of AN8 diesel fuel (a blend made specifically for the Antarctic region), more than 400,000 gallons of aviation fuel, and 126,000 gallons of gasoline. According to MSC Pacific’s McMurdo Station representative, Lt. Emily Spath, all parties involved work together to facilitate the delivery process in advance. “The National Science Foundation contracts fuel specialists who operate the terminal at McMurdo Station, the U.S. Coast Guard provides ice escort services for the vessel, and MSC (the Military Sealift Command) coordinates closely with the ship’s crew and personnel ashore to ensure a safe and successful operation,” she said. SIU members aboard the Stena Polaris for this journey included Bosun James Gregory, ABs Harriet Groenleer, Eden Dulin and Dylan Wright, STOS Tyler Brown, QEP Rayshawn Buksha, Wiper Abdelhamid Dika, EUs Adam Ferkula and Diamond Jackson, Steward/Baker Xavier Burgos, Chief Cook Anthony Jackson, and SA Tahj Ligon. The first ODF took place in 1955. American-flag ships have supported the mission every year. Groenleer, who was participating in ODF for the first time, assisted with basic tanker duties on the Stena Polaris, including lookout, steering, maintenance, and cargo ops. Groenleer’s recollection of the voyage timeline is as follows: “We left Piraeus, Greece, around Thanksgiving, and then we went to Rota, Spain, for a couple of days. We left Rota and went to Cape Town, South Africa, and we were there just before Christmas. Then from Cape Town, we went to McMurdo Station, and we arrived at the Winter Quarters Bay on, I believe, Jan. 19.” Traveling between ports took around a month, and then the shipboard personnel spent a week or so in Antarctica. The Stena Polaris docks at McMurdo Station. U.S.-flag ships like this one have steadfastly supported Operation Deep Freeze for more than 70 years. that's why we had the ice pilot and the ice captain. Seafarers face several challenges when jourSomebody was always on watch that had polar neying to the south pole, where the mean annual certification.” temperature is -18°C (0°F), but can reach as low as They also used a special radar on the ship to nav-50°C (-58°F) during the winter months. The environigate around icebergs, which could sometimes take ment is one of the coldest on earth but also can be several days. Icebergs often are surrounded by fog, dry and windy, which complicates the fuel transfer process. To meet the conditions of the environment, which can lead to further delays. Seafarers took special precautions to maintain mariners must plan ahead and make additional the environmental cleanliness of the region. “We coordination and operation considerations to couldn't throw food waste over the side of the ship ensure safe and successful delivery. below 60 degrees latitude, out of concern for bird By design, ODF takes place during the austral diseases,” Groenleer recalled. “Even aside from the summer, when temperatures can reach as high oil, we were careful. At a certain point you couldn't as 8°C (46°F). Because of this, Groenleer said, the even run the incinerator, because of the air polluweather conditions were not so bad. “I'm going to tion and impacts on the ice.” be honest with you. I have done two winters on the The Stena Polaris crew also kept an extremely Great Lakes, and they were way worse,” she stated. thorough watch on the ship’s hoses, flanges, and Antarctica has six months of day and six months of night which are referred to as the austral summer connections to preserve the sensitivity of the Antarctic ecosystem because many species are found and winter, respectively. Also, regions located below there that exist nowhere else in the world. the equator experience seasons at opposite times Moreover, they were issued polar survival gear in from locations in the northern hemisphere, like the case of an abandon-ship situation, and they particUnited States for example. “It's going to be night on March 20 (the date of the ipated in additional drills that were specific to the environment. spring equinox), so we [completed the mission] in But, after the hard work was done, ODF partici24-hour daylight,” Groenleer noted. “It wasn’t really pants enjoyed the singular experience of being on that windy most of the time, and the temperatures the Antarctic continent. One of the highlights for were in the 20s and 30s. So, it was cold, but it wasn't Groenleer was receiving an opportunity to visit Hut horrible.” She continued, “We had to carry additional Continued on Page 17 crew members to keep a better lookout for ice, so SIU and AMO members aboard the tanker Stena Polaris (Intrepid) recently took part in Operation Deep Freeze, which supplies fuel to the southernmost port in the world at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Standing from left are 3AE Marcus Adam, 3AE Cordell Johnson, 2M Bobby Sirois, 2AE Connor Daly, CM Joey Mainella, AB Tyler Brown, SA Tahj Ligon, Pumpman Rayshawn Buksha, ABM Harriet Groenleer, QMED Adam Ferkula, AB Dylan Wright, Wiper Ahamid Deka, QMED Diamond Jackson, 2M Kirsten Snyder, 3M Tristin Woolf, 3M George Bellenger, CE Alan Hamond, Cadet Erin Stillenger, Ice Captain Leroid Jones Jr., and Contractor Adam Meller. Kneeling in front (from left) are Captain Carl Schoenbucher, Chief Cook Anthony Jackson, Cadet Katie Howe, and Chief Steward Xavier Burgos. Two of what appear to be crabeater seals found in the Antarctic (Photos by Ice Pilot Rob Lee) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource APRIL 2026 Description An account of the resource PAUL HALL CENTER HOSTS USTRANSCOM COMMANDER NEARLY HALF A MILLION WORKERS UNIONIZED IN 2025 UNION APPLAUDS FOOD FOR PEACE ANNOUNCEMENT WHITE HOUSE ISSUES MARITIME ACTION PLAN WHAT TRUE HEROES CAN LOOK LIKE SIU PRESIDENT EXPOSES FOC SYSTEM ARTICLE UNDERSCORES HOW JONES ACT BENEFITS PUERTO RICO IN THEIR OWN WORDS SEAFARERS RISING THROUGH THE RANKS IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE FOR PENSIONERS SIU DELIVERS IN OPERATION DEEP FREEZE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2026 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 88, NO. 4 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/1d144438767b03c74fc3b605653f2b98.pdf 76a24b8f1175e9dfc4d67535e62fa0c2 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 3 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO ITF: Mariner Abandonment Hits All-Time High in 2025 A new report from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) finds that cases of worldwide mariner abandonment topped 6,200 last year, the most ever recorded. Among the victims were crew from the Navimar 3 (above), pictured in Bangladesh. SIU President David Heindel (right, inset), who also serves as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, called the collective abandonments “nothing short of a disgrace.” Page 3 U.S. Court Decision Supports Jones Act The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia late last year issued a comprehensive ruling that supports America’s freight cabotage law. Jones Act vessels (including the SIU-crewed Isla Bella and the SIU-crewed Crowley tug pictured above) support U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Page 5. Honolulu-Area Seafarers Spread Holiday Cheer SIU personnel are pictured at the hiring hall in Honolulu, Hawaii, where they volunteered for community outreach supporting Family Programs Hawaii, a local nonprofit social services organization self-described as “dedicated to strengthening children and families at risk in Hawaii.” SIU VP Hazel Galbiso noted, “The Honolulu port and its membership generously supported the most recent Adopt-a-Tote-Bag campaign, helping brighten the holidays for local foster children and families. As a result of their contributions, we reached our goal and distributed 1,050 tote bags at the Family Programs Hawaii Christmas party on Dec. 7.” Page 20 (back page) REPORT UNDERSCORES BENEFITS OF UNIONIZATION • PAGE 2 // MARITIME PIRACY DATA REVEALED • PAGE 4 �President’s Report Historic Partnership The SIU’s close ties with our military – and our members’ unwavering dedication – were on display early last month when Iranian gunboats threatened the Seafarers-crewed tanker Stena Imperative (Crowley) in international waters in the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 16 nautical miles north of Oman. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its forces promptly supported the Americanflag tanker after individuals from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated their intentions to unlawfully “board and seize” the Stena Imperative. A U.S. Navy destroyer that had been operating nearby responded, as did the U.S. Air Force. As a CENTCOM David Heindel spokesman put it, “The situation de-escalated as a result, and the U.S.-flagged tanker is proceeding safely.” This story was in the headlines for no more than a day or two, despite highlevel tension between our countries in recent months. In some ways, I believe that the “just another day on the job” reaction to the attempted boarding of a U.S.flag vessel powerfully underscores several noteworthy points. First, the U.S. Merchant Marine never hesitates to answer the call, whether the mission involves obvious risks or less-likely ones. We also don’t back down when challenged. American mariners have supported U.S. national, economic and homeland security from our country’s first days, “In Peace and War.” That will remain the case as long as our elected political leaders stay committed to supporting a strong American maritime industry, prominently including welltrained, dedicated, reliable U.S.-citizen mariners. Second, we are proud of, and grateful for our consistently outstanding, respectful relationship with U.S. armed forces. Whether we are delivering for our troops in times of crisis, or receiving much-needed assistance as in the case of the Stena Imperative, it’s a simple but vital fact that we’ve always got each other’s backs. Those bonds are much more than transactional. As you may have read in some recent LOG features, we’ve got many military veterans in the SIU’s ranks, both among our members and our officials and staff. In many ways, we’re part of the same patriotic workplace family. Finally, it’s significant that the Stena Imperative is part of the U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP). This is a relatively new but unquestionably valuable policy that boosts our military capabilities across the globe. The TSP, like the Maritime Security Program that preceded it by many years, symbolizes America’s investment in strengthening the industry. Last month’s incident won’t be the final one involving a foreign country and an American-flag ship. Whenever and wherever the next such challenge happens, we’ll be ready. Meanwhile, I thank all of the SIU members and officers on the Stena Imperative for your professionalism and courage. Big Win in Texas In what has been described as a stunning victory for workers, the president of a Machinists local in Fort Worth easily won a recent election for an open state senate seat there. Democrat Taylor Rehmet’s pro-union message resonated with voters, whose million-member district had only elected Republicans since 1979. As most if not all Seafarers know, our union does not care about political party affiliation. We support candidates who support the U.S. Merchant Marine and who back workers’ rights. In Rehmet’s case, it is noteworthy that his pro-worker platform propelled him to an unlikely win despite being severely outspent. His victory reminds us of the importance of grassroots action. As we promote our industry plus the benefits of union representation, with the midterm elections not all that far off, I’m hopeful that other voters across the country will see the wisdom of backing candidates who share our values and our goals. By the way, this is a good time to make sure you are registered to vote. Rest in Peace You may have seen the notice on our website or social media pages or elsewhere, but, for anyone who missed it, Sophie Sacco passed away in early February. Sophie was the widow of Mike Sacco, our union’s longest-serving president. Sophie’s unwavering support of Mike’s work definitely benefited Seafarers. She was a dependable source of strength, and she loved the SIU. She especially valued the educational opportunities available in Piney Point, and she served as an unofficial recruiter for much of her life. This feels like the end of an era, and while I am saddened by her passing, I salute Sophie for her many sacrifices on behalf of Mike and us. Rest in Peace. ‘Strong Unions, Stronger Communities and Democracy’ New Report Spells Out Numerous, Widespread Benefits of Unionization A brief but powerful “fact sheet” from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) enumerates many community-wide benefits of unionization. Co-authored by Margaret Poydock and Celine McNicholas for the nonprofit, nonpartisan think-tank, the report leaves no doubt that union membership helps more people than just the rank-and-file. The online version includes links to specific, individual reports supporting all of the data cited in the fact sheet. “There is an undeniable correlation between higher levels of unionization and stronger economic, community, and democratic outcomes,” the writers noted. “States with a larger share of workers represented by a union enjoy higher incomes, greater access to health insurance, and fewer voting restrictions.” The fact sheet pointed out that union contracts provide workers with: • Higher wages: Workers covered by a union contract earn, on average, 12.8% more in wages than those of nonunionized peers with comparable characteristics. When union density is high, nonunionized workers benefit too, because nonunion employers must raise wages to retain and attract workers they need. Seafarers LOG Volume 88, Number 3 March 2026 Official Publication of the Seafarers International Union www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2026 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG • Reduced racial wage gaps: Black workers represented by a union are paid 12.6% more than their nonunionized Black peers, and Hispanic workers represented by a union are paid 16.4% more than their nonunionized Hispanic peers. • Higher wages for women: Wages for women represented by a union are, on average, 9.8% higher than those of nonunionized women with comparable characteristics. • Reduced income inequality: By directly raising wages for union members and indirectly lifting pay for nonunionized workers, unions play a crucial role in raising wages for working people and narrowing income inequality. • Healthier and safer workplaces: Union workers are more likely to have access to employer-sponsored health care and paid sick leave compared with their unrepresented counterparts. Further, unions foster safer workplaces by empowering workers to bring up unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation. • Secure retirement: Unionized workers are more likely to have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans (94% compared with 72% of nonunion workers). Further, union employers are more likely to contribute toward retirement plans compared to nonunion employers. The report continued, “Unions do more than give workers a voice at work – high union density also shapes the strength and the health of our communities.” For example, states with high union density experience: Higher wages and income • Higher minimum wages: The average minimum wage of high-union-density states is $13.70, compared with an average minimum wage of $9.30 in low-uniondensity states. • Higher incomes: Median household incomes in high-union-density states are more than $12,000 higher, on average, than median incomes in lowunion-density states. • Greater access to retirement security: States with smaller declines in union density experienced smaller reductions in employer-provided retirement plans. Healthier communities and stronger social insurances • Greater access to health insurance: The share of people without any form of health insurance was 5.7% in states with higher union densities, compared with 9% in states with lower union densities. • Greater access to paid sick leave: 70.6% of states with the highest union density have enacted paid sick leave legislation, compared with just 11.8% of lowunion-density states. • Greater access to unemployment insurance: Unemployed workers are twice as likely to receive unemployment benefits in high-union-density states than in low-union-density states. • More spending on education: States with higher rates of unionization spend $22,777 per pupil on education, compared with $15,568 per pupil in lowunion-density states. Further, states with higher unionization rates are less likely to have universal voucher programs. Stronger democracy • Fewer voting restriction laws: Since 2021, lowunion-density states have passed 44 voter restriction laws, whereas high-union-density states passed six such laws. Further, 70% of states with the highest union density had not passed any voter restrictions between 2021 and 2024, while less than a quarter of medium-union-density states and low-union-density states can claim this distinction. The report concluded, “The evidence is clear: When unions are strong, workers have more power and communities thrive. Building union density is not just a worker or workplace issue, but it is also a mechanism to uplift families and communities. In the face of rising inequality and authoritarianism, unions organize, educate, and mobilize working people to defend voting rights, push back against disinformation, and expand civic participation. Rebuilding worker power by strengthening unions is not just good policy – it is a democratic imperative in the face of authoritarian backsliding.” MARCH 2026 �ITF Report Finds Global Mariner Abandonment at All-Time High In a report released in January, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) found that cases of seafarer abandonment reached an all-time high in 2025, with 6,223 seafarers abandoned across 410 ships. Those totals, according to the ITF’s data, represent a 31 percent increase in ship abandonments and a 32 percent increase in seafarer abandonment when compared to 2024. “It’s nothing short of a disgrace that, yet again, we are seeing record numbers of seafarers abandoned by unscrupulous ship owners,” said David Heindel, SIU President and Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. "Every day, all around the world, seafarers face horrific violations of their human and labor rights, all so that bottom-feeding companies can make a quick buck at their expense. It’s very clear that this is a systemic issue in the industry – and that means we need the entire industry to come together with seafarers and their unions to say, ‘enough is enough,’ and take action together to end this crisis.” The report, which will be submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ahead of its discussion at a legal committee meeting this year, also found that mariners were due $25.8 million in 2025 because of those abandonments, of which the ITF has recuperated and distributed $16.5 million so far. According to the IMO, seafarer abandonment is defined as “failing to cover the cost of a seafarer’s repatriation; leaving a seafarer without necessary maintenance and support; unilaterally severing ties with a seafarer, including failure to pay contractual wages for a period of at least two months.” ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said, “How many more seafarers have to be put through the misery of abandonment until we see the changes that we know are needed to end this disgraceful practice? In 2025, we’ve yet again seen the worst year on record for seafarer abandonment. But this isn’t just a story about numbers, these are the people – the workers – who keep our economy moving forward being forced into absolutely desperate situations, far from home and often without any clear resolution in sight. As we’ve long said, the solutions to abandonment lie in accountability in the shipping industry ensuring that ship owners can’t dodge their responsibilities. The International Maritime Organization must be given more power to play a coordinating role in eradicating abandonment.” Indian seafarers were the worst affected national group in 2025, with 1,125 mariners abandoned, followed by Filipino mariners (539) and Syrian mariners (309). So-called flag-of-convenience (FOC) vessels accounted for 337 vessels abandoned in 2025 – 82% of the total. The ITF estimates that around 30% of the entire global fleet of merchant vessels fly FOCs. The ITF is calling for the following steps to be taken to tackle seafarer abandonment: • Flag States to be compelled to log a ship’s beneficial owner, including contact details, as a pre-condition for registration • National blacklisting of vessels to protect seafarers from ships with repeated involvement in abandonment cases, following the lead of India’s DG Shipping • Government investigations into the use of FOCs (also known as runaway flags), as is currently underway in the U.S. The full report is available online. Case Study: The Eleen Armonia One Indian mariner who is currently abandoned alongside three other Indian crew spoke to the ITF about his ongoing ordeal. Those four individuals have been aboard the ship, the Eleen Armonia, off the coast of Nigeria, since June 2025 without receiving pay (the ITF filed the ship as abandoned in August 2025). Despite repeated appeals and the expiration of contracts, they have not been repatriated by the ship owner – Eleen Marine – despite seeing other crew members signing off to go home. “Every month we’ve asked the company to pay our wages and send us home, but they don’t care. We’re in touch with many authorities, including the ITF, who are trying to help us, but right now it feels like we will only go home when the company decides,” the mariner said. “The situation here is worse than hell. We keep hearing false promises from the company, it’s maybe 10 times that they’ve promised us we can go home, then nothing. The ship’s insurer contacted us in December and said that since our wages have been pending for more than two months, they would get involved and help us sign off. But then they said they are still waiting for company permission, and the company hasn’t replied for a week.” He added, “It’s become a daily routine for me that I can’t sleep from stress, and if this continues, I honestly don’t know how it will affect my health. I joined this vessel quickly because the assignment meant I could spend Christmas and New Year with my new daughter and family – I have now missed Christmas, New Year and an important family event. As seafarers, it feels really shameful that we’re treated this way.” Earlier in 2025, an ITF report detailed Eleen Marine’s relationship with the Slovenia-registered sham union, the so-called International Seafarers’ Union (ISU). The ISU was established alongside and operates in tandem with the company, Lanibra, which sells anti-union services to ship owners. This means the ISU violates international and national laws that forbid interference by employers in a union. Agreements Eleen Marine purchased from ISU-Lanibra are believed to have expired in June and have not been renewed. The mariner’s name has not been used to protect his identity. Mariners fear reprisals and blacklisting by employers for speaking out. Source: International Transport Workers’ Federation Mariners were stuck aboard the tanker Global Peace for more than 15 months. The ship had no known flag or insurance. The rusting tug Navimar 3 (directly above) was detained near Bangladesh for a year, leaving crew members (including the one in photo above, right) abandoned and unpaid. MARCH 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �Adm. Lunday Takes Helm at Coast Guard On Jan. 15, the United States Coast Guard conducted a formal swearing-in and assumption of command ceremony for Adm. Kevin Lunday as the 28th commandant of the agency. SIU President David Heindel and Vice President George Tricker represented the union at the event, which took place at Coast Guard headquarters in the nation’s capital. Upon taking the oath of office, Lunday formally assumed the responsibilities of commandant and reaffirmed what the agency described as “the Coast Guard’s enduring role as a vital instrument of national power responsible for controlling, securing, and defending the U.S. border and maritime approaches; facilitating the safe and secure flow of commerce that is vital to economic prosperity, strategic mobility, and America’s maritime dominance; and responding to crises and contingencies that may come without warning.” “I am honored to assume command of the United States Coast Guard,” said Lunday. “Every day, Coast Guard men and women carry out missions that protect our homeland, secure our maritime borders, save lives and protect national security. I am humbled to serve alongside them while ensuring they have what they need to succeed – today and in the future.” Lunday served as acting commandant since January 2025. He previously served as the 34th vice commandant from June 2024 to January 2025. Adm. Kevin E. Lunday addresses the gathering in the nation’s capital. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) SIU President David Heindel, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, and SIU VP George Tricker. 2nd Class Gabriel Wisdom) Attendees prepare for the ceremony at Coast Guard headquarters. IMB: Global Piracy Increased in 2025 The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has issued their annual report of global piracy incidents, hot spots and other trends from 2025. As stated in the IMB Annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, there were 137 documented incidents against ships in 2025, which is an increase from 116 in 2024, and the highest recorded level in the last five years. The compiled data revealed that far fewer crew members were taken hostage in 2025, with 46 reported hostages, compared to 126 taken hostage in 2024. Twenty-five crew members were reported kidnapped, while 10 were threatened, four injured and Chart courtesy of IMB Piracy Reporting Center 4 • SEAFARERS LOG three were assaulted. Additionally, the use of guns in incidents of piracy increased, with 42 reported cases in 2025 as opposed to 26 in 2024. The vast majority of worldwide incidents occurred in the waters around Southeast Asia, with 95 incidents reported in 2025, followed by Africa (29 incidents) and the Indian sub-continent (eight). According to the report, “Although only a small number of incidents were reported off the Somali coast in 2025, two incidents in November took place far from shore, showing that Somali pirate groups still have the ability to operate at range. In both cases, well-prepared crews, together with the swift response of naval forces, ensured the safety of the vessels and their crews.… The lack of a broader resurgence in Somali piracy continues to reflect the strong deterrent effect of sustained naval presence, supported by vessel hardening and the use of best management practices. IMB acknowledges active patrolling and robust responses to piracy by naval forces and encourages their continued presence in these waters.” IMB Director Michael Howlett said, “Reported incidents off the Somali coast highlight the ongoing importance of a sustained naval presence in these trade-critical waters. We also commend the Gulf of Guinea authorities for the steps taken to reduce reported incidents, while recognizing that crew members continue to be affected. Sustained and strengthened cooperation between regional authorities, navies, international partners, and industry remains essential to protect seafarers and safeguard trade.” Howlett concluded, “Timely reporting is key to preventing further incidents and protecting other vessels in the area. We continue to urge all ships to report incidents promptly, so that risks can be better understood and effective measures taken to protect crews and vessels.” The full report is available online. Weighing in on the subject, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reported, “The threat posed by piracy and armed robbery against ships has been on the IMO's agenda since the early 1980s. In the late 1990s and the early 2000s the focus was on the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. More recently, since 2005, IMO has focused on piracy off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean, and is currently implementing a strategy for enhancing maritime security in West and Central Africa, in line with the region's maritime security agreements. The Organization, with support and cooperation from the shipping industry, has through the years developed and adopted a number of antipiracy measures, which have contributed towards the mitigation of the negative impact posed by piracy worldwide. Information regarding acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships is publicly available (subject to registration) in IMO's Piracy and Armed Robbery module within the Organization's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). “In addition,” the statement continued, “IMO provides assistance, to Member States seeking to develop their own national or regional measures to address the threat of piracy, armed robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activities, if and when requested. This was the case of the Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden (Djibouti Code of Conduct), agreed between countries in and around the western Indian Ocean and the case of the Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy, Armed Robbery against Ships, and illicit maritime activity in west and central Africa in the Gulf of Guinea region of West Africa.” SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 MARCH 2026 �Court Ruling Backs Jones Act A recent court decision jettisoned a challenge to America’s cornerstone maritime law. On Dec. 20, a U.S. district court dismissed a challenge to the U.S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, which ensures vessels transporting cargo from point to point in the United States must be American-built, -owned and -crewed. In a comprehensive 46-page opinion, Chief Judge James E. Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia resoundingly rejected claims that the Jones Act violates the Due Process Clause and the obscure Port Preference Clause of the Constitution. The ruling, siding with the Trump administration’s defense, reaffirms the statute’s vital role in maintaining America’s merchant marine for commercial and national security purposes as part of a long-standing history of American cabotage. “We commend the Trump administration for vigorously defending the Jones Act in court and defending the men and women who serve America’s national security, homeland security and economic security,” said Jennifer Carpenter, President of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP, a major coalition to which the SIU is affiliated). “The Jones Act is foundational to our nation, and we thank the Court for its thoughtful analysis of the history of the law. This decision reaffirms not only the constitutionality but also the critical importance of the Jones Act to every American.” Judge Boasberg found that the Jones Act is “neutral legislation that does not create any direct preferences by channeling commerce through the ports of one state at the expense of others.” The ruling emphasized that the Jones Act “emerged from a centuries-old tradition of cabotage laws” and “applies uniformly across transportation modes, including aviation,” reflecting consistent national policy across modes of transportation rather than discrimination against any particular state or region as the plaintiffs claimed. The opinion concludes that the Jones Act also satisfies a rational basis review, noting that maintaining “a strong domestic merchant marine, protecting national security by ensuring that vessels are available for military use, and supporting American maritime employment” are “paradigmatic examples of legitimate governmental interests.” The policy is so consistent with national interests that a 2025 legal review by Seafarers Rights International found that 105 nations – representing over 85% of the world’s coastlines – are covered by laws similar to the Jones Act. “As we celebrate our nation’s 250 years of independence, it is good to see the Trump administration, the courts and the private sector all aligned on how important a strong, American merchant marine is,” Carpenter continued. The lawsuit was brought by the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), which has been described as a “Dark Money” group by critics. As part of the PLF’s filing, the organization did not disclose what donors, either foreign or domestic, financially supported this case. As noted by AMP, “More than 45,000 American vessels built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies, operate in our waters 24-hours a day, seven days a week. This commerce sustains nearly 650,000 American jobs, $41.6 billion in labor compensation, and more than $154.8 billion in annual economic output.” Important Benefits of Jones Act • The Jones Act assures the U.S. mainland and its offshore communities continue to have reliable domestic water transportation service subject to national control in times of emergency . • Jones Act vessel construction and repair in U.S. shipyards assures the availability of the skilled professionals and the modern facilities needed in times of war or national emergency. • Freight revenues earned by domestic carriers, shipyards, and repair yards are subject to taxes. Foreign-owned carriers and shipyards are not! • Because of these requirements for the U.S.manned vessels, the American merchant mariner is kept employed and trained, while at the same time maintaining readiness to man essential vessels in times of war or national emergency. • Environmental standards, liability, safety, and enforcement are assuredly improved by having American-owned vessels and U.S.-citizen-crews responsible for safely delivering the goods along our nation’s waterways. Jones Act vessels support a wide range of American industries. For ocean shipping, the coastwise and intercoastal fleet primarily employs crude oil and product tankers while the domestic offshore fleet mainly employs container vessels. For Great Lakes shipping, the Jones Act fleet carries iron ore, coal and limestone. Inland waterways shipping carries more domestic cargo than ocean shipping and Great Lakes shipping combined, transporting farm products, petroleum products, coal and non-metallic minerals, and chemical and allied products in bulk by barge. Source: Transportation Institute Vessels including Crowley’s SIU-crewed American Energy (above, left) and eWolf (remaining photo) bolster the U.S. shipboard manpower pool while reinforcing national sealift capability. Op-Ed Captures Essence of Crucial Law: ‘Jones Act keeps America Sovereign’ A recent online op-ed crystalizes the indispensable nature of America’s freight cabotage law. Writing for the maritime industry website DredgeWire, George Landrith powerfully made the case for the Jones Act, which has served U.S. interests for more than a century. The law requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried on vessels that are owned, flagged and crewed American. Landrith is a law professor at George Mason University’s School of Law, and also serves as president of the Frontiers of Freedom Institute. After citing potential dangers from (respectively) China and Russia, Landrith wrote, “In such a world, the United States cannot afford to be naïve about the strategic importance of maintaining a strong domestic maritime capability. Yet there are still voices in Washington and the think-tank circuit who call for gutting or repealing the Jones Act, the century-old law that forms the backbone of America’s maritime security.” He described the law as “simple in concept and profound in impact,” adding the Jones Act “ensures that, in times of war or crisis, the United States has the ships, shipyards, and trained mariners it needs to defend itself and sustain its military. Without it, America would quickly find itself dependent on foreign powers – many of them adversaries – for essential MARCH 2026 shipping within our own borders. That would be economic suicide and a national security nightmare rolled into one.” Landrith pointed out that most maritime countries across the globe maintain cabotage laws. “Consider China, which prohibits foreign ships from carrying goods or passengers between Chinese ports,” Landrith asserted. “All coastal trade must be done by Chinese-built, Chinese-owned, and Chinese-crewed vessels. Beijing even subsidizes its shipbuilding industry to the tune of $130 billion annually to maintain dominance. Yet Chinese officials and their allies in American academia and media routinely deride the Jones Act as ‘protectionist.’ The hypocrisy is breathtaking…. In short: the world runs on cabotage laws. The only difference is that America is pressured to apologize for enforcing hers.” Reflecting on the law’s origins, Landrith reminded readers about its national-security roots. “When Congress passed it in 1920, the wounds of World War I were still fresh,” he noted. “Lawmakers understood that a nation without a strong merchant marine cannot project power, defend itself, or sustain its military. Modern military leaders understand this. They’re right. The U.S. Military Sealift Command and the Ready Reserve Force depend heavily on the Jones Act fleet and its mariners. Those civilian mariners, trained and loyal Americans, are the logistical backbone of the U.S. Navy in times of war. Without them, our military would be forced to rely on foreign-flagged ships and crews of uncertain allegiance. That is not a risk a serious nation takes.” Moreover, the Jones Act acts as a critical “maritime barrier” that protects homeland security, the author said. “Imagine Chinese or Russian state-owned vessels navigating America’s interior, loaded with surveillance gear, mapping infrastructure, or worse,” Landrith wrote. “The Jones Act ensures that only American-crewed, American-flagged ships – manned by trained, vetted citizens – operate within most of our ports and waterways. It is, quite literally, border control for the seas.” He concluded, “A nation that cannot move its own goods cannot defend its own freedom. Instead, we must strengthen the Jones Act – modernize shipyards, train more mariners, and ensure that America remains the world’s foremost maritime power. Because history is clear: when nations neglect their shipping, they lose their sovereignty. The Jones Act keeps America sovereign.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �MONTHLY WIRELESS SAVINGS 2 off 5% fl gift owers, cho s, and c cov olatee trea red ts Save on activation, plans and accessories! Union families save big on discounted plans and accessories. Access wireless benefits that work as hard as you do. Learn more at unionplus.org �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU RECRUITING THE NEXT GENERATION ‒ Seafarers earlier this year took part in a hands-on maritime expo and career fair in Corpus Christi, Texas. Some of the attendees (from local schools) boarded the SIU-crewed G&H Towing vessel Mark E. Kuebler for a firsthand look at operations. Participants (many of them pictured above) included AB Wyatt Hickman, Mate Jose Padron, Port Captains Mark McGinnis and Michael Long, Mate Garrett Scott, AB Zane Coates, Capt. Bryce Martin, Engineer Stephen White, SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala (fourth from right) and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right). ABOARD CAPE SABLE ‒ SIU Oakland Port Agent Chad Partridge (striped shirt) meets with Seafarers aboard the TOTE vessel. Recertified Bosun Artis Williams is in the coveralls in the photo above, left, while Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (stopping by from the Cape San Juan) is in the remaining pic. WELCOME ASHORE IN FLORIDA ‒ Chief Cook Carlos Diaz (left), who sailed with the SIU for 25 years, obtains his first pension check. He’s pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall with SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman. FAMILY TRADITION ‒ Conor Westbrook (center) picks up his union book at the New Orleans hall after completing the apprentice program and obtaining his oiler endorsement. Proud Pappa – aka SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook – is at right, while his other son, Aedan (who sails as a deckhand with Crescent Towing) is at left. ACTIVE IN RETIREMENT ‒ Recertified Steward Denis Burke may be retired, but he remains involved with his union, as evidenced by these recent photos. The three-person snapshot above, right, taken in Piney Point, includes Burke (left); his wife, Jeannet; and SIU President David Heindel. In photo above, left, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez joins the Burkes at the school. The remaining photo was taken at the Honolulu hall, and it includes SIU VP Hazel Galbiso (left) and Chief Steward Marcus Rowe (second from right). ABOARD TANKER FLORIDA ‒ As seen during a Jan. 8 servicing of the Intrepid tanker by Safety Director Dennison Forsman and Patrolwoman Kate Jansone. From left in the group photo are AB Lucas Anderson, AB Zachary Ballard, GVA Bashar Hasan, QEP Mohsen Mohamed, QMED Saddam Yahia, Steward/Baker Shari Hardman, and Jansone. MARCH 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GEORGE III ‒ Proudly displaying pro-Jones Act PROMOTING UNION LABOR ‒ SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (fifth from left) recently took part in a meeting with Texas flyers aboard the Sunrise Operations/Pasha ship are (from left) Recertified Bosun Kissinfor Taylor, AB Josesimo Balerite, Chief Cook Ahmed Hussain, AB Joseph Toth, and AB Thyron Dy. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) at the governor’s mansion, along with other representatives from the maritime and building trades communities. They discussed how to create jobs and grow the market with skilled union labor. ABOARD GOLDEN STATE ‒ Many thanks to Recertified Steward Delia Peters for these holiday photos from the Intrepid ship. In the smaller group photo are (right to left) SA Roger Sadang, Pumpman Mike Banks, AB Dalrick Fleming, AB Chris Green, GVA Tony Cummings, Bosun Anthony Newbill, and AB Travis Akins. In the larger pic (around the salad bar, also from right to left) are 2nd Engineer Derek Breunig, Capt. Kevin Grove, 3rd Mate Bella Auger, Chief Mate Merrick D’Ingianni, Chief Cook Abraham Pena, AB Dalrick Fleming, SA Roger Sadang, GVA Tony Cummings, Bosun Anthony Newbill, and AB Chris Green. (Visit our social media pages for more Golden State holiday photos.) HOLIDAY FELLOWSHIP IN HAWAII ‒ Members gather at the Honolulu hall late last year to share a feast and enjoy camaraderie. BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Pictured from left at the January membership meeting in Jacksonville are GUDE Anthony Wallace, ABM Muhammad Khalid, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SA Chassidy Palmer, and SA Thomas Nguyen. Muhammad received his A-seniority book at the meeting, while the other Seafarers obtained their respective full B books. 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 BOOK SECURED IN PINEY POINT ‒ AB Joseph McCrea (center) receives his full B book at the SIU-affiliated school in southern Maryland. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Kelly Krick (right) and SIU Patrolwoman Kianta Lee. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 MARCH 2026 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD MAERSK DENVER ‒ SIU members are pictured earlier this year as the vessel successfully transits the Red Sea. The voyage made headlines, as the Maersk Denver is believed to have been the first U.S.-flag commercial ship to sail there in two years. The SIU crew included Recertified Bosun James Walker, ABs Tyler Willette, Edgardo Opao, Artavius Coco, Modesto Ordonez, and Marvin Mejia Martinez, Electrician Danielle Gore, QMED Muniru Adam, DEU Abdul Hakin Al Jahmi, Chief Steward James McLeod, Chief Cook Alaa Embaby, and SA Munasar Muthana. (Vessel master Capt. Christopher Kalinowski is an SIU hawsepiper.) THUMBS UP IN HOUSTON ‒ SA Myriam Sepulveda (right) receives her B book. She’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Anthony Jacobson. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS ‒ Engineer Tommy OATH TAKEN IN OAKLAND ‒ SA Saleh Fedamah (right) receives his full B book. He’s pictured with SIU VP West Coast Joe Vincenzo at the January membership meeting in Oakland, California. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON ‒ Longtime Seafarer Nelson “Frenchie” Breaux (center) picks up his first pension check. He is pictured at the Houston hall with his son Cory Breaux (right) and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. Frenchie sailed as a captain with G&H Towing; Cory is carrying on the family tradition, currently sailing as a mate with G&H. ABOARD MAHIMAHI ‒ Keeping their shipmates well-fed aboard the Matson vessel are (from left) Recertified Steward Frank Ramones, Chief Cook Salah Omar, and ACU Taleb Alarqaban. Dickerson (left), pictured at the New Orleans hall with SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, picks up his first pension check. Dickerson sailed with Crescent Towing for 35 years. ABOARD USNS MARY SEARS ‒ These snapshots were taken on Christmas Eve aboard the Ocean Ships-operated vessel. The Seafaring Gierbolinis are featured in the smaller group pic (from left): GUDE Anthony Gierbolini, Recertified Bosun Joseph Gierbolini, and GUDE Joseph Gierbolini. MILESTONES REACHED ‒ Multiple congratulations are in order for Chief Steward Steven Lopez (left). Towards the end of last year, he completed the chief steward course at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, then secured his A-seniority book and first steward job around the same time. “Ten years in the making for this photo,” he noted. “It’s a really proud moment for me and my family.” Steven’s son is in the middle, and that’s Safety Director Ricky Rivera at right, at the San Juan hall. TEAMWORK IN PUERTO RICO ‒ The SIU joined forces with personnel from TOTE-Puerto Rico, the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and other supporters to help ensure reliable distribution of toys for the holidays along with thousands of bilingual education books in the territory. Some of the cargo (transported aboard the SIU-crewed Isla Bella, with container donation by TOTE) initially was stored at the hiring hall in San Juan, where these photos were taken. A number of SIU volunteers are shown in the large group photo. In the three-person pic above, middle, standing from left are Chief Cook Carlos Gomez, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, and Bosun Joel Gonzalez. The remaining photo includes (from left) Rivera, Nadry Martinez of LCLAA, and AFT VP Victor Bonilla. MARCH 2026 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 99 LOG • �In Their Own Words: Seafarers Rising Through the Ranks Russell Yale Macomber Editor’s note: This article is the first in an occasional series featuring former SIU members who have risen through the ranks (or, in informal maritime industry terms, have gone up through the hawsepipe). Russell Macomber graduated from the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program in 2008; he currently sails as a deep-sea captain. He has been a periodic correspondent with a member of the LOG team, hence the familiarity within a few of the questions and answers. It looks as if you connected with Piney Point in your mid-thirties. What type of work did you do before then, and what led you to the maritime industry? In what I like to say was a different lifetime, I worked in finance. My first job was with a CPA firm doing tax audits for large Pentecostal churches. I then worked in the stock market for a while and had my ups and downs – the downs being what eventually led me to sea. After leaving the corporate world I worked for a contractor who was remodeling Burger Kings in my area. He taught me how to lay tile, do HVAC work, general construction and other skills. I realized I liked working with my hands. At the same time, I was not feeling very satisfied with life, and I was hit with an extreme urge to travel. I like to write. I decided it sounded romantic to travel the world, write about my adventures and make my fortune as a best-selling novelist. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the money to just take off so I hopped on the computer and used my dial up internet to search how to trade my labor for free passage on ships. I thought I could swab a few decks while hitching a ride to exotic ports. During my internet search I came across a newspaper article about Piney Point. It said something along the lines of, in this age of rising educational costs you could go to a union school, get a free education and a guaranteed job on a merchant ship. I had never heard of Piney Point, had never seen a ship and didn’t even know anyone who had ever worked in a union, but I immediately knew the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education was for me. I sold everything, took a physical, bought my first pair of steel-toed boots and flew to Maryland. I feel compelled to point out, in case my employer is reading this, I am no longer willing to work for free no matter how amazing the port of call. Slushing the crane wires aboard the Alliance Norfolk I’m hopeful they exist, and if that’s the case, please share a good memory or two from your days as an apprentice. One of the four sailors who stood next to me when I exchanged vows with my precious bride is a friend I made in class 715 (two of the others came out of the apprentice program as well). As is always the case, the lifelong friendships formed from shared experiences – good and bad – are the most cherished and enduring memories. For me, it was a whole new world. I was in my 30s as you mentioned, had already had a successful career and was not necessarily accustomed to being told what to do. Suddenly, I was with a bunch of kids, forced to shave my head, wear uniforms, march around, live in barracks and scrub the galley 14 hours a day. I didn’t love it all, to be honest. But I was determined to make it through so I could join a ship. I enjoyed the classes. I particularly liked firefighting and lifeboat training. My favorite day as an apprentice was my first day on a ship. The first person I met was the bosun, Rafael from Guyana. He spoke with a thick accent, had a rag on his head and a gold earring. He looked like an actual pirate. I thought he was the coolest guy I had ever met. From the moment I shook his hand, all I wanted to be was a salty sailor just like him. Every day from that day forward I never stopped feeling like I had the coolest job in the world. So, to circle back to your question: my fondest memory of Piney Point is that it provided a starting point to sitting on a ship at this very moment, at anchor on the far side of the world, waiting to call on a country I never thought I would visit. That “free education and guaranteed first job on a ship” led to me being the captain on what I believe is the best vessel in the U.S. fleet, the ARC Commitment. I am eternally grateful to the apprentice program for that. How long did you sail with the SIU and what made you move on? What were your jobs since then? I was with the SIU for six years, I believe. Maybe close to seven. I left the SIU only because I was looking for the quickest and cheapest way to get my third mate’s license. On my first ship as an apprentice, I was simply looking to see the world. I had no idea it could be a career until my captain told me about the process of becoming a hawsepiper. As I approached the point of having enough sea time to test, I was offered a job on a drill ship. They offered to pay for all my third mate classes if I would come work for them. I was in a hurry to get my classes completed and it would have taken too long trying to fit them into my schedule at Piney Point. The price tag to take them at other schools was more than $20,000 plus room and board. When the drilling company offered to pay for it all, I jumped at the chance. I spent two years on a drill ship. They did pay for my third mate’s license. Also, the food was great and someone cleaned your room and did your laundry every day. Other than that, it wasn’t for me. Every day I would call AMO (the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers) and ask for a third mate job, but shipping was tight at that time. About six months after I got my license, I was offered a third mate job on a tanker with a non-union company. I worked there for 18 months until finally AMO had something for me and I returned to sailing deep sea where I belong. Since becoming an AMO member, I’ve been fortunate to always have work. I was second mate on a heavy lift ship and then moved over to a bulker, which I enjoyed. In my career I have sailed on almost every type of commercial vessel, but my favorite memories were on car carriers with the ARC fleet – the old Integrity and Independence II. I had been trying to get over to ARC ever since I joined AMO 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 Former Seafarer Russell Macomber (right) gets a visit from his wife, Kaley, during his first job as a captain (aboard the ARC Commitment). and finally got offered the chief mate job on the ARC Integrity. The old Integrity was my first paying job as a sailor, so having my first chief mate job on the new ARC Integrity was a very special moment for me. Not everyone takes advantage of the upgrading opportunities to the extent that you’ve done, but the sentiment “you can go as far as you want” in this industry quite obviously is true. How did you stay motivated, and how difficult was the professional journey, both in terms of earning the licenses and doing the shipboard work? This is going to sound cocky, and I don’t mean it that way, but I didn’t find it challenging at all. Mainly because I loved the job. You need sea time to hawsepipe. I loved being on ships so that was easy. You need to take some classes. Well, the hardest part of that is scheduling them in your off time. You need to pass the tests. All that requires is treating your studying like a job. If you study seven days a week, 12 hours a day for 45 days – which I did - you will find yourself overprepared and the tests not that difficult. You will also want to learn from your captain or mates and most likely will need to have some at-sea assessments signed off. Do yourself a favor: take some classes before you start asking every mate to teach you everything there is to know about being an officer. I can tell you I am happy to mentor anyone. But if you haven’t even bothered to take a radar class, it is hard to take your ambition seriously. Invest in yourself and others will be more likely to want to invest in you as well. You worked non-union (or, as we sometimes say in the LOG office, “unrepresented”). What are the biggest differences you saw? Is there anything we could learn from the other side, so to speak? The single biggest difference – and a major union benefit – is not being tied to one employer. In the SIU you can work for Crowley, then Maersk and then TOTE all in one year while maintaining consistent health and retirement benefits. If you’re not happy somewhere, you can finish your time and then go somewhere else. I can’t tell you what a refreshing feeling that was coming from the corporate world where if you’re not happy, you just feel trapped. I was fortunate to never be unhappy on a ship. But I did move around a lot because I wanted to see every type of vessel. That freedom does not exist in the corporate world. MARCH 2026 �In Their Own Words: Seafarers Rising Through the Ranks Obviously, it is different at the management level. As a captain I am proud to work on an ARC ship (crewed by TOTE) and I have loyalty to those companies as well as my union. But for the SIU sailors, being able to try different ships and sail to different parts of the world without burning bridges is a real blessing. I think the biggest miss in the union world is the lack of merit-based selection, promotion and financial rewards for excelling beyond your peers. I know we can’t get too into the weeds on this, but if I were having a “Ted Talk” on what I think unions get wrong, most of those things wouldn’t apply to the SIU or AMO. You’re a family man. How have you maintained harmony at home while still excelling in your career? On this subject, what advice would you give to newer or prospective mariners who may worry about spending long stretches away from loved ones? The one subject I love talking about more than being a sailor is my amazing family. I might get a little sappy here and risk losing my salty sailor membership card. My wife is a blessing from God. I honestly don’t know what I’ve done to deserve her. (I’m pretty sure you once pointed out that I outkicked my coverage. Truer words were never spoken.) I didn’t think relationships were possible my first 10 years of sailing. It’s a real challenge to even think about asking someone on a date when you know you’re about to leave for four months or more. When I met Kaley, everything clicked all at once. I fell in love at first sight (sorry everyone. I warned you.) In that moment, relationships went from seeming impossible to being something at which I refused to fail. Enough of that. I believe your partner must have their own life independent from you. You cannot leave someone at home who sits around all day and does nothing but miss you. That missing you will turn into resenting you. They need to miss you and want you home but not have a miserable life while you are away. That’s a fine line to walk and I don’t have the magic answer to finding the person to make it work. My dad found Kaley for me, so maybe ask your parents for help. As a 53-year-old man who feels he now has the wisdom of the ages, I would also say that being in a loving relationship, raising kids and providing for a family is the highest purpose we have in life. Having purpose makes you work safer. Having purpose gets you through the rough and lonely days at sea. Having purpose makes you a better shipmate. Having purpose gives you a reason to look forward to going home. Young sailors: Fall in love. Have kids. Provide for your family. You can make it work. I promise. On a lighter note, what are some of the things you enjoy most about being a mariner? I enjoy the unique personalities you encounter at sea. I have written millions of words journaling about the people I have met in this industry. I still read stuff Aboard the Alliance Norfolk at anchor in Papua New Guinea MARCH 2026 Macomber (standing fourth from right) is pictured with shipmates and security-team members aboard the Ocean Atlas, travelling through potentially risky waters. I wrote 15 years ago and laugh out loud. And I mean all of that in a positive way. These are some of my best friends and even those that I may not have been close to, I valued them as shipmates. Look, you either know sailors and know what I’m talking about, or you don’t. I doubt there is any industry in the world with as wide an array of eccentric personalities as the US maritime industry. It's hard to keep these answers short so I’ll just say, I like doing cool stuff that I know only a few people in the world have ever done. I’ve slid down crane wires in a bosun chair, greasing them as the ship rolled back and forth, only to look out and see little pirate boats approaching the ship. No one at the Rotary Club meetings in Deland, Florida, has done that, I assure you. This is coming from a landlubber, but the perception in the LOG office is that shipboard connectivity is improving, but still has a long way to go. How important is internet access to you and the crew, and how reliable is it, generally? I think a lot of my crew would give up food before giving up internet access. I would rate internet access as extremely important. The ARC fleet has Starlink and it is nothing short of amazing. It is fast and while it is not available in every country, it is generally very reliable. I still can’t get used to the fact I can video chat with my wife on my cellphone while sitting in my room. That’s a long way from $3 a minute satellite calls on the bridge with no privacy. Does it have a long way to go? I’m not going to make many friends here, but how good does it need to be? I just don’t think we need to be able to mine bitcoin or play some virtual reality live streaming game. It is a ship and we are sailors. Or supposed to be. Being removed from the day-to-day stress of home used to be part of the allure of this job. “Back in the day,” ships used to be much more social. The captain had an 8-page newspaper emailed to him and he would print it out and leave it by the coffee pot. We would all sit around at coffee time, each take a page, then pass our page around as we finished. We watched a lot of movies together. Played a lot of cards. It is different now. People go to their rooms to look at their phones. I’m guilty as well. I call my wife probably more than she wants me to. In the last month I have watched my girls play volleyball several times from the middle of the ocean. It's awesome. But there was something to be said for the days when if the TV stopped working at home, or the garbage disposal broke, it wasn’t your problem. If you could make one or two changes in the U.S. flag maritime industry, what would they be? You’re kidding me, right? One or two? You know I love shipping and I love politics. This is something I could talk about all night. But since you asked. One: Make ships in America! When I was a 30-year-old man working in the world of finance, if you had told me that much of the US fleet of merchant ships were reflagged after foreign companies had used them for years, I would have thought you were lying. Surely America was building the newest and best ships in the world! Look, I am currently sitting on a beautiful ship, the ARC Commitment. I am fortunate to work for a company that regularly reflags quality vessels. I truly believe I have the honor of being Captain on the best ship in the US fleet. But I would be lying if I didn’t say it would be a dream to captain a US built car carrier before I retire. Two: Stricter cargo preference laws. I think 100% of food-aid should be on US ships. Likewise, 100% of our energy exports. Obviously military cargo should be transported on US vessels. I have been on 3 ships in my career that were re-flagged foreign while I was on them due to lack of cargo. It’s a crushing feeling and one I hope to never feel again. What advice would you give to someone who’s considering applying for the apprenticeship program in Piney Point or (if they’re already credentialed) joining the SIU? First: Do it! The apprentice program is the best way to start a sailing career as an unlicensed sailor and the SIU is the best union to put you on a US flagged vessel. When you get to the hall, don’t listen to people telling you what is a good ship or a bad ship. Sailors, God bless them, can’t help but be negative. Jump on the first ship you can get. Embrace the experience. Become a better sailor every day. I used to sit at night with my first Bosun and he would teach me how to splice lines, make a monkey fist, fix a needle gun. Be willing to learn and work harder than the next person. That same bosun told me, “If you can’t do anything good, be the nicest guy on the ship.” I still think that’s pretty solid advice. It took restraint for me not to ask a college football question, but, that aside, is there anything you’d like to add? Well, you kind of did ask. So: Geaux Tigers!! Booooo NIL. Not a fan of the new playoff format. However, this year’s Indiana team was one of the best sports stories of my lifetime. Other than that, I’ll just say thanks for letting me talk about most of my favorite topics. Maybe we can squeeze in some BBQ talk next time. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 This month’s question was answered by SIU members at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida. Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Dale Henry ABM Jarrett Andrews Jr. ABG I joined because I wanted a career and wanted to try something different. I stuck with it because I love the travel, seeing different ports and meeting new people. I wanted to travel the world. I’ve stuck with it because I’ve gotten to travel for free, and I appreciate the flexibility of making my own schedule, plus the money that it brings – the financial freedom I have. Joseph Crisante Chief Cook Michael Fincannon SA I joined because I was doing my cooking on land, and I knew a couple of people who were sailing at the time. They told me I could make a better living and see different parts of the world. This is something I enjoy; I like being out on the ocean, kind of getting away from everything. I joined because I like to cook and I like to travel and explore. This is a good job, and the SIU is a good union. It’s a good opportunity for me and I would recommend it to anyone. I’ve stayed because it allows me to support my family and put my kids through college. Linnell Coleman Bosun Willie Dawston AB I joined because my father was in the union. I saw the hard work and dedication he put into it, and I wanted to be part of something that was positive. Once I found out what the union entailed, that’s the way I wanted to go. I’ve stuck with it because of the progress the union has made through years, (including) efforts with the Jones Act. Being around the maritime industry has given me a broad view of how vital we are to the country. I joined for stability but also for doing something new at first. Once I got into it, I realized there is nothing better. I enjoy meeting new people, people from all over the world. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Seafarer Earl Smith is pictured aboard Isthmian’s SS Steel Worker in 1956. 12 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2026 12 MARCH �Notice Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea From 1095-B Available Upon Request Prior to 2025, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) sent all participants a copy of their Form 1095-B at the end February. This is the form that that SHBP is required to submit to the IRS every year to report all individuals who are eligible for “minimum essential” healthcare coverage from the Plan. Due to a change in the law, the Plan no longer mails a copy of this form to all participants. However, it will provide a copy of the form to you upon request. If you would like to receive a copy, please contact MAP at (800) 252-4674, option 2, and let them know you are requesting a copy of your Form 1095-B. The Plan will either mail you a copy of the form; or send it by email if you have consented to electronic notification. “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from January 12, 2026 - February 11, 2026. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of February 12, 2026. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 24 Anchorage 2 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 24 Guam 2 Harvey 5 Honolulu 5 Houston 22 Jacksonville 27 Jersey City 21 Joliet 1 Mobile 5 Norfolk 27 Oakland 11 Philadelphia 5 Piney Point 1 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 23 Wilmington 35 7 3 5 16 1 9 2 10 34 14 4 5 23 4 0 2 4 1 11 12 2 2 1 7 0 0 1 10 11 9 1 5 8 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 5 2 1 20 1 10 10 30 39 17 0 6 17 7 4 0 7 0 16 23 2 2 5 7 0 5 1 20 25 10 3 0 14 2 0 0 3 3 5 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 8 4 0 2 5 1 0 0 1 2 0 2 3 2 2 12 0 2 1 13 25 10 0 5 11 4 0 0 2 1 10 10 42 3 3 23 4 11 5 46 42 30 4 9 40 22 5 2 4 3 29 38 9 1 4 21 2 9 3 29 44 14 3 7 23 7 2 3 4 1 9 19 2 2 2 11 0 3 1 15 13 7 1 7 8 1 1 0 0 0 4 3 TOTAL 245 167 63 215 116 33 113 365 214 81 Algonac 9 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 7 Guam 3 Harvey 2 Honolulu 4 Houston 6 Jacksonville 15 Jersey City 6 Joliet 1 Mobile 6 Norfolk 10 Oakland 5 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 3 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 12 Wilmington 12 TOTAL 108 5 2 3 9 0 4 0 12 20 4 1 1 12 2 1 1 2 0 2 6 87 0 0 1 1 1 1 3 4 4 0 0 1 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 3 27 1 0 3 3 0 0 2 5 9 2 1 1 9 1 1 0 0 1 2 5 46 13 2 2 11 2 2 9 12 25 18 4 8 13 4 4 1 6 1 15 21 173 5 0 2 13 0 4 3 15 28 7 2 3 16 1 0 1 4 0 5 9 118 0 0 1 1 1 1 3 5 7 3 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 34 Algonac 8 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 7 Guam 2 Harvey 2 Honolulu 10 Houston 12 Jacksonville 25 Jersey City 5 Joliet 2 Mobile 3 Norfolk 13 Oakland 15 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 1 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 22 TOTAL 137 0 1 0 4 2 4 1 10 28 6 0 1 10 3 2 4 6 0 5 7 94 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 1 2 1 0 1 4 0 0 4 25 0 0 2 10 3 3 5 12 18 4 1 1 11 5 2 0 4 0 4 20 105 0 0 2 4 1 0 1 5 12 5 0 1 3 3 2 1 1 0 2 11 54 10 0 0 8 0 2 11 23 38 11 1 4 23 18 1 1 6 1 6 38 202 1 4 0 5 2 6 0 12 37 5 0 1 13 3 0 1 9 0 6 8 113 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 2 6 0 0 0 6 3 0 1 2 0 1 3 28 Algonac 0 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 0 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 3 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 2 Wilmington 0 5 0 1 6 0 2 0 21 28 11 1 0 11 8 0 1 0 0 6 11 10 0 1 14 0 4 3 7 31 10 4 0 27 10 3 3 0 0 5 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 2 15 24 9 1 0 8 3 0 1 0 0 2 7 2 0 0 2 0 1 1 4 12 4 0 2 10 6 2 0 0 0 2 14 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 4 2 1 0 5 2 0 6 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 9 0 3 11 0 3 1 27 48 25 0 0 19 11 0 0 0 0 8 21 24 0 1 16 0 11 3 19 70 27 3 0 54 12 1 3 0 0 6 33 TOTAL 5 112 154 5 77 62 28 12 186 283 GRAND TOTAL 460 269 401 300 122 241 752 631 426 Engine Department 0 0 2 5 2 2 2 9 18 2 1 2 10 2 1 0 4 2 4 8 76 2 2 3 8 0 1 2 3 12 4 0 0 7 1 1 0 3 0 0 7 56 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 16 Steward Department March & April Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Monday: March 2, April 6 Thursday: March 12, April 16 Thursday: March 5, April 9 Thursday: March 19, April 23 Friday: March 13, April 17 Houston Monday: March 9, April 13 Jacksonville Thursday: March 5, April 9 Joliet Thursday: March 12, April 16 Mobile Wednesday: March 11, April 15 New Orleans Tuesday: March 10, April 14 Jersey City Tuesday: March 3, April 7 Norfolk Friday: March 6, April 10 Oakland Thursday: March 12, April 16 Philadelphia Wednesday: March 4, April 8 Port Everglades Thursday: March 12, April 16 San Juan Thursday: March 5, April 9 St. Louis Friday: March 13, April 17 Tacoma Wilmington Friday: March 20, April 24 Monday: March 16, April 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. MARCH 2026 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 9 9 4 0 2 5 3 3 4 4 0 0 4 51 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 11 Entry Department 495 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Charles Davis, Educational Director Daryl Morris, Steward Delegate Terry Fowler. Crew requested 20 for 30 vacation. Chairman reminded crew to check documents and to keep ship clean and sanitized. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Charles Davis, Educational Director Daryl Morris, Deck Delegate Eddie Major, Engine Delegate Renita Walker, Steward Delegate Terry Fowler. Crew requested modification to vacation benefit. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members encouraged each other to read the Seafarers LOG, the union’s official publication. Crew thanked galley gang for great work. LIBERTY (TOTE Services, LLC), October 12 – Chairman Kenney Gaston. Chairman advised crew to keep documents up to date. Educational director reminded members to check SIU website for courses offered at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and encouraged everyone to upgrade. Ship treasurer reviewed 401k benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed the latest president’s report from the LOG and talked about the importance of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Crew would like to increase vacation to 20 for 30, add penalty rate for handling stores and trash and to add weekend overtime. Members requested increases in benefits, including medical, dental and vision. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), November 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Charles Davis, Educational Director Daryl Morris, Deck Delegate Eddie Major, Engine Delegate Renita Walker, Steward Delegate Dequan Smith. Chairman advised members to stay on top of documents. Secretary encouraged crew to upgrade when possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses and more bottled water. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services, LLC), November 30 – Chairman Tavell Love, Secretary Richard Jones, Educational Director Ashely Burke, Steward Delegate Adalberto Colon Rosa. New furniture purchased for mess hall. Chairman thanked steward department for preparing good meals and reminded crew to keep ship clean and tidy. Positive attitude amongst crew, per secretary report. Educational di- rector urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school as often as possible and to renew documents well in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested 20 for 30 vacation. Members would like $250 boot reimbursement and pay rate increases to match inflation. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), December 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Breon Lucas Educational Director Daryl Morris, Deck Delegate Eddie Major, Engine Delegate Renita Walker, Steward Delegate Dequan Smith. Chairman urged members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center and to keep documents current. He reminded crew to keep dryer and mess hall clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested change to vacation benefit and an increased allowance for work boot reimbursements. LIBERTY (TOTE Services, LLC), December 7 – Chairman Kenney Gaston. Chairman reiterated the importance of keeping documents current and allowing plenty of time for renewals. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like to increase vacation benefits along with penalty pay for handling trash and stores, weekend overtime and for tour of duty to be added after sailing 150 days. Members requested increases in all benefits, including pension, medical, dental and optical. INDEPENDENCE (Eco Tankers Crew Management, LLC), December 13 – Chairman Ricardo Guevara, Educational Director Josue Iglesia. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed latest edition of Seafarers LOG, which is published and posted monthly. Members discussed ideas for implementing monthly “in lieu of” day off. Crew requested increases in pension benefits and vacation time allotment on standard ships with consideration to increase 14 days to 25 days. TORM THOR (Eco Tankers Crew Management, LLC), January 17 – Chairman Allan Oculam, Secretary Arlando Espin, Deck Delegate Ronald Poole, Engine Delegate Luzern Hawkins, Steward Delegate Mahmoud Fares. Chairman welcomed all crew members and reviewed all positions. Secretary reminded crew to work safely. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center, which has offered training for Seafarers since 1967. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Things are going well, per steward delegate report, although food steamer and electric stove require repairs. Crew discussed needs for shipboard printer and improved Wi-Fi. They suggested increasing vacation benefits and reviewed some basics concerning coverage under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 14 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 SEAFARERS • SEAFARERS LOG PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 MARCH 2026 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA SALEH AHMED Brother Saleh Ahmed, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1998 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ahmed last sailed on the North Star and lives in Rockford, Illinois. MAURICE AYUSO Brother Maurice Ayuso, 71, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1979. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and first sailed aboard the Newark. Brother Ayuso upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Cape Washington and resides in Queens, New York. THOMAS CURLEY Brother Thomas Curley, 69, became a member of the union in 1972 and first worked aboard the Suamico. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and primarily sailed in the steward department. Brother Curley’s final vessel was the American Freedom. He makes his home in Eatonville, Washington. RUDOLPH DANIELS Brother Rudolph Daniels, 71, joined the SIU in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Delaware Bay. He was a steward department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Daniels last sailed on the Maersk Detroit and lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. LEIGHANNE DEANO Sister Leighanne Deano, 65, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Black Eagle. Sister Deano was a member of the steward department and upgraded her skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She most recently shipped on the USNS Robert E. Simanek and resides in Wilmington, North Carolina. WILFREDO ESPINOSA Brother Wilfredo Espinosa, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2000. He was a steward department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Espinosa’s first vessel was the Patriot; his last, the Alaskan Explorer. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. JOHN HALE Brother John Hale, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994 when he sailed aboard the Green Island. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother Hale’s final vessel was the Golden State. He calls Harvey, Louisiana, home. MARCH 2026 We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. DALE HARRISON RONALD WEBB Brother Dale Harrison, 66, joined the union in 1999 when he sailed on the USNS Capable. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Harrison’s final vessel was the Cape Starr. He resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Ronald Webb, 60, joined the union in 1988 and first worked aboard the USNS Bartlett. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the deck department. Brother Webb most recently sailed on the Arctic and settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. LECH JANKOWSKI INLAND Brother Lech Jankowski, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1999. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Calvin P. Titus. Brother Jankowski upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Ocean Grand and settled in Youngstown, Florida. WILLIAM BADGLEY Brother William Badgley, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1988 when he shipped with Steuart Transportation. He was a deck department member and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Badgley was last employed with Piney Point Transportation. He resides in South Mills, North Carolina. DONALD MCBRIDE Brother Donald McBride, 67, started sailing with the union in 2001, initially working aboard the USNS Charlton. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother McBride last shipped on the SLNC Pax and makes his home in Forest, Virginia. GLYNN METCALF Brother Glynn Metcalf, 65, joined the SIU in 1989 and first shipped on the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Metcalf last shipped on the Liberty Spirit. He lives in Pensacola, Florida. JOSEPH CLEMENT Brother Joseph Clement, 70, began sailing with the union in 1978. He worked in the deck department, initially aboard the Exchange. Brother Clement upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee. He lives in Cape Canaveral, Florida. DANIEL CONVERY Brother Daniel Convery, 70, joined the SIU in 2002. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2019. Brother Convery worked with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Carteret, New Jersey. SUSAN MOE KENDAL DEIHL Sister Susan Moe, 66, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 1989. A steward department member, she first sailed aboard the Independence. Sister Moe upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. She last sailed aboard the Great Land and settled in Henderson, Nevada. Brother Kendal Deihl, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1999. Brother Deihl sailed in the deck department. He was first employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Deihl last sailed with Allied Transportation. He calls Heathsville, Virginia, home. VICENTE ORDONEZ Brother Vicente Ordonez, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1999 when he sailed aboard the Courier. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ordonez most recently sailed on the Alliance Fairfax. He makes his home in Houston. STEPHAN OSOVITZ Brother Stephan Osovitz, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1983 and first sailed aboard the Consumer. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Osovitz concluded his career aboard the Maersk Hartford. He resides in Manalapan, New Jersey. JOHNNIE THOMAS Brother Johnnie Thomas, 78, signed on with the Seafarers in 1979 and initially sailed with Dixie Carriers. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Thomas last shipped on the Taurus and is a resident of Wentzville, Missouri. NMU GREGORY JEWELL Brother Gregory Jewell, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Chemical Pioneer. Brother Jewell resides in Atlanta. DAVID ROSS Brother David Ross, 70, became a union member during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Ross calls Dennis, Massachusetts, home. BRIAN TEIXEIRA Brother Brian Teixeira, 69, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Columbia Bay. Brother Teixeira makes his home in New Bedford, Massachusetts. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA REHUEL ASCANO Pensioner Rehuel Ascano, 78, died December 25. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1988, initially working with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Ascano worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Diamond State and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Ascano was a resident of Anthony, New Mexico. BENJAMIN BROOKS Pensioner Benjamin Brooks, 84, passed away December 3. He signed on with the union in 2001 and first shipped on the Maersk Maryland. Brother Brooks was a steward department member. He last sailed aboard the Maersk Montana and retired in 2011. Brother Brooks made his home in North Miami, Florida. EARL DIMMICK Brother Earl Dimmick, 38, died July 14. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2012, initially sailing aboard the American Mariner. Brother Dimmick sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the Cape Ducato. He lived in Rolling Hills Estates, California. JAMES GLADNEY Pensioner James Gladney, 91, passed away December 15. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1967 and first sailed aboard the Baylor Victory. Brother Gladney worked in the steward department and last sailed on the USNS Capella. He went on pension in 1998 and settled in Woodstock, Maryland. ROBERT GRUBBS Pensioner Robert Grubbs, 67, died December 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1979. A deck department member, Brother Grubbs first shipped on the Boston. He concluded his career aboard the El Morro and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Grubbs made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. BOUALEM HABIB Brother Boualem Habib, 71, passed away January 5. He became a member of the SIU in 1990. Brother Habib initially sailed aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Santorini. Brother Habib was a Seattle resident. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. ROBERT NIXON OTTO HEBERT Brother Robert Nixon, 60, died October 30. He donned the SIU colors in 2022, initially sailing aboard the Ocean Gladiator. Brother Nixon was a deck department member and most recently sailed aboard the Potomac Express. He lived in Chesapeake, Virginia. Pensioner Otto Hebert, 75, passed away October 26. He joined the SIU in 1972 when he sailed with Inland Tugs. Brother Hebert shipped in the deck department. He was last employed with Westbank Riverboat Services before retiring in 2012. Brother Hebert made his home in Picayune, Mississippi. HUSSEIN SALEH Pensioner Hussein Saleh, 80, passed away October 21. He signed on with the union in 1974 when he shipped on the Newark. Brother Saleh worked in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the APL Philippines before retiring in 2011. Brother Saleh resided in North Chili, New York. BOBBY LEWIS Pensioner Bobby Lewis, 88, died November 12. He joined the union in 1970, initially sailing with Plymouth Towing Company. Brother Lewis sailed in the deck department. He last shipped with Express Marine and went on pension in 1999. Brother Lewis resided in Grantsboro, North Carolina. NMU CHARLES SCOTT Pensioner Charles Scott, 92, died December 17. Sailing first with Victory Carriers, he donned the SIU colors in 1959. Brother Scott worked in the steward department and last shipped on the Equality State. He became a pensioner in 2004 and resided in Livingston, Texas. GREAT LAKES JOHN DE COSTA Pensioner John De Costa, 92, passed away November 23. Brother De Costa began sailing in 1950. He worked in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Nobska. Brother De Costa went on pension in 1971 and resided in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. ALAN CHAPIN FELICIANO GABINO Pensioner Alan Chapin, 76, passed away December 13. He joined the SIU in 1992, initially sailing with Upper Lakes Towing. Brother Chapin worked in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2011 and made his home in Gladstone, Michigan. Pensioner Feliciano Gabino, 86, passed away December 6. Brother Gabino worked in the engine department. He last shipped on the Delaware Bay before retiring in 2003. Brother Gabino lived in Schenectady, New York. DAVID VUCIC Pensioner Michael George, 99, died November 27. Brother George worked in the deck department and last shipped on the American Marketer. He retired in 1987 and settled in San Francisco. Brother David Vucic, 75, died November 27. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976 when he shipped on the Schoellkoff. Brother Vucic was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Charles E. Wilson and called North Port, Florida, home. INLAND PAUL BROWN Pensioner Paul Brown, 73, passed away December 9. He signed on with the SIU in 1972, initially sailing with Mariner Towing. Brother Brown shipped in the deck department. He was last employed with OSG Ship Management and became a pensioner in 2015. Brother Brown lived in Roaring River, North Carolina. ROBERT BRUSH Pensioner Robert Brush, 81, died November 18. He embarked on his career with the union in 1962 and initially worked for Capital Transportation. A deck department member, Brother Brush concluded his career with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He went on pension in 2001 and resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MICHAEL GEORGE FRED MULL Pensioner Fred Mull, 90, passed away November 19. Brother Mull sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the Keystone Georgia and began collecting his pension in 2000. Brother Mull lived in Fletcher, North Carolina. EDWARD SCOTT Pensioner Edward Scott, 83, died September 27. Brother Scott last shipped aboard the Thompson Lykes and retired in 1998. Brother Scott called Spanish Fort, Alabama, home. JAMES SEPANARA Pensioner James Sepanara, 77, died November 4. Brother Sepanara concluded his career with Woods Hole Shipping and became a pensioner in 2013. He resided in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. MARCH 2026 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck April 6 June 8 April 24 June 26 RFPNW April 6 May 4 April 24 May 22 March 16 March 27 Water Survival Latest Course Dates STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook April 13 June 19 Galley Operations April 6 May 4 May 1 May 29 Chief Steward May 25 June 19 Adv. Galley Operations March 30 April 27 April 24 May 22 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Government Vessels April 20 May 18 April 24 May 22 Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. March 23 March 24 July 31 Tanker Ship Fam. - DL March 23 March 27 March 16 March 20 Tanker Ship Fam. - LG March 30 April 3 March 16 April 13 June 1 April 3 May 1 June 19 RFPEW April 6 May 1 Boiler Technician (FOWT) March 16 May 4 April 10 May 29 Junior Engineer May 18 July 10 Marine Electrician April 6 May 8 Marine Refrigeration Tech. June 22 Pumpman Welding UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________  Deep Sea Member Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ With this application, please send copies of the following to SHLSS Admissions: MMC and qualifying sea time for the course if it is a USCG course. Must have valid SIU medical through course date, as well as qualifying sea time. By signing below, you agree to abide by the SHLSS Rules and Regulations, and the SHLSS sexual misconduct policy. In addition, you authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any information contained in this application or any of the supporting documentation that you have or will submit with this application to related organizations for the purpose of better servicing your needs, and helping you apply for any benefits, which might become due to you. 17 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MARCH 2026 NOTE: If you have pending SAB charges or your MMC has been suspended, or revoked, you are not permitted to take courses at SHLSS/PHC. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality, or sex. The school complies with applicable laws concerning admission, access, or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Please sign, complete, and send this application to SHLSS Admissions Email: upgrading@seafarers.org or by mail at: 45353 St. Georges Avenue, Piney Point, MD. 20674 “Attn: Admissions”. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #929 – Recently graduated: Marcialito Aclaro, Anferney Allen, Clint Cardines, Gabriel Clark, Jade Frehner, Marshod Hawkins, Nathanael Hernandez Briceno, Jack Mrohs, Kimberley Nguyen, Brandon Parker, Brian Parker, Weston Peters-Ring, Luke Possinger, Alex Romero, Andrew Smith, Erica Tompkins, Julian Violanti, Zion Williams and Michael Young. FIREFIGHTING (HELO) – Graduated January 23 (not all are pictured): Nicholas Allbritton, Samuel Alvarado, Gustavo Anavitate, Simeon Dailey, Kendell Dorsey, Kenneth Gale, Brandon Givens, Kenneth Gonzalez, Kelton Greene, Ian Higgs, Christopher Jack, Sabrina Jean-Baptiste, Jakod McCall, Patrick O'Malley, Maria Ortiz Soto, Christian Perez Gonzalez, Jeremiah Pope, David Ray, Demetria Rhue, Ahmed Saleh, Rory Smith, and Ricardo Vasquez. ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated January 30: Temiaka McLaurin, Michael Ray, Aaron Searcy, Lawrence Wright and Rachael Zavala. GALLEY OPS – Graduated January 23 (among those pictured): Delvonta Haynes, De'aizja Martin, Astrid Ortiz, Shawn Richard, Myriam Sepulveda and Jacquita Theriot. RFPEW – Graduated February 13: Elias Carrier, Deon Daniels, Oscar Garibaldi, Tariq Graham, James Griese, TANK SHIP (LG) – Graduated January 16: Shemekia Donald (above) and Sanita Hayes, Elijah Haynes, Darin Holmes, Christopher Johnston, William Land, Yoevelyn Rodriguez, Michal Spryszynski, Matthew Swift, Noel Vindua, Jordan Vonchampion, Michaelangelo Vonchampion, Christian Wailehua, Tereton Washington Jr., Joseph Wilde and Zkl Williams. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MARCH 2026 Victoria Butler. �Paul Hall Center Class Photos VESSEL OPS – Graduated February 13 (not all are pictured): Nicholas Allbritton, Gustavo Anavitate, Hyjalun Burch, Simeon Dailey, Kendell Dorsey, Kenneth Gale, Brandon Givens, Kenneth Gonzalez, Kelton Greene, Ian Higgs, Christopher Jack, Sabrina Jean-Baptiste, Jakod McCall, Patrick O'Malley, Jeremiah Pope, David Ray, Demetria Rhue, Rory Smith and Ricardo Vasquez. WELDING – Graduated January 30: Jahnia Cain, Randy Corey, Jon Erichsen, Brandon Fore, Ja'von Harvey, Cotisha Long-Green and Jonmark Newman. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. CHIEF COOK – Graduated January 16: Jasmine Brockington, Wilfredo Cosme Ayala, Kevin Devonish, Sherlyen Gedeon, Suzanne Herrera, Suneih Land, Jeremias Luenzo, Anthony Monroe and Zamariya Wilson. SERVE SAFE – Graduated January 30: Samuel Alvarado (right) and Maria Ortiz Soto. MARCH 2026 ABLE SEAFARER (DECK) – Graduated February 13 (not all are pictured): Brian Bolden Jr., Lamonica Daniels, Daniel Gilbert, Alexander Greco, Samaria Harper, Jose Hernandez Cuevas, Chantay Martin, Metwa Ojoch, Travon Pinnekins, Maurice Roberts Jr., Shawna-Kay Skinner and Jeremy Marte. WATER SURVIVAL (UPGRADERS) – Graduated January 30: William Cassel III (right) and Jason Dixon. TANK SHIP (DL) – Graduated February 6: James Artis, Elijah Busch, Daniel Cho, Kelvin Huffman, Kaitlyn Lipka, Joseph Romanowski, Cameron Slayton, Dylan Storie, Maciej Szmytkowski, Dena Turner and Cole Waddell. SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �MARCH 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 3 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Philanthropic Effort Spreads Holiday Cheer For Hawaii Foster Children and Families SIU members and officials in Honolulu helped make the holidays brighter for foster children and families in their community through their donations to Family Programs Hawaii’s Adopt-a-Tote Bag Campaign. Volunteers assembled 1,050 tote bags at the hiring hall in Honolulu and later distributed them at the organization’s Christmas party, which took place Dec. 7. SIU participants in the tote assembly included Apprentice Kimberly Wilson , Bosun Walter Lichota, GUDE Matthew Domen, OMU Victorino Labrilla, ABM Daniel Stavron, 2C Jennifer Reid, Pensioner Denis Burke (along with his wife, Jeannet, and daughter, Clarissa), and GUDE Ken Kan. SIU Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Safety Director Amber Akana, and Administrative Assistant Caitlyn Wharton also assisted with tote bag assembly and brought the bags to the holiday party with some help from family and friends. Akana, Wharton, and Galbiso hosted the SIU’s booth at the holiday party, where they set up a puttputt golf station for children and families. SIU Vice President West Coast Joe Vincenzo joined them at the event. “This is our second year with the same organization, but this is the first time we did the Adopt-A-Tote. Last year, we did Adopt-A-Backpack, but with the amount of money we raised this year, we pivoted to Adopt-a-Tote,” said Akana. “For 2025 we decided to go above and beyond,” said Galbiso. “There were a lot of tote bags, and we encouraged the membership to participate and get involved in giving back to the community, because when these foster kids get taken out of their placement, or from wherever they are, they sometimes come with nothing. At least through this program they can have a bag or a backpack to take with them.” In June, Seafarers began collecting toys and other items for inclusion in the tote bags. “Members donated money, and then [port staff] went out and bought the items a month or so prior to the event,” said Wharton. “For this upcoming year, we’re starting to collect donations this month!” “Overall, I thought it went well, but we’d like to encourage more members to participate in the future,” said Galbiso. “This past year a lot of members told us that they didn’t get a chance to participate, so this time we’re going to start early and give them nearly the whole year.” Kan, who took part in the most recent event, said, “I supported and participated in 2025, and I have already sponsored 2026 as well, in the hope that it encourages other early adopters.” Tote bag assembly took place at the Honolulu hiring hall, where the industrious volunteers filled 1,050 bags for the children in need. Wharton described the volunteers who assisted with the assembly process as “very effective. We [put the totes together] within about four days,” she recalled. “We had different members come out…. We did an assembly line each day where they went down the line and grabbed one of each of the items that we put out for them to include.” Port staff and officials (with help from their families) loaded the bags into their cars and delivered them to the convention center where the holiday party took place. There, volunteers distributed the totes to children and families as prizes for taking part in the SIU’s golf course. “The organization wanted us to create an interactive activity for the children, so golf was our choice and it was very popular. Some of the parents participated, too,” said Galbiso. Akana said, “The party was a hit; the kids loved it. The event was for kids ranging from as small as six months to probably 18 years old, which is a pretty wide variety.” Akana said that the union’s participation not only helps give back to the community, but also helps locals learn more about both the SIU and the maritime industry. “Volunteering gives us a chance to educate others about why we rely on shipping,” Akana said. “The state relies on our industry, but it seems like we’re a hidden secret. So, through our volunteer work, we also aim to educate people and promote our industry.” This past year marked Family Programs Hawaii’s 27th annual holiday party. Family Programs Hawaii is a local nonprofit organization that focuses on providing care and services for foster children and families in the area. In a video recap of the event, President and CEO of Family Programs Hawaii La’akea Yoshida said, “This whole event can’t happen without our sponsors and all the volunteers and those who give.” Records from the previous year’s event showed that 1,470 people participated in the party, including 774 volunteers and more than 50 partner organizations who joined forces to support the 907 youth who attended the holiday party. “I think it’s really important because for children in foster care, the holidays can be really hard when you don’t live with your family of origin, or when there’s a lot going on emotionally. This is just a day where they can have fun, and they can do something for the holidays that makes them feel good,” said Director of Programs for Family Programs Hawaii Chiyomi Chow. “I remember as a foster and then an adoptive mother how important it was for me, and From left, SIU VP Hazel Galbiso, VP Joe Vincenzo, Admin. Assistant Caitlyn Wharton, and Safety Director Amber Akana strike a pose at SIU’s mini-golf station. Safety Director Amber Akana hands out a tote to a child who won at the SIU mini-golf station. Some of the SIU volunteers pause for a snapshot at the Honolulu hall. now it’s nice giving back to those that could really use some cheer during the holidays.” “I greatly appreciate being part of Adopt-A-Tote. Knowing the totes, snacks, and coloring books are going to keiki in foster care made the experience feel especially meaningful,” said Kan. “Working alongside fellow SIU members to fill the totes was genuinely rewarding. It was a hands-on way to take part in an uplifting, community-centered effort. I’m proud to support this program, which brings the SIU and the local community closer together through the spirit of aloha.” SIU VP Hazel Galbiso (background at left) and Safety Director Amber Akana (right) observe as a young girl lines up her shot on the mini-golf green. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource MARCH 2026 Description An account of the resource ‘STRONG UNIONS, STRONGER COMMUNITIES AND DEMOCRACY’ ITF REPORT FINDS GLOBAL MARINER ABANDONMENT AT ALL-TIME HIGH CASE STUDY: THE ELEEN ARMONIA ADM. LUNDAY TAKES HELM AT COAST GUARD IMB: GLOBAL PIRACY INCREASED IN 2025 COURT RULING BACKS JONES ACT OP-ED CAPTURES ESSENCE OF CRUCIAL LAW: ‘JONES ACT KEEPS AMERICA SOVEREIGN’ IN THEIR OWN WORDS: SEAFARERS RISING THROUGH THE RANKS RUSSELL YALE MACOMBER PHILANTHROPIC EFFORT SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER FOR HAWAII FOSTER CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2026 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 88, NO. 3 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e6ab24d26307fd7c894780fb05ac17a6.pdf f18602eceb82b11e48bcb5cb1f05cf1b PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 2 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers Step Up for Santa’s Castle Annual Outreach Benefits American Military Families SIU members upheld their tradition of robustly supporting Santa’s Caste, a yearly philanthropic effort that benefits U.S. military personnel and their families in the Pacific Northwest. Seafarers donated thousands of dollars’ worth of toys and other gifts for the project, which the union has supported for 17 straight years. In photo above, from left, SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp meets with Santa’s Castle VP of Purchasing Anita Vargo and Executive Director Donna Handoe at the donation site. In the inset photo, Oiler William Cassel helps load the gifts into nearby trucks. Page 20 (back page). New Bisso Contract Includes Major Gains 3-Year Pact Described as ‘Win-Win’ for Union and Company SIU boatmen employed by E.N. Bisso & Son have unanimously ratified a new contract featuring significant wage increases and other gains. SIU officials VP Dean Corgey and Asst. VP Chris Westbrook credited both the union and the company for difficultbut-earnest negotiations that resulted in a pact benefiting both parties. Pictured from left are members of both bargaining committees: SIU members Kevin Wells, Jacob Toler and George Cannady, Westbrook, Bisso President Matthew Holzhalb, Corgey, Bisso CFO Casey Willis, HR Director Ashley Sorrells, Director of Operations Michael Killelea, and Seafarer Todd Rabalais. Page 3. MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR CONFIRMED • PAGE 5 // SIU HOLIDAY PHOTOS • PAGES 9-11 �President’s Report SIU Accomplishments Accumulate There’s some question about the quote’s origin, but former Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren famously said (more than once) that when he’d read a newspaper, he began with the sports section. That’s because he wanted to read about accomplishments and uplifting stories. While we do not have a sports page in the LOG or on our website, I had a similar feeling when looking at this month’s edition. A handful of articles reflect the outstanding work of SIU members and the effectiveness of our union. In no particular order: The excellent new contracts we secured at (respectively) E.N. David Heindel Bisso & Son, and Inland Lakes Management, show the power of collective bargaining and the time-tested wisdom of the SIU’s approach to negotiations. Our officials, rank-and-file members, and company personnel once again demonstrated that even though we sometimes may clash at the bargaining table, we are ultimately invested in each other’s success. You don’t need a degree in economics to understand that long-term success comes from everyone pulling in the same direction. A strong, skilled, and respected workforce is essential, and employers must also remain successful in order to continue providing good, steady employment. When those pieces align, the entire industry moves forward, and I appreciate that most, if not all, of our contracted companies recognize the importance of investing in and maintaining a top-notch workforce. Both the SIU specifically and unions in general are essential to doing so. Union representation gives workers a voice on the job and the security of a written contract. Historically, union workers take a back seat to no one in terms of productivity, and there is less turnover at union shops. Year after year, government data shows that union members also usually earn higher wages and enjoy better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts. When you put all of that together, you have opportunities to secure solid contracts like the ones we’re publicizing this month. Credit also goes to our inland members who quickly came to the rescue of a recreational boater who’d fallen into the Sabine-Neches Waterway (without a life jacket). Their training, quick thinking, and sharp response led to a quick and safe outcome. This is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea, which spans not only oceans but America’s inland waterways, too. Another happening that shouldn’t be taken for granted is the union’s support of Santa’s Castle, a yearly philanthropic project that brightens the holidays for U.S. military personnel and their families. Year after year, SIU members, officials and staff in and around Tacoma – and, quite often, folks from SIU-contracted companies, too – team up for this most-worthwhile mission. They make us all proud. (Seafarers often are involved in similar outreach efforts in other parts of the nation, too, including in New Jersey, Florida, Puerto Rico and elsewhere, and we should also remember our annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic, which benefits military veterans and first responders.) Less common but also of note, an event late last year credited the service of union mariners from the SS Meredith Victory who helped saved more than 14,000 lives during a single mission back in 1950. The one-day conference marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of a wider evacuation of around 100,000 Korean refugees who otherwise may have perished at the hands of Chinese and North Korean military forces during the Korean War. The Meredith Victory, sometimes called the “ship of miracles” because of that particular voyage, symbolizes the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role as America’s fourth arm of defense. We have supported our troops and mobilized for humanitarian missions since our nation’s first days, and we will always answer the call. Again, I got a boost from reading these articles, and I hope they give you a lift, too. No organization is perfect, but we’ve got a lot to be proud of. We also have much to look forward to this year, including an eventual revamp of the engine-department training at our affiliated school in southern Maryland (details to come), ongoing grassroots action to promote and protect your jobs, upgrades at some hiring halls, and more. I’m excited about our opportunities and I’m confident we will meet every challenge, together. Maritime Unions Call for American-Flag Requirement on Venezuelan Oil Imports Seafarers LOG Volume 88 Number 2 February 2026 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2026 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Prominent U.S. maritime unions, including the SIU, recently called on the Trump administration and Congress to require that any crude oil imported from Venezuela must be transported exclusively on U.S.-flag vessels crewed by American mariners, asserting such policy is essential to U.S. economic and national security interests. “A cornerstone of an effective national maritime policy is gaining access to private, commercial cargoes that create steady demand for U.S.-flag vessels, American mariners, and the shipbuilding industrial base,” the unions wrote in a letter to senior administration officials. The SIU, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), American Maritime Officers (AMO), and the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P), which represent the majority of U.S. Merchant Mariners sailing in the U.S.-flag fleet, said that aligning American foreign policy and energy needs with “Ship American” principles would strengthen the U.S. maritime workforce, reduce reliance on foreign-controlled shipping, and counter the growth of opaque “shadow fleet” tanker operations used to move sanctioned oil outside U.S. oversight. The letter was submitted in early January; it’s available on the SIU website. The unions warned that current restrictions on Venezuelan oil have shifted global trade toward foreign-controlled shipping networks, including tankers operating outside U.S. labor and safety standards. As a result, U.S. maritime workers and carriers are excluded from energy cargoes that could otherwise support American shipping capacity and enforcement objectives. Requiring U.S.-flag transportation for Venezuelan crude entering the United States, the unions said, would provide reliable commercial cargo for U.S. carriers, enhance sanctions compliance, and reduce reliance on foreign vessels tied to adversarial interests. The policy could also benefit U.S. refiners designed to process heavy crude by increasing supply options and helping stabilize domestic energy markets. Maritime labor leaders emphasized that American mariners are prepared to support lawful, transparent energy trade that advances U.S. strategic interests. SIU Secures New Agreement With Inland Lakes Management Additionally, effective Feb. 1 of this year, all bargaining unit employees are enrolled in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan at the Core-Plus level, the top one available. This marks a substantial improvement from past coverage. Other highlights include vacation benefits (which are new for this group), premium pay for work in confined spaces, and reimbursement for uniforms, required personal protective equipment, and other necessary gear, among other improvements. Heralding the contract as a win for the membership, Powell remarked, “This long-term agreement provides stability and predictability for the members sailing aboard these vessels. It is a landmark agreement delivering very substantial gains in wages, health coverage, paid time off, and overall working conditions.” After several months of bargaining, the SIU in mid-December finalized a new contract with Inland Lakes Management, covering the company’s licensed officers and other shipboard supervisory employees. SIU Great Lakes Vice President Bryan Powell said that the nine-year pact (effective through October 2034) features “a robust increase to wages and overtime rates in the first year, along with significant annual increases thereafter, tied to the Consumer Price Index to keep pace with inflation.” FEBRUARY 2026 �‘Historic’ Contract Unanimously Ratified by Bisso Crews Following a difficult but productive series of negotiations, SIU members late last year unanimously approved a new three-year contract at E.N. Bisso & Son featuring substantial wage increases and other gains. The union represents approximately 70 boatmen at Bisso, which is headquartered in New Orleans. They work as wheelmen, deckhands and engineers aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing ship docking and offshore towing services. Negotiating on behalf of the union were Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President Chris Westbrook, Engineer Delegate Kevin Wells, Wheelman Delegate George Cannady, Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler, and alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais. Representing the company were President Matthew Holzhalb, Chief Financial Officer Casey Willis, Director of Operations Michael Killelea, Human Resources Director Ashley Sorrells, and Consultant Michael Vitt. Corgey stated, “I commend Chris and the rankand-file delegates for their solidarity, tenacity and leadership in making sure this got done. The company bargained in good faith; we had some tough issues to address, but we got through them. “We now have wage parity among all the companies from the Rio Grande to the Mississippi,” Corgey continued. “Our members at Bisso have job security, good wages and good benefits. I thank them for sticking with the union and I thank the company for bargaining in good faith.” Westbrook, who has been involved in every negotiation between the SIU and Bisso (he sailed with the company in the 1990s), called the new pact “historic. We fought for wage parity with the other SIU-contracted harbor tug companies, and this contract brings them up to where they should be.” He added, “We also secured improved retirement benefits, new hurricane-related protections for mariners, a higher maintenance-and-cure rate, and enhanced reimbursement for personal protective equipment while adding four hours of travel pay to each payroll period. We maintained Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan benefits at the Core-Plus level, which is the top one available. The agreement also affirms union access provisions and commits the parties to continue discussions regarding participation in training programs offered at (the union-affiliated school in) Piney Point, Maryland.” Westbrook concluded, “These were extremely difficult negotiations; we had to get a 30-day extension of the old contract at one point. Ultimately, through the leadership of the SIU and our area vice president being present, and with the amount of respect commanded by our delegates, that’s what led us to success. This is a win-win for the company and the union; the contract will help Bisso retain their qualified personnel and attract qualified personnel. This is an agreement we can all be proud of.” The contract is retroactive to Dec. 1, 2025, and runs through November 2028. Cannady said, “I feel good about the contract; I love it. Negotiations were tough, and we had to stand up a few times and put our big-boy shoes on, but we got what we wanted. It was a tough road, but as a union and a brotherhood, we all stuck together.” Cannady credited Corgey and Westbrook for their leadership, and added that the major wage increases are “amazing. This is a changing point in our industry.” Wells said the finished product “turned out really great in the end. The Bisso team was willing to work with us. Dean and Chris did an outstanding job. After speaking with some of the crew members, it was clear they were all on board. All in all, everybody was pretty pleased.” He added, “We didn’t have to give up anything. I think the (company) president knew it was time to step up, and that was a plus.” SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (fourth from left) and SIU boatmen show their support for the new contract. Pictured from left are Justin Williams, Wayne White, Todd Rabalais, Westbrook, Matt Palmer, Jacob Toler, George Cannady, James Fink, and Kevin Wells. SIU Members Rescue Boater Thanks to SIU boatmen from Bay Towing’s tug Rio Gulf, a local man in Texas had an opportunity to enjoy the winter holidays. Four Seafarers aboard the Rio Gulf teamed up to rescue a recreational fisherman who had fallen from his boat into the Sabine-Neches Waterway on Nov. 29, near Texas Island. The fisherman wasn’t far from shore – but he inarguably was at great risk due to the typically high traffic in the area. It took the SIU members – Capt. Donald Nutt, Mate Kaleb Bogan, Chief Engineer Bernard Youngblood, and Apprentice Mate Nicholas Gustafson – less than 10 minutes to safely bring him aboard their tug, after being contacted by a nearby vessel. Their efforts earned accolades from the union and the company. Bay Towing presented the Seafarers with letters of commendation as well as gift cards. “Our guys really rose to the occasion,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Zavala. “Their professionalism certainly is not surprising, but it also is sincerely appreciated. They were prompt and efficient. Great job!” In a letter to the crew, Bay Towing President/Chief Executive Officer Philip Kuebler cited the members’ “exceptional performance during a recovery of a person in the water…. After visually locating the person in the water, your team expertly positioned the Rio Gulf down-river, accounting for the slight ebb current, and disengaged the engines to facilitate the rescue…. Within approximately eight minutes, the person was safely brought on board the Rio Gulf through the skilled use of a life buoy and the DACON Rescue Frame” (a type of safety net). Kuebler added, “Your quick, coordinated and professional actions ensured the rapid and safe recovery of the individual, preventing any harm or further complications. You are commended for your FEBRUARY 2026 outstanding performance of duty during the critical incident.” Nutt pointed out that the fisherman wasn’t wearing a lifejacket – and his boat’s engine was still running. “My mate was on watch when he received a call from the pilot up on the ship,” Nutt recalled. “I came up and took over (navigation), and the other guys all went out and used the rescue net. The guy we rescued was a little shaken up but in good shape overall. He was very thankful, but it went about as textbook as you could want.” Nutt said the incident could have been much worse for the fisherman because of the traffic on the waterway. He also stated that the crew did an admirable job, and their safety drills paid off. “We drill for this regularly and it absolutely made a difference,” Nutt said. “It’s not a complicated piece of equipment, but being able to deploy it and use it properly…. I praise my crew for the job they did. They were fantastic, and I couldn’t speak more highly of them. Credit to Bay Towing as well, for making sure we have top-of-the-line equipment.” A crew member from another tugboat took this photo of the rescue. The fisherman is visible to the right of the netting, in the water. Mate Kaleb Bogan (right) receives a letter of commendation from Bay Towing Operations Manager Joshua LeDoux aboard the tug on Dec. 23. SIU members (from left) Bernard Youngblood, Donald Nutt, and Nicholas Gustafson are congratulated by Bay Towing COO Steve Huttman (right) Dec. 23 aboard the Rio Gulf. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �Union-Crewed ‘Miracle Ship,’ Brother Marinus Honored During 75th Anniversary Conference To commemorate the seventyfifth anniversary of the historic and renowned Hungnam evacuation, the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America (AOS-USA), in collaboration with other maritime organizations, conducted a full-day event at a maritime conference center in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, on Dec. 15. Several speakers, including some who took part in the evacuation themselves, shared their expertise with conference attendees through a series of interviews and presentations. More than 100,000 refugees were saved during the evacuation, and the union-crewed Meredith Victory transported more than 14,000 of those individuals. The ship included crew members from the old National Maritime Union, which later merged into the SIU. Sponsors for the December event included the SIU, as well as Mr. Burley Smith (who participated in the actual evacuation), the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), Pasha, the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV), West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA), Maritime Expert Group, Inc., Bradley Digital, Liberty Ship John W. Brown Foundation, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), and longtime SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre. The conference began with a presentation of the colors and an opening prayer by Fr. Oubre. Dr. Joshua Smith, director of the American Merchant Marine Museum and professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, offered a presentation titled “Gallant Ship: Strategic History & Christian Memory at Hungnam, 1950”. Susan Kee, Korean-American writer and Korean War historian followed with an overview of that war, which included details about the evacuation at Hungnam. The evacuation took place from Dec. 15-24 of 1950. As skirmishes from the Korean War began encircling seaside cities, a host of refugees, both young and old, crowded the harbor in search of safety. The U.S.-flagged merchant ship SS Meredith Victory was one of 150 vessels that enabled the rescue of American and Republic of Korea troops and North Korean refugees. The Meredith Victory facilitated safe passage for more than 14,000 refugees in one single voyage without any casualties. In fact, quite the opposite: Five babies were born aboard the crowded ship during the journey, affectionately dubbed the “kimchi babies” by the Meredith Victory crew, as it was one of the few Korean terms they knew. To get all the passengers aboard, the crew spent 26 hours loading the 450-foot-long, 50-foot-wide vessel, which had five cargo holds, each with three decks. Sixteen Koreans stood shoulder to shoulder on wooden pallets which were lowered into the bottom holds of the ship. As each compartment filled with people, the crew placed the hatch boards 4 • SEAFARERS LOG and began filling the next level with more people who sought escape from Hungnam. Eventually, after all the holds were full, the remaining refugees occupied the main deck, enduring wintery ocean spray and freezing temperatures. After Kee’s presentation, Jonathan Corrado, Director of Policy for the Korea Society, shared his findings concerning how the Hungnam evacuation story can spur understanding with the North Korean people. After that, Dr. Smith held a Q&A session with Third Mate Burley Smith about his experiences aboard the Meredith Victory. Smith hails from Islip, New York, but spent most of his school years in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His father was an OS, and Smith followed in his footsteps by taking the written exam to become a merchant mariner and attending King’s Point, which had a U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Basic School campus in San Mateo, California, at the time. Smith applied for work, hoping to be assigned to a ship travelling to Latin America, but instead he was sent to the Meredith Victory, which was docked down in Jamestown, Virginia. Aboard that ship, he sailed to a U.S. Army base on the West Coast, then sailed to Tokyo. The ship would end up being part of a convoy; but, because the armed forces needed the element of surprise, mariners didn’t know exactly where they were going next. As Smith and his crewmates were unloading fuel in Busan, Korea, they were told to sail to a harbor in Hungnam ASAP and help evacuate refugees. Smith recalls that naval ships swept for mines along the way. The Meredith Victory would be the next-to-last ship to leave Hungnam, and there was no time to transport the materials they initially were set to deliver. From midday Dec. 21 until around the same time on Dec. 22 the Meredith Victory crew loaded a steady stream of people aboard. They took up anchor on Dec. 23 at noon and sailed to Geoje Port in South Korea, where they released the refugees on Christmas Day in 1950. Smith had complete confidence in the crew of the SS Meredith Victory. The overcrowded ship maneuvered through a narrow channel of cleared mines, no more than 100 yards wide, and continued down the Korean coast Burley Smith (left), who sailed as third mate on the Meredith Victory during the evacuation, receives an award from Fr. Sinclair Oubre. and reached Geoje Island without casualty, incidents, or unrest. He recalled how he felt after reaching the port and seeing the refugees smile, holding their babies and boarding the landing crafts. “That sight is something I will never forget. After enduring months of fear and hardship, the moment they finally felt freedom was deeply moving. Though we couldn’t speak the same language, every crew member shared in the joy of bringing them to safety,” he said. After the Q&A and a rousing speech by World War II mariner Dave Yoho, attendees paused for lunch. When they reconvened, Fr. Oubre and Capt. Brian Hope, the founder of Project Liberty Ship, presented information about other U.S. merchant vessels that were present at the evacuation. Dr. Philip Lacovara, the author of the book “The Mariner and the Monk,” then gave an account of Capt. Leonard La Rue’s life (the subject of the book) in the context of the ships he sailed and the battles he survived. La Rue, also known as Brother Marinus, was an officer in the merchant marine who sailed on 25 ships during his 20 years at sea. When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, La Rue took command of the SS Meredith Victory and led her to Japan and then Korea to participate in the historic landing at Inchon. Two months later, La Rue and his crew made history with the evacuation. At the height of his sailing career, he left the merchant marine and became a benedictine monk. Currently, Brother Marinus is a candidate for sainthood, and the AOS-USA is helping to further his cause. Professor Joshua M. Smith notes the historic reliability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Some of the conference attendees are pictured at the event in Maryland. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 FEBRUARY 2026 �NMC Notice: Temporary Reduction of Service at Regional Examination Center New Orleans Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following notification on Dec. 30, 2025. It’s available on the agency’s website and on the SIU website. Due to staffing shortages at Regional Examination Center (REC) New Orleans, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has implemented the following temporary measures: Mariner Examinations: REC New Orleans will continue to provide mariner testing via scheduled examination appointments only. Examination appointments are available Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT. Examination appointments are not available on Fridays or federal holidays. Counter Service: REC New Orleans has temporarily discontinued all counter service including by appointments and is unable to accommodate walk-in visits. Only applicants with scheduled examination appointments will be permitted to enter the REC at this time. Application Submission: Effective January 5, 2026, REC New Orleans will no longer accept applications in-person. The NMC anticipates transition to an online application submission portal in January (see December 2, 2025, announcement for further details). Until the portal is available, mariners should submit merchant mariner credential applications via e-mail directly to MMCApplications@uscg.mil and medical certificate applications via e-mail to MEDAIP@uscg. mil. Only applicants seeking first class pilot routes within the REC New Orleans area of responsibility should mail or e-mail their application to the REC. We anticipate that the temporary measures at REC New Orleans may last for several months while the NMC seeks to fill current vacancies. For more information regarding the current status of REC New Orleans or how and where to submit credential applications, visit the NMC website. If you have questions or require assistance, contact the NMC Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, by using Live Chat, by e-mailing iasknmc@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Navigating Relationships at Sea: Solutions for Merchant Mariners Editor’s note: This article was written by Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Director Chris Leeman, LCMFT, LAC, SAP. He may be reached at 45705 Locust Grove Drive, Valley Lee, MD 20692; cleeman@ seafarers.org; and (301) 710-9070. Life at sea offers adventure and financial stability, but it often takes a toll on personal relationships. Long periods away from loved ones, unpredictable schedules, and limited communication can lead to feelings of isolation; strain trust; and cause emotional distance. However, with the right strategies, merchant mariners can maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships despite the challenges. 1. Prioritize Communication Inconsistent communication is one of the biggest hurdles. To address this, establish a communication plan before deployment. Agree on preferred methods – email, messaging apps, satellite calls – and set realistic expectations. Even brief, consistent updates can provide emotional reassurance. Technology such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and specialized maritime communication apps can help bridge the gap. 2. Build Trust and Transparency Trust is crucial when time apart is the norm. Be open about schedules, social activities, and feelings. Share daily experiences, even mundane ones, to maintain emotional intimacy. By encouraging your partner to do the same, you can foster mutual understanding and reduce the chances of miscommunication or suspicion. 3. Plan Quality Time on Shore Time together on shore should be intentional. Plan short getaways, enjoy shared hobbies, or simply relax without distractions. These moments create lasting memories and reinforce the bond. Discuss future plans, both professional and personal, to ensure alignment and shared goals. 4. Involve Your Partner in the Maritime Lifestyle Help your partner understand your work and its challenges. Share stories, photos, or even bring them aboard for visits when possible. When partners feel Notice Pre-Employment and Periodic Drug Tests are Reported to Coast Guard; Marijuana Still Banned by Department of Transportation Editor’s note: Seafarers are reminded that the U.S. Department of Transportation forbids the use of marijuana by employees subject to drug testing under DOT regulations. Even if marijuana use is legal in your home state, it is still illegal under federal law (federal law regulates the maritime industry). This has not changed, as explained in the following announcement issued by the DOT late last year. DOT OFFICE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY AND COMPLIANCE NOTICE On December 18, 2025, the President of the United States issued an Executive Order directing the Department of Justice to complete the rescheduling process of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). We have had inquiries about what impact this Executive Order will have on the Department of Transportation’s longstanding regulation about the use of marijuana by safety-sensitive transportation employees – pilots, school bus drivers, truck drivers, train engineers, subway operators, aircraft maintenance personnel, transit fire-armed security personnel, ship captains, and pipeline emergency response personnel, among others. First – marijuana is still a Schedule I drug under the CSA until any rescheduling is complete. It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to drug testing under the Department of Transportation’s drug testing regulations to use marijuana. Second – until the rescheduling process is complete, the Department of Transportation’s drug testing process and regulations will not change. Transportation employees in safety-sensitive positions will still be subject to testing for marijuana. Furthermore, the Department’s guidance on medical and recreational marijuana and CBD are still in effect. Laboratories, Medical Review Officers and Substance Abuse Professionals must continue to follow 49 CFR Part 40. There are no changes to your roles and responsibilities as they relate to marijuana. We will continue to monitor the rescheduling process and update the transportation industry as appropriate. We want to assure the traveling public that our transportation system is the safest it can possibly be. FEBRUARY 2026 included and informed, it reduces emotional distance and builds empathy. 5. Seek Support When Needed Sometimes, talking to a neutral third party like a counselor familiar with maritime life can be helpful. Many maritime unions and organizations offer mental health and relationship support services. Encouraging open dialogue about emotions and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Conclusion Being a merchant mariner doesn't mean sacrificing personal relationships. With intentional communication, trust, quality time, and support, mariners and their partners can thrive together. The key is treating the relationship like another voyage requiring navigation, patience, and teamwork. Also, workshops may be worth attending on communication and self-care in a relationship. Check out your home area for skills training for relationships, and self-educate. Your relationships are by far your most valuable investments in life. Senate Confirms Maritime Administrator The United States Senate on Dec. 18 confirmed the nomination of Stephen Carmel as U.S. Maritime Administrator. As previously reported, his nomination had been widely supported throughout the U.S. maritime industry, including by the SIU. A U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate, Carmel sailed as a vessel master and then worked as an executive with Maersk Line, Limited, and with U.S. Marine Management. During his Senate hearing Oct. 22, he voiced strong backing for the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, and cargo preference laws. Shortly after Carmel’s confirmation, SIU President David Heindel congratulated him and noted that the union looks forward to working with him in his new role. SIU personnel are pictured in early November 2025 with then-USMMI President Steve Carmel (second from left) in Norfolk, Virginia. From left are Patrolman Josh Rawls, Steve Carmel, Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, Asst. VP Michael Russo, and Port Agent Mario Torrey. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD APL ISLANDER ‒ From left, Chief Steward Reynaldo Agapay and Chief Cook Reshawn Solomon keep their shipmates well-fed. ABOARD USNS BOWDITCH ‒ These snapshots are from a recent servicing of the Ocean Ships vessel in Guam. In the group photo are Chief Cook Larry Bachelor, MDR Leonard Gordon, Bosun Dean Trott, AB Armando Contreras, STOS Charles Jones, and SA Dominique Johnson. The individual photos show Chief Cook Bachelor serving lunch, and SIU Port Agent Duane Akers meeting with the crew. BOOK SECURED IN JERSEY CITY ‒ GUDE Milton Buelto Fernandez (left) obtains his full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Ray Henderson. ABOARD COASTAL RELIANCE ‒ Longtime Seafarer Fr. Sinclair Oubre (third from left) visits Seafarers aboard the Fairwater vessel in Port Arthur, Texas, to brighten their holidays. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS ‒ Capt. Joseph Carson (left) picks up his first pension check at the hall following a 48-year career with Crescent Towing. Congratulating him is SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. ABOARD GREEN DELTA ‒ These mariners, ELECTED TO SERVE ‒ SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo has been elected to the executive board of the Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO. These photos were taken after the elections, which occurred at the “Live! Casino & Hotel” (formerly Maryland LIVE!) on Dec. 18, 2025. From left in the group photo are SIU Representative Shane Sterry, Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards, SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo, and SIU Representative James Bast. 6 • SEAFARERS LOG pictured aboard the Waterman vessel, have nearly 90 years of combined sea time. From left are Recertified Bosun Joe French, Second Mate Robert Smith, and Recertified Bosun Gregory Jackson. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 FEBRUARY 2026 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL ‒ These photos were taken at different junctures in late 2025. In the snapshot above, left, Seafarers get into the Christmas spirit on the Subcom vessel in Baltimore, while Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman (individual pic) displays a tuna caught during off time around Thanksgiving, when the ship was at sea. The remaining photos include a working shot and (from left) SIU Representative James Bast, Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, and Asst. VP Michael Russo servicing the ship. ABOARD MANUKAI ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Matson ship in Long Beach, California, are SIU Patrolman Gordon Godel, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova, and Steward/ Baker Marcelo Param. ABOARD LIBERTY EAGLE ‒ Working aboard the Liberty Maritime ship are (left to right, front to back) AB Emilio Abreu, AB Hermilo Sawali, AB Vincent Williams, and Bosun Larry Mann. WELCOME ABOARD IN HOUSTON ‒ AB William Zambula (left) picks up his full B book at the Houston hall. He’s pictured with Piney Point Port Agent Kelly Krick, who briefly revisited the area. SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS ‒ The Seafarers-crewed Allied Pacific (Patriot) (left in photo above) maneuvers near the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) for an underway replenishment in the Pacific Ocean late last year. In the remaining photo, an MH-60S Seahawk, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, lands on the Washington’s flight deck. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas Quezada) ABOARD OCEAN GRAND ‒ These photos from the Patriot ship in Guam include (in the galley) Chief Steward Rene Gil and (on deck) AB Jason Bentz and Bosun Angel Nunez. FEBRUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. BADLANDS TRADER (U.S. Marine Management), September 5 – Chairman Fernando Haber, Secretary Joseph Arigo, Educational Director Theodore Gonzales, Deck Delegate Roy Enriquez, Engine Delegate Arvin Heras, Steward Delegate Joseph Huls. Upcoming drydock period in Singapore and more crew to be added, per chairman. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members noted the upcoming tenth anniversary of the El Faro tragedy. Crew would like an increased budget and for medical certificate to be required annually. Members expressed interest in paying dues online. (Editor’s note: The online option had been in the works and subsequently became available.) BRENTON REEF (Eco Tankers Crew Management, LLC), September 14 – Chairman Phillip Nichols, Educational Director Eron Hall, Deck Delegate Enriqueto Estipona, Engine Delegate Jorge Lawrence. Crew discussed going ashore procedures for Eagle Point, New Jersey, and for Philadelphia. Seaman’s Church Institute assistance is the only way to get to and from front gate. Chairman thanked crew for previous stores event and discussed the upcoming shipyard period. Educational director urged members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. New TV and microwave purchased for crew mess. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew changes happening in near future. Next port: Eagle Point, New Jersey. TEXAS (Fairwater Crew Management, LLC), October 6 – Chairman Tomas Calderon Robinson, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Furman Watson. Entire crew doing well, per chairman. Educational director reiterated the importance of keeping paperwork current and upgrading at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for a job well done. BRENTON REEF (Eco Tankers Crew Management, LLC), October 19 – Chairman Phillip Nichols, Secretary Nathan Brailsford, Educational Director Eron Hall. Members reviewed boot allowance reimbursements. Chairman estimated upcoming shipyard period to last approximately 30-40 days and noted potential issues with submitting paperwork to NMC due to current government shutdown. Educational director reminded members to continue upgrading their skills at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read latest communications and discussed new online dues payment option. A round of applause was given to entire steward department for a job well done. Members would like pay procedure to follow standard tanker agreement to include penalty pay for trash, work boot allowances, and a day in lieu of pay. Next port: Houston. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime Corp.), November 16 – Chairman Duane Frosburg, Educational Director Dereon Ivory. Members discussed requirements for retirement. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New pillows, new mattresses and new chairs needed in staterooms. New knives, new can openers and new oven mitts also needed per steward delegate. Members expressed dissatisfaction with Anderson-Kelly physicals. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. LIBERTY POWER (Liberty Maritime Corp.), November 30 – Chairman Anwar Martinez Norales, Secretary Robert Bostick, Deck Delegate Usman Ibrahim, Engine Delegate Gilberto Baltazar. Members reported difficulties getting OT approval after writing in for vessel restriction in Bahrain and in Morocco. Several people reported problems receiving OT pay for hours worked. Captain reportedly denied launch service for crew. Bosun requested transportation for departures at Beaumont, Texas. More refrigerators are needed as not all rooms have one. Fresh produce requested on multiple occasions by former bosun but never received. Multiple supplies need replenishment, including cups, paper towels, spoons, mops, etc. ARC COMMITMENT (TOTE Services, LLC), December 8 – Chairman David Brady Norales, Secretary Dustin Haney, Deck Delegate Ahmed Haridy, Engine Delegate Raymond Barnhart. Crew requested better internet service and new blankets. Thanksgiving holiday went well and ship is well stocked, per secretary’s report. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like payrates to equal those in standard freightship agreement, specifically weekend overtime rates and would like vacation to be modified to 26 for 30. Bosun suggested European watch schedule at sea. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), December 20 – Chairman Ben Skuban, Secretary Bernardo Celi, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Engine Delegate Jarvis Carter, Steward Delegate Hans Winkler. Chairman announced next payoff at sea, talked about distribution of overtime and reiterated the importance of reading contracts. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade and stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new linens, new mattresses, new PPE, and an increase to food budget. Crew would like 30 for 30 vacation, increases to base wages, improved health care and better Wi-Fi. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 FEBRUARY 2026 �Seafarers Celebrate Winter Holidays The photos on these three pages feature SIU personnel partaking in food and fellowship leading up to, and during the recent holiday season. ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE ‒ The Christmas group photo from the Key Marine vessel includes (from left) Second Mate/SIU Hawsepiper Jimmy Hargrove, Recertified Bosun Billy Yurick, and AB/Cook Cris Arsenio. Hargrove noted that he and Arsenio were Paul Hall Center apprentices in 2012 and subsequently landed in the same upgrading courses a couple of times. Hargove also had sailed with Yurick in 2013. “Proud to call both of them shipmates and Cris a classmate and to still be connecting all these years later!” he said. ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR ‒ From left in the three-person photo, taken aboard the ATC vessel on Christmas, are Recertified Steward Albert Sison, DEU Saleh Saleh, and Chief Cook Nasr Almusab. In the four-person pic, those same three Seafarers are joined by SA Mario Hartford, while Chief Cook Nasr also is in the solo photo. FEBRUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 99 LOG • �At the Jacksonville Hall The yearly festivities in the Sunshine State attracted a typically strong turnout on Dec. 19. Pictured from left are GUDE Shakira Neither, SA Kierra Bradley, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Chief Cook Future Seafarer Kieran Guiry (son of Keyanna Williams, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman, SA Etrenda Badger, Chief Cook Tracey Manuel, and Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry. Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry) Showing the SIU spirit are (from left) Steward/Baker Manuel Daguio, Chief Cook Carlos Diaz, GUDE Dennis Morallo, ABM Aristotle Bone, GUDE Braulio Ente, ABM Vicente Mansilungan, and ACU Rosalie Long. QEE Melody Mitchell, Recertified Bosun Junior Augustin Retired Recertified Steward Gregory Melvin (left) gives the invocation. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is directly to his left. Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw (right, holding plates) and his daughter survey the scene. 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 Guests enjoy the feast (two photos directly above). FEBRUARY 2026 �Holiday Season in Full Swing Photos on this page were taken at each hall's respective holiday festivities. AT THE MOBILE HALL ‒ Members, pensioners and their families and friends convene Dec. 11. Retiree Hubert Cain is pictured at the top right, saying thanks for a birthday cake (he turned 91 two days later). Pictured from right to left in photo at the top left are SIU Port Agent Jimmy White, Chief Cook Dorian White (Jimmy’s son), SIU Recruiting Media Coordinator Lauren Liles, and her son, Tristan Biggerstaff. Pensioner Brenda Littlefield is second from left in the remaining four-person posed photo. AT THE NORFOLK HALL ‒ From left are Steward/Baker Darryl Jackson, retired SIU VP Kermett Mangram, Steward/Baker Avis Hawkins, SIU VP Government Services Sam Spain, ACU Marvette Gallop, Chief Cook Faith Gonse, SA Juditha Cuarez, and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. AT THE JERSEY CITY HALL ‒ Attendees at the December holiday bash in the Garden State included (far left) SIU VP Joseph Soresi and (front, fifth from left) retired SIU VP Kate Hunt, among many others. FEBRUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 This month’s question was answered by SIU members at the Philadelphia hall. Question: What are some of your goals for 2026? David Mendez Reefer Mechanic Theophilus Essien AB “I’m part of an inland gang, so my goals are to be as productive as I can be, improve myself and learn all I can about the new Starcool modules. Personally, I’m looking to invest in some real estate.” “I’m looking to become a Recertified Bosun, I just put my application in, so that would be amazing. My uncle got me into the union, so I want to do it for him. Personally, I’m looking for a house to settle down in. I love the SIU!” Lawrence Girard AB Phuoc Nguyen Chief Steward “I’m aiming to study for and attain my AB unlimited rating next year. I’d like to try and get on a cargo ship or a RO/RO next year, since I’ve really only worked on tankers so far.” “I’d like to get into the Recertified Steward program in 2026, then get on a nice ship and stay for a while. Personally, I’d like to get healthy and stay that way all year.” Berard Fedele AB Unlimited Julius Thomas AB “I’m sort of at the end of my career, so I’m always looking to stay safe and put in another productive year. I’m getting close to retirement, so staying active and busy is always a plus. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the union, it’s been a great experience.” “Want to work hard to support my son. I’ve had a good long career, I’m approaching 70, so I’m always looking to extend my career as safely as possible. Looking to stay happy, healthy and working.” ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 • SEAFARERS LOG This 1981 snapshot, taken aboard the Monticello Victory, includes (from left) SIU Port Agent Don Anderson and Seafarers Frank Smith, Luiz Perez, George Arpin, and Duke Hall. (Anderson, who passed away in 2025, later became an assistant vice president.) SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2026 12 FEBRUARY �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from December 15, 2025 - January 16, 2026. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of January 16, 2026. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 18 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 14 Guam 2 Harvey 14 Honolulu 5 Houston 36 Jacksonville 32 Jersey City 26 Joliet 1 Mobile 3 Norfolk 26 Oakland 13 Philadelphia 4 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 6 St. Louis 3 Tacoma 15 Wilmington 19 4 1 3 10 2 3 3 24 28 10 1 1 19 3 2 0 5 4 10 19 1 0 1 4 0 1 0 11 12 4 2 5 5 3 1 0 1 0 2 3 5 3 3 11 3 7 6 32 28 16 2 6 7 8 4 0 1 0 6 16 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 17 22 10 0 1 6 1 2 1 1 4 7 5 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 5 7 2 1 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 4 1 5 1 15 24 13 1 4 7 4 3 0 0 2 8 8 27 3 4 22 3 18 13 60 65 35 3 10 35 17 3 1 9 4 24 50 6 1 3 19 1 6 3 45 41 11 3 3 22 5 2 1 4 1 8 24 2 0 1 10 1 6 1 17 13 5 1 6 10 4 1 1 2 0 2 4 TOTAL 241 152 56 164 93 28 105 406 209 87 Algonac 5 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 9 Guam 1 Harvey 2 Honolulu 5 Houston 12 Jacksonville 18 Jersey City 9 Joliet 3 Mobile 4 Norfolk 15 Oakland 1 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 6 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 7 Wilmington 13 TOTAL 119 4 1 2 11 0 0 3 8 13 9 1 3 11 1 1 5 2 0 3 11 89 0 0 1 2 0 2 2 5 7 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 31 1 1 2 3 0 1 2 7 14 2 1 0 8 3 3 1 1 0 1 7 58 4 1 3 11 1 2 7 14 26 14 3 5 17 3 3 1 6 3 13 21 158 4 1 3 16 0 2 4 10 26 10 1 1 14 0 1 1 7 0 5 10 116 0 0 3 2 1 2 2 6 6 3 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 1 0 8 40 Algonac 4 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 5 Guam 0 Harvey 2 Honolulu 9 Houston 15 Jacksonville 18 Jersey City 13 Joliet 0 Mobile 1 Norfolk 18 Oakland 13 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 3 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 10 Wilmington 23 TOTAL 137 0 2 1 4 1 4 0 12 17 8 0 1 14 5 2 2 3 1 1 7 85 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 4 1 0 1 6 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 20 1 0 1 5 0 2 2 9 17 10 1 3 11 4 0 0 4 0 9 17 96 1 0 3 3 0 1 0 1 14 3 0 1 8 2 1 1 1 1 0 10 51 4 0 3 12 0 5 10 26 39 10 0 2 26 17 2 0 8 1 7 32 204 2 4 0 6 0 2 1 13 24 9 0 3 15 3 1 2 9 0 2 11 107 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 6 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 18 Algonac 0 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 0 Guam 0 Harvey 1 Honolulu 0 Houston 8 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 0 Wilmington 1 7 0 4 7 0 3 2 20 31 17 0 2 19 6 0 1 0 0 5 13 7 0 1 8 0 6 2 7 41 14 0 1 36 7 1 1 0 0 3 22 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 4 0 0 2 15 22 11 0 2 14 2 0 1 0 0 6 10 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 21 3 0 0 9 5 0 0 0 0 3 8 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 5 4 2 0 1 5 0 0 2 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 9 2 3 11 0 3 3 37 52 21 1 1 19 7 1 1 0 0 8 19 22 0 1 13 0 9 5 19 75 24 1 2 55 10 0 1 0 0 6 36 TOTAL 10 137 157 6 93 56 34 13 198 279 GRAND TOTAL 463 264 349 307 114 248 781 630 424 Engine Department 3 0 2 7 1 1 4 8 21 3 1 1 12 3 0 3 5 0 3 5 83 2 2 3 3 0 1 1 9 14 3 1 2 10 3 2 3 1 1 1 5 67 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 14 Steward Department February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point Monday: Feb. 2, March 2 Algonac Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12 Baltimore Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5 Guam Thursday: Feb. 19, March 19 Honolulu Friday: Feb. 13, March 13 Houston Monday: Feb. 9, March 9 Jacksonville Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5 Joliet Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12 Mobile Wednesday: Feb. 11, March 11 New Orleans Tuesday: Feb. 10, March 10 Jersey City Tuesday: Feb. 3, March 3 Norfolk Friday: Feb. 6, March 6 Oakland Thursday: Feb. 12. March 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: Feb. 4, March 4 Port Everglades Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12 San Juan Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5 St. Louis Friday: Feb. 13, March 13 Tacoma Wilmington Friday: Feb. 20, March 20 Tuesday: Feb. 17, Monday: March 16 Meeting date changes due to holidays Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. FEBRUARY 2026 0 0 1 2 1 2 1 5 12 5 0 1 10 4 1 0 1 1 1 6 54 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 16 Entry Department 507 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA SALEH ALSINAI Brother Saleh Alsinai, 66, joined the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Alsinai most recently shipped on the Midnight Sun and lives in Tacoma, Washington. BOBBY BELCHES Brother Bobby Belches, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1995 and first worked on the Independence. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Belches concluded his career aboard the George III. He resides in Pittsburg, California. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. STANLEY DARANDA DEMETRIO MARCHIONE Brother Stanley Daranda, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he shipped on the HMI Petrochem. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Daranda’s final vessel was the USNS Bellatrix. He makes his home in New Orleans. Brother Demetrio Marchione, 65, started sailing with the union in 1980, initially working aboard the Cove Engineer. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Marchione concluded his career aboard the Maersk Chicago. He lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. PAUL DIESNER GEORGE MCANERN Brother Paul Diesner, 63, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Libra. Brother Diesner upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Anchorage and is a Seattle resident. Brother George McAnern, 67, joined the union in 2001. He first shipped on the Cape Orlando and sailed in the engine department. Brother McAnern upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Sagamore. He resides in San Francisco. FRANK BERNER LAWRENCE FRENCH Brother Frank Berner, 65, became a member of the union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Manhattan. He sailed primarily in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Berner upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career working with Universal Maritime and makes his home in Humble, Texas. Brother Lawrence French, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 and first worked aboard the USNS Denebola. He shipped in the engine department and concluded his career on the Cape Jacob. Brother French makes his home in Fort Myers, Florida. FERNANDO CASTILLO Brother Fernando Castillo, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2016. He first sailed aboard the Global Sentinel and worked in the steward department. Brother Castillo most recently shipped on the Maersk Hartford. He is a resident of Selma, North Carolina. THOMAS CATANIA Brother Thomas Catania, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979 and first sailed aboard the Gallaway. He sailed in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Catania upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed with Sealand and settled in Homosassa, Florida. CHARLOTTE CHASTAIN Sister Charlotte Chastain, 72, embarked on her career with the SIU in 2008 when she sailed on the Horizon Trader. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Sister Chastain concluded her career aboard the USNS Watkins. She lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. JULITO CRODUA Brother Julito Crodua, 60, signed on with the union in 1988. He initially sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward department. Brother Crodua upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped on the Pacific Tracker and is a resident of Olympia, Washington. JOSE GARCIA Brother Jose Garcia, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1994. He was a deck department member and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Garcia upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed on the Overseas Cascade and lives in Houston. DONALD LAMB Brother Donald Lamb, 65, joined the union in 1998 and first sailed aboard the USNS Kane. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Liberty Spirit. Brother Lamb resides Pensacola, Florida. LARRY LEWIS Brother Larry Lewis, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Lewis concluded his career aboard the Robert E. Lee. He resides in New Orleans. MAXIMO LOTO Brother Maximo Loto, 65, became an SIU member in 1993. He was an engine department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Loto’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the USNS Bowditch. He makes his home in San Leandro, California. 14 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 SEAFARERS • SEAFARERS LOG CONSTANCE MULLINGS Sister Constance Mullings, 65, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 2008. She first sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha and worked in the steward department. Sister Mullings upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She last sailed aboard the Brenton Reef and makes her home in Leighton, Alabama. JULIE ORTIZ Brother Julie Ortiz, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1990 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ortiz’s final vessel was the Horizon Reliance. He resides in Honolulu. GUSTAVO OSORIO Brother Gustavo Osorio, 71, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Osorio upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed aboard the George II and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. GLENN QUITORIO Brother Glenn Quitorio, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1999. He worked as an engine department member, initially aboard the Independence. Brother Quitorio upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped aboard the Horizon Pacific and settled in Spanaway, Washington. RENE RAFER Brother Rene Rafer, 65, started sailing with the union in 1989, initially working aboard the Independence. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Rafer last shipped on the George III and makes his home in Mililani, Hawaii. FEBRUARY 2026 �JUAN ROCHEZ DION TURY GEOFFREY GAVIGAN Brother Juan Rochez, 80, joined the SIU in 1991 and first shipped on the USNS Pollux. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rochez last shipped on the Florida. He resides in Crosby, Texas. Brother Dion Tury, 65, joined the SIU in 1981 and first shipped on the Zapata Patriot. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Tury last shipped on the Perla Del Caribe and settled in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Brother Geoffrey Gavigan, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2007. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gavigan worked with Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He lives in Cape May, New Jersey. MIGUEL RUIZ Brother Miguel Ruiz, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Ruiz upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the Potomac Express. He lives in the Bronx, New York. EUGENE SCANDURRA Brother Eugene Scandurra, 65, became a member of the union in 1990. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Scandurra’s first vessel was the Cape Ann; his last, the Sulphur Enterprise. He resides in Las Vegas. MARK SIMPSON Brother Mark Simpson, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2002 and first sailed aboard the USNS Dahl. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother Simpson concluded his career aboard the Maersk Detroit. He makes his home in The Villages, Florida. NEIL SULLIVAN Brother Neil Sullivan, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1992. He first sailed aboard the USNS Audacious and was a deck department member. Brother Sullivan upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions and last shipped aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. He lives in Panama City, Florida. EDNA TORRES Sister Edna Torres, 69, signed on with the union in 2001 and initially sailed aboard the Maersk Maine. She worked in the steward department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Sister Torres most recently shipped on the APL Eagle and is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. VIRGIL TUDORACHE Brother Virgil Tudorache, 76, started sailing with the SIU in 2001 when he shipped on the Seabulk Mariner. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Tudorache concluded his career aboard the Marjorie C. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. FEBRUARY 2026 GREAT LAKES MICHAEL HALLIBURTON Brother Wayne Moon, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1977. He worked in the deck department and was employed with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock for almost his entire career. Brother Moon resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Brother Michael Halliburton, 69, signed on with the union in 1979. He initially worked with G&H Towing and sailed in the deck department. Brother Halliburton upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He was last employed by Sheridan Transportation and makes his home in La Porte, Texas. JAMES NIEHUS JAMES MORGAN Brother James Niehus, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Niehus worked with Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career. He lives in Highland, Indiana. Brother James Morgan, 63, became a member of the union in 1987, initially shipping with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Brother Morgan worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was last employed by OLS Transport and settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. WAYNE MOON NICHOLAS VELKOFF ROLAND NOBLE Brother Nicholas Velkoff, 65, became a member of the union in 1987. He worked in the deck department, initially aboard the Richard J. Reiss. Brother Velkoff concluded his career aboard the American Mariner and resides in Traverse City, Michigan. Brother Roland Noble, 68, signed on with the union in 1976. He sailed in the deck department, first working with Allied Transportation. Brother Noble upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1979. He concluded his career with Zoella Shipholding and makes his home in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. CHARLES O’BRIEN INLAND RICHARD BARNETT Brother Richard Barnett, 63, signed on with the union in 1992. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Barnett was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. He resides in Hopatcong, New Jersey. KENNETH BLACK Brother Kenneth Black, 64, donned the SIU colors in 2018. He was a deck department member and first worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Black upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2022. He concluded his career with Crowley Puerto Rico Services and settled in Bella Vista, California. Brother Charles O’Brien, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother O’Brien last shipped with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He calls Naples, Florida, home. DANIEL PETRIE Brother Daniel Petrie, 62, joined the SIU in 1989. He was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Petrie lives in Weehawken, New Jersey. DAVID PRICE Brother David Price, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1978, first working with Interstate Oil. Brother Price was a deck department member, and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1978. He last sailed with OSG Ship Management and resides in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. JOLLY COX RYAN RIGGINS Brother Jolly Cox, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1989, initially working aboard the USNS Indomitable. Brother Cox was a deck department member. He was last employed with Allied Transportation and makes his home in Kokomo, Mississippi. Brother Ryan Riggins, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1983. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Riggins worked with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He calls Lufkin, Texas, home. SCOTTIE DUNCAN Brother Scottie Duncan, 53, joined the SIU in 2009. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Duncan worked for Express Marine for his entire career. He resides in Leland, North Carolina. GAWAIN SCHOUEST Brother Gawain Schouest, 55, signed on with the SIU in 1991. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Schouest worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage for almost his entire career. He makes his home in Harvey, Louisiana. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA OHENEBA FRANCIS ACKON Pensioner Oheneba Francis Ackon, 67, died June 22. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Pride of America. Brother Ackon worked in both the deck and engine departments. He concluded his career aboard the Seabulk Challenge and went on pension in 2022. Brother Ackon called Fairfield, Ohio, home. RASHID ALI Pensioner Rashid Ali, 79, passed away November 11. He became a member of the SIU in 1977 when he shipped on the Cove Navigator. Brother Ali sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the USNS Fisher and became a pensioner in 2015. Brother Ali made his home in Floral Park, New York. JANET BAIRD Sister Janet Baird, 54, died November 13. She began her career with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Cape Clear. Sister Baird was a deck department member and last sailed on the Global Sentinel. She lived in Summerfield, Florida. RODERICK BRIGHT Pensioner Roderick Bright, 67, passed away November 13. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Alaska. Brother Bright worked in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Padre Island. He went on pension in 2013 and resided in Chesapeake, Virginia. GERARD COSTELLO Brother Gerard Costello, 64, died November 3. He joined the SIU in 1998 and first shipped on the USNS Gilliand. Brother Costello sailed in the deck department and most recently shipped on the ARC Independence. He was a Baltimore resident. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. ALEJO FABIA LEWIS FARROW Pensioner Alejo Fabia, 78, died October 1. He donned the SIU colors in 1989. A steward department member, Brother Fabia first shipped on the Independence. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Enterprise and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Fabia lived in Hilo, Hawaii. Pensioner Lewis Farrow, 86, passed away October 21. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1972. An engine department member, Brother Farrow was employed with Cape Fear Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived in Wilmington, North Carolina. BRENT JOHNSON WILLIAM HOLCOMB Pensioner Brent Johnson, 85, passed away September 28. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991 when he sailed aboard the USNS Titan. Brother Johnson was a deck department member. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Kodiak and became a pensioner in 2017. Brother Johnson resided in Bothell, Washington. Pensioner William Holcomb, 80, died October 22. He began his career with the SIU in 1967 when he shipped with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Holcomb worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed with Seabulk Tankers before retiring in 2010. Brother Holcomb resided in West Monroe, Louisiana. NMU ROBERT LERMA Pensioner Robert Lerma, 73, died September 25. He became a member of the SIU in 2005. Brother Lerma initially sailed aboard the Maersk Alaska. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Intrepid. Brother Lerma went on pension in 2017 and settled in East Glacier Park, Montana. MARK PATTERSON Pensioner Mark Patterson, 80, passed away October 23. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1969 when he sailed on the Raymond Reiss. Brother Patterson sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Portland. He became a pensioner in 2010 and made his home in Juneau, Alaska. ABDULLA SALEH Pensioner Abdulla Saleh, 86, has passed away. He joined the union in 1991 and initially sailed on the Franklin J. Phillips. Brother Saleh shipped in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. and retired in 2003. Brother Saleh was a resident of Staten Island, New York. INLAND DANNY DAVIS FREDERICK DUNMORE Pensioner Danny Davis, 75, passed away November 14. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1972, initially working on the Overseas Progress. Brother Davis was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Pride. He began collecting his pension in 2009 and resided in Ringgold, Georgia. Brother Frederick Dunmore, 47, died October 17. He donned the SIU colors in 2021, initially working aboard the Pride of America. Brother Dunmore was an engine department member. He most recently sailed on the Dodge Island and made his home in Houston. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ARNALDO ARZU Pensioner Arnaldo Arzu, 93, passed away November 9. A deck department member, Brother Arzu last shipped on the Keystone Texas. He retired in 2008 and lived in Marrero, Louisiana. JEOFFREY DAVID Pensioner Jeoffrey David, 86, died September 26. Brother David shipped in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Horn and went on pension in 1999. Brother David resided in Ruther Glen, Virginia. PRESCO NEW Pensioner Presco New, 99, passed away November 8. Brother New begin sailing in 1954 and worked in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Ducato and retired in 1998. Brother New lived in Jacksonville, Florida. JAMES POPE Pensioner James Pope, 87, passed away November 8. Brother Pope last shipped aboard the Thompson Lykes. He went on pension in 2003 and settled in Grand Bay, Alabama. ANDREW POTASH Brother Andrew Potash, 66, died October 30. Brother Potash shipped in the engine department and last sailed aboard the Cape Edmont. He was a Denver resident. THEODORE SMITH Pensioner Theodore Smith, 78, passed away October 27. Brother Smith sailed in the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Wilson before becoming a pensioner in 2006. Brother Smith lived in Houston. FEBRUARY 2026 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck RFPNW Water Survival Feb. 23 April 6 June 8 March 13 April 24 June 26 Feb. 16 March 9 May 4 March 6 March 27 May 22 Feb. 16 March 16 Feb. 27 March 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations Feb. 16 March 9 April 4 May 4 March 13 April 3 May 1 May 29 Chief Steward March 2 May 25 March 27 June 19 Adv. Galley Operations March 30 April 27 April 24 May 22 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Government Vessels Feb. 23 April 20 May 18 Feb. 27 April 24 May 22 Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. March 23 March 24 RFPEW Feb. 16 April 6 March 13 May 1 Boiler Technician (FOWT) March 16 May 4 April 10 May 29 Junior Engineer March 9 May 18 May 1 July 10 Marine Electrician April 6 May 8 Tanker Ship Fam. - DL Marine Refrigeration Tech. Feb. 23 June 22 April 3 July 31 Feb. 16 March 23 Feb. 20 March 27 Tanker Ship Fam. - LG Feb. 23 March 30 Feb. 27 April 3 Machinist Feb. 23 March 13 Pumpman March 16 March 20 Welding March 16 April 13 June 1 April 3 May 1 June 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook April 13 June 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 17 SEAFARERS FEBRUARY 2026LOG • OCTOBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #928 – Recently graduated (not all are pictured): Monique Banks, Adriel Cotto, Wesley Cueto, Mark Estigoy, Alexis Fultz, Leroyal Hester III, Naija Hoy, Sean Lavelle, Tong Lu, Alexie Pankratov, Desmond Percy, Alex Sanchez, Dakota Snow, Austin Sumner and Mikhaela Wilcox. RFPNW – Graduated January 16 (among those pictured): Nicholas Amore, Joseph Breece II, Roland Evans II, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan, Kainoa MacKenzie, Monica Marquez-Realivazquez, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata and Paul Schad. JUNIOR ENGINEER (PLANT MAINTENANCE) – Graduated January 16 (not all are GOVERNMENT VESSELS (AND HELO FIREFIGHTING) – Graduated January 9 (not all are pictured): John Bayonne III, Jovita Carino, Nikita Featherston, Curtis Gilliard II, Admirial Haynes, Sierjohn Jove, Kamaria LaPread, Alexis Martinez, Chelan Peterson, Emmanuel Santos Capulong and Tavon Spence. pictured): Mohsen Almohseni, Victoria Butler, Shemekia Donald, Joaquim Ganeto, Tiburcio Garcia, Mynisha George, Juan Guity Garcia, Talicia Jones, Norman Lucas II, Joseph Marino, Ishmael McNeal, Haider Mohamed, Haidara Mosa, Christian Oding, Michael Papaioannou, Connor Reason, Tracey Ward, Brandon Webb, David Williams, Gary Doggett and Ronald Evans. VESSEL OPS – Graduated January 16 (among those pictured): Elias Carrier, Tariq Graham, James Griese, WATER SURVIVAL (UPGRADERS) – Graduated January 9 (from left to right): Sanita Hayes, Elijah Haynes, Darin Holmes, Christopher Johnston, Tyler Murray, Yoevelyn Rodriguez, Michal Spryszynski, Matthew Swift, Noel Vindua, Jordan Vonchampion, Michaelangelo Vonchampion, Christian Wailehua, Tereton Washington Jr., Joseph Wilde and Zkl Williams. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FEBRUARY 2026 Henry Brown and Daniel Gilbert. �SAVE ON EVERYDAY THINGS Uni exc onlus sav ive ing s Ready, set, save! Save on essentials like your wireless phone bill and groceries, and enjoy outings for less. Head to the movies, your favorite restaurants, amusement parks and zoos, and more, at a discount. Learn more at unionplus.org �FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 2 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Continues Philanthropic Tradition with Santa’s Castle Seafarers stepped up for the most recent Santa’s Castle outreach, as evidenced by this collection of gifts initially staged at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington. O nce again, military families in the Tacoma, Washington region could breathe more easily this past holiday season knowing that SIU volunteers always come through to provide Christmas gifts and donations for service members in need. For 17 years now, Seafarers in the Pacific Northwest have remained unwavering in their support of Santa’s Castle, a year-long program run by local volunteers who collect monetary donations, toys, clothes and bikes to help active-duty military families provide gifts for their children. Although the SIU did not host their annual luncheon this past December due to renovations taking place at the hiring hall, the drive was still a great success. “Even with the renovations, it did not stop members from contributing in the form of toys or making cash donations,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Warren Asp. “I know I say this every year, but even through some years when we have challenges, like a pandemic, Tacoma members still show up and support our efforts. It really is amazing and I truly am thankful.” Retired Recertified Steward Dennis Skretta, who could not volunteer in person this time, is one of those who still makes it a point to donate every year. “I was in the (military) service myself, and I know that sometimes the pay isn’t always that great, so any help you get is greatly appreciated,” he said. The 2025 drive lasted more than three-and-a-half months, and more than 100 SIU members made contributions. According to Asp’s calculations, the SIU raised around $7,500 in toys. “When we dropped the toys off at the site, the volunteers who were there were amazed at how much one organization raised for the program. Santa’s Castle every year is so thankful for the SIU and our efforts,” he stated. There are no plans to slow down in 2026, either, Asp added. SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp Santa’s Castle serves children from birth to 17 years of age for all active-duty service members in Washington: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and active National Guard and Reserves. According to the Santa’s Castle website, this past holiday season the organization helped 1,913 families, including 4,040 children, and gave a total of $791,928 dollars’ worth of toys, books, games, bikes and stocking stuffers to service members in the area. The organization was born in 1994 when military spouses Diane Gravatt and Janet Gibson noticed that young service members in their Army community were quietly struggling to afford Christmas gifts for their children. They took it upon themselves to fix the problem. Armed with a small room filled with previously loved, secondhand treasures, they began working diligently to rehabilitate the items and give them new life. They scrubbed and reassembled bikes, erased the pencil marks in books, and washed and styled dolls’ hair (and washed and ironed their clothes too!). Gravatt and Gibson donated the toys they restored to the other military families in need, thereby boosting holiday cheer and saving Christmas for many. News of their efforts spread to other volunteers who wanted to join in their mission, and the cause grew to become the Santa’s Castle we know today. Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin finds it particularly meaningful to continue this legacy of service and volunteer in support of people who might have trouble making ends meet during the holidays. “[Santa’s Castle] focuses on helping soldiers and their families, not so much higher ups or admin. I’m thankful to be a part of a union that consistently volunteers to help an organization that prioritizes the ‘little people’ and I consider it an honor and a privilege to help each year,” said Suncin. Oiler Quinton Palmer helps transport some of the donations. Safety Director Dennison Forsman AB Patrick Wheat does his part to help with the project. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource FEBRUARY 2026 Description An account of the resource MARITIME UNIONS CALL FOR AMERICAN-FLAG REQUIREMENT ON VENEZUELAN OIL IMPORTS SIU SECURES NEW AGREEMENT WITH INLAND LAKES MANAGEMENT ‘HISTORIC’ CONTRACT UNANIMOUSLY RATIFIED BY BISSO CREWS SIU MEMBERS RESCUE BOATERS UNION-CREWED ‘MIRACLE SHIP,’ BROTHER MARINUS HONORED DURING 75TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE NMC NOTICE: TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF SERVICE AT REGIONAL EXAMINATION CENTER NEW ORLEANS NAVIGATING RELATIONSHIPS AT SEA: SOLUTIONS FOR MERCHANT MARINERS SENAT CONFIRMS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR SIU CONTINUES PHILANTHROPIC TRADITION WITH SANTAS CASTLE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2026 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 88, NO. 2 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/27c1a085c2555070dec44b1ed5cfef6b.pdf 88ecbc8462d203fa000436f13fba9859 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JANUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Members Ratify Contract At Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Seafarers employed by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) recently approved a new three-year contract featuring numerous gains. Members of the respective negotiating teams are pictured above, at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. From left are company executives Holt Hartung and James Walker, AB/Dragtender Clayton Stanley Byrd, Robert Worrell of GLDD, AB/Dragtender Billy Born, SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo, George “Bubba” Strawn and Steven Deken of GLDD, SIU Houston Port Agent J.B. Niday, Capt. Alex Penzi, and Chief Engineer Jeff McCranie. Not pictured but also serving on the SIU bargaining committee was Asst. VP Joe Zavala. The other photo, taken aboard the hopper dredge Amelia Island off the coast of Galveston, Texas, features SIU personnel counting ballots. From left are Capt. David Fitzgibbons, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, AB/Dragtender Brandon Bortolan, and Chief Steward Noah Schluder. Page 3. Year in Review: Bravery at Sea, New Tonnage, Gainful Contracts Highlight 2025 for Seafarers The year 2025 included many noteworthy happenings for the SIU, including the heroism of the Stena Immaculate crew and lots of additions to the union-contracted fleet. One of those vessels, the LNG carrier American Energy (Crowley), is pictured here. Page 6. SHBP SCHOLARSHIP INFO • PAGE 7 // THANKSGIVING SNAPSHOTS • PAGES 10-11 �President’s Report Supporting Our Troops As you may have seen on our social media accounts, the SIU and the Paul Hall Center were well-represented at the most recent Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Our delegation teamed with members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and four of our apprentices also served as a color guard when the ceremony shifted to the nearby amphitheater. We have a write-up elsewhere in this edition. It’s always a great honor to be included for these ceremonies, and I very much appreciate our team showing up on a holiday and enduring a very chilly David Heindel day. Regardless of one’s political leanings, when the president and the vice president are among the participants, it’s a privilege to be invited – and for the record, I said the same thing two years ago when we also had a delegation there for Veterans Day. For those of you who are newer to our organization and may not know, U.S. Merchant Mariners who served in World War II are considered military veterans, and for good reason. Depending on who’s doing the math, they suffered either the highest or second-highest casualty rate among our forces. That includes more than 1,200 SIU members who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m proud to note that the SIU played a significant role in helping secure veterans’ status for the World War II U.S. Merchant Marine, and we also later assisted in getting the cutoff date for such recognition extended to match that of the armed forces. Today, the SIU remains a reliable component of America’s fourth arm of defense. We support our troops whenever and wherever needed, as well as answering the call for our nation’s humanitarian missions. In these globally uncertain times, it’s clear that we very much need to maintain a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Veterans Day was a reminder that our civilian mariners were and are a key part of our nation’s sealift capability – and our ability to achieve victory. International Solidarity Recently, I had the honor of representing both the SIU and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) at an anniversary gathering of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, better known as AMOSUP. The meeting in Manila offered a great opportunity to brainstorm about current and future challenges facing the world’s mariners. Our international ties have been a source of power for the SIU for the vast majority of our existence. Whether we’re teaming up with other unions or working with the ITF – or both – on a particular campaign, we benefit from strength in numbers and a unified voice. One relatively recent example is the logistical obstacles we overcame during the pandemic, on behalf of rank-andfile mariners across the globe. Another is an early-December cabotage victory secured in part through joint efforts involving the Maritime Union of New Zealand and the ITF. And, an ongoing example is the ITF’s flag-of-convenience campaign, which unites numerous affiliates and which has raised wages and improved working conditions for many thousands of mariners. By the way, AMOSUP is one of several foreign maritime unions that models itself after the SIU and other North America-based seafaring organizations. We are happy to work with them, lead by example in some cases, and learn from their example in others. In short, our solidarity is real, and it makes difference. Protecting Workers’ Rights As this edition went to press, the U.S. House of Representatives was set to engage in a series of votes on the Protect America’s Workforce Act – legislation backed by the SIU that would restore collective bargaining rights in much of the federal sector. Regardless of the bill’s ultimate fate, I was glad to see bipartisan support for the legislation as the House finally took it up (the bill was introduced in April). People of all political parties and persuasions support unions. This particular bill would overturn an executive order and restore the bargaining rights of more than one million federal workers. I could not possibly disagree more strongly with the assertion that collective bargaining rights weaken national security (the premise of the executive order). In fact, the opposite is true. Federal-sector workers, including members of our own SIU Government Services Division, are dedicated patriots, and they deserve the right to choose union representation. We’ll do our part to help advance the bill, and we’ll keep you posted. House Passes Pro-Worker Legislation A bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives on Dec. 11 voted to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550), a bill that would restore collective bargaining rights to one million federal workers by reversing a March executive order. As reported by the AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated, “With nearly 70% of Americans supporting unions, politicians face a clear mandate to protect workers’ rights and the freedom to have a voice on the job. The bipartisan bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), came to the floor for a vote by a rare discharge petition and passed 231-195 with support from Republicans and Democrats. It is the first time the House of Representatives has voted to overturn a Trump executive order during his second term.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “In these increasingly polarized times, working people delivered a rare bipartisan majority to stop the … unprecedented attacks on our freedoms. We commend the Republicans and Democrats who stood with workers and voted to reverse the single largest act of union-busting in American history.” Seafarers LOG Volume 88 Number 1 January 2026 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2026 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG She added, “Americans trust unions more than either political party. As we turn to the Senate –where the bill already has bipartisan support – working people are calling on the politicians we elected to stand with us….” A bipartisan companion bill to restore federal workers’ rights has already been introduced in the Senate with 48 original co-sponsors, and more than 15 active lawsuits are challenging the administration’s executive order in the courts. A day before the House vote, Golden noted, “President Trump said ending collective bargaining was about protecting our national defense. But in my District, many affected workers build our warships and care for our veterans. These workers make our country safer and stronger every day. America did not vote to silence these workers, but this bill gives all of us a chance to restore their voices. If the majority we built over the past few months sticks together, we can overturn this union-busting executive order, and we can show America that this body will protect workers’ rights.” Fitzpatrick said bipartisan support for the legislation “is a reminder of what this House can accomplish when we honor its purpose and allow the people’s will to move forward. A bipartisan majority affirmed that protecting America’s security and respecting America’s workers are not competing priorities – they are inseparable. Federal workers, many of whom are veterans, are the backbone of our public service. When they have a voice in the decisions that shape their work, our government is more stable, more capable, and better prepared to serve the American people. I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Golden in leading this bipartisan effort.” Golden and Fitzpatrick introduced the bill in April. After months of inaction on the floor, in July they initiated a discharge petition and set to work building support to force a vote in the House. In November, the discharge petition obtained its 218th signature, clearing the threshold to bring the legislation up for a vote. The executive order, titled “Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs,” sought to end collective bargaining with unions at the departments of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice and Energy, and some workers at the departments of Homeland Security, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Interior and Agriculture. The Protect America’s Workforce Act would repeal the executive order outright, and guarantee that the federal government honors any union contract in place at the time it was issued. Federal workers’ bargaining rights already are limited to conditions of employment. Roughly one-third of all federal workers in unions are veterans. Notice Updated Notice of Privacy Practices Available For Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan recently updated its Notice of Privacy Practices. This notice explains the procedures that the Plan follows to protect your personal information. The updated notice is available at https://www.seafarers.org/plans/ under Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, in the section called “HIPAA Privacy Rules.” JANUARY 2026 �Members Ratify Contract with GLDD Historic Agreement Features Numerous Gains for Seafarers Seafarers employed by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) have approved a new three-year contract featuring wage increases and other substantial gains. The pact covers approximately 200 SIU members who work in the company’s hopper dredge division. It takes effect March 1, 2026 and lasts through February 2029. Negotiations took place at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) Oct. 13-15 of last year. Voting was conducted via mail-in ballots. Representing the SIU on the bargaining committee were Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, Assistant Vice President Joe Zavala, Port Agent J.B. Niday, and rank-and-file delegates Capt. Alex Penzi, Chief Engineer Jeff McCranie, AB/Dragtender Billy Born, and AB/Dragtender Clayton Stanley Byrd. Company negotiators included GLDD executives Holt Hartung, James Walker, Robert Worrell, George “Bubba” Strawn, and Steven Deken. In addition to the wage increases, contract highlights include a new loyalty incentive program that provides extra money based on years of service; increased company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP); a new boot allowance (annual reimbursement); new billets for PHC Apprentices; and new wage incentives for licensed members working in unlicensed positions. The contract also maintains Seafarers Pension Plan participation along with Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan coverage at the top level. Moreover, this is believed to be the first SIU contract that includes artificial intelligence (AI) protections. Specifically, new provisions guarantee early notification and employment safeguards for members affected by technological changes. Born said the AI component “is a very good thing to have in the contract, and we should have it in other contracts, too.” He also identified the SMPPP increases and the loyalty program as some of the other highlights of the new pact. “The negotiations weren’t a long, drawn-out process of stalemates,” added Born, who has been an SIU member for 25 years and has worked for GLDD for more than 20 years. “Everybody wanted to get it done and get it done right. Mike (Russo) did a fine job, and we got a fair contract. The company was looking out for the guys who have been here a long time, and this also gives the younger guys something to look forward to.” McCranie also emphasized the “firsts” in the contract and described the overall agreement as “very competitive” within the industry. “Where we excel in the SIU is our retirement benefits and our medical benefits, and those have a cost that the company has to pay, so that’s a factor (in negotiations),” McCranie said. “We kept the same Core-Plus benefits we’ve always enjoyed. The firsts are the longevity pay, the AI clause and a new billet.” He described the bargaining sessions as long but smooth. Russo thanked the rank-and-file delegates “for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and service throughout the negotiations. Their steadfast efforts ensured that the interests and perspectives of Standing from left aboard the Ellis Island are ETO Joey Vincent, QMED Salomon Prado, Capt. Andrew Torti, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, AB William Doyle, SA Omar Ortega, and 2AE Ned Doherty. In front is Port Agent J.B. Niday. QMED Mainor Leopoldo Calderon (left) and SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala meet aboard the Padre Island. SIU members were fully represented at every step of the bargaining process.” Zavala pointed out that the union secured the new agreement without any concessions and said the contract “delivers meaningful improvements and reinforces our long-term security and stability within the industry.” He continued, “When I negotiate a contract with one of the bargaining units, I try to visualize the kind of agreement I would love to work under. I truly believe we achieved that with the 2026 contract for Great Lakes and Dock Dredge & Dock.” Niday stated, “The hard-working men and women of the GLDD hopper dredge fleet are an impressive group of SIU members. They deserved a solid contract, and the SIU delivered.” Houston-based GLDD “is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States and has a long history of performing significant international projects,” the company’s website reports. Its areas of operation include New York; Miami; Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia, and more. Pictured from left aboard the Ellis Island are AB/Dragtender Kelvin Miguel and Bosun Vincent Sanzone. Chief Cook Irving Guerrero serves lunch aboard the hopper dredge ATB Douglas Mackie/Ellis Island. Among the SIU members pictured with officials aboard the Dodge Island are Capt. Rob Ruiz, AB Michael Howlett, SA Florencio Espin, CE Edward Bradford, Third AE Michael Jonas, CM Emmanuel Fakpui, Electrician Patrick Conroy, Chief Cook Tinesha Travis, AB Bernardo Segura Jumayao, and AB/Dragtender Charles Troutwine. JANUARY 2026 Capt. Joe Minnick Padre Island SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �SIU’s Support of U.S. Military Comes Naturally Many SIU officials are veterans, and their experience has provided them with skills that carried over into their current roles. The following are accounts of several SIU officials’ military careers. This is the second installment of the series. Please note that last month’s LOG inadvertently included a recap of Joe Vincenzo’s service that had not been fully edited. The correct version appears here. Michael Russo Assistant Vice President Michael Russo served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years. During that time, he worked in communications, and his main responsibilities were setting up and maintaining secure, reliable lines for field operations and command coordination. To perform his duties well, Russo said, he needed to demonstrate “precision, technical knowledge, and the ability to adapt quickly in high-pressure environments.” In his opinion, the skills Russo honed while in the Marine Corps helped prepare him well for a career with the Seafarers International Union. “The discipline, teamwork, and understanding of the chain of command that I developed in the Marines translated directly to maritime operations,” he said. “Life at sea, much like military life, demands accountability, respect for hierarchy, and a strong work ethic. The technical skills and operational mindset I gained helped me quickly adapt to the structured and safety-focused environment of the merchant marine.” After signing up with the SIU, he began to understand the significance of the merchant marine and its connection to the military. “Before joining the union, I saw the merchant marine simply as commercial sailors working in civilian shipping. After becoming part of the union, I learned that the merchant marine plays a vital role in national defense and global trade, often supporting military missions by transporting equipment, fuel, and supplies,” he said. His experience in both realms gave him “a real appreciation for the professionalism, training, and sacrifice that merchant mariners bring to their work both in peacetime and during conflict.” Russo urges current military members or veterans who might be considering a similar career path in the civilian maritime world to take advantage of the discipline, leadership, and technical skills they would’ve already gained through their military service. “The transition is smoother than you might think,” he said. “The SIU offers excellent training programs, good pay, and a sense of camaraderie similar to what you experienced in the military. It’s a career that rewards hard work, reliability, and a willingness to learn.” According to Russo, the bond between the armed forces and the U.S. Merchant Marine is built on mutual respect and a shared mission, as they both stand ready to serve the nation in times of crisis and war. “Merchant mariners may not wear uniforms, but their role in supporting logistics and freedom of navigation is every bit as essential to national security,” he said. “I feel proud to be part of that tradition and to contribute in a way that connects my military service to civilian maritime service.” Pat Vandegrift Vice President Pat Vandegrift served in the U.S. Navy as a sonar technician surface, third class petty 4 • SEAFARERS LOG officer (STG3). He carried out his duties aboard a destroyer and a frigate, which were both ASW, or anti-sub warfare vessels. His main responsibilities were operating and maintaining various kinds of gear designed to search for submarines. Vandegrift served in that role for five years. “I believe the training I received in the Navy prepared me to excel in the ranks of the U.S. Merchant Marine,” said Vandegrift. Specifically, he cites the training he completed that honed his attention to detail and inspired a tenacious, no-quit attitude when facing obstacles. He also mentioned camaraderie as a highlight. When Vandegrift was accepted into the trainee program, his ideas about the merchant marine evolved: “I envisioned it being a neat career and then once I was accepted into the trainee program (which is now vessel for some period of time. The agreement is different than being in the military, so it’s a whole lot freer, and less controlled.” Vandegrift also shared some words of wisdom for former military members who may be considering a switch to the merchant marine. “It brings with it the same camaraderie that we had in the military. It still has some military structure out of necessity for the safe navigation of the vessels, but it's a whole lot freer of a lifestyle where you can pick and choose where you work by region, by vessel type, so on and so forth,” he said. He also acknowledged the wellestablished bond between the armed forces and the U.S. Merchant Marine, the fourth arm of defense: “We have a longstanding mutual respect for one another. I’m always grateful for SIU allowing me to join the ranks.” Michael Russo (left), along with a fellow Marine. Duane Akers Pat Vandegrift referred to as the apprentice program) post-Navy, it reinforced that it’s a wonderful way to make a living…. After living on a warship and the intensity of the military, this is better than I had imagined.” The work still involves going to sea and navigating and operating a vessel in an ocean or other large body of water, but the differences between being a civilian mariner and his past in the Navy stood out to Vandegrift. After spending some time sailing with the SIU, Vandegrift was offered the opportunity to apply for positions at the school in Piney Point, Maryland. He had already met people who worked in that area from being “on the docks” as a mariner, so he had an idea of what to expect. “Coming to the SIU, once I hit my first ship, I knew that this was awesome,” he said. Vandegrift says he wouldn’t forsake his time in the Navy, even with all of its requirements and strictures. Still, since making the switch to the merchant marine, he has been able to carve out a space for himself in the SIU, and he appreciates the flexibility the career change has granted him. “I would never give up my Navy time, but compared to the Navy, this is different,” he said. “When you go on a ship, you're contracted to that company, to that Joe Vincenzo (holding flag) listens as then-Sen. Bob Dole addresses his division, The Big Red One. Duane Akers Port Agent Duane Akers joined the Navy in January of 1980. He served for 17 years and then took early retirement as an E6. Initially, he worked in combat medicine for 11 years with the Marines and then completed advanced schooling to become an MDR (which in the Navy is known as an Independent Duty Corpsman) on submarines. When he was assigned to the Marines in combat medicine, where he took care of people in both the Navy and the Marine Corps, Akers deployed multiple times with Marines in combat zones, which he says allowed him to mature in his work. What set him up for his career with the SIU was completing Independent Duty Corpsman school. After serving on a submarine and his final command overseas, he retired from the Navy and began working as an MDR with the SIU. He wasn’t aware of the merchant marine until he joined. He recalls taking courses for the transition assistance program, which is a requirement for all military personnel. “A key statement from that time that stayed with me was that most people get their jobs through word of mouth, family, and friends. That happened to me,” he said. Akers’ best friend and brother were at the military base from which he separated. His friend’s brother did the same job that Akers did on submarines and offered him an application for Dyn Marine Services. This led to his first job three months after his Navy retirement. He spent the next 25 years working aboard ships. “Once I got to my first ship, it was a perfect fit,” Akers said. “I don’t regret one moment.” He attributes his desire to become an MDR in the military to his passion for healthcare and taking care of patients. “That (passion), combined with going to sea and travelling – you put those three together, and it was like being in heaven for me. Plus, a very nice paycheck came with it, but that was secondary,” he said. Akers appreciates that this career change offered him independence as well as a heightened level of responsibility. His military leadership training combined with his medical background and people skills helped him develop along his career path. “If I can’t make a difference in people’s lives, I don’t belong in the job,” he added. Although Akers plans to do some direct recruiting of his own on the military base not too far from his port, he also had some advice to share with military members who may be interested in switching careers: “The SIU is a perfect fit – the lifestyle, the benefits.… It really works hand-inhand with our military veterans. I have yet to hear of any veteran that I've recruited into the SIU who told me they’ve made a mistake. They all have said, ‘This is a wonderful experience. I wish I knew about this earlier,’” he said. Joe Vincenzo SIU Vice President West Coast Joe Vincenzo was an Army member, on active duty from 1983 through 1987, followed by three years in the reserves. He served as a 98J as part of a detachment of the Big Red One, as a non-communication electronic warfare specialist. His main responsibilities were focused on data collection and analysis. In his own words, transitioning from the armed forces to the SIU was “really interesting. There are some obvious transferable skills: discipline and being a team player. You won’t even make it out of basic training without those,” Vincenzo said. He recalled a routine occurrence during his time in military basic training, when the drill sergeant would ask questions about their fellow servicemen while they were standing in the food line, such as their spouse’s name. “If you didn’t know, you’d be down on the ground doing pushups,” said Vincenzo. It taught him the importance of being sociable and making the effort to get to know other people in his unit. Vincenzo’s military experience also reinforced the importance of following rules, working as a team member, leadership, and general knowledge of being a soldier, and for those reasons, he considers the military an excellent place to begin a career. “It’s a vetting process, and it helps you to get a better sense of who you are and what you’re capable of,” he said. Serving in the military was also a way for him to have novel experiences that would assist him down the line, especially in a career that requires knowledge of computers (which were still relatively new in 1983). “The first time I ever touched a computer was in the Army,” he said. “It helped me not be afraid of the machine or to try new things and to familiarize myself with computers.” During his time in SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 JANUARY 2026 �the military, Vincenzo worked in the motor pool maintaining “duce and a half ” and five-ton trucks along with M113 and M117 track vehicles. As with his primary MOS, he learned how to set up and operate data collection equipment in the field and recognize different electronic transmissions typically associated with unfriendly missile systems. Vincenzo’s computer experience gave him the skillset necessary to navigate and utilize computer systems like the SIU’s union-wide human resource information system, which is used to keep and organize records and information about members and crews. Although he hadn’t much experience with the merchant marine before joining the SIU, he always dreamed of one day joining the Navy. “My interest and experience with the merchant marine was a natural offshoot of that,” he said. Vincenzo’s father was in the Coast Guard, and his sister was a nurse on the SIU-crewed passenger ships in Hawaii. In fact, he discovered this career path with the SIU when he went to Hawaii in 1991 to work as a wiper on the same ship, SS Constitution, with his sister. “I respected people who worked on ships, and I wasn’t sure how long I’d be out there when I started,” he recalled. After joining the SIU in January 1991, “35 years later, I’m still here,” he noted. The benefits of choosing a career in maritime after having enlisted in the Army quickly became evident to him. “It’s first and foremost very fulfilling on a personal level and rewarding just the same. I bought my first house with the money I made serving as an oiler in the employ of Seabulk on the MV Seabulk Pride,” he said. “Even to this day I can’t imagine having fallen into a better career.” Advice Vincenzo would share with current and former military members who might be considering a similar career path is as follows: “Have a long game in mind. Don’t get caught up in a short-term-returns way of thinking. Look down the road and consider the life you can build for yourself. There are lots of opportunities and experiences in the merchant marine that you just can’t get elsewhere.” One such opportunity for Vincenzo was working as an oiler on the SS Jeremiah O'Brien in 1994 during the 50-year commemoration of D-Day. “It was one of the crown jewels of my experience as a Merchant Marine. I signed on as an oiler on the ship,” he said. "For those who may not know, the ship made its way to the UK and then to France leading a parade of ships back to the beaches of Normandy where it was among war fighting ships that supported Allied efforts during the D-Day invasion itself. It truly was an honor to serve as just one of a very few volunteer crew members on that ship at that time." To Vincenzo, the bond between the merchant marine and the armed forces cannot be overstated: “We were there with them from the Revolutionary War and we’re still there today. We’re there as an auxiliary in times of war and peace in support of our national defense and economic and homeland security. We’re right there with them every step of the way.” Union, School Join Forces with AMMV In Honoring World War II Mariners The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) teamed up with members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) for the 2025 Veterans Day ceremony conducted at Arlington National Cemetery, near the nation’s capital. In addition to serving as flagbearers, PHC Apprentices assisted AMMV members in placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier immediately prior to the Nov. 11 ceremony shifting to the adjacent amphitheater. The wreath honored the service of World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners, who are formally recognized as military veterans. (More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in service during the war.) “The entire SIU team did a great job honoring our U.S. Maritime Service,” said AMMV President Emeritus Dru DiMattia. “The World War II veterans among our stakeholders were very touched, and we all appreciated your team enduring the early-morning chill.” DiMattia added that the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” started their musical program at the ceremony by playing “Heave Ho,” which was composed in 1943 and is the official song of the U.S. Maritime Service. Taking part in the ceremony were PHC Apprentices Andrew Smith (a Marine Corps veteran), Monique Banks (Army and Air Force), Astrid Ortiz and Leroyal Hester III; SIU Vice President Pat Vandegrift (Navy), PHC Director of Education Wayne Johnson Jr., and Apprentice Commandant Christian Holloway (Army). Capt. Darin Huggins, AMMV’s recently elected national president, noted, “The American Merchant Marine Veterans, founded by our World War II Merchant Mariners in 1984, still tolls the bell of legacy and educates the people of our nation about the vital supply chain operations of the maritime industry that are maintained by dedicated and courageous men and women of the United States Merchant Marine…. AMMV honors the service of all merchant mariners who served our nation during military sealift operations…. This year, 2025, is the U.S. Merchant Marine’s 250th anniversary, as a result of the colonial merchant mariners’ victory over the British warship HMS Margaretta in Machias Bay, Maine, on June 12, 1775. This first sea battle of the Revolutionary War has been called the Lexington of the Seas.” President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins spoke during the ceremony. JANUARY 2026 Making final preparations for the Veterans Day event in Arlington, Virginia, are (from left) SIU VP Pat Vandegrift, Paul Hall Center Apprentices Andrew Smith, Astrid Ortiz, Monique Banks and Leroyal Hester, Apprentice Commandant Christian Holloway, and Paul Hall Center Director of Education Wayne Johnson Jr. This memorial wreath honored the service of AMMV members, officials and supporters are pictured with Paul Hall Center personnel prior to the World War II mariners, including thousands of wreath-laying component of the ceremony. SIU members. Visitors attend the 72nd National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser) SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �SIU’s Year in Review: Steady Gains in 2025 The SIU remained on a steady course throughout 2025, securing favorable contracts, welcoming new tonnage, and maintaining an effective political presence to safeguard Seafarers’ jobs, among other activities. The year started with a committee of rank-andfile members finalizing a report that confirmed the election of SIU officials including President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, and Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, George Tricker, Joseph Soresi, Nick Marrone, Bryan Powell, and Joe Vincenzo, along with a number of assistant vice presidents and port agents. That report, subsequently approved at the monthly membership meetings, also confirmed that Seafarers had voted in favor of the addition of two new vice president positions – slots filled by Hazel Galbiso and Pat Vandegrift. Later in the year, after Marrone retired, he was succeeded by Vincenzo, while former Assistant Vice President Government Services Sam Spain became the vice president for that division. The following is a look back at some other highlights of the previous year. Rescues and Heroism No occurrence felt bigger than the one involving the SIU-crewed Stena Immaculate. On March 10, the Madeira-flag containership Solong hit the Crowleyoperated ship even though the U.S.-flag tanker had been anchored off Britain’s east coast for at least 15 hours. The 461-foot-long Solong didn’t slow from its approximate speed of 16 knots, nor did it change course. After bravely fighting the resultant fire (the Stena Immaculate, 600 feet in length, was carrying military jet fuel) for around 30 minutes, all 23 mariners from the Crowley vessel successfully launched and boarded their lifeboat, and made it ashore essentially unharmed. Those personnel included SIU members, two apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and officers from the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO), plus one from the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. In the aftermath, several SIU members credited the safety training they’d received at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center as crucial to their survival. That wasn’t the only time in 2025 that Seafarers demonstrated their professionalism and selflessness. On Jan. 21, the crew of the Crowley-operated El Coqui rescued four individuals after their sailboat sank off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Later in the year, on Sept. 1, SIU and AMO members from the Pasha vessel National Glory played huge roles in extinguishing an accidental shoreside fire near their berth that could have proven disastrous if not for their prompt, professional actions. Most recently, on Oct. 10, the crew of SLNC Star saved a vessel of fishermen adrift at sea between Singapore and Diego Garcia who had been without food, water or fuel for days. New Tonnage and Contracts There was no shortage of contractual gains for the union throughout the year. The union secured new agreements that either maintained benefits or increased them, and also obtained wage increases in every new agreement. Contracts were ratified covering members at NY Waterway, E.N. Bisso & Son (mid-contract gains), Express Marine, Waterman, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, and Marine Personnel and Provisioning (the latter was pending as of press time). Additionally, SIU members will continue sailing aboard dozens of U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels for the next 10 years, following a mid-year announcement of new contracts by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). The agency on July 30 reported that agreements covering 51 vessels had been signed, with a combined value of $6.2 billion. For the SIU, the number of shipboard jobs will largely remain unchanged, though the union did gain around 40 billets when the “Cape Ts” (Taylor, Texas and Trinity) are in full operating status. New tonnage also entered the SIU fleet throughout the year, starting with NY Waterway’s ferry Jackie Robinson, followed by the LNG carrier American Energy (Crowley), the general cargo ship SL Midway (Schuyler Line), the containership CMA CGM Phoenix (Osprey Ship Management), the cable-laying barge Marmac 306 (Crowley), the hopper dredge Amelia Island (Great Lakes Dredge & Dock), the Great Lakes Towing tugboat New York, and the tanker CS Anthem (Intrepid), among others. Grassroots Activity The union threw its support behind the reintroduced SHIPS for America Act, a major piece of legislation aimed at reinvigorating not just shipbuilding but many components of the U.S. maritime industry. The SIU also applauded a promaritime executive order from the White House that promotes many of the same goals included in the SHIPS Act. The Federal Maritime Commission launched an investigation of flag-of-convenience shipping practices, a move welcomed by the SIU. AFL-CIO-affiliated unions including the SIU endorsed the Protecting America’s Workforce Act, which would restore collective bargaining rights to hundreds of thousands of federal workers who lost them due to an executive order. Moreover, while not a piece of legislation itself, an updated report from Seafarers Rights International found that cabotage laws now exist on 85% of the Family members and former colleagues of the late SIU President Michael Sacco converged in Piney Point, Maryland, June 17 to name a building in his honor as well as unveiling a bronze bust of the union’s longest-serving president. world’s coastlines, are growing in number at an unprecedented pace, and are increasingly essential to national security, economic stability and maritime resilience. The detailed findings underscore the value and importance of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Other Gains, Final Departures The union launched an online dues portal that immediately got widespread use by Seafarers. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan awarded scholarships to members and dependents worth a combined $120,000. In Piney Point, Maryland, the Paul Hall Center increased its schedule to help address a manpower shortage, while both the school and the union maintained extensive recruiting efforts across the country. The school also dedicated a building – the Michael J. Sacco Media Center – in honor of the longestserving SIU president, who passed away in December 2023. Sacco also helped form the school in the late 1960s, and he worked there for many years. Additionally, a new scholarship program for upgraders seeking to obtain licenses in the deck or engine departments was launched and also named in Sacco’s honor. SIU philanthropy was evident at the tenth iteration of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic and during traditional events in the Pacific Northwest, Florida, Hawaii and elsewhere. Finally, the union mourned the passing of former officials Don Anderson and Thornton Elliott, and that of Valerie Cole (longtime Union Plus representative) and Myron Mintz (longtime co-counsel for the SIU Rivers Pension Trust). The union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education observed National Maritime Day ceremonies across the country on May 22, including the traditional event hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation in the nation’s capital. That’s where SIU officials and PHC Apprentices are pictured above, shortly Seafarers from the Stena Immaculate and SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (second from left, before the event. From left in front are VP Pat Vandegrift, President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom in front) met multiple times per day at a hotel in Grimsby, England, in the aftermath of Orzechowski, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Asst. VP Michael Russo, and VP George Tricker. the accident. 6 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 JANUARY 2026 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 10 - December 11, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 12, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 18 Anchorage 2 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 22 Guam 2 Harvey 10 Honolulu 12 Houston 40 Jacksonville 42 Jersey City 24 Joliet 3 Mobile 12 Norfolk 20 Oakland 10 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 16 Wilmington 30 9 2 8 13 2 6 1 24 36 15 3 4 8 6 1 3 3 2 4 11 1 0 7 7 2 4 1 10 11 9 0 3 7 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 13 1 2 16 3 5 5 26 21 14 1 4 15 3 3 1 3 1 11 20 8 3 3 8 2 3 1 11 34 6 5 3 10 3 2 1 5 1 3 9 0 0 4 9 1 2 1 8 11 8 0 1 6 0 0 0 2 0 3 3 2 2 4 16 2 7 3 21 37 12 3 2 10 1 3 0 3 1 7 15 21 4 3 26 3 14 15 66 62 34 4 11 26 15 4 2 7 1 22 53 7 2 5 12 1 4 2 36 45 19 3 4 16 2 2 4 0 1 5 10 2 0 2 11 1 10 2 18 12 3 0 4 10 4 1 1 1 0 2 3 TOTAL 277 161 67 168 121 59 151 393 180 87 Algonac 2 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 0 Harvey 1 Honolulu 3 Houston 8 Jacksonville 22 Jersey City 9 Joliet 1 Mobile 4 Norfolk 12 Oakland 3 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 5 St. Louis 2 Tacoma 8 Wilmington 16 TOTAL 106 3 1 4 9 0 4 3 10 24 6 0 0 11 1 1 3 4 0 2 1 87 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 4 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 0 1 1 5 29 3 0 2 5 1 2 1 3 14 4 1 2 9 3 1 1 1 0 3 4 60 3 0 5 9 2 1 7 14 30 9 2 3 18 5 0 3 7 2 12 17 149 4 4 4 10 0 2 3 15 31 5 1 1 16 2 2 1 6 1 4 8 120 0 0 3 5 1 0 1 4 4 5 0 1 2 4 1 0 0 1 0 5 37 Algonac 2 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 7 Guam 2 Harvey 3 Honolulu 3 Houston 18 Jacksonville 22 Jersey City 5 Joliet 0 Mobile 3 Norfolk 15 Oakland 5 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 7 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 22 TOTAL 126 1 1 1 4 0 1 2 11 24 6 0 4 7 0 1 3 7 2 3 11 89 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 5 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 1 1 18 3 0 1 3 2 3 3 4 12 0 0 5 18 2 1 3 1 3 4 14 82 2 0 1 1 0 3 2 3 17 2 0 1 8 3 0 4 4 1 0 10 62 3 0 2 16 0 5 5 26 42 11 2 4 25 17 2 1 10 1 10 36 218 2 2 1 6 0 0 3 13 22 8 0 4 19 5 1 1 8 0 3 11 109 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 1 7 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 25 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 1 Guam 0 Harvey 1 Honolulu 0 Houston 1 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 3 Wilmington 2 1 1 1 8 0 2 2 21 47 21 1 1 15 2 0 3 0 0 4 13 18 0 1 8 3 3 1 14 51 13 1 1 21 7 0 2 0 0 5 21 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 5 0 4 0 9 29 14 0 1 7 3 1 1 0 0 5 7 3 0 0 2 3 1 2 3 18 2 1 1 6 10 0 0 0 0 3 12 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 2 4 3 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 9 4 1 12 1 2 3 38 52 24 1 1 23 8 1 2 0 0 10 20 25 0 1 13 0 3 4 25 75 24 3 2 52 20 1 1 0 0 11 37 TOTAL 9 143 170 8 88 67 20 17 212 297 GRAND TOTAL 480 284 338 332 156 293 777 621 446 Engine Department 5 0 1 6 1 1 3 4 16 4 1 4 9 2 2 1 2 2 6 10 80 0 0 3 3 0 4 3 3 18 4 0 1 12 2 0 2 0 0 2 4 61 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 6 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 18 Steward Department January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: Jan. 5, Feb. 2 Thursday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 Thursday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Thursday: Jan. 22, Feb. 19 Honolulu Friday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Houston Monday: Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Jacksonville Thursday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Joliet Thursday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 Mobile Wednesday: Jan. 14, Feb. 11 New Orleans Tuesday: Jan. 13, Feb. 10 Jersey City Tuesday: Jan. 6, Feb. 3 Norfolk Friday: Jan. 9, Feb. 6 Oakland Thursday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: Jan. 7, Feb. 4 Port Everglades Thursday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 San Juan Thursday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 St. Louis Friday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Tacoma Friday: Jan. 23, Feb. 20 Wilmington Tuesday: Jan. 20, Feb. 17 Meeting date changes due to holidays Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JANUARY 2026 1 1 0 3 0 3 0 8 22 5 0 1 5 0 0 2 3 2 0 6 62 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 12 Entry Department 518 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD CAPE INTREPID ‒ Safety Director Kevin WELCOME ABOARD IN HOUSTON ‒ STOS David Alvarez (second from left) recently received his B book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman Anthony Jacobson, Port Agent J.B. Niday, and Patrolman Kirk Pegan. WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII ‒ GUDE Carlos Madayag (left), who began his SIU career in 1989 and sailed with the union for 36 years, picks up his first pension check. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with SIU VP Hazel Galbiso. FULL BOOK SECURED ‒ OS Ahmed Ahmed obtains his B book at the hiring hall in Joliet, Illinois. Sykes (third from left) meets with Seafarers on the Ocean Duchess ship. Pictured from left are Oiler David Caballero, SA Calixta Arzu, Sykes, Wiper Wilfredo Martinez, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, and Chief Steward Delbra SingletonLeslie. ABOARD COLORADO EXPRESS ‒ Pictured from left on the Marine Personnel & Provisioning ship are AB Pablo Taracena Dardon, Bosun Arsenio Malunes, Steward/Baker Alvinmar Aldana, ABM George Fababier, QEE Jetaime Mays, SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman, ABM Ruziell Bautista, and SA Nawaf Haidra. CONGRATS IN MICHIGAN ‒ AB Emad Nagi (right) receives his B book at the hiring hall in Algonac. Congratulating him is SIU Asst. VP Todd Brdak. ABOARD GREEN OCEAN ‒ Chief Cook Erik Loret prepares lunch aboard the Waterman vessel. ABOARD LIBERTY PEACE ‒ The Liberty Maritime vessel called on Jacksonville, Florida, late last year. Pictured from left in the larger group photo are AB Eddie Thomas, AB Basheer Ali, Safety Director Adam Bucalo, and Bosun Mohamed Alahmadi. In the other snapshot are Bucalo and Steward/Baker Pauline Crespo. 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ABOARD MARINER ‒ Seafarers (from left) SA Amilcar Miranda, Chief Steward Arlene Thomas, and AB Ronald Poyotte gather aboard the Eco-Tankers vessel. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 JANUARY 2026 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU TAKING THE OATH IN WILMINGTON ‒ AB Mark Garcia (right) receives his full book at the hiring hall on the West Coast. At left is SIU VP Joe Vincenzo. BOOKS GALORE IN NORFOLK ‒ In the three-person snapshot, SA Shakisha West (left) and GUDE Tytianna Pryor (right) receive their respective B books. They’re pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. OS Quasia Clinkscales (individual photo) also received her B book, while AB Andre Irby (right in remaining photo, with Torrey) secured his A-seniority book. (ALMOST) ABOARD USNS PATHFINDER ‒ Pictured next to the Ocean Ships-operated vessel are (from left) CSK Courtney Turner, MDR Clyde Burgess, GVA Kipp Worthy, AB Marck Hilgendorf, GVA Twane Joe, STOS Terrell Redmond, AB Antonio Gonzalez, Bosun Dhindo Faulve, STOS Joshua Collins, QMED Isaac Nugen, AB Rodante Niebres, SA Isaka Koanda, QMED Noli Aguirre, Chief Cook De’vine Lents, and Chief Steward Alphonzo Berry. PROGRESS IN PINEY POINT ‒ AB Mackenzie Wincelowicz (right in photo above, left) receives his A-seniority book while OS Daniel Ignacio (right in remaining photo) obtains his B book. Both Seafarers are pictured with SIU Port Agent Kelly Krick at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. ABOARD OVERSEAS TAMPA ‒ Meeting with Seafarers aboard the Overseas Ship Management vessel is SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (right). Pictured from left are Paul Hall Center Apprentice John Karafanda, AB Valeriy Goncharov, Bosun Jamar Harley, SA Dagoberto Norales, and Hopkins. SIU VOLUNTEERISM IN ACTION ‒ SIU personnel recently pitched in for the Seafarers International House “Christmas At Sea Satchel” packing day in Manhattan. Volunteers gathered to pack satchels with winter essentials (including hoodies, socks, gloves, snacks and more) for donation to mariners calling on ports in and near Newark, New Jersey. Among those pictured are SIU AB Michael Penkwitz (far right in photo above, left) and (from left in the posed photo) Safety Director Jordan Esopa and Seafarers International House Executive Director Rev. Marsh Luther Drege. HONORS BESTOWED ‒ The Maritime Trades Department’s St. Louis JANUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 99 LOG • Port Council recognized St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer (second from left) with its Able Helmsman award, for outstanding leadership. Pictured from left at the related port council event are Port Council President John Stiffler, Mayor Spencer, Port Council Secretary-Treasurer/SIU VP Bryan Powell, and Port Council VP John Orr. �Thanksgiving With the SIU SIU steward departments once again upheld their long tradition of providing top-notch menus for Thanksgiving. Most of the snapshots on these two pages were taken aboard ship; many more are available on our social-media pages. ABOARD AMERICAN ENERGY ‒ Pictured from left on the Intrepid vessel are Chief Cook Carlos Colon, SA Lauren Buggs, and Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont. ABOARD TAINO ‒ SA Michael McLaughlin, Chief Cook Carlos Gomez, and Steward/Baker Luis Perez brighten the holiday on the Intrepid ship. AT THE HOUSTON HALL ‒ A well-attended pre-Thanksgiving event took place Nov. 21. Among those pictured in the largest group photo are former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Leo Bonser from Federated Marine, Steve Huttman from Bay Towing, Bobby Pitka from G&H Towing, congressional candidate Christian Menefee, and SIU VP Dean Corgey. From left in the photo (below, right) are Asst. VP Joe Zavala, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, Corgey, and Port Agent J.B. Niday. In the remaining posed photo are (standing) Recertified Bosun Nicholas Smithling and his family. ABOARD MAERSK PITTSBURGH ‒ Recertified Steward Ali Matari (above, left) and SA Olga Gutierrez (above, right) provide service with a smile. 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 JANUARY 2026 �Thanksgiving With the SIU SIU steward departments once again upheld their long tradition of providing top-notch menus for Thanksgiving. Most of the snapshots on these two pages were taken aboard ship; many more are available on our social-media pages. ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR ‒ Seafarers aboard the ATC vessel spent the holiday in a South Korean shipyard. In the smaller outdoor group photo are (from left) Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, Recertified Steward Albert Sison, SA Ahmed Moosa, and SA Khaled Ali. The whole crew is featured in the other outdoor photo, while the galley gang also is pictured in one of the indoor shots: Recertified Steward Sison, SA Ali, Chief Cook Almusab, and SA Ahmed Moosa. ABOARD SEABULK PRIDE ‒ Some of the holiday offerings aboard the Eco-Tankers ship are pictured here. JANUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, along with Justin Shepler, who was in the process of joining the union through the veterans program. Question: What are some things you like about your career? Vito DeLorenzo Jr. AB Justin Shepler ABM If you need a job, you have an organization here with the SIU (to help you get one). Having the ability to have time off in between jobs, to spend time with my family. I think it makes for a good work-life balance. I was a quartermaster in the Navy, so I knew about the merchant marine, but I never thought about it as a career. I got out of the Navy in 2022 and started my own business, but it didn’t work out, so I got a CDL (commercial driver’s license). I liked driving trucks but I missed the ocean. In the merchant marine, you get to travel, you get time off to do your own thing, and the pay is good. Ahmed Haridy STOS Rhonda Jenkins Chief Steward This has been most of my life – I always want to be close to the water. When I was a little boy, I had my own boat. In high school, I had a motorboat. I love the sea and I’ve worked in all departments. Travel, meeting new people. It’s important because with traveling, you get to learn more and interact with different people. I’ve been sailing almost 24 years. Gerardo Melano Chief Steward Steven Lopez Chief Steward It gives me financial stability and security. That’s the most important part. Also the travel and meeting a lot of different people. You learn from them. You experience different countries and learn from their culinary perspectives, and you can share those with the rest of the crew and officers. I like the flexibility it gives me. When I say I’m on vacation, I’m actually on vacation. I love the fact that I’ve traveled the whole world, pretty much. And I love the fact I can put money in my pocket so I can put food on the table, feed the family. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 The SIU deck gang is pictured aboard the Malden Victory in 1947. The United States constructed more than 500 Victory ships between 1944 and 1946. 12 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2026 12 JANUARY �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA LEONILO ARANO Brother Leonilo Arano, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2008, initially sailing aboard the Texas Clipper. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Arano last shipped on the National Glory and makes his home in Edinburg, Texas. MARTIN ARCENIO Brother Martin Arcenio, 67, joined the union in 1997, initially sailing aboard the Global Mariner. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Arcenio most recently shipped on the Cape Wrath. He lives in Inwood, West Virginia. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. GARY DAHL LEROY WILLIAMS Brother Gary Dahl, 62, started sailing with the SIU in 1991 when he shipped on the Cape Clear. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Dahl’s final vessel was the Horizon Anchorage. He makes his home in Queen Creek, Arizona. Brother Leroy Williams, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1981 when he shipped on the Overseas New York. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Williams concluded his career aboard the Cape Race. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. ANTHONY JACOBSON Brother Anthony Jacobson, 58, began his career with the Seafarers in 1993 when he sailed aboard the USNS Invincible. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in the steward department. Brother Jacobson concluded his career aboard the Maersk Sentosa. He resides in Missouri City, Texas. DEBORAH BROWNE CARLOS MADAYAG Sister Deborah Browne, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1996 and first worked on the USNS Kane. She shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Browne last sailed on the Great Land. She resides in Fairview, Oregon. Brother Carlos Madayag, 67, joined the union in 1986. He first shipped on the Independence and sailed in all three departments. Brother Madayag upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Pride of America. He lives in Mililani, Hawaii. MARCELINO CAYABYAB Brother Marcelino Cayabyab, 65, became a member of the union in 2001 when he sailed aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Cayabyab’s last vessel was the Cape Horn. He makes his home in Tracy, California. TILLMAN CHURCHMAN Brother Tillman Churchman, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1980. He first shipped on the Sea-Land Finance and worked in the deck department. Brother Churchman upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the El Faro and is a resident of Horicon, Wisconsin. FRED CINTORINO Brother Fred Cintorino, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981 and first sailed aboard the Benjamin Harrison. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Cintorino concluded his career aboard the Endurance and settled in Panama City, Florida. HECTOR CUMBA CONCEPCION Brother Hector Cumba Concepcion, 63, signed on with the union in 1998, initially sailing aboard the Expedition. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Cumba Concepcion most recently shipped on the Mendonca. He lives in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. JANUARY 2026 INLAND THOMAS DOHERTY Brother Thomas Doherty, 65, signed on with the union in 1979. He sailed in the deck department, initially working with Interstate Oil. Brother Doherty upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career working for Mariner Towing and settled in Villas, New Jersey. DAVID MCCORMICK Brother David McCormick, 70, joined the SIU in 1975 when he worked with Allied Transportation. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McCormick concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. JOSE RODRIGUEZ GONZALEZ WILLIAM MATTHEWS Brother William Matthews, 69, started sailing with the SIU in 2002, initially working aboard the USNS Charlton. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Matthews concluded his career aboard the Bernard F. Fisher and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Jose Rodriguez Gonzalez, 62, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1990, initially sailing with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Rodriguez Gonzalez was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Rio Blanco, Puerto Rico. NMU MICHAEL RATIGAN DAVID BAYS Brother Michael Ratigan, 70, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Dependable. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the deck department. Brother Ratigan most recently sailed aboard the Cape Race. He resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother David Bays, 65, signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Bays was last employed with Lykes Brothers. He lives in Poplarville, Missouri. PETER HAMM WILLIAM TANKSLEY Brother William Tanksley, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1991. He first sailed aboard the American Falcon and was a deck department member. Brother Tanksley upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last shipped aboard the Seabulk Challenge. He lives in Warner Robins, Georgia. Brother Peter Hamm, 65 became a union member during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Cape Domingo. Brother Hamm is a resident of Charleston, South Carolina. RICKY SHAW Brother Ricky Shaw, 71, signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Mormac Sky. Brother Shaw lives in Los Angeles. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA DAVID ATKINSON Pensioner David Atkinson, 88, passed away October 11. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1967. Brother Atkinson was initially employed by Sealand. He was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Atkinson concluded his career on the Navigator before going on pension in 1993. He lived in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. RICARDO SEBASTIAN KENNETH GUTH Pensioner Ricardo Sebastian, 84, passed away October 19. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988 when he worked for AMCV Cruise Operations. Brother Sebastian sailed in both the steward and engine departments. He concluded his career aboard the Independence, before retiring in 2001. Brother Sebastian made his home in Harker Heights, Texas. Pensioner Kenneth Guth, 90, passed away November 3. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968. Brother Guth shipped in the deck department and began his career working with Interstate Oil. He concluded his career with the same company and went on pension in 1997. Brother Guth resided in North Wildwood, New Jersey. GREAT LAKES OGER BERMUDEZ DAVID KLOSS Brother Oger Bermudez, 70, died August 16. Signing on with the SIU in 2017, he first shipped on the Maersk Atlanta. Brother Bermudez worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the Innovation and made his home in Houston. Pensioner David Kloss, 89, passed away October 18. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1989. An engine department member, Brother Kloss was employed with Upper Lakes Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2001 and settled in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. JIMMIE BINGHAM Pensioner Jimmie Bingham, 90, has passed away. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968 and first sailed with States Steamship. Brother Bingham worked in the steward department and last sailed on the President Tyler in 1995. He began collecting his pension in 2002 and resided in San Bernardino, California. WAYNE CASEY Pensioner Wayne Casey, 80, died October 11. He became a member of the SIU in 1968. Brother Casey initially sailed aboard the Boston. He worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Casey retired in 2011 and resided in Windham, Maine. GERALD CASSIE Pensioner Gerald Cassie, 78, passed away September 15. He donned the SIU colors in 1998, initially sailing aboard the USNS Bowditch. Brother Cassie was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Innovator. He went on pension in 2012 and made his home in St. Johns, Florida. EDGAR MITCHELL Pensioner Edgar Mitchell, 95, passed away September 28. He signed on with the union in 1956, initially working with Waterman Steamship. Brother Mitchell shipped in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He last sailed with Sealand in 1988 before retiring the following year. Brother Mitchell resided in Mobile, Alabama. INLAND ROBERT ANERINO Pensioner Robert Anerino, 93, died October 11. He embarked on his career with the union in 1949 and initially worked for Central Pennsylvania Quarry. A deck department member, Brother Anerino was last employed with Interstate Oil. He went on pension in 1988 and resided in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. GLENN BUMPAS Pensioner Glenn Bumpas, 70, died October 12. He donned the SIU colors in 1973. Brother Bumpas first shipped aboard the Del Rio. He was an engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Bumpas concluded his career with Sealand and became a pensioner in 2017. He made his home in Hilltop Lakes, Texas. PERCY DOUCET Pensioner Percy Doucet, 87, passed away September 15. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1967 when he sailed with National Marine Service. Brother Doucet was a deck department member and concluded his career working with HVIDE Marine. He became a pensioner in 2001 and lived in Welsh, Louisiana. GEORGE THOMPSON Pensioner George Thompson, 86, died October 24. He became an SIU member in 1962. Brother Thompson was a deck department member and worked for McAllister Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. He retired in 1996 and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. NMU PERRIE BEASLEY Pensioner Perrie Beasley, 87, passed away October 2. A deck department member, Brother Beasley last shipped on the Sue Lykes. He became a pensioner in 2000 and lived in Hitchcock, Texas. WILLIE LUPTON Pensioner Willie Lupton, 91, died October 24. Brother Lupton shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He concluded his career aboard the Mercury and retired in 2011. Brother Lupton resided in Franklin, North Carolina. LUCILLE RYAN Pensioner Lucille Ryan, 90, passed away October 16. Sister Ryan sailed in the steward department. She last shipped aboard the Endeavor before becoming a pensioner in 2003. Sister Ryan lived in Mesa, Arizona. ALFRED TAM Pensioner Alfred Tam, 85, passed away October 23. Brother Tam worked in the deck department. He retired in 1997 after concluding his career aboard the Green Wave. Brother Tam resided in San Francisco. JOHN GATES Pensioner John Gates, 63, died September 30. He began his career with the SIU in 1991 when he shipped on the Cape Charles. Brother Gates worked in the deck department. He last sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before retiring in 2018. Brother Gates called Texas City, Texas, home. 14 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 SEAFARERS • SEAFARERS LOG JANUARY 2026 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. SL MIDWAY (Argent Marine Operations), June 13 – Chairman Nicholas Turano, Secretary Tristan Cordero. Chairman asked everyone to be mindful of the adjustment period with newly U.S.-flagged ship. Crew still working out the kinks and trying to make improvements. Many items on order, including tools, parts, consumables, etc. Chairman showed members where to access various union-related items including SMIS (Seafarers Management Information System), STCW-related information, Seafarers LOG and ship contract. Secretary reminded crew to keep private and public spaces clean. Educational director urged members to be aware of document expiration and to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discrepancy reported between member’s registration rating vs actual sign on. Bosun in communication with union hall to sort out resulting pay scale issues. Members would like more Wi-Fi data. Crew requested an ice machine, salad bar, new refrigerators, new linens, and new mattresses. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), September 23 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Robert Seim, Educational Director Ashely Burke. Members went over old business including discussions on tariffs and cargo shipping. Crew still needs new mattresses and linens. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation and more Wi-Fi data to be available. Crew re- quested new towels and pillows. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. AMERICAN LIBERTY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 27 – Chairman Virgilio Rosales, Secretary Jermaine Robinson, Educational Director Juan Castillo, Engine Delegate Emilio Gonzalez, Steward Delegate Madie DeVaughn. Entire crew is getting along well and working efficiently, per chairman’s report. Secretary urged members to regularly check documents for expiration dates and to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. Educational director mentioned the use of safety footwear. Steward was praised by delegate for his always helpful, hands-on style. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like an increase to vacation pay and requested new linens and mattresses. Next port: New Orleans. TEXAS (Fairwater Crew Management, LLC), October 6 – Chairman Tomas Calderon Robinson, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Furman Watson. Members are all doing well. Chairman reminded crew to upgrade their skills at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for maritime training and education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Secretary advised members to keep paperwork current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. USNS EFFECTIVE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 20 – Chairman Edgar Elegino, Secretary Kenneth Bogner, Educational Director William Cassel. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed shipyard operations. Members would like to increase vacation benefit to 30 for 30 and room share pay to $50 per day. Wi-Fi installation underway. ARC COMMITMENT (TOTE Services), October 20 – Chairman David Brady, Secretary Daniel Miller. Crew reviewed old business including requests for new pillowcases, comforters and TVs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation days and to bring back implementation of weekend overtime rate. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), October 25 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Avis Hawkins. Chairman reported a great trip overall. Educational director advised crew to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mattresses ordered. Members would like 30 for 30 vacation and reimbursement for traveling to ship. Crew requested new gym equipment, TVs, a new freezer and better Wi-Fi. ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska Tanker Company, LLC), November 7 – Chairman Donny Castillo, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Corey Hann, Deck Delegate Manuel Espinoza, Engine Delegate Antonio De Luna, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. Chairman warned crew of possible delays with document renewals due to government shutdown. Steward department was thanked for awesome cooking and service. Educational director urged members to schedule classes as soon as possible at the Piney Point school. Classes are filling up rapidly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like vacation to be 20 for 30 and asked for satellite TV system to be updated. Members requested clarification on day-in-lieu-of pay. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC), November 9 – Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Jason Powell, Deck Delegate Terrence Carmody, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Murray, Steward Delegate Engracio Moratin. Chairman announced next payoff at sea and thanked crews for working more than 2,500 days with no lost-time injuries. Secretary reminded members to stay on top of documents. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation and pension benefits and asked to be able to sign up for upgrading classes on short notice. Crew asked for fewer job calls per day. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return JANUARY 2026 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice provides key details about your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”) for the plan year beginning August 1, 2024 and ending July 31, 2025 (“Plan Year”). This is an informational notice. You do not need to respond or take any action. This notice includes: • Information about your Plan’s funding status. • Details on your benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. What if I have questions about this notice, my Plan, or my benefits? Contact your plan administrator at: • Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator • Phone: (415) 764-4993 • Address: 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 • Email: mcsupsiupd@sbcglobal.net To better assist you, provide your plan administrator with the following information when you contact them: • Plan Number: 001 • Plan Sponsor Name: Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan • Employer Identification Number: 94-6061923 What if I have questions about PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees? Visit www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer for more information. For specific information about your pension plan or pension benefits, you should contact your employer or plan administrator as PBGC does not have that information. Federal law requires all traditional pension plans, also known as defined benefit pension plans, to provide this notice every year regardless of funding status. This notice does not mean your Plan is terminating. How Well Funded Is Your Plan? The law requires the Plan’s administrator to explain how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The funded percentage is calculated by dividing Plan assets by Plan liabilities. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The chart below shows the Plan's funded percentage for the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. It also lists the value of the Plan's assets and liabilities for those years. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets To provide further insight into the Plan’s financial position, the chart below shows the fair market value of the Plan’s assets on the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years as compared to the actuarial value of the Plan’s assets on August 1. • Actuarial values (shown in the chart above) account for market fluctuations over time. Unlike market values, actuarial values do not change daily with stock or market shifts. • Market values (shown in the chart below) fluctuate based on investment performance, providing a more immediate snapshot of the plan’s funding status. *This figure is preliminary and unaudited. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan’s funding status determines the steps a plan must take to strengthen its finances and continue paying benefits: • Endangered: The plan’s funded percentage drops below 80 percent. The plan’s trustees must adopt a funding improvement plan. • Critical: The plan’s funded percentage falls below 65 percent or meets other financial distress criteria. The plan’s trustees must implement a rehabilitation plan. • Critical and Declining: A plan in critical status is also designated as critical and declining if projected to become insolvent—meaning it will no longer have enough assets to pay out benefits—within 15 years (or within 20 years under a special rule). The plan’s trustees must continue to implement the rehabilitation plan. The plan’s sponsor may seek approval to amend the plan, including reducing current and future benefits. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2024 Plan Year. Participant and Beneficiary Information The following chart shows the number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the last day of the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. The numbers for the Plan Year reflect the plan administrator’s reasonable, good faith estimate. Funding & Investment Policies Funding Policy The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan’s objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The Plan’s benefits are funded by employer contribu- 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 tions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Investment Policy Once the money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by Plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries that are responsible for the plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning the various types or categories of investment management decisions. The Investment Policy of the Plan requires the Trustees of the Plan to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2024 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: The average return on assets for the Plan Year was 6.9%. Events Having a Material Effect on Assets or Liabilities By law, this notice must include an explanation of any new events that materially affect the Plan’s liabilities or assets. These events could affect the Plan’s financial health or its ability to meet its obligations. For the plan year beginning on August 1, 2025 and ending on July 31, 2026, the Plan expects no such event. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file an annual report, called the Form 5500, with the U.S. Department of Labor. The Form 5500 includes financial and other information about these pension plans. You can get a copy of your Plan’s Form 5500: • Online: Visit www.efast.dol.gov to search for your Plan’s Form 5500 • By Mail: Submit a written request to your plan administrator. • By Phone: Call (202) 693-8673 to speak with a representative of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room. The Form 5500 does not include personal information, such as your accrued benefits. For details about your accrued benefits, contact your plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan's available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC, below), the plan must apply to PBGC for financial assistance. PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan's financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC Only vested benefits—those that you’ve earned and cannot forfeit—are guaranteed. What PBGC Guarantees PBGC guarantees “basic benefits” including: • Pension benefits at normal retirement age. • Most early retirement benefits. • Annuity benefits for survivors of plan participants. • Disability benefits for disabilities that occurred before the earlier of the date the plan terminated or the sponsor’s bankruptcy date. What PBGC Does Not Guarantee PBGC does not guarantee certain types of benefits, including: • A participant’s pension benefit or benefit increase until it has been part of the plan for 60 full months. Any month in which the multiemployer plan was insolvent or terminated due to mass withdrawal does not count toward this 60month requirement. • Any benefits above the normal retirement benefit. • Disability benefits in non-pay status. • Non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Determining Guarantee Amounts The maximum benefit PBGC guarantees is set by law. Your plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. The maximum PBGC guarantee is $35.75 per month, multiplied by a participant's years of credited service. PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit based on the plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate and your years of credited service. The guarantee is calculated as follows: 1. Take 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan's monthly benefit accrual rate. 2. Take 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate. 3. Add both amounts together. 4. Multiply the total by your years of credited service to determine your guaranteed monthly benefit. JANUARY 2026 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck RFPNW Water Survival Jan. 26 Feb. 23 April 6 June 8 Feb. 13 March 13 April 24 June 26 Feb. 16 March 9 May 4 March 6 March 27 May 22 Jan. 19 Feb. 16 March 16 Jan. 30 Feb. 27 March 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations Jan. 19 Feb. 16 March 9 April 4 May 4 Feb. 13 March 13 April 3 May 1 May 29 Chief Steward March 2 May 25 March 27 June 19 Adv. Galley Operations Feb. 2 March 30 April 27 Feb. 27 April 24 May 22 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Government Vessels Feb. 23 April 20 May 18 Feb. 27 April 24 May 22 RFPEW Jan. 19 Feb. 16 April 6 Feb. 13 March 13 May 1 Boiler Technician (FOWT) March 16 May 4 April 10 May 29 Junior Engineer March 9 May 18 May 1 July 10 Marine Electrician April 6 May 8 Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. March 23 March 24 Marine Refrigeration Tech. Feb. 23 June 22 April 3 July 31 Tanker Ship Fam. - DL Feb. 16 March 23 Feb. 20 March 27 Machinist Feb. 23 March 13 Tanker Ship Fam. - LG Feb. 23 March 30 Feb. 27 April 3 Pumpman March 16 March 20 Welding Feb. 9 March 16 April 13 June 1 Feb. 27 April 3 May 1 June 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook Feb. 2 April 13 April 10 June 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 17 SEAFARERS JANUARY 2026 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #927 – Recently graduated: Lorenzo Allen Jr., David Cipriano, Bianca Clark, Oscar Diviny, Rubert Johnson Jr., Corey Keys, Louis Levasseur, Vincent Levin Jr., Douglas McHale, Lawrence Neloms, Misael Orlando Pizarro, Richard Peek, Jezhra Santos, Kadeem Swenson, Arielle Taylor, Alexi Vasquez, Andres Vasquez and Jadelyn Watling. FIRST AID – Graduated recently (not all are pictured): Nicholas Amore, Joseph Breece II, Roland Evans II, Thomas Felton, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Oscar Garibaldi, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan, Delvonta Haynes, William Land, De'aizja Martin, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata, Astrid Ortiz, Shawn Richard, Paul Schad and Jacquita Theriot. WELDING – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Saif Al Tamimi, Jose Alicea-Sanchez, Loren Arriola, Henry Bermudez, Raekwon Brooks, Trinity Carter and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far left. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Adam Atterberry Jr., Jordan Cruz, Alexandria DeAtley, Mohamed Diallo, Khadajah Dillard, Frenchele Erving, Treavon Hampton, Frances Mendez Echevarria, Nicholas Valentin and Dorian White. VESSEL FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Nicholas Amore, Joseph SERVE SAFE – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Logan Collins, Oscar Diviny, Tong Lu and Alex Sanchez. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Breece II, Roland Evans II, Thomas Felton, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Oscar Garibaldi, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan, Delvonta Haynes, William Land, De'aizja Martin, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata, Astrid Ortiz, Shawn Richard, Paul Schad and Jacquita Theriot. JANUARY 2026 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 24: Davon Brown, Kameron Carey, Joseph Crisante Jr., Lynn Figueroa, Rico Flores, Adele George, Catherine Lirio, Jevon Lowery, Rodolfo Manansala, Juan McCakeren, Armel Moyler, Brian Peralta, Marcus Pittman, Ariana Ross and George Vanover. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated October 31: Adiener Alfaro, Maximo Bencosme, Carleous Brown Jr., Malcom Campbell, Terren Carlton, Christian Daguio, Glenn Davis, Jordon Degraffenreidt, Vito Delorenzo Jr., Elhadji Diop, Steven Gomez, James Jones, Marcos Rochez Mena, Deroyce Roquemore, Justin Shepler, Kendo Williams Jr., Royce Williams, Saddam Yahia and Shana Zeidenberg. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated October 31: Reynard Gibbs. RFPNW – Graduated October 31: Jayson Davis, Bryan Madrid and Christian Vigne. WATER SURVIVAL – Graduated October 24: Rayshard Brown (left) and Ahmed Haridy. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Julius Augustin, Carleous Brown Jr., Glenn Davis, Vito Delorenzo Jr., Koksal Demir, Steven Garrett, Steven Gomez, Ryan Henderson, Andrew Navarro, Antoinette Rivera, Marcos Rochez Mena, Deroyce Roquemore, Justin Shepler, William Summers Jr. and Kendo Williams Jr. JANUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 19 19 �JANUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 1 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO ITF Adds 3 Flags to FOC List Dominica, The Gambia, and Niue are the latest additions to the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) longstanding flags-of-convenience (FOC) list. The three flags were added to the FOC list at a meeting of the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee – bringing together mariner and docker unions from around the world – in Athens, Greece, last November. The SIU is an ITF affiliate, and SIU President David Heindel serves as chair of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section. He and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski attended the Fair Practices Committee meeting. The additions bring the total number of FOC flags to 48 countries. “We’ve been monitoring ships sailing under these three flags this year, and after carrying out the necessary due diligence we can confirm their designation as new flags of convenience,” said ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale. “If you are a flag state and you take registration fees, then you have an obligation to ensure the rights of seafarers on vessels under your flag are respected. Let there be no doubt that the ITF is watching and that our global network of inspectors will do everything in their power to protect the seafarers on these vessels.” The ITF defines an FOC ship as one flying the flag of a country other than its actual ownership. According to the federation, The Gambia went from having zero tankers in 2023 to more than 35 by early 2025. The registry is strongly associated with the “dark fleet,” the ITF reported. Research showed that 99% of its tankers were under sanctions or believed to be carrying sanctioned commodities, although The Gambia now claims to be vetting the registry. Niue’s registry opened in 2012, but as of 2025, ITF data showed that where ownership of its 59 vessels can be confirmed, it is spread across Asian states including Singapore (16), Malaysia (two), Japan (two), Indonesia (seven), India (one), Hong Kong (one) and Thailand (one), in addition to the Netherlands (one). Meanwhile, for Dominica, of the registry’s 43 ships, 30 vessels have ownership in the UAE (seven), India (seven), Kazakhstan (three), Saudi Arabia (two), the United States (two), Barbados (two) and Norway (two), in addition to Australia, Cyprus, Finland, Great Britain, and Guinea-Conakry (one each). The ITF’s maritime unions have developed a set of policies that seek to establish minimum acceptable standards for seafarers working on FOC vessels (also known as runaway flags), which account for around 30% of the more than 100,000 merchant vessels operating worldwide, the federation reported. These standards form the basis of the ITF’s collective bargaining agreements, which set the wages and working conditions for crews on FOC vessels regardless of nationality. Slightly more than 47% of all FOC vessels are covered by ITF contracts; compliance is monitored by a network of 130 ITF inspectors and contacts in more than 125 ports throughout the world. The ITF Fair Practices Committee governs the ITF’s FOC campaign – first launched in Oslo in 1948 – including the addition and removal of flag states from the FOC list. The three newest Flags of Convenience, from left to right: Dominica, The Gambia and Niue. Safety Board Issues Report on Dali A loose wire which led to two electrical blackouts and complete loss of power for engines and steering propelled the fully loaded cargo containership Dali into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, the non-partisan National Transportation Safety Board concluded. But in its final report on the crash, which sent the 48-year-old bridge plunging into the Baltimore ship channel, killing six highway workers, the board also warned that 68 other bridges around the U.S. face the same hazard the Key Bridge did: inadequate protection around their piers from today’s long and heavy cargo carriers. “Our investigators routinely accomplish the impossible, and this investigation is no different,’ said NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy. “The Dali, at almost 1,000 feet, is as long as the Eiffel Tower is high, with miles of wiring and thousands of electrical connections. Finding this single wire was like hunting for a loose rivet on the Eiffel Tower. “But like all of the accidents we investigate, this was preventable. Implementing NTSB recommendations in this investigation will prevent similar tragedies in the future.” The appendix in the final report lists 68 vulnerable bridges which could suffer the same fate if a Dalilike vessel crashes into one of their key piers. The 68 include bridges built before modern protection standards were adopted – such as New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge – and those which need updating to meet modern safety specifications. According to the report, the bridges that need updating, some of them critically, include New York’s Verrazano Narrows Bridge; the Chicago Skyway’s Calumet River Bridge; both spans of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which connects the Eastern Shore to the rest of the state; five Delaware River bridges in the Philadelphia area; and the George Washington Bridge connecting New York and New Jersey. Another is the Newark Bay bridge in New Jersey. The report absolves the Dali crew of responsibility for the crash itself. In a news release, the board noted, “The NTSB found that the quick actions of the Dali pilots, shoreside dispatchers and the Maryland Transportation Authority to stop bridge traffic prevented greater loss of life.” They added, “After the initial blackout, the Dali’s heading began swinging to starboard toward Pier 17 of the Key Bridge. Investigators found that the pilots and the bridge team attempted to change the vessel’s trajectory, but the loss of propulsion so close to the bridge rendered their actions ineffective. A substantial portion of the bridge subsequently collapsed into the river, and portions of the pier, deck and truss spans collapsed onto the vessel’s Salvors with the Unified Command perform a controlled demolition and precision cutting of a section bow and forwardmost container bays.” of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that sits on the port side of the bow of the Dali in May 2024. (Photo by USACE public affairs specialist Elizabeth Lockyear) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource JANUARY 2026 Description An account of the resource HOUSE PASSES PRO WORKER LEGISLATION UPDATED NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES AVAILABLE FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN MEMBERS RATIFY CONTRACT WITH GLDD SIUS SUPPORT OF US MILITARY COMES NATURALLY UNION, SCHOOL JOIN FORCES WITH AMMV IN HONORING WWII MARINERS SIUS YEAR IN REVIEW STEADY GAINS IN 2025 THANKSGIVING WITH THE SIU ITF ADDS 3 FLAGS TO FOC LIST SAFETY BOARD ISSUES REPORT ON DALI Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2026 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context No. 1, Vol 88 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/89f03bebb48c3ad33127fa5a910225cc.pdf 7f4be621c21cf002b0f00f324627b8d2 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG NOVEMBER 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 11 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers Crew Up New Dredge The union recently welcomed new job opportunities as SIU-contracted Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) took delivery of the hopper dredge Amelia Island. The Jones Act-compliant vessel is almost 350 feet long and boasts state-of-the-art technologies. Page 3. Waterman Contract Features Significant Wage Increases Seafarers have ratified a new threeyear agreement with Waterman Transport highlighted by major wage increases on the four ships the company operates for U.S. Ocean. Well-received by the membership, the pact covers the car carriers Green Delta, Green Wave, Green Ocean, and Green Bay. This photo, taken aboard the Green Ocean, includes (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Steward/ Baker Elijah Boson, ABM Joe Rogers, and SIU Houston Port Agent J.B. Niday. Page 3. SIU Observes 10th Anniversary of El Faro Tragedy In a series of recent gatherings, the union solemnly honored the memories of those lost aboard the El Faro in 2015. The SIU hosted a ceremony at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, on Sept. 30 and then participated in a nearby event the next day hosted by TOTE. In the photo at right, SIU SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski (second from left), SIU President David Heindel (standing next to Orzechowski) and SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey (second from right) lead a moment of silence for the departed brothers and sisters. Additionally, observances took place during and immediately following the October 6 membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Page 4 MAJOR CABOTAGE STUDY RELEASED • PAGE 2 // SCULPTOR REFLECTS ON RECENT PROJECT • PAGE 6 �President’s Report Cabotage is Good, Popular Policy While the overall U.S.-flag maritime industry faces plenty of challenges, the domestic component remains vibrant, with more than 650,000 jobs supported across the country (both shipboard and shore-side). The secret to this success is strong cabotage laws, which are increasingly being emulated worldwide. As I noted in a very recent op-ed that I co-authored with Jennifer Carpenter, the president of the American Maritime Partnership, the backbone of the successful American domestic maritime industry is the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act. Seasoned Seafarers know that the Jones David Heindel Act specifies the only vessels that can transport cargo from point to point in the United States are American-built, Americanowned, and American-crewed. As reported below, based on updated research from Seafarers Rights International (SRI), cabotage laws like the Jones Act are spreading in popularity around the world. This independent study, originally published in 2018, sets a standard definition of “cabotage laws” and then does a deep dive on nations worldwide to determine which states have policies that meet their definition. They found that cabotage is expanding. In 2018, there were 91 nations with such laws. Today, 105 countries – constituting more than 85% of the world’s coastline – are governed by cabotage. It is easy to understand why the number is growing. Cabotage laws ensure a nation’s access to the movement of commerce on their own domestic waterways, give priority to their own citizens for job opportunities, and can have serious national and homeland security benefits. The SRI also examined reasons nations have cabotage laws. Those include “maintain national security; promote fair competition; develop human capacity; transfer maritime knowledge and technology; create jobs for nationals; increase ships on the national register; promote ship ownership, building and supply services; promote safety and security of ships in port; enhance marine environmental protection; encourage transportation by sea; and provide public services.… In some States, cabotage is now being expressly used to contest the emergence of the new global geopolitical order.” What makes the United States’ cabotage law unique and so successful is its strong history. One of the first laws passed by the first Congress was a form of cabotage, which signaled our nation’s commitment to ensuring Americans on American vessels work on America’s waterways. As recently as the FY2021 bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, Congress reaffirmed its support for the Jones Act, stating that it is the sense of Congress that “United States coastwise trade laws promote a strong domestic trade maritime industry, which supports the national security and economic vitality of the United States and the efficient operation of the United States transportation system; and a strong commercial maritime industry makes the United States more secure.” This strong, bipartisan support creates the stability necessary for innovation in the maritime sector – everything from larger containers to innovations in fuel technology. And it ensures our fellow Americans in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico are not dependent on unreliable or unfriendly foreign powers for American goods. In return, they can reliably ship their manufactured goods and agricultural products back to the mainland. Our national leaders are increasingly attuned to the importance of the maritime sector following the pandemic and subsequent supply-chain crisis. A new executive order and bipartisan legislation in Congress are centered around growing American maritime strength. They understand that America is a maritime nation, with our national security and economic prosperity tied to trade on our waters. At the same time, there are foreign interests that seek to throw away the Jones Act and are enlisting the support of Americans to do it. All the while, many EU members maintain their own policies to prioritize their national fleets! A March letter from U.S. Congressional leaders castigated the European Union for engaging in a secretive influence campaign to undermine America’s cabotage laws. We thank them for their continued leadership. The People’s Republic of China has made it clear that its maritime policy is to achieve global dominance of the entire maritime sector and to be the only source for shipbuilding and shipping worldwide. The PRC’s behavior has obviously spooked other nations, and they are making policy decisions to preserve their own shipping and commercial independence via cabotage laws. They have drawn the same, obvious conclusion that we have: Cabotage laws are the best way to preserve a nation’s maritime interests. The first step in defending ourselves from dependence on China is to champion our cabotage laws. It is clear from this study that the rest of the world is making that same decision. ITF-Commissioned Report Finds More Countries Implementing Cabotage Laws A newly released study by Seafarers Rights International (SRI) finds that cabotage laws now exist on 85% of the world’s coastlines, are growing in number at an unprecedented pace, and are increasingly essential to national security, economic stability and maritime resilience. The Cabotage Laws of the World (2025) report, commissioned by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), compares nations in their enforcement of cabotage laws, which restrict the waterborne transportation of goods or passengers between two points within the same country to domestic carriers. This ensures that critical services remain reliable within a country in times of crisis. The number of countries with cabotage laws has increased from 91 in 2018, when the report was last conducted, to 105 in 2025. While changes between 2018 and 2025 were expected, according to the report, “cabotage laws were found to have spread around the world faster than ever before in the centuries-long history of cabotage.” “Countries appear no longer to be viewing cabotage as merely economic policy, but also as essential Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 11 November 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG to national security and strategic autonomy in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment,” said Deirdre Fitzpatrick, co-author of the report and executive director of SRI. “These 105 nations represent a remarkably diverse group controlling 85% of the global coastline. We are proud that interest in our first report appears to have translated into concrete action, with nations strengthening maritime strategies for a world grown more uncertain since the pandemic.” For the United States, maritime cabotage is governed by the Jones Act, a cornerstone law passed in 1920 that ensures America’s domestic shipping is strengthened by requiring vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports to be U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed. Similar laws exist for airplanes, trains and trucks transporting cargo in the country. SIU President David Heindel, who also serves as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, stated, “This report provides a compelling and independent affirmation of what the maritime community has long recognized: The Jones Act serves the best interests of the United States, its mariners, and our economic and national security. The United States remains the global benchmark for strong cabotage and maritime policy, and it is no surprise that nations confronting today’s geopolitical challenges are reinforcing their own cabotage frameworks to preserve sovereignty and safeguard critical maritime infrastructure.” American Maritime Partnership President Jennifer Carpenter said, “The United States must take the lead in securing our own maritime border and domestic supply chain and not let foreign governments or foreign carriers decide our fate. Just as we wouldn’t allow foreign airlines to transport passengers between U.S. cities or foreign trucks to ply U.S. highways, the same principle has long applied for maritime. We are grateful that President Trump and a strong bipartisan majority in Congress understand the importance of putting America First and preserving U.S. control over our waterways.” The Jones Act supports an estimated 650,000 jobs and contributes $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually. This law also undergirds the strategic sealift capacity needed for America’s armed forces. As the international community increasingly turns toward cabotage to safeguard its maritime sectors and “contest the emergence of the new global geopolitical order,” according to study authors, the United States stands not only as a leader but as a model, with approximately 40,000 vessels in the Jones Act fleet. Additional nations with strong cabotage laws similar to the United States’ Jones Act include South Korea, Japan, Israel, Brazil, Turkey and even China, among many others. The updated report is 113 pages long. NOVEMBER 2025 �Major Wage Increases Highlight New Waterman Contract SIU members have overwhelmingly approved a new three-year agreement with Waterman Transport featuring significant wage increases on the four vessels the company operates for U.S. Ocean. “This contract raises wages and overtime to the point that it’s among the highest-paying collective bargaining agreements in the fleet,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “We secured other gains as well, including increases to Seafarers Vacation Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan-related wages, and continued health benefits at the Core Plus Level (the top one available to Seafarers).” Tricker was joined by SIU Assistant Vice President Michael Russo for the negotiations, which lasted several months. The contract applies to the car carriers Green Delta, Green Wave, Green Ocean, and Green Bay. Steward/Baker Dequan Smith stated, “The new contract is the best decision that could’ve been made. I thoroughly enjoyed working for Waterman a few years ago, but this is a big improvement and will make for a really good experience.” “The wage increases are historically significant,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Warren Asp. “We met with crew members to The SIU-crewed Green Delta is one of four vessels covered by the new agreement. Showing their support for the new contract are (clockwise, starting in front) Chief Cook Tekeisha Brown, Bosun David McRoy, SA Nooreddin Abdullah, Steward/Baker Dequan Smith, Recertified Bosun Joseph French, STOS Ruby Jones, and Recertified Bosun Gregory Jackson aboard the Green Delta. (Jones’ arm is mostly obscured but she voted in favor of the contract.) SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp (standing) discusses the three-year collective bargaining agreement with crew members including Recertified Bosun Gregory Jackson (left) and Chief Cook Tekeisha Brown (facing away from camera). explain the new agreement and record their votes, and it was unanimous.” SIU Tacoma Port Agent Danielle Woodward added, “The crews also seemed pleased with the new wages, and our veteran members were happy to see that car carrier wages have come up so high.” Kevin Langford, vice president of human resources and labor relations for Waterman’s parent company, U.S. Ocean, said that the union’s input helped them realize contractual improvements were needed. The tone of the negotiations was a collaborative one,” Langford said. “In the six months I have been with U.S. Ocean, George and the SIU leadership team have been fantastic to work with. The union negotiated with the best interest of the mariners in mind, and advised where we should best focus our efforts to meet their needs and desires.” He continued, “This contract is truly a win for both sides. We believe that by making such a significant financial commitment to the Seafarers, combined with the culture on board our vessels, we will see a greater continuity in our crews, which will further improve the safety, conditions and life on our vessels…. Solidifying this contract reaffirms our commitment to be an employer that the mariners want to return to again and again.” Aboard the Green Ocean, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (left in photo above, left) reviews some of the contract’s highlights with ABM Generoso Jagolino. In the remaining photo, SA Brian Bayron-Ortiz (left) signals his enthusiasm for the contract, as does SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala. waters throughout all U.S. coastlines. The ves- Amelia Island marks a significant milestone as Amelia Island sel is approximately 346 feet in length, 69 feet in our dredging newbuild program is now complete, breadth, 23 feet in depth with 16,500 total horse- leaving us with the largest and most advanced Delivered to Great power installed. The dredge features two 800mm hopper fleet in the United States. Engineered suction pipes capable of dredging depths with a high level of automation, this vessel is Lakes Dredge & Dock trailing up to 100 feet…. These vital capabilities of the well-suited for diverse operations such as beach SIU members are sailing aboard the new hopper dredge Amelia Island, an addition to the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) fleet. GLDD took delivery of the Jones Act-compliant vessel in late August. Built at Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana, the dredge “supports the company’s vision of continued modernization and diversification of our fleet,” GLDD said in a news release. “The Amelia Island is specially designed for efficient and safe operations along shallow and narrow Amelia Island position it at the forefront of modern dredges, allowing it to execute projects along all U.S. coasts, ports, channels, and coastal developments.” Capt. David Fitzgibbons, a 10-year SIU member, stated, “I’ve sailed on all the dredges in the Great Lakes fleet, and it’s interesting to see the progression, not just with the vessels but also the SIU guys. It’s definitely exciting with these new boats, and the Amelia Island is fantastic.” GLDD President and CEO Lasse Petterson said, “The delivery of our sixth hopper dredge, the renourishment, coastal protection, channel deepening, and maintenance dredging. Already with a full schedule for 2025 and 2026, the dredge will be going immediately to work.” The Amelia Island joins its sister ship, the SIUcrewed Galveston Island, which GLDD described as “another modern dredge built to enhance vital maritime infrastructure nationwide and reaffirm[ing] our commitment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our dedication to the U.S. dredging industry.” SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan (fourth from left) and Capt. David Fitzgibbons (second from left) are pictured along with the crew of the Amelia Island and a couple of shipyard welders off the coast of Freeport, Texas. Among those also pictured are AB Brandon Bortolan, Mate Bud Khuth, Chief Engineer Alex Roel, 1st Assistant Engineer Grant Hager, AB ZaKeria Johnson, Jonmark Newman, Engineer Andrew Fabiano, SA Kanish Johnson, QMED Nelson Pangod, SIU members crewed up the new dredge earlier this year. (Photo by RWolfe) Electronics Technician Carl Ray, and AB Jason “Shane” Cloud. NOVEMBER 2025 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �10 Years: Remembering the El Faro Crew On Oct. 1, 2015, 33 lives were lost as the El Faro sank near the Bahamas. Ten years later, the SIU remembered their lives through multiple memorial services, taking place in both Jacksonville, Florida, and at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. The first ceremony took place on Sept. 30 at the Jacksonville hiring hall, and was attended by SIU executives, members and their families, friends and guests. SIU President David Heindel, SIU SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski and SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey took part in the gathering, among other SIU officials and maritime industry partners. Heindel addressed the crowd, saying in part: “We gather today to honor the 33 lives lost aboard the El Faro 10 years ago. Though a decade has passed, the sorrow of that day remains close, and so too does our duty to remember. The El Faro was more than a vessel— she was a community at sea. Her crew were parents, children, friends, and shipmates. They lived with courage and worked with quiet dedication, serving a profession that asks much and is often unseen by the public. When the storm claimed them, it left behind grief and questions that reshaped our industry. From their loss came stronger protections and a renewed commitment to safety.” Following the ceremony at the hall, a second event took place the next day at vessel operator TOTE’s El Faro memorial in nearby Dames Point Park. Many of the same guests attended, including the SIU officials. Heartfelt observances also took place in conjunction with the October membership meeting in Piney Point, featuring the sounding of Eight Bells and a ceremonial wreath laid at the El Faro memorial on the campus of the Paul Hall Center. The names of those lost were read out at each memorial service: The SIU members were Bosun Roan Lightfoot, ABs Carey Hatch, Jackie Jones, Jack Jackson, Brookie Davis and Frank Hamm, QEE Sylvester Crawford, RE1 Louis Champa, OMUs Anthony Thomas, German Solar Cortes and Joe Hargrove, GUDEs Mariette Wright, James Porter and Roosevelt Clark, Steward/Baker Theodore Quammie, Chief Cook Lashawn Rivera and SA Lonnie Jordan. The AMO members were Capt. Michael Davidson, Chief Mate Steven Shultz, Second Mate Danielle Randolph, Third Mate Jeremie Riehm, Chief Engineer Jeffrey Mathias, Chief Engineer Richard Pusatere, First Assistant Engineer Keith Griffin, Second Assistant Engineer Howard Schoenly, Third Assistant Engineer Michael Holland, Third Assistant Engineer Mitchell Kuflik and Third Assistant Engineer Dylan Meklin. The Polish riding gang consisted of Piotr Krause, Marcin Nita, Jan Podgorski, Andrzej Truszkowski and Rafal Zdobych. Among those pictured above at the El Faro memorial on the campus of the Paul Hall Center (from left to right): SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen, VP Contracts George Tricker (head bowed), Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, AVP Michael Russo, President David Heindel, EVP Augustin Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, VP Government Services Sam Spain (behind Orzechowski) and VP Pat Vandegrift. From left to right: TOTE Group President and CEO Tim Nolan, Mrs. Hargrove (widow of the late Joe From left to right: Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SA Gionet Hargrove), SIU President Dave Heindel and Mrs. Dennis, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and CC Tamara Russ. Hamm (widow of the late Frank Hamm). TOTE President and CEO Tim Nolan (left) met with family members of the lost Retirees QMED David Terry & QMED Aaron Thaxton Guests in attendance at TOTE's El Faro memorial for the ceremony. mariners at the Jacksonville hall. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 NOVEMBER 2025 �ITF Inspectors Unite in Cyprus to Defend Mariners’ Rights More than 130 inspectors from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) met in Limassol, Cyprus, Sept. 22-25 for a seminar aimed at supporting and enhancing their work. SIU President David Heindel, who also chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section, addressed the gathering of inspectors from across the globe. SIU SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski also took part in the event. The seminar, conducted once every five years, “is the single most important gathering of ITF inspectors – the frontline defenders of seafarers’ rights in ports around the world who police agreements struck by the ITF and its affiliated maritime trade unions around the world,” the federation reported. The SIU is a longtime ITF affiliate. In promoting the seminar, the federation noted, “ITF inspectors are vital to defending and advancing the rights of some of the most marginalized and isolated workers in the world. From enforcing collective agreements to rescuing crew abandoned without pay or food, their daily work is critical to protecting seafarers – now acknowledged as key workers by the International Labor Organization and ensuring that their rights are more than just words on paper. “But the maritime world is changing fast – with new technologies, environmental standards, and shifting global trade routes reshaping the industry,” the ITF continued. “At this year’s seminar, the focus is on ensuring inspectors are ready to adapt and meet these challenges head-on – making sure that, no matter how the industry evolves, seafarers’ rights are properly upheld and enforced. This includes strengthening collaboration with port state control authorities and flag states.” Sessions throughout the meeting covered a wide range of pressing issues, including closer cooperation with port state control regimes such as the Paris MOU, whose secretariat presented to inspectors; dialogue with flag states; the role of environmental, social, and governance standards and human rights due diligence in the maritime sector, with inspectors deepening their understanding of how these frameworks can be leveraged to protect mariners; addressing violence and harassment at sea, with renewed calls for full ratification and enforcement of ILO Convention 190; and tackling abandonment, with updated reporting processes and strategies to ensure no seafarer is left stranded without pay, provisions, or a way home. On World Maritime Day (Sept. 25), ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton praised the inspectors’ work and underlined the importance of the seminar. “The ITF Inspectorate is nothing short of incredible,” he said. “Every day, in every port, our inspectors stand up for seafarers who are too often left abandoned, exploited, or denied their most basic rights. This seminar is about focusing – and refocusing – our efforts, especially in the flag-of-convenience campaign, which remains the backbone of our fight for justice at sea. SIU President David Heindel (at podium), who also serves as chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, addresses the conference. “Seafarers deliver 90% of the world’s trade,” Cotton continued. “They deserve more than empty promises. ITF inspectors will not take no for an answer when it comes to dignity, respect, and rights. On World Maritime Day, it’s time for the global industry to do better for the seafarers who keep our world moving forward.” ITF President Paddy Crumlin stated, “For more than half a century, the ITF Inspectorate has been the beating heart of our global union – the living embodiment of solidarity. Inspectors are the ones who make sure that our agreements and our words translate into real change for seafarers. This seminar is about renewing our commitment to seafarers everywhere and ensuring that the flag-ofconvenience campaign continues to deliver dignity, fairness, and justice on every ship, under every flag.” International Transport Workers’ Federation inspectors gather in Cyprus for a quinquennial conference. Agency Aims to Modernize Credentialing Systems The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced that it is investing tens of millions of dollars in an overdue effort to upgrade its mariner credentialing technology. The agency reported on September 12 that it had awarded a “blanket purchase agreement to Stealth Solutions Inc.” to modernize the Coast Guard’s mariner credentialing program (MCP) information technology system “and support revitalization of the maritime workforce and industry.” In its formal announcement, which did not specify target dates, the Coast Guard noted, “The MCP is essential to vetting and denying criminals access to critical maritime infrastructure and supporting the marine transportation system. The National Maritime Center processed nearly 75,000 credential requests and 66,000 medical certificate NOVEMBER 2025 applications in 2024. These actions underscore the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to facilitating commerce through operations to control, secure, and defend ports, waterways, and shipping in the physical and cyber domains, and to restore U.S. maritime dominance.” The blanket purchase agreement, with a total potential value of $49.6 million and a five-year period of performance, will include comprehensive efforts to update and streamline the merchant mariner credentialing process and other mariner credentialing requirements, the Coast Guard reported. Concurrent with the award, the Coast Guard issued a $3.8 million order for development of the first release of NAVITA, a modernized system for issuing merchant mariner credentials and medical certificates to U.S. Merchant Mariners. This new system will replace the current laborintensive manual process with a modern, userfriendly automated system, making the application process faster and more efficient, the agency announced. Mariners will have access to online applications, mariner profiles, and self-service features supporting the timely issuance of mariner credentials. Rear Adm. Way ne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, stated, “The NAVITA system represents a transformative leap forward in supporting America’s maritime industry, providing our merchant mariners – who are vital to our nation’s economy and security – with a streamlined process to receive their credentials with speed and focus.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �‘I Loved the Entire Experience’ Sculptor Delivers Stunningly Accurate Depictions of SIU Icon When the year 2025 started, artist Kelly Micca not only had no connection with the SIU, she’d never even heard of it. Now, she’s got a permanent and esteemed place in the union’s history. Micca sculpted the bronze busts of the late SIU President Michael Sacco that were unveiled in Maryland in June – one at the union’s headquarters in Camp Springs, the other at its affiliated school in Piney Point. She also created three smaller, bronze sculptures of the longest-serving president in SIU history, who passed away in late 2023. “I loved the entire experience,” said Micca (pronounced mik'-a), a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts who’s currently studying for a master’s degree in New York. “I spent four months of solidly working on this project (the larger bronze busts) every day, 30 to 40 hours a week, and then it was taken to the bronze foundry to be cast. In the meantime, I worked on the miniatures myself, which took three months to cast.” (Micca did the bronze castings for all three of the smaller versions.) Her interactions with personnel from the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, particularly during the dedication ceremony June 17 in Piney Point, proved very positive. “Everyone was so nice and kind, but also badass,” said the 27-year-old native of Allentown, Pennsylvania. The pleasantness may have been partly attributable to the outstanding finished products, which were universally well-received, including by President Sacco’s family. SIU Vice President Pat Vandegrift, who oversaw the union’s side of the commissioning, stated, “Kelly was a pleasure to work with. She was totally professional and she’s obviously very, very talented.” Meant to Be Despite the aforementioned unfamiliarity with the SIU, Micca’s work on the sculptures included a number of “small world” moments. Her grandfather, in addition to being a U.S. Navy veteran, also sailed as a purser with the U.S. Military Sealift Command for more than 20 years. Additionally, she has completed numerous paintings of the famed SS United States (which was docked near her prior residence for years) – and was pleasantly surprised to see a large model of the vessel at the Paul Hall Center. The National Maritime Union, which merged into the SIU in 2001, represented some of the crew members on the United States. Perhaps most notably, though, she made a connection with the family who produced all of the other bronze busts of prior SIU presidents. When Vandegrift contacted that family, he learned the original artist (Tylden Streett) had passed away, and that his successor’s (daughter Ferebe Streett) location and circumstances precluded her from taking on the task. She did recommend Micca, though. If it hadn’t been for a spur-of-themoment sculpture of an animal, the connection probably wouldn’t have happened. Micca had worked with an older couple that owns a landscape painting residency, which is basically a training ground for artists. She sculpted one of their dogs and gave them the new art. One of their friends saw it – and that gentleman happened to be dating the daughter of the original SIU-commissioned sculptor. After several ensuing conversations and a long drive to and from Piney Point, Micca knew she wanted the job. She quickly produced what amounts to a rough draft of one of the smaller sculptures of President Sacco, and her work essentially secured the commission. Labor-Intensive Work As an undergraduate student, Micca majored in painting, but she also completed sculpture classes that included bronze casting. So, when she landed the Seafarers gig, she knew that a heavy workload awaited her. Creating a bronze bust (or two) is time-consuming and potentially dangerous. It also requires a nearly excruciating level of attention to detail; one misstep can significantly set back if not derail a project. In layman’s terms, the work begins with casting or molding in silicone – five separate layers altogether. A “mother mold” then is placed on the silicone, and when the mold eventually is removed, the artist basically fills it with wax, though the process is quite complicated. Subsequent steps involve ceramic coatings, burning off some of the wax, melting bronze, pouring it into a ceramic shell, and then smashing off the shell. “It gets heavy and there’s lots of handling very hot material,” Micca said. “It’s very dangerous. You also have to chisel out the ceramic shell parts that are left, which is tedious, and then sandblast.” Some of the later-stage steps involve usage of grinders, cutters, and blowtorches. “At every single step, you can’t afford to mess it up,” Micca said. “It’s super detail-oriented work.” Nevertheless, the challenges proved rewarding. “I love it all – the puzzle of it,” Micca said. “It’s a miraculous process, seeing it happen in front of your own eyes, and every single step affects the next step. The enjoyment is the struggle.” Heavyweight Additions There’s no chance of anyone casually wandering off with the larger busts of President Sacco. The (relatively) lighter one weighs 300 pounds, while the other is 390. The variation is due to a thicker wax application on the bigger one. The miniature busts weigh around 40 pounds apiece. The bigger busts are approximately three feet tall and three feet wide, but that’s not counting the bases, which are significantly bigger. One is located in the lobby at headquarters, while the other stands near the entrance of the Michael J. Sacco Media Center, dedicated earlier this year (see the July LOG for full coverage of the ceremony). For the SIU, these additions continued the union’s tradition of honoring past presidents. Sacco’s busts have taken their respective places near the ones of Harry Lundeberg, Frank Drozak and Paul Hall. For Micca, they signified a launching point of sorts. She already had been an accomplished artist, winning high-level competitions and exhibiting her work in shows across the country, but this was her first commission for extensive bronze work. “This was a beautiful introduction to the world of bronze commissions,” she said. “The entire experience was enjoyable, and I’m grateful to have learned about President Sacco and the SIU community.” Artist Kelly Micca is pictured with an in-progress version of one of the larger bronze busts of the late SIU President Michael Sacco and then at the dedication ceremony in Piney Point, Maryland. 6 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 NOVEMBER 2025 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services This month’s question was answered by Seafarers on August 12, immediately after the monthly membership meeting at the New Orleans hall. In the case of Paul Hall Center Apprentice Cedricka Banks, who already had spent time aboard the Decisive as part of her training, the question was modified along the lines of, “What do you anticipate enjoying about this field?” Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some things you like about your line of work? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Jurgen Gottschlich Electrician Stanley Daranda Recertified Bosun I joined in 1987. I used to work eight or nine months a year (at sea) but started working ROS in 2004 and haven’t changed. This allowed me to own restaurants and purchase homes, because I was able to go home at night and on the weekends while still working on a ship. I have almost 12,000 days of sea time. My journey has been real strong. I started in New York more than 45 years ago. It’s a career, it’s not a job. We’re still strong, and the fundamentals of being able to travel and experience different cultures always kept it positive for me. Plus there was always a job. Jermaine Robinson Recertified Steward Robert Crain Oiler I love cooking for the other mariners, all the time. That’s the best thing – having them enjoy a great meal. You can be having a hard day, but when you come inside to get a really great meal from me, that makes me happy. I really enjoy the fact that you get as much work as you want and you can take time off as needed. Also, I like that you get to travel a lot, and I enjoy the hands-on work in the engine room. You definitely get to learn a lot. Cedricka Banks Apprentice Charles Frisella Bosun I love the people and I love the workmanship and the encouragement. It’s just so amazing to work as a seaman. Especially on my ship (Decisive), they help me grow and are always checking on me, making sure I take breaks and have whatever is needed. They are so open and welcoming. It’s very interesting. I’ve gotten to see lots of places and different cultures over the years. It’s been very exciting. I was in Class 412 and started sailing in June of 1987. The benefits and the money are great, and the upgrading keeps you busy. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 NOVEMBER 2025 Seafarers Isaac Brown and Anebal Albe are pictured aboard the Seatrain San Juan in 1967 in New York. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from September 14 - October 14, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of October 15, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 13 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 4 Fort Lauderdale 19 Guam 3 Harvey 6 Honolulu 7 Houston 27 Jacksonville 24 Jersey City 19 Joliet 2 Mobile 3 Norfolk 17 Oakland 7 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 7 St. Louis 2 Tacoma 13 Wilmington 26 10 1 5 8 2 4 1 16 23 21 3 2 18 0 3 3 2 0 4 10 3 0 0 7 0 7 3 16 7 4 0 3 9 4 0 0 1 0 3 2 14 0 3 12 3 6 1 21 24 16 0 8 19 8 2 1 2 1 15 14 8 0 3 6 2 5 1 15 21 9 2 2 12 1 1 3 1 0 4 6 1 0 0 3 0 4 1 1 4 3 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 3 9 0 3 1 9 18 8 1 2 8 5 1 1 1 0 6 6 22 4 6 22 8 8 8 48 52 35 3 6 31 11 4 2 10 3 23 51 11 2 2 11 2 5 3 20 45 15 5 6 27 1 3 2 2 3 7 11 5 0 2 7 2 10 2 26 18 5 1 8 14 4 2 0 1 1 3 6 TOTAL 202 136 69 170 102 24 86 357 183 117 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 7 Guam 1 Harvey 1 Honolulu 5 Houston 9 Jacksonville 15 Jersey City 7 Joliet 1 Mobile 3 Norfolk 9 Oakland 1 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 1 Puerto Rico 3 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 8 Wilmington 8 TOTAL 83 4 3 2 4 0 1 2 8 19 3 2 4 15 3 1 2 1 0 5 5 84 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 3 5 4 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 26 3 0 1 2 1 0 0 3 9 5 1 1 5 1 0 0 2 0 5 3 42 5 0 5 12 1 2 10 12 24 11 2 4 16 5 2 2 3 3 9 13 141 5 2 1 6 0 3 2 12 25 3 1 5 15 4 2 2 2 1 5 6 102 0 0 0 6 1 1 3 8 8 5 0 2 6 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 46 Algonac 5 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 1 Harvey 2 Honolulu 4 Houston 13 Jacksonville 17 Jersey City 9 Joliet 3 Mobile 4 Norfolk 18 Oakland 15 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 1 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 8 Wilmington 16 TOTAL 128 0 1 4 3 0 4 1 15 14 8 1 1 12 4 1 4 5 0 0 7 85 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 8 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 22 3 0 0 8 2 2 5 14 12 8 1 1 8 9 2 5 1 0 8 22 111 1 1 2 3 0 1 0 6 4 6 0 1 2 4 1 2 2 1 6 7 50 6 0 0 6 1 1 6 16 28 8 2 8 25 13 3 3 3 1 10 29 169 0 1 1 5 1 4 2 21 19 5 1 1 17 5 1 3 8 1 4 15 115 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 5 1 0 0 11 1 0 1 0 0 4 5 35 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 0 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 3 Jacksonville 1 Jersey City 1 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 1 Wilmington 2 6 0 2 7 1 2 0 8 28 21 0 2 11 10 0 2 0 0 3 16 8 0 0 12 1 2 2 11 30 12 1 1 31 18 4 1 0 0 5 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 1 2 1 1 1 9 15 8 1 0 9 7 0 2 0 0 5 11 2 1 0 6 1 1 3 5 8 4 0 0 22 6 3 1 0 0 2 8 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 4 1 0 0 3 4 0 4 0 0 3 4 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 8 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 7 1 2 7 1 5 1 34 39 29 0 2 8 9 1 1 1 0 10 16 20 3 0 17 4 5 6 32 100 19 2 3 58 25 2 2 1 0 11 38 TOTAL 9 119 154 4 75 72 28 26 175 349 GRAND TOTAL 424 271 355 297 117 206 693 575 547 Engine Department 4 2 0 5 1 3 1 6 17 5 1 2 5 0 1 0 4 0 9 4 70 3 0 4 2 0 2 0 5 11 4 1 2 17 3 2 0 0 0 6 1 63 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 15 Steward Department November & December Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Monday: Nov. 3, Dec. 8 Thursday: Nov. 13, Dec. 18 Thursday: Nov. 6, Dec. 11 Thursday: Nov. 20; Friday: Dec. 26 Guam Honolulu Friday: Nov. 14, Dec. 19 Houston Monday: Nov. 10, Dec. 15 Jacksonville Thursday: Nov. 6, Dec. 11 Joliet Thursday: Nov. 13, Dec. 18 Mobile Wednesday: Nov. 12. Dec. 17 New Orleans Wednesday: Nov. 12; Tuesday: Dec. 16 Jersey City Tuesday: Nov. 4, Dec. 9 Norfolk Friday: Nov. 7, Dec. 12 Oakland Thursday: Nov. 13, Dec. 18 Philadelphia Wednesday: Nov. 5, Dec. 10 Port Everglades Thursday: Nov. 13, Dec. 18 San Juan Thursday: Nov. 6, Dec. 11 St. Louis Friday: Nov. 14, Dec. 19 Tacoma Friday: Nov. 21, Dec. 26 Wilmington Monday: Nov. 17, Dec. 22 Meeting date changes due to holidays Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 1 3 3 3 2 3 1 6 12 4 1 1 5 2 0 2 5 1 0 2 57 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 Entry Department 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 422 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 NOVEMBER 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ALPENA ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Inland Lakes Management vessel in the three-person photo above, left are Safety Director Jason Brown, Second Mate Isaac Pennock, and SIU Asst. VP Todd Brdak. It’s the same lineup in the other three-person pic except that’s AB Tom Martin in the middle. The remaining outdoor photo includes AB Salem Suwalieh (left) and Brdak. Pictured with the AVP in the engine room are (above, second from left) Seafarer Matrik Stein and (remaining photo) QMED Preston Eiland. B-BOOK OBTAINED ‒ AB Antonio Gonzalez Esteves (left) receives his full book at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He’s pictured with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. PRO-MARITIME CHAT ‒ SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (right) and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) meet in New Orleans on Oct. 2. The governor voiced his support for port expansion, the growth of the U.S.-flag industry, and the Jones Act. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON ‒ AB Jose Garcia (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. Garcia started sailing with the SIU in 1994. Congratulating him is Safety Director Kevin Sykes. ABOARD CAPE SAN JUAN ‒ Handling mooring lines aboard the Intrepid ship are ABs Tyrone Leonard and Steven Whiting. In the outdoor photo are (from left) ACU Rodolfo Ludovice, AB Alan Boiser, AB Mohsen Ahmed, AB Bobby Belches, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, Oiler Samuel Ayers, Chief Mate Wayne Sumner, AB Fadel Mohamed, Third Engineer Scott Spilman, and Chief Cook Al Yandoc. The remaining group photo, taken after work as mariners gathered to watch a televised boxing match, includes (from left) Second Engineer Mark Cayabyab, Chief Cook Al Yandoc, First Engineer Ted Yap, AB Bobby Belches, ACU Rodolfo Ludovice, and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. REMEMBERING BOSUN DAVID JAMES ‒ The LOG office was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Recertified Bosun Charles David James, who passed away Sept. 25 following a battle with cancer. He was 65. “He always talked about how he loved the SIU and sailing bosun,” recalled his brother, retired Recertified Bosun Rick James. “I got him into the union in 1997. Right up until his last days, he talked about how much the union meant to him and how he loved working on the ships.” In the individual photo, David is shown aboard the Mendonca in 2010. He’s standing second from left in the outdoor photo, a 2021 upgrading class pic from Piney Point, Maryland. He’s at right in the remaining photo, with Rick (center) and their sister, Mary. NOVEMBER 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 99 LOG • �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU STEPPING UP FOR SPAD ‒ SIU Pensioner Justin White (left, with SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook) attended the September membership meeting in New Orleans, and he spoke about the importance of the union’s voluntary political action fund. He backed it up by making a $1,000 contribution to the Seafarers Political Activities Donation, better known as SPAD. ABOARD MATSON KODIAK ‒ Pictured from left aboard the ship on Sept. 4 in the Pacific Northwest are ABM Allan Makiling, QE3 Marcus Brown, QEE David Watkins, Recertified Bosun Darryl Smith, and ABM Sherwin James. PROMOTING MARITIME ‒ These photos were taken in late September at a Maryland Democrats gathering. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez is in the middle of the three-person photo, with U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (left) and U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth. SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo is in both of the remaining photos, with Rep. Hoyer and Gov. Wes Moore. During informal visits, the SIU officials reiterated the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine to America’s national, economic and homeland security. APPRENTICES COMMENDED ‒ Pictured aboard the Capt. David Lyon (Sealift) are (from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentices/Wipers Stevenjohn Eustaquio and David Clark, 1E John Nelson, and CE Greg Brooke. Nelson recently praised the “hard work, reliability and can-do attitude” of both Eustaquio and Clark. ABOARD LONE STAR STATE ‒ Pictured during a late September visit to the Intrepid ship in the Gulf Coast are (from left) Recertified Steward Abraham Mills and Chief Cook Chad Sikorski. SOLIDARITY IN SAN JUAN ‒ The SIU on Sept. 18 hosted a meeting at the hiring hall focused on creating an AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Pictured at the planning session are (clockwise, starting at far left) Nelly Ayala, President of FTPR AFL-CIO; Pablo De Leon from the South Florida AFL-CIO; Nadry Martinez, General Secretary, FTPR; Yafet Torres, President, USW Puerto Rico; Charlie Ramos from the CWA; SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo; Neftali Nieves from IATSE; John Vigueras from the IAM; Hector Reyes from the IBEW; and Samuel A. Hernandez from the APWU. MILESTONE IN TEXAS ‒ Chief Cook Marcel Jubert (center) receives his A-seniority book at the Houston hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolmen Kirk Pegan (left) and Anthony Jacobson. ABOARD PADRE ISLAND ‒ These photos are from a recent servicing of the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock hopper dredge. At the helm (wearing a cap) is Third Mate Sean Fogarty. AB/Dragtender Wilmer Herrera is in the other individual photo. The large (informal) group photo shows people gathering for a union meeting, while the remaining non-vessel pic includes AB Roger Utter (right) and Safety Director Kevin Sykes. 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 NOVEMBER 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD PACIFIC COLLECTOR ‒ This snapshot was taken in early September aboard the TOTE vessel. In the back row, from left, are OL John Steeber, OL Cody Higgs, OL Masaddiq Walton, Recertified Bosun Kenneth Steiner, ABM Richard Stanley, OS Anthony Wallace, WI Carlos Noriega Mancilla, MDR Ninia Mendoza. Pictured in the front row, also from left, are ABM William McIntyre, QE2 Davon Brown, SA Michael Fincannon, SA Laura Davies. WELL-EARNED RECOGNITION ‒ Bosun Munassar Ahmed (individual photo) received the Crowley/Intrepid monthly safety award for the Evergreen State for September, while Chief Cook Carlos Gomez Hernandez (left in remaining photo) did the same for the American Energy. He is pictured with Safety Director Ricky Rivera at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. SEAFARERS CONDUCT CONSOL ‒ The SIU-crewed Allied Pacific (Patriot) (right) on Sept. 18 conducted a consolidated cargo replenishment (CONSOL) at sea with the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Cheonji-class fast combat support ship ROKS Daecheong (AOE-58) in support of Freedom Edge 25. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, “Freedom Edge highlights trilateral defense cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, demonstrating their ability to achieve peace through strength on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific.” ABOARD EL COQUI ‒ Pictured aboard the Intrepid vessel are (from left) Electrician Rodney Passapera, ABM Yancy Cabarrubias, Recertified Steward Jesus Pacheco, Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, and ABM Edgardo Martinez. BACKING JONES ACT IN PUERTO RICO ‒ As part of an ongoing effort to promote the Jones Act and the U.S. maritime industry in the territory, the SIU recently hosted a gathering at the hiring hall in San Juan. Pictured from left are SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo; Lymaris Otero, corporate consultant; TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico Senior Human Resources Manager Ana Medellin; and Safety Director Ricky Rivera. Among other topics, they discussed providing educational resources for local high school students who may be interested in exploring maritime careers. Navigating Recovery at Sea: An Introduction to SARC Editor's Note: The following article was submitted by Seafarers Addiction and Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Director Chris Leeman, LCMFT, LAC, SAP. The maritime profession demands physical endurance, long hours, and extended periods away from home—factors that can contribute to increased vulnerability to substance use and mental health challenges. Recognizing the unique struggles faced by merchant mariners, the Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) was founded to provide targeted, compassionate care that restores not just sobriety, but dignity, purpose, and professional standing. Located in Valley Lee, Maryland, SARC is a federally recognized inpatient facility designed specifically for maritime professionals. Our 30day residential program offers an intensive and supportive environment that emphasizes safety, structure, and confidentiality. At the heart of our mission is the belief that mariners deserve the chance to heal and return to their vital roles at sea— stronger, healthier, and fully prepared for long-term recovery. What sets SARC apart is our commitment to holistic, evidence-based care tailored to each individual. Our program includes U.S. Coast Guard-compliant SAP evaluations, individual and group counseling, relapse prevention training, and comprehensive continuing care planning. Our licensed clinicians and SAP-certified professionals utilize proven therapeutic modalities such as NOVEMBER 2025 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and 12-Step Facilitation. Trauma-informed care is embedded into every aspect of treatment. SARC serves maritime personnel, specifically merchant mariners (union members from the SIU.) We collaborate with maritime employers, the U.S. Coast Guard, legal systems, and self-referred individuals to ensure timely, coordinated treatment that aligns with both personal recovery goals and professional requirements. Our program is more than treatment—it is a pathway back to purpose. SARC helps mariners reclaim their credentials, reconnect with family, and rebuild the personal and professional lives they’ve worked hard to achieve. By focusing on accountability, resilience, and continuing support, we offer our clients the tools they need to maintain sobriety and success long after discharge. If you or someone you know in the maritime field is struggling with substance use, SARC is here to help. Recovery and restoration is not only possible— it’s the first step toward a safer, stronger future at sea. Scan the code above to contact Chris Leeman at the SARC. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA ION BOROS Brother Ion Boros, 70, joined the union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Green Lake. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Boros last shipped on the Maersk Hartford and lives in Canteleu, France. LARRY BRADLEY Brother Larry Bradley, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1980 and first worked on the Connecticut. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Bradley concluded his career aboard the Green Cove. He resides in Norfolk, Virginia. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. RICARDO DUCAY MOHAMED KAMER Brother Ricardo Ducay, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 2006 when he shipped on the Sagamore. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ducay’s final vessel was the Maersk Saratoga. He makes his home in Pinellas Park, Florida. Brother Mohamed Kamer, 65, started sailing with the union in 1997, initially working aboard the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kamer concluded his career aboard the Maersk Virginia. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. JOZEF DUDAS Brother Jozef Dudas, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1992. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Producer. Brother Dudas upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last shipped on the Alliance Fairfax. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. STEVEN HOSKINS Brother Steven Byerley, 65, became a member of the union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Portland. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Byerley’s last vessel was the Endurance. He makes his home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Brother Steven Hoskins, 61, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1988 and first worked aboard the Long Lines. He upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the engine department. Brother Hoskins most recently sailed on the Savannah and makes his home in Glen Burnie, Maryland. KENNARD CAMPBELL KENNETH JOHNSON Brother Kennard Campbell, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1991. He first sailed aboard the Sealift Indian Ocean and worked in the deck department. Brother Campbell upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Mariner and is a resident of Mobile, Alabama. Brother Kenneth Johnson, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He was a deck department member and first shipped on the Newark. Brother Johnson upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Green Cove and lives in New Orleans. FRANKLIN COBURN WILLIAM JOHNSON Brother Franklin Coburn, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1983 and first sailed aboard the Aries. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and sailed in the engine department. Brother Coburn last sailed aboard the Decisive and settled in Baltimore. Brother William Johnson, 70, joined the union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the JEB Stuart. Brother Johnson was a member of the deck department and most recently shipped on the Green Bay. He resides in Udon Thani, Thailand. STEVEN BYERLEY JIOIA DE LEON Sister Jioia De Leon, 72, embarked on her career with the SIU in 1989 when she sailed on the Independence. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Sister De Leon concluded her career aboard the Cape Intrepid and lives in Tacoma, Washington. JAMES DEMOUY Brother James DeMouy, 60, signed on with the union in 1990, initially sailing aboard the Aquarius. He worked in the engine department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother DeMouy most recently shipped on the Cape Diamond and is a resident of Portland, Oregon. EDUARDO JORGE Brother Eduardo Jorge, 69, donned the SIU colors in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Manukai. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother Jorge concluded his career aboard the Alaskan Navigator. He resides in Cerritos, California. MARTIN JOSEPHSON Brother Martin Josephson, 57, became an SIU member in 1989. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Josephson’s first vessel was the Lawrence Gianella; his last, the ARC Honor. He makes his home in Fairview, North Carolina. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 VICTOR KELSEY Brother Victor Kelsey, 65, joined the union in 1978. He first shipped on the Cove Leader and sailed in the deck department. Brother Kelsey upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Guayama. He resides in Washington, D.C. NOEL MAGBITANG Brother Noel Magbitang, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2003. He first sailed aboard the Endurance and worked in the engine department. Brother Magbitang upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Stena Polaris and makes his home in Bonney Lake, Washington. ABDULJABBAR QURAISH Brother Abduljabbar Quraish, 45, signed on with the SIU in 2001 when he sailed on the Patriot. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Quraish’s final vessel was the Alliance Norfolk. He resides in Canton, Michigan. MANUEL RODRIGUEZ MALDONADO Brother Manuel Rodriguez Maldonado, 60, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1999. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Eric G. Gibson. Brother Rodriguez Maldonado upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Perla Del Caribe and settled in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. IRVING RUEDA Brother Irving Rueda, 73, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He worked as a deck department member, initially aboard the Patriot. Brother Rueda upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Durban and settled in Houston. CARLOS SUAZO-FLORES Brother Carlos Suazo-Flores, 65, started sailing with the union in 1992, initially working aboard the Sam Houston. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Suazo-Flores last shipped on the Overseas Houston and makes his home in Melbourne, Florida. NOVEMBER 2025 �Welcome Ashore! INLAND TIMOTHY TIERNEY Brother Timothy Tierney, 71, joined the SIU in 1979 and first shipped on the James. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Tierney last shipped on the Ranger. He resides in Roxbury, Connecticut. PETER WESTROPP Brother Peter Westropp, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Cape May. Brother Westropp upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and concluded his career aboard the Alliance Fairfax. He lives in Vermilion, Ohio. JOSEPH WHITE Brother Joseph White, 65, became a member of the union in 1988. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother White’s first vessel was the USNS Triumph; his last, the National Glory. He resides in Galveston, Texas. DONALD WILLIAMS Brother Donald Williams, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and worked in the engine department. Brother Williams concluded his career aboard the USNS Fred W. Stockham. He makes his home in The Villages, Florida. JOHN WORAE Brother John Worae, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2006. He first sailed aboard the Cleveland and was a deck department member. Brother Worae upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions and last shipped aboard the Maersk Denver. He lives in the Bronx, New York. JOSEF WOUTHUYZEN Brother Josef Wouthuyzen, 67, signed on with the union in 1989 and initially sailed aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded on several occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Wouthuyzen most recently shipped on the President Carter and is a resident of Long Beach, California. ROMAN ZARKIEWICZ Brother Roman Zarkiewicz, 67, started sailing with the SIU in 1991 when he shipped on the Independence. An engine department member, Brother Zarkiewicz concluded his career aboard the Green Delta. He makes his home in Las Vegas. NOVEMBER 2025 ANTHONY MURPHY Brother Anthony Murphy, 73, became a member of the union in 1969, initially shipping with G&H Towing. Brother Murphy worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and settled in Azle, Texas. JEFFREY ALTZNER Brother Jeffrey Altzner, 67, signed on with the union in 2011. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Altzner was employed with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He resides in Melbourne, Florida. MICHAEL NANCE Brother Michael Nance, 61, signed on with the union in 1980. He sailed in the deck department, working with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Nance makes his home in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. BRIAN BASCOM Brother Brian Bascom, 67, donned the SIU colors in 2003. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bascom worked with Penn Maritime for his entire career. He is a resident of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. RONALD NELSON Brother Ronald Nelson, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1982 when he worked for Moran Towing of Maryland. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Nelson last shipped with McAllister Towing of Baltimore and is a Baltimore resident. LESTER PACE PEPE CARUMBA Brother Pepe Carumba, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1998, initially working aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. He was a deck department member and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Carumba was last employed with Port Imperial Ferry and settled in Newburgh, New York. LYNN HALL Brother Lester Pace, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1993. He worked in the deck department and initially sailed aboard the Courier. Brother Pace upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in Lake Charles, Louisiana. ROBERT RICH Brother Lynn Hall, 70, joined the SIU in 1995, first sailing with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Hall sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. He last sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation and resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Robert Rich, 66, joined the SIU in 1970, first sailing with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Rich worked in the deck department. He last sailed with Mariner Towing and resides in Brooksville, Florida. GLEN STAUB STEVEN HOPKINS Brother Steven Hopkins, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1980 when he was employed with Maritrans. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Hopkins last shipped with OSG Ship Management and lives in Aurora, North Carolina. DAYTON LEAZENBY Brother Dayton Leazenby, 64, signed on with the union in 1996. He sailed in all three departments. Brother Leazenby was employed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Jackson, Missouri. Brother Glen Staub, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2000. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Staub worked with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He calls Silverhill, Alabama, home. NMU MICHAEL COGGIO Brother Michael Coggio, 65, signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Mormac Star. Brother Coggio lives in Richmond, Vermont. Personal CHRISTOPHER MINTON Brother Christopher Minton, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1996. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Minton worked with G&H Towing for his entire career. He resides in Alvin, Texas. Attn: Ole Olsen, Tony Perez Your old shipmate Harry Oglesby would like to reconnect. He can be reached via email at harry.oglesby78@yahoo.com or by phone at (937) 505-7678. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •13 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. OCEAN FREEDOM (Patriot Shipping, LLC), June 10 – Chairman Robert Mack, Secretary Julio Marcone, Educational Director Kenneth Kauffman, Engine Delegate Danny Challenger, Steward Delegate Tahisha Watson. Chairman encouraged crew to stay safe during operations. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, and to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new pillows and linens. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), August 24 – Chairman Roy Madrio, Secretary Michael Carello, Deck Delegate Alfonso Marin, Steward Delegate Mark Keller. Crew reviewed letter from SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker acknowledging previous ship minutes. Chairman thanked all departments for their excellent work. Secretary praised crew for a wonderful trip and encouraged everyone to attend shoreside union meetings. Educational director advised members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New linens to be supplied next voyage. Shower curtains ordered. Members were encouraged to use social media responsibly and to take care of their shipmates. Crew requested more vacation days and clarification on pay for days off. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. OREGON (Fairwater Tanker Management), August 25 – Chairman Burkley Cooper, Secretary Eric Cloter, Educational Director Eric Guzman, Engine Delegate Keshawn Webster, Steward Delegate Ashley Castillo. Members asked for captain to check rooms during crew changes. Crew was reminded to keep rooms and galley clean for next relief. No beefs or disputed OT reported. DELAWARE EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), August 31 – Chairman Linnell Coleman, Secretary Dylan Faile, Educational Director Ralph Garner, Steward Delegate Karrington Plummer. Chairman thanked crew for a safe and peaceful trip. He encouraged members to renew documents four months in advance and led discussion about possible options for new contract. Secretary reminded crew of tour of duty letters. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Crew would like an increase to daily contribution rate for money purchase plan and for dependents of pensioners to also receive health insurance. Dryer in crew laundry needs to be repaired or replaced. Ice machine still needed. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines, LLC), August 31 – Secretary Bob Tuilaepa, Engine Delegate Marcus Brown. Chairman discussed ship schedule and upcoming payoff on Sept. 3. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and to stay proactive with all credential and endorsement renewals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like eligibility requirements for vacation checks to be 30-45 days or to make all relief jobs 60 days to receive a vacation check. Crew requested 21 for 30 vacation. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. MISSOURI EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), September 5 – Chairman Allan Coloyan, Secretary Moses Scott, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Anthony Heck, Steward Delegate Vanessa Warren. Chairman went over ship schedule and daily events in port. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to make sure documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested 20 for 30 vacation. Crew discussed possible discrepancy in apprentice pay and is seeking corrective action. Next port: Los Angeles. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), September 23 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Robert Seim, Educational Director Ashely Burke. Crew discussed old business topics including tariffs and cargo shipment. Chairman read president’s report from recent edition of Seafarers LOG, the union’s official publication, which is available in print and online. Towels, linens and pillows needed aboard vessel. Members would like increases in vacation and upgraded bandwidth. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food, and entire crew was commended for good teamwork. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return 14 • SEAFARERS LOG receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2025 14 NOVEMBER �Final Departures DEEP SEA JAMES BATES Pensioner James Bates, 70, passed away September 5. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Bates worked in the engine department. He most recently sailed on the USNS Pililaau and retired in 2024. Brother Bates lived in Mobile, Alabama. JAMES BRINKS Pensioner James Brinks, 85, died August 11. He joined the union in 1963 and first shipped with Interocean American Shipping. Brother Brinks worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Stonewall Jackson before becoming a pensioner in 2001. Brother Brinks made his home in Picayune, Mississippi. QUINTON CARUTHERS Pensioner Quinton Caruthers, 85, passed away August 6. He signed on with the SIU in 1987 when he shipped on the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Caruthers worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Rover. He started collecting his pension in 2012 and settled in Oakland, California. CHRISTEN CHRISTENSEN Pensioner Christen Christensen, 74, died August 22. He joined the SIU in 2004 and first sailed aboard the Virgo. Brother Christensen worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Horizon Kodiak. He went on pension in 2018 and made his home in Petersburg, Alaska. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. GREAT LAKES DAVID PARK Pensioner David Park, 78, passed away August 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1987. A deck department member, Brother Park first shipped on the USNS Bartlett. He last sailed aboard the John U.D. Page and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Park made his home in Leesburg, Virginia. ROBERT BROOKS Pensioner Robert Brooks, 81, died August 22. He joined the SIU in 1970, initially sailing with Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Brooks was an engine department member. He last worked on the St. Clair and began collecting his pension in 2009. Brother Brooks made his home in Lauderhill, Florida. INLAND ALFRED PORCARI Pensioner Alfred Porcari, 95, died January 4. He became a member of the SIU in 1953 when he sailed aboard an Isco vessel. Brother Porcari worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Sealand Motivator. He retired in 1991 and lived in Howard Beach, New York. MARTIN BEAUVAIS Brother Martin Beauvais, 63, passed away July 26. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 2018 when he worked with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. Brother Beauvais sailed in the engine department. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama. JUAN ROCHEZ ELADIO MORALES Pensioner Juan Rochez, 84, passed away July 22. He signed on with the union in 1990. Brother Rochez first shipped on the Independence and was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Philadelphia and went on pension in 2006. Brother Rochez resided in the Bronx, New York. Pensioner Eladio Morales, 88, died August 7. He embarked on his career with the union in 1985 when he worked with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Morales sailed in both the steward and deck departments. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before retiring in 2002. Brother Morales resided in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. JOSE ROMAN Brother Jose Roman, 57, died June 30. He donned the SIU colors in 1999 and first shipped on the USNS Antares. A member of the steward department, Brother Roman last sailed aboard the Calvin P. Titus. He lived in the Bronx, New York. ROBERTO SABIO RUIZ Brother Roberto Sabio Ruiz, 67, passed away July 26. He became a member of the union in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Pride of America. Brother Sabio Ruiz worked in the engine department. He most recently sailed aboard the Seabulk Challenge and lived in Miami Gardens, Florida. JOHN SMILARI Pensioner Ronald Fluker, 75, passed away July 30. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1968 when he shipped on the Jacksonville. Brother Fluker was a steward department member. He last sailed aboard the USNS Capella and became a pensioner in 2013. Brother Fluker was a resident of Oakland, California. Pensioner John Smilari, 66, died August 5. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1977 and first sailed aboard the Mary. Brother Smilari was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Overseas Harriette in 2002. Brother Smilari became a pensioner in 2024 and lived in Kalispell, Montana. Pensioner Ronald Owens, 67, died July 26. He began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1988, initially sailing aboard the Ranger. A deck department member, he last shipped on the Maersk Illinois in 2014. Brother Owens began collecting his pension in 2023 and was a resident of Sugarland, Texas. NOVEMBER 2025 JAMES HILL Pensioner James Hill, 81, passed away July 8. Brother Hill worked in both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed with Marine Personnel and Provisioning before retiring in 2004. He lived in San Francisco. WILLIAM JARAMILLO RONALD FLUKER RONALD OWENS NMU Pensioner William Jaramillo, 88, died July 12. He started sailing in 1962, initially aboard the Constitution. Brother Jaramillo worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Green Lake. He retired in 1992 and settled in Boca Raton, Florida. AMANCIO OLANO Pensioner Amancio Olano, 92, passed away July 13. Brother Olano sailed in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Galveston Bay and began collecting his pension in 1995. Brother Olano lived in Spain. RALPH THOMAS Pensioner Ralph Thomas, 77, passed away August 22. Sailing first aboard the Cape Mohican, he donned the SIU colors in 1988. Brother Thomas worked in the steward department and last shipped on the USNS Algol. He went on pension in 2013 and resided in New Orleans. TEODORO VALENTIN Pensioner Teodoro Valentin, 79, passed away August 7. He began sailing in 1968, first aboard the United States. Brother Valentin was an engine department member. He concluded his career aboard the Harry Martin and became a pensioner in 2004. Brother Valentin resided in the Bronx, New York. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Latest Course Dates Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck Dec. 1 Dec. 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES ARCM Dec. 1 Dec. 12 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook Nov. 24 Jan. 30, 2026 Galley Operations Dec. 1 Dec. 26 ServSafe Management Nov. 17 Nov. 21 Chief Steward Dec. 8 Jan. 2, 2026 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Government Vessels Nov. 17 Dec. 8 Nov. 21 Dec. 12 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 • SEAFARERS LOG LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. NOVEMBER 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #924 – Recently graduated: Michael Akers, John Baltazar, Jonathan Caballero Jr., Isaiah Chase, Seth Daniel, Traynard Davis, Dickson Ellington Jr., Mike Estrada, Teneka Farris, Samuel Hawley, Garrett Jackson, Bryant Jenkins, Joshua Jones, Jeanette Kaldawi, Tyler Kissick, Keywan Law, Jacqueline Patterson, James Petrick, Richard Price, Charles Ramos, Richard Richmond Jr., Harrison Wistock and Damita Wooten. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 5: Reginald Addison, Larry Bachelor, Christopher Bean, John Cedeno Jr., Dominador Diaz, Simon Eady, Gary Ford Jr., Cedric Griffin, Ja'von Harvey, Joshua McDaniel, Dennis McLean III, Andrew Miller, Ethan Nichols, Jason Pierce, Jose Sadaya, Nagi Said, Gerald Viray, Kojo Ware, Grandvil Whitsett III, Jovan Williams, Lafonso Williams and Antonio Zorrilla. BASIC TRAINING (FIRST AID) – Graduated August 1: Lorenzo Allen Jr., Abdul Bah, David Cipriano, Bianca Clark, Rubert Johnson Jr., Louis Levasseur, Vincent Levin Jr., Hilton McCants, Douglas McHale, Lawrence Neloms, Misael Orlando Pizarro, Richard Peek, Jezhra Santos, Kadeem Swenson, Arielle Taylor, Alexi Vasquez, Andres Vasquez and Jadelyn Watling. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated August 22: Lorenzo Allen Jr., David Cipriano, Bianca Clark, Oscar Diviny, Rubert Johnson Jr., Corey Keys, Louis Levasseur, Vincent Levin Jr., Douglas McHale, Lawrence Neloms, Misael Orlando Pizarro, Richard Peek, Jezhra Santos, Kadeem Swenson, Arielle Taylor, Alexi Vasquez, Andres Vasquez and Jadelyn Watling. GALLEY OPS – Graduated August 29: Traynard Davis, Teneka Farris, Bryant Jenkins, Jacqueline Patterson and Damita Wooten. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated recently: Dantley Bramble, Stuart Casal, Roger Cray Jr., Charlie Flynn, Joshua Gadbois, Patrick Hamilton, Nathaniel Harris, Nathaniel Hart, Stephen Langdon, Dylan Levine, Orion Lloyd, Kainoa MacKenzie, Mitchell Mangold, Jhon-Paul Manzanares, Preston Mizer, Paul Rocha, Jonathan Saili, Ameera Shakeel-Haadee, Michael Sterling, Ethan Sutton, Peter Tago and Elijah Wailehua. 17 SEAFARERS NOVEMBER 2025LOG • OCTOBER 2023 BASIC SHIPHANDLING & STEERING – Graduated September 5: Sean Jones, Arron Millar, Daniel Moran, Dwuan Reed, Venise Spears, Arielle White and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #925 – Recently graduated: Dantley Bramble, Stuart Casal, Roger Cray Jr., Charlie Flynn, Joshua Gadbois, Patrick Hamilton, Nathaniel Harris, Nathaniel Hart, Stephen Langdon, Dylan Levine, Orion Lloyd, Kainoa MacKenzie, Mitchell Mangold, Jhon-Paul Manzanares, Preston Mizer, Paul Rocha, Jonathan Saili, Ameera Shakeel-Haadee, Michael Sterling, Ethan Sutton, Peter Tago and Elijah Wailehua. ABLE SEAFARER - DECK – Graduated September 19: Eric Amy, Maximilian Bates, Raekwon Brooks, Tyler Brown, Julian Cortes Aviles, Reyes Gonzalez Jr., Kevin Hopkins, Nicholas Howard, Jayline Johnson, Jalen Jones, Nathan Laverdure, Jock Litzinger, James Mihay, Kevin O'Lone, Mario Odom Jr., Joseph Paulin, Orlando Quirantes, Isaiah Riascos, Jonathan Schmitt, Sarah Silverleaf, Connor Stratton, Wolsey Thomas Jr., Tevin Toliver and Raymond Winter. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated August 29 (not all are pictured): Samuel Abrams, Jordan Dimatteo, Mario Fletcher, Nathaniel Gasparini, Susan Kennedy, Levi Moore, Herbie Soliveres, Nathan Tissaw and Mohamed Zain. Alejo, Hyjalun Burch, Diamond Chism Sr., Erik Dankwardt, Victor Dixon, Scott Furtney, Corneshia Harris, Lincoln Jensen, John Karafanda, Luke Langston, Johnasha Manning, Kevin Martinez, Michael McLaughlin, Joelle Quenga, Gianfranco Rodriguez Torres, Jesse Sanchez, Wynton Smith, Michaela Townsend and Tiana White. BASIC TRAINING (FIRST AID) – Graduated September 26: Alexander Bennett, Joseph Dupre Castillo, Rolando Guity, Darryl McCoy and William Mercado Ramos. GALLEY OPS – Graduated September 26: Jaclyn Kaluhiwa, Brya Sparks and William Watts III. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated September 12: Lorraine Champagne, Gennaro 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 NOVEMBER 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos JUNIOR ENGINEER (REFRIGERATION) – Graduated September 26: Brianna Ashley, Keondre Bell, Abubakar Bockarie, Micko Cercado, Dominic Jones, Nesta Pafford, Timothy Resultan, Deroyce Roquemore, Seth Schrader, Ian Tarwater and Ronald Von Kaenel. At far right is instructor Jaime Nunez. SERV SAFE – Graduated September 5: Samuel Abrams, Erik Dankwardt, Scott Furtney, Corneshia Harris, Johnasha Manning and Tiana White. RFPEW – Graduated September 26: Talib Aekins Jr. and Charles Mkingwa. RFPNW – Graduated September 19 (not all are pictured): John Baltazar, Stuart Casal, Roger Cray Jr., Charlie Flynn, Joshua Gadbois, Nathaniel Harris, Nathaniel Hart, Garrett Jackson, Stephen Langdon, Dylan Levine, Orion Lloyd, Paul Rocha, Jonathan Saili, Ameera ShakeelHaadee, Ethan Sutton and Peter Tago. NOVEMBER 2025 GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 19: Lorenzo Allen Jr., David Cipriano, Bianca Clark, Oscar Diviny, Rubert Johnson Jr., Corey Keys, Louis Levasseur, Vincent Levin Jr., Douglas McHale, Lawrence Neloms, Misael Orlando Pizarro, Richard Peek, Jezhra Santos, Kadeem Swenson, Arielle Taylor, Alexi Vasquez, Andres Vasquez and Jadelyn Watling. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated recently (not all are pictured): Jordan Alejo, Diamond Chism Sr., Victor Dixon, Lincoln Jensen, John Karafanda, Luke Langston, Kevin Martinez, Joelle Quenga, Gianfranco Rodriguez Torres, Jesse Sanchez, Wynton Smith, Michaela Townsend and Jeffery Vega. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated recently (not all are pictured): Glenard Chaney Jr., Timothy Cooper, Dean Diaz Sr., Basil Dsouza, Kalvin Dunnigan, Michael Eaton, Brian Gauntt, Kyle Gibson, Jerry Gilligan, Daryl Hicks, Timothy Kauble, Levi Moore, George Vanover and Montiesha Wilcox. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated September 12 (not all are pictured): Blake Anthony, Monique Banks, Israel Castillo-Martinez, Logan Collins, Nicholas Copp, Adriel Cotto, Wesley Cueto, Mark Estigoy, Justice Fila, Alexis Fultz, William Geno, Leroyal Hester III, Naija Hoy, Brandon Kallas, Sean Lavelle, Tong Lu, Francisco Maldonado, Alexie Pankratov, Desmond Percy, Alex Sanchez, Dakota Snow, Austin Sumner and Mikhaela Wilcox. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 19 19 �NOVEMBER 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 11 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Practical Training: A Piney Point Tradition for 58 Years The SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, has gone through enough changes throughout its 58-year history to fill a book. However, one of its constants has always been an emphasis on practical instruction. Originally named the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (in honor of the founder of the Seafarers International Union of North America), the facility opened in barebones fashion in 1967. Today, it’s a world-class, comprehensive institution offering more than 70 U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. Virtually all of those curriculums include hands-on training. The overall campus was renamed in 1991 as the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (after the first president of the SIU A&G District, who also founded the school). The school boasts a highly regarded apprentice program that is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. It also serves up wide-ranging, useful classes for individuals sailing in all three shipboard departments, along with safety training for all mariners. The school’s picturesque setting is conducive to learning, and the campus itself features modern simulators and classrooms, a fully operational training vessel, and other high-tech equipment that’s utilized by apprentices and upgraders. This includes a well-equipped marine firefighting school located on a nearby satellite campus. The photos on this page depict students taking various classes at the PHC in 2025. For more information about the school, visit the SIU website (www.seafarers.org) and/or MyMaritimeCareer.org. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource NOVEMBER 2025 Description An account of the resource ITF-COMMISSIONED REPORT FINDS MORE COUNTRIES IMPLEMENTING CABOTAGE LAWS MAJOR WAGE INCREASES HIGHLIGHT NEW WATERMAN CONTRACT AMELIA ISLAND DELIVERED TO GREAT LAKES DREDGE AND DOCK 10 YEARS: REMEMBERING THE EL FARO CREW ITF INSPECTORS UNITE IN CYPRUS TO DEFEND MARINERS’ RIGHTS AGENCY AIMS TO MODERNIZE CREDENTIALING SYSTEMS I LOVED THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE SCULPTOR DELIVERS STUNNINGLY ACCURATE DEPICTIONS OF SIU ICON NAVIGATING RECOVERY AT SEA: AN INTRODUCTION TO SARC PRACTICAL TRAINING: A PINEY POINT TRADITION FOR 58 YEARS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO. 11 2025 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/693f85ff7191aa74d88519da034e6cbb.pdf c51ea85e4d6b83047b168754d54bb3c1 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG AUGUST 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 8 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Jones Act Vessel is Celebrated in Puerto Rico Seafarers recently took part in ceremonial recognition of the Crowley liquefied natural gas carrier American Energy in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. Among those joining in the celebration are (from left) Bosun Raul Colon, ABM Victor Cortes, Chief Engineer Mark Nickerson, Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont, Crowley Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley, vessel master Capt. Lane Frisbie, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, American Maritime Officers National President Willie Barrere, and Crowley Senior VP/GM James Fowler. Page 3. (Photo courtesy Crowley) SIU Philanthropy Continues with Annual ‘Paint Tacoma’ Project SIU members, officials and staff once again enthusiastically volunteered to help ensure the success of this year’s iteration of “Paint Tacoma Beautiful,” a wide-ranging outreach mission dedicated to repainting and repairing the exteriors of homes belonging to low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners within the city’s limits. This marked the eighteenth year the union has supported the project. Pictured at the home where Seafarers converged are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp and SIU Port Agent Danielle Woodward. Pages 12-13. VP Marrone Concludes 50-Year Career Longtime SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (pictured in 2017 in Piney Point, Maryland) has retired after a half-century working in the maritime industry. He spent the vast majority of those years with SIU, first as a rank-and-file member and then as an official. Colleagues saluted his dedication and effectiveness. Pages 4-5. MCS ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE • PAGE 7 // PAUL HALL CENTER CLASS PHOTOS • PAGES 21-23 �President’s Report America Needs the Jones Act Just as SIU members help keep a lookout for any dangers while at sea, your union remains constantly on watch for attacks against the nation’s premier maritime law, the Jones Act. More than two years into my time as SIU president, this feels like the right time, especially for our young and new members, to provide a snapshot of why the SIU stands behind the Jones Act – and why we regularly urge Seafarers to do the same. It is no exaggeration to say that the Jones Act – formally, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 – is the single most important U.S. maritime law in existence. The Jones Act requires that cargo moving David Heindel from one domestic port to another is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. You don’t have to give it much thought to realize the large number of SIU jobs that are tied to this cabotage law. More broadly, independent studies have concluded that the Jones Act supports more than 653,000 jobs across the country. Every United States president has supported the Jones Act, and the law also consistently enjoys bipartisan backing in Congress. Tellingly, our nation’s top military leaders regularly speak out in favor of the Jones Act, noting that it helps sustain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners in addition to keeping our shipbuilding capabilities afloat. Officials from Customs and Border Patrol have pointed out that Jones Act mariners are on the front lines every day when it comes to protecting our security on the rivers and the coasts. Several years ago, a separate study found that more than 90 countries and growing around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. Clearly, it is sound policy. In our case, the Jones Act has helped protect national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. New Michael Sacco Scholarship Program Aims to Buoy Career Progress of Seafarers The longest-serving president in SIU history was relentlessly upbeat about encouraging Seafarers to upgrade. Now, a new scholarship program named after him will facilitate professional advancement. Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) recently approved the Michael Sacco Memorial Hawsepipe Scholarship Program. It’s already in place for students in the AB-to-Mate course taught at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. It’ll also eventually be available for those on a career path to Third Assistant Engineer. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen said that the trustees, heavily weighing input from current SIU President David Heindel, “recognized that the training tracks to becoming a mate or engineer often require mariners to be away from work for extended periods – up to six months or even longer – without wages or stipends. With that in mind, the trustees approved the creation of a scholarship program to make participation more viable.” Each scholarship award totals $30,000 and will be distributed in monthly installments of $2,500 while the mariner remains actively enrolled and Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 8 Okay, so if it’s that important, why would people attack it? In some instances, I think the individuals and organizations coming after us are genuinely misguided free-traders. Far more often, I believe that foreign-flag interests are trying to tap into a big market, with no care whatsoever about what benefits the United States. Some of the anti-Jones Act efforts are slick. Others are unintentionally tragic, like the times when pundits insist Puerto Rico is being held hostage by exclusive dependence on the Jones Act trade (news flash: most cargo moving in and out of the territory is carried aboard foreign-flag ships). There also has been a steady stream of misinformation about how the law affects day-to-day prices for consumers on the island. That’s despite a sterling, independent and comprehensive study that concluded the Jones Act has no impact on either retail prices or the cost of living in Puerto Rico. (That same report specifically found that the Jones Act helps support a large number of jobs in the territory while also ensuring reliable service.) Finally, throughout all my years in this industry, I have yet to hear a coherent explanation of why foreign shipowners employing foreign crews would magnanimously pass along the alleged monetary savings of dumping the Jones Act to American consumers. What, exactly, would be their motivation? And what would happen if we abandoned the U.S. Merchant Marine to the point where we exclusively relied on foreign-built, foreign-crewed, foreign-owned vessels to deliver all domestic cargo and – more notably – supply our troops with materiel around the world? Our vulnerability would be catastrophic, as happened in the decades before the Jones Act, especially during World War I. Based on recent rumblings in the nation’s capital, I won’t be surprised if the Jones Act is in the news sometime soon. Based on the long history of our industry collectively turning back attacks on this commonsense law, I also won’t be shocked if it ends up being a non-story. In any case, the SIU proudly stands behind the Jones Act. Always have, always will. successfully completing the required coursework. The monetary balance (after all monthly payments) will be distributed upon passing the U.S. Coast Guard Mate exams and obtaining the endorsement of Mate of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans. Bowen also provided the following information about the new scholarship program: • Mariners will be eligible for the scholarship upon passing the program’s aptitude test, successfully completing an interview, and receiving official admission to the Paul Hall Center. • Monthly payments will be issued to participants who remain in good standing within the program, as verified by successful course completion each month. If participants remain at the school to study while waiting for testing approval from the Coast Guard, they will be entitled to the monthly stipend. • In order to process the final payment, the mariner must submit a copy of their updated MMC. • If a participant withdraws or is discontinued from the program for any reason, the scholarship will be terminated immediately. If an exam is failed, the retest must be taken within a few days. Participants will not be allowed to remain at the school until the class is offered again in the future. • Any balance will be forfeited one year after completion of the last class at the Paul Hall Center. • Mariners must be eligible under the SHBP to qualify. • Mariners will not be eligible if they are receiving assistance or wages from an employer while participating in the program. Also, the scholarship is not payable to students being financially sponsored by a company. “Mr. Sacco was a lifelong advocate for upgrading and training through the Paul Hall Center,” Bowen added. “Under his leadership, programs such as AB-toMate and the foundational development of the QMED/ FOWT to Third Assistant Engineer path were strongly supported. This initiative honors Mr. Sacco’s enduring legacy of training, opportunity, and advancement for the next generation of Seafarers.” An iconic figure in American maritime labor, Sacco retired in early 2023, after nearly 35 years at the SIU’s helm. He passed away in late December 2023, at age 86. For more information on the AB-to-Mate scholarship, contact the Paul Hall Center at admissions@ seafarers.org August 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG The Michael J. Sacco Media Center, at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland AUGUST 2025 �SIU Helps Celebrate U.S.-Flag LNG Service to Puerto Rico The SIU-crewed American Energy can transport 34.4 million gallons of LNG per voyage. (Photo courtesy Crowley) Seafarers recently joined in the festivities as pro-maritime allies gathered in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico, to commemorate a new dedicated service to the island. Rank-and-file SIU members and Safety Director Ricky Rivera teamed up with Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, executives from Crowley Maritime, and other supporters June 18 at Crowley’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) loading terminal in Peñuelas. Attendees celebrated the successful operation of the SIUcrewed American Energy, the first U.S.-flagged LNG carrier to deliver U.S.-sourced LNG to Puerto Rico. The Crowley-owned, 900-foot-long vessel began service earlier this year. At full capacity, the American Energy can transport up to 34.4 million gallons (130,400 cubic meters) of LNG per voyage. Operating under a multi-year agreement with Naturgy, the American Energy provides regular service between the U.S. Gulf Coast and EcoEléctrica’s LNG facility in Peñuelas, “ensuring a reliable, efficient energy supply of cleaner-burning LNG to support the island’s growing power demands,” Crowley Maritime reported. “This was a great event that underscored how the U.S. Merchant Marine helps support the people of Puerto Rico,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo, who is based in San Juan. “Once again – as reflected by the American Energy – the Jones Act comes through in the form of helping sustain reliable, dedicated service here.” “The American Energy demonstrates the power of partnership,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Crowley Corporation. “Together, we are building upon a shared commitment to dependable, sustainable energy solutions for Puerto Rico. We are not only enhancing the resilience of the island’s power infrastructure but also supporting its economic growth and ensuring long-term energy security for the communities and businesses that rely on it every day.” González-Colón congratulated the crew of the American Energy, especially the Puerto Rican mariners working aboard the vessel. “The entry into service of the American Energy marks a significant step in our efforts to increase energy supply sources, marking the first time that an American-flagged tanker will transport liquefied natural gas from the mainland to Gathering on the ship’s deck are (from left) Crowley Chief People Officer Megan Davidson, Crowley Chairman/CEO Tom Crowley, Safety Director Ricky Rivera (representing the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center), and Crowley Senior VP and GM James Fowler. Puerto Rico,” she stated. “This represents a major step forward in fuel supply reliability to stabilize our electric grid, which will greatly benefit our population.” The governor added, “Just in time for the start of the peak energy consumption season, this natural gas supply route from U.S. sources expands our options for stabilizing our electric grid, as we work to provide our residents and businesses with a more reliable and consistent source of power generation.” At the event, Crowley mariners – all members of either the SIU or the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers – and company leaders were joined by (among others) Josean González Febres, Mayor of Peñuelas; Josue Colon, Puerto Rico Energy Czar and Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnership Authority; Mary Carmen Zapata, executive director, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority; Norberto Negrón, executive director, Puerto Rico Ports Authority; and Carlos Ríos, deputy secretary, Puerto Rico Economic Development & Commerce Department. In a related news release, Crowley noted that the ship builds on the company’s “70-plus years of commitment to Puerto Rico, where Crowley also operates the full-service Isla Grande cargo terminal in San Juan, supporting its container and roll-on/roll-off vessels, including two LNG-fueled ships and logistics services. Crowley Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont prepares lunch aboard the American Energy. annually delivers more than 94 million gallons of LNG through its LNG loading terminal in Peñuelas as well as provides ocean delivery and land transportation using ISO tank containers to meet the island’s energy needs. Additionally, as part of Crowley’s broader energy initiatives, the company is advancing innovative LNG microgrids that bolster energy resilience for businesses and communities, offer lower emissions and drive long-term growth.” Executive Board Announces Modifications The SIU Executive Board has unanimously approved Joe Vincenzo as the union’s vice president for the West Coast region, and Sam Spain as the vice president of the Government Services Division. The board met in early June in Piney Point, Maryland. These moves happened in the aftermath of longtime SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone’s retirement. Vincenzo had been serving as the union’s Government Services Division vice president for the past 12 months. He is a U.S. Army Vice President Joe Vincenzo AUGUST 2025 veteran who first sailed with the SIU in 1991 as an engine-department member. He last sailed in 2003, as a QMED aboard the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, and has worked for the union ever since then. Spain joined the SIU in 1990. He sailed for a dozen years, most recently as a chief steward, before coming ashore to work as a union representative. Spain has always been based in Norfolk, Virginia, and will remain so. He had served as assistant vice president for the past year. Vice President Sam Spain SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �VP Marrone Retires After Half-Century of Service This snapshot from 1982 was taken during Marrone’s last voyage, aboard Waterman’s George Wythe. Entering the trainee program in 1975 helped propel Marrone into a 50-year maritime career. Reflecting on his 50-year maritime career, SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone often came back to the same words and sentiments: Gratitude. Enthusiasm. Teamwork. Appreciation. His reminiscences left no doubt that, while he handled a wide range of jobs, he chose the right field and the right organization. Marrone, 67, officially retired June 1, formally capping a career that started in 1975 as a trainee at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He’d been an SIU vice president for the past 27 years. “I was very fortunate to hold a few different positions within the SIU,” Marrone said. “Each one was a wonderful experience.” After completing the trainee program, the Long Island, New York, native sailed as an AB and secured his A seniority before coming ashore in the late 1970s to work as an instructor in Piney Point, at what then was exclusively known as the Harry Lundeberg School (the overall campus was renamed the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1991). He subsequently worked as a port agent in the early 1980s, first in Piney Point and then at the hiring hall in Paducah, Kentucky. During the mid-1980s, Marrone pursued other opportunities within the U.S.-flag maritime industry, including a stint as district manager for Lykes Brothers. In 1988, he became director of military operations for the Transportation Institute, a nonprofit organization devoted to maritime research, education and promotion. Marrone rejoined the SIU in 1990 as the director of the union’s legislative and governmental affairs department. From 1992-96, he served as administrator of the Seafarers Plans. He then returned to the Paul Hall Center to work as the school’s vice president until 1998, when he was appointed West Coast vice president (a post to which he was elected in 2000 and re-elected in all subsequent elections). SIU President David Heindel stated, “Nick Marrone has been a rock for this union for a long time. He’s one of those people who never sought Lifelong Seafarer Reflects on Career With U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a steady backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, at a pro-worker event on the West Coast in the early 2000s. Nick Marrone is pictured third from left, with SIU President Mike Sacco, at a Maritime Trades Department meeting in early 2023 in Florida. Also in the photo (from left, with current-day titles) are the late SIU VP Nicholas Celona, SIU VPs Joseph Soresi and Bryan Powell, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, UIW National Director Karen Horton-Gennette, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Dean Corgey, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, and SIU VP George Tricker. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG Editor’s note: SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone answered these questions for the LOG. Why did you become a trainee? I came to Piney Point almost directly out of high school. I had been working at an optical store when I met a merchant seaman who told me about the travel and adventure and the good money. I went home and talked to my dad about it – he had been a radio operator in the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II. He spoke with a friend who had heard about Harry Lundeberg School and set me up with an appointment…. I was absolutely sold on this opportunity and adventure and was accepted into the school about five months later. What do you remember about your time as a trainee? Being a trainee was a great experience. I had never been in a camp-like atmosphere, and being at the school in a barracks environment with your class and meeting all these new people from around the country, and having to work together as a team, was very appealing. Back then we had close to 175 trainees at the school at one time and we all interacted very well with one another. There were no cell phones or computers back then, so there was a lot of camaraderie. I really felt comfortable there and so appreciated what this program offered not only to trainees, but also to the upgraders. My most memorable experience was meeting my lifelong friend Augie Tellez. At the time we did not realize that our friendship would be strong for the next 50 years and our careers would continue within the SIU. You’ve worn many hats throughout your career. What was your favorite job, and what made it so? Trying to pick a favorite is very difficult, the spotlight – he just got the job done, day in and day out. Whether it was solving problems, guiding members, or navigating tough situations, Nick always had a calm hand and a sharp sense of humor. He made leadership look easy, even when we knew it wasn’t.” Heindel also recalled a shared experience during an especially difficult period for the industry in the 1980s. A depression in the oil industry and an explosion of corporate takeovers created a desperate situation in the tug and barge sector, and a pattern soon emerged. A company that had a longstanding relationship with the union (American Commercial Barge Lines, or ACBL) was taken over by a conglomerate. Almost immediately, the new management team made moves to break the union (so they could gain access to the funds stored in multi-employer plans, reduce wages and benefits and eliminate job descriptions, work rules, the seniority system and other improvements the union had won). “On a personal note,” Heindel said, “Nick, myself, and a few others who are still around will always remember the early days of the ACBL strike – running up and down the levees of the Mississippi, chasing down those massive tugs and crashing in some truly questionable motels. It was gritty, it was chaotic, and it was never dull, but it was where bonds were forged. “We’re going to miss having Nick in the day-today, but we’re glad he finally gets to kick back a bit. Just don’t be surprised if he shows up anyway; old habits (and Seafarers) die hard.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez has known Marrone since they first converged in Piney Point. Lifeboat Class 189 (Tellez’s group) “had been marching around for a month already by the time Class 191 (Marrone’s) showed up,” Tellez recalled. “It was November 1975 and that was the first time I met Nick. We’ve been part of each other’s lives ever since – first as trainees, and then, after graduating and starting our careers, palling around in his Mercury Cougar. Continues on Page 5 because I so enjoyed the challenge that each position presented and the resultant benefits to our SIU membership and employees. I would say that my time as vice president of the school was very enjoyable due to the location, the daily interaction with our members in upgrading and the trainees that would be our members of tomorrow, the professionals in academic and vocational, and the dedicated staff that kept that operation running 24/7. Our school represents the nucleus of our success, and being able to be part of that was extremely gratifying. But no matter the job, all of the supervisors, the managers, and the rest of the supporting staff really helped me succeed. I owe them a lot of gratitude and appreciation and will never forget them. How would you sum up your career reflections? Our maritime industry and, particularly our union, has provided me with the most wonderful lifelong working experience that I have enjoyed with enthusiasm for the last 50 years. Being part of the maritime industry’s development during this period has been spectacular, gratifying and rewarding. Being part of the SIU and having to meet these challenges of technological changes, regulation updates, and new business opportunities left you with never having a dull day. It may seem at sea that the days can be monotonous, but let me assure you that in this industry, you never have the same day twice. This is still applicable today at sea and ashore. This is what I enjoyed the most. From the bottom of my heart, thanks to everyone who let me be part of this journey. Thank you for being a great part of my life – a life that has been filled with memories, gratitude, caring and appreciation. Much love to you all, and fair winds and following seas, always. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 AUGUST 2025 �SIU Continues Helping Military Veterans Find Maritime Careers The SIU teamed up with industry allies earlier this year to host ship visits and tours aboard the Seafarers-crewed Cape Kennedy and Cape Knox (both operated by Keystone) in New Orleans. SIU Assistant Vice President Chris Westbrook noted, “The visit was a result of our ongoing collaboration with The Boot, a state-funded nonprofit led by former military personnel, that links up separating service members and veterans with employment opportunities throughout the state. The Boot has recruiters working with every base statewide.” Among the attendees for the vessel tours were Westbrook and SIU New Orleans Port Agent George Owen, Keystone representatives Fleet Manager Lisa Overby Wright and Government Purchasing Manager Sharon Lassere, and local officials from the U.S. Maritime Administration. The Boot was represented by Chief Operating Officer Bubba Viator, Success Manager Lamar Narcisse, Success Director Jeff Leger, and active service member Cole Cortez. Westbrook and Owen underscored the “Military to Mariner” program and the training and career opportunities available through the SIU. An overview was given, followed by tours of the ships led by deck and engine officers. The group asked questions and enjoyed dialogue with the crew members working aboard both vessels, and a shipboard lunch was provided. For more information about career opportunities with the SIU, visit: https://mymaritimecareer. org/ For more on The Boot, visit: https://theboot.la/ The Seafarers-crewed Cape Kennedy (Keystone) hosts guests for an event promoting maritime careers for military veterans. SIU President Promotes Solidarity SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (third from right) and Port Agent George Owen (second from right) take part in the vessel tours. West Coast Legend Retires Continued from Page 4 “We became shipmates aboard the tanker Cove Trader, running oil between two BP supertankers anchored in Parita Bay through the Panama Canal to the Gulf and East Coast every 15 days, providing us with enough sea stories to last us a lifetime,” Tellez added. Their collaborations didn’t end when they came ashore to work for the union. At various times, Tellez and Marrone worked together in Brooklyn, New York (where headquarters was located until the early 1980s), Piney Point, and Camp Springs, Maryland (current location of headquarters). They also worked together in St. Louis during the ACBL beef. Tellez concluded, “In 1990, I picked him up at National Airport (in the nation’s capital) as he began his new career with the SIU. By then we had our own families, and our lives once again intertwined. We became neighbors, first in Piney Point and then in Waldorf, Maryland, alternating dinners and cookouts at each other’s homes. Our families became inseparable. He is retiring from the SIU but not from our friendship.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker described Marrone as “my first role model. I’ve known Nick since 1979, when he was my union ed teacher. His positive attitude was only outshined by his enthusiasm for the SIU and its benefits.” SIU Vice President West Coast Joe Vincenzo (Marrone’s successor) said, “I have known Nick for close to 30 years. Nick is doubtless many things to many people; to me, he is a boss, a colleague and a friend. “He never left one guessing; Nick does not pull his punches,” Vincenzo continued. “When he said no, it was resounding, and when he laughed, it was boisterous and full of life. I have seen Nick make the difficult decisions and hold the line on policy and in negotiations on behalf of our mariners. Nick always led the West Coast from the front. He never shied away from hotly contested issues or situations. Nick leaves behind a legacy and a bar set high.” Congratulating SIU VP Nick Marrone (second from left) on his retirement are (from left) President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, and Exec. VP Augie Tellez. AUGUST 2025 SIU President David Heindel addresses a well-attended conference hosted by the Machinists in Las Vegas on June 25. Heindel emphasized the need for unions to stick together at all times, but especially in the face of current-day challenges, particularly in the federal sector. He also stressed the importance of unions embracing cutting-edge technology while ensuring that workers have a strong voice in how it is utilized. SIU VP Nick Marrone (third from left) takes part in this year’s Maritime Congressional Sail-In in the nation’s capital. MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Brittanie Potter is at far left. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Sea Stories Mahmoud Fares – Chief Cook Editor’s note: Rafael Alvarez recently sailed on the Maersk Ohio and the Maersk Kinloss as a correspondent for the Seafarers LOG, and filed this story (among others). The son of a lifetime SIU member who sailed as chief engineer, Alvarez has been a working Rafael Alvarez reporter for nearly 50 years. In his younger days he sailed as a wiper and ordinary seaman. He can be reached via orlo.leini@gmail.com Just 17, my father sailed as a wiper on his first ship, a Bethlehem Steel ore carrier out of Sparrows Point in Baltimore. It was 1951 and the vessel was headed for Chile. Before it hit the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, the kid had a complaint for the cook. His beef: Why is the food so bland? My Pop – Manuel R. Alvarez (1934-2021), a lifetime SIU member with a chief engineer’s license – was raised in a family of homemade ravioli, pasta fagioli and a Spanish stew of codfish and potatoes called bacalao. Getting filthy and sweating in the engine room was all part of the job, but dull meal after dull meal was too much to stomach. To which the cook replied, “Kid, I got three dozen men to feed. I can’t please them all.” What SIU chief cook or steward hasn’t been up against that complaint, its converse – “too spicy” – or the sound of a barely eaten meal being scraped into the compost bucket? The quality of shipboard food is easily among the top three topics of conversation in mess halls. “Morale comes out of the galley,” said Captain Marc Ennis who skippered the Maersk Kinloss, on which I sailed from Long Beach to Busan, South Korea as a LOG correspondent this spring. Which is why “cheeseburger Saturday” – comfort food and overtime – is always a good day. On the Kinloss I met 42-year-old Chief Cook Mahmoud Fares, a B-book native of Cairo, Egypt, with plans to upgrade to steward at Piney Point. “I know what I’m cooking and I know what people like,” said Fares, who sails out of the Jersey City hall. “But sometimes the steward has other ideas.” It’s an old story. Because the steward is the department head, the cook has few options: Go Addiction in the Maritime Industry: A Hidden Struggle Editor’s note: The following article was written by Chris Leeman, LCMFT, LAC, SAP, SARC Director. Addiction is a growing concern in many highstress professions, and the maritime industry is no exception. Merchant mariners face unique challenges that can contribute to substance abuse, yet the issue often remains unspoken due to stigma and isolation. Causes Life at sea is demanding — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Extended periods away against his or her instincts, do what they want (come what may) or start an argument - which is when the galley very quickly becomes a very small space. Sailors complain to the steward about the cook or to the cook about the steward or to the captain about both. One of my favorite stories from the old days is when a cook would go after a loudmouth with an oxtail and then use it for a stew that was once a shipboard staple. Said SIU Chief Steward EsStonia Moore, with whom I sailed on the Maersk Ohio in January, “You can’t please everyone, but as long as you do your best and cook with passion it can take you a long way. Everyone gets critiqued, but constructive criticism can become something positive.” Fares’ approach is to do what he thinks best, follow orders when he has to and let the complaints land where they will while biding his time toward an A-book. “Sometimes people give me attitude when I only give them one scoop of rice, pointing to the plate for more,” he said. “But I have to serve everyone first before you can get seconds.” Once the galley was secured for the night, Mahmoud would tell me his story in the crew mess as we drank coffee. Before becoming a Seafarer, Fares worked as a Cairo tour guide, giving folks from the West their first camel ride and glimpse of the pyramids. In the United States, he became a floor manager – the diplomat between customers and the kitchen – at upscale restaurants in New York like the Lebanese gem Ilili on Fifth Avenue and Jean-Georges on Central Park West. He made sure that everything was satisfactory for the likes of Robert De Niro and the Clintons, noting that the former president ate stalks of asparagus the way Bugs Bunny chomps carrots. “Everything has to be the same every night in those places,” he said. “If someone orders a kale salad there has to be four pieces of jalapeno on it. Not three, not five – four.” How did he make the switch from making sure an A-listers’ “fifty-two-dollar foie gras the size of a cookie” was perfect to grilling three dozen pork chops at a time off the coast of Yokohama? On the advice of an Arabic Uber driver he knew. Married with a young son, Fares was attracted by the union benefits and the chance to save money at sea, hoping to open his own restaurant in Egypt one day and name it for his son Adam. from home, isolation from family, long working hours, and high-risk environments can take a toll. To cope with stress, fatigue, or loneliness, some mariners may turn to alcohol or drugs. In ports, easy access to substances during brief layovers can compound the problem. For others, prescription medications for injuries or sleep issues can lead to unintentional dependence. Impacts The consequences of addiction at sea are serious. Impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and increased risk-taking can endanger not only the individual mariner but also the safety of the vessel and crew. Addiction can lead to job loss, revoked licenses, damaged reputations, and broken families. Unfortunately, fear of career repercussions often prevents mariners from seeking help early. Support The good news is that support is available — and growing. Many maritime unions and 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Chief Cook Mahmoud Fares sails aboard the Maersk Kinloss earlier this year. (Photo courtesy Macon Street Books) “Some of the best cooks I’ve sailed with have been professionals shoreside,” said Lyle Armacost, chief engineer on the Maersk Ohio. “And they all say the same thing – cooking at sea is way easier than working in a restaurant. They make more money at sea with a lot less stress.” The money Fares has been able to save after paying the bills has gone to equipment purchased in Egypt for an 80-seat restaurant – nothing too fancy, certainly not a place that will charge $22 for one piece of sea urchin sushi – with about two dozen employees. “I’m almost there,” he said, intending to keep sailing and hire relatives to run the place for the first several years. An Egyptian delicacy that he prepares in New York to remind him of home is roasted pigeon stuffed with rice, herbs and freekeh, a nutty, Middle Eastern grain high in nutrition. He procures the birds not from the ledge of his Upper Manhattan apartment but a specialty food store in Queens. You can bet your union coffee break that it won’t appear on an SIU-crewed ship’s menu anytime soon. employers now offer confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and some companies are taking proactive steps to address mental health and addiction. Programs like the SARC (Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center) and peer support groups tailored to maritime workers provide a lifeline. The key is creating a culture where mariners feel safe to speak up and seek help without fear of punishment or shame. The key to success is reaching out for help before there is a violation or consequence. Addiction in the maritime industry isn’t a moral failing — it’s a health issue. By addressing it openly and compassionately, we can protect lives, careers, and the integrity of your family and industry, and prevent interruptions with your credentials. Please reach out confidentially for more information about treatment options. For more information about the SARC, please call Kerrie Thompson at 301-710-9070, or email kthompson@seafarers.org. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 AUGUST 2025 �Annual Funding Notice: MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice provides key details about your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”) for the plan year beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024 (“Plan Year”). This is an informational notice. You do not need to respond or take any action. Participant and Beneficiary Information The following chart shows the number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the last day of the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. The numbers for the Plan Year reflect the plan administrator’s reasonable, good faith estimate. This notice includes: • Information about your Plan’s funding status. • Details on your benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. What if I have questions about this notice, my Plan, or my benefits? Contact your plan administrator at: Margaret Bowen Phone: 301-899-0675 Address: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Email: mbowen@seafarers.org To better assist you, provide your plan administrator with the following information when you contact them: Plan Number: 001 Plan Sponsor Name: Board of Trustees, MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Employer Identification Number: 51-6097856 What if I have questions about PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees? Visit www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer for more information. For specific information about your pension plan or pension benefits, you should contact your employer or plan administrator as PBGC does not have that information. Funding & Investment Policies Funding Policy Every pension plan must establish a funding policy to meet its objectives. The funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Investment Policy Pension plans also have investment policies that provide guidelines for making investment management decisions. The Plan’s investment policy is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. As of the end of the Plan Year, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following investment categories as percentages of total assets: Federal law requires all traditional pension plans, also known as defined benefit pension plans, to provide this notice every year regardless of funding status. This notice does not mean your Plan is terminating. How Well Funded Is Your Plan? The law requires the Plan’s administrator to explain how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The funded percentage is calculated by dividing Plan assets by Plan liabilities. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The chart below shows the Plan's funded percentage for the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. It also lists the value of the Plan's assets and liabilities for those years. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets To provide further insight into the Plan’s financial position, the chart below shows the fair market value of the Plan’s assets on the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years as compared to the actuarial value of the Plan’s assets on January 1. • Actuarial values (shown in the chart above) account for market fluctuations over time. Unlike market values, actuarial values do not change daily with stock or market shifts. The average return on assets for the Plan Year was 8.7%. • Market values (shown in the chart below) fluctuate based on investment performance, providing a more immediate snapshot of the plan’s funding status. By law, this notice must include an explanation of any new events that materially affect the Plan’s liabilities or assets. These events could affect the Plan’s financial health or its ability to meet its obligations. For the plan year beginning on January 1, 2025 and ending on December 31, 2025, there were no such events. The value as of December 31, 2024 is unaudited and subject to change. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan’s funding status determines the steps a plan must take to strengthen its finances and continue paying benefits: • Endangered: The plan’s funded percentage drops below 80 percent. The plan’s trustees must adopt a funding improvement plan. • Critical: The plan’s funded percentage falls below 65 percent or meets other financial distress criteria. The plan’s trustees must implement a rehabilitation plan. • Critical and Declining: A plan in critical status is also designated as critical and declining if projected to become insolvent—meaning it will no longer have enough assets to pay out benefits—within 15 years (or within 20 years under a special rule). The plan’s trustees must continue to implement the rehabilitation plan. The plan’s sponsor may seek approval to amend the plan, including reducing current and future benefits. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. AUGUST 2025 Events Having a Material Effect on Assets or Liabilities For the plan year beginning on January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2024, the following events have such an effect: • All benefit levels and benefits in pay status were increased 10% on January 1, 2024 • Actuarial mortality assumptions were changed The plan liabilities disclosed in the Funded Percentage chart for the 2024 Plan Year increased by $362,301 because of the events having a material effect on Plan liabilities. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file an annual report, called the Form 5500, with the U.S. Department of Labor. The Form 5500 includes financial and other information about these pension plans. You can get a copy of your Plan’s Form 5500: • Online: Visit www.efast.dol.gov to search for your Plan’s Form 5500 • By Mail: Submit a written request to your plan administrator. • By Phone: Call (202) 693-8673 to speak with a representative of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room. The Form 5500 does not include personal information, such as your accrued benefits. For details about your accrued benefits, contact your plan administrator. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BETTER IN A UNION ‒ The AFL-CIO on July 9 officially launched the “It’s Better in a Union – Freedom, Fairness and Security” bus tour, which will crisscross the nation “to demand the real concerns and hopes of working people who define the direction of our country.” SIU President David Heindel (above, left), a member of the federation’s executive council, is pictured outside AFL-CIO headquarters in the nation’s capital just before the kickoff rally takes place. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (above, second from left) addresses the gathering. According to the federation, “We’ll be going to dozens of cities and communities engaging with thousands of workers about the issues facing their communities, their organizing and fight for fair contracts, and how the administration’s policies are affecting their lives.” CATCHING UP IN SAN JUAN ‒ Chatting at the hiring hall are longtime friends (from left) AB Joseph Dupre Castillo, pensioner Jose Canales, and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. TAKING THE OATH IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Being sworn in at the June membership meeting (from left, facing camera) are OMU Ronald Thomas (receiving his B-seniority book), Storekeeper Christopher Waters (A), SA Derrick Caballero (B), SA Caprese Osorio (B), SA Rico Flores (B), and Storekeeper Renee Clayton (A). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. ABOARD ATB COURAGE ‒ This Seafaring Selfie from the Fairwater vessel includes (from left) A/E Dean Waiwaiole, Capt. David Cunningham, Chief Engineer Rob Bellia, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, and Patrolman Kelly Krick. ABOARD GREAT REPUBLIC ‒ The nighttime snapshot near the Key Lakes vessel includes (foreground, from left) GUDEs Hussein Ahmad and Wislam Mesleh. Bosun Ahmed Senan Saleh is in the individual outdoor pic, while Second Cook Ahmed Said is shown in the galley. In the remaining photo are GUDE Ahmad and GUDE Saleh Said. CONGRATS IN JERSEY CITY ‒ Three SIU members recently took the union oath at the hiring hall in the Garden State, and are pictured with Port Agent Osvaldo Ramos. Receiving their respective A-seniority books were ABM Carlos Ellington (right in photo above, left) and Chief Steward Julian De Los Santos (left in photo above, middle). In the remaining photo, SA Shaheen Nagi (left) obtains his B book. 8 • SEAFARERS LOG ABOARD ATB LEGEND ‒ Pictured aboard the Fairwater vessel in Texas City are (standing, from left) 3M Brody Forbes, Cook John Jewell, Port Agent J.B. Niday, AB/Tankerman Kyle Baker, Patrolman Kelly Krick, Chief Mate Samuel Hall, and (seated) Capt. Timothy Smithwick. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 AUGUST 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE AT HOUSTON HALL ‒ GUDE Richmond Almocera (right in photo above, second from right, with Patrolman Kirk Pegan) receives his B-seniority book. AB Curtis Tausworthe (left in photo above, left) acquires his full book from Port Agent J.B. Niday. In photo above, right, AB Alex Needham (center) receives his B book. With him are Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) and Patrolman Kelly Krick. In the remaining photo, Chief Cook Lyaunna Bolden (center) obtains her full book. She’s pictured with Patrolman Kelly Krick (left) and Port Agent J.B. Niday. ABOARD USNS BENAVIDEZ ‒ Pictured aboard the Ocean Duchess vessel are (standing, from left) SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls, OS Pinero Peek, Steward/Baker Vanessa OsborneBrumsey, Bosun John Mendez, QEE Donna Sylvia, GUDE Derreqwuan Carroll, QMED Anthony Brown, ACU Nikiti Johnson, and (sitting) GUDE Talicia Jones. WELCOME ABOARD ‒ Capt. Mike LeBlanc (left) WITH SEAFARERS ON THE WEST COAST ‒ Ready for the June membership meeting in receives his full book. He’s pictured aboard Crescent Towing’s tug G. Shelby Friedrichs with SIU Representative Jack McElveen IV. ABOARD NORTH STAR ‒ These snapshots from the TOTE-operated vessel were taken June 3 in the Pacific Northwest. Bosun Ryan Lindoe is shown carrying luggage. Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed displays his favorite monthly periodical, while the remaining photo shows ABG Samed Kassem. Oakland, California, are Seafarers Heidel Edquid, Bernard Nieves, Ritche Acuman, Alex Canada, Tirso Sarmiento, Edsel Felipe, John Young, Alan Boiser, Gus Rosales and Rolando Dinong. ABOARD OHIO ‒ The Fairwater tanker was in Portland, Oregon, when these photos were taken. Chief Cook Sylvestre Bautista, SA Julius Douglas, and Recertified Steward Rene Guity are pictured left to right. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE ‒ Pictured aboard the TOTE ship are (from left) ABM Angel Pagan, ABM Thyron Dy, Chief Cook Fernando Marques, Recertified Bosun Noel Otero, ABM Daniel Coffman, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, SA Suzanne Herrera, Oiler Lance Gibson, and Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez. AUGUST 2025 MILESTONES IN LONE STAR STATE ‒ In photo above, left, Third Engineer Robert Thomas (second from left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured with his wife, Mattea Thomas, as well as Patrolman Kelly Krick (left) and Port Agent J.B. Niday (right). Obtaining his A book is Bosun Santas Contreras (center in photo above, right), with Safety Director Kevin Sykes, left, and Patrolman Kelly Krick.) SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD OVERSEAS BOSTON ‒ SA Edwin Balcruz (left) and ABB Alexander W. Bennett are pictured on the Overseas Ship Mgt. vessel in Cherry Point, Washington. ABOARD OVEREAS HOUSTON ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Overseas Ship Mgt. vessel are GUDE Jevon Suggs and Recertified Bosun Leslie Jacobs. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD ‒ The Independence Day menu aboard the Patriot vessel seemed appropriately celebratory. Pictured from left in the larger group photo are Chief Cook Robert Greenwood, Capt. Andrew MacLeod, Recertified Steward Dennis Dizon, Second A/E Benjamin Tamone, and SA Zainab Dexter. Dizon and Dexter also are in the other posed photo, with Storekeeper Nick Valentin. ABOARD TAINO ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid ship are QMED Saif Al Tamimi, SA Kajaun Gamble, Steward/ Baker Esperanza Crespo, Chief Cook Jacob Parrilla, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, ABM John Telles, and vessel master Capt. Kyle Campeau. WELL-EARNED HONOR ‒ Fr. Sinclair Oubre (center) has been named the Maritime Person of the Year by the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center. The longtime mariner advocate and SIU member is pictured earlier this year with (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes and Port Agent Joe Zavala. ABOARD SEABULK CHALLENGE ‒ These snapshots were taken July 4 aboard the Fairwater vessel. From left in the Seafaring Selfie are SA Jessica Neil, Chief Cook Sonia Alvarez, and Recertified Steward Peter Crum. Alvarez is also in the individual photo. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 AUGUST 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU CAREER PROGRESS ‒ SA Sadie Johnson (left) displays her newly obtained full book. She’s pictured in Piney Point, Maryland, with SIU Patrolman Josh Gail. HONORING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ‒ SIU personnel teamed up earlier this year and conducted a ceremony at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf in Mobile, Alabama, to honor those lost in the El Faro tragedy in 2015. Pictured with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (far right) are Errick Nobles, Roger Utter, Raymond Spears, Ida Batain, John Conaway, Rickie Juzang, Sam Woodlock, Robert Weeks, Alvin McCants, John McDowell, Zinnonnon Jackson, and Calvin Miles. FOR A GREAT CAUSE ‒ Pictured from left at a recent Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) event in New York are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, AMO National President Willie Barrere, and SIU Asst. VP Ray Henderson. On June 12, the SCI hosted the 47th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner at New York City’s Chelsea Piers. As is traditional, the evening began with a parade of vessels on the Hudson River. The event generated more than $770,000 to fund SCI’s efforts in supporting international seafarers and domestic mariners. ABOARD TEXAS ‒ Recertified Steward Justo Reyes (left) and QEP Walden Galacgac confer aboard the Fairwater tanker in Clatskanie, Oregon. National WWII Museum Honors Mariners, Veterans On June 6, the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony was held in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The celebration featured numerous events, including a ceremony honoring the efforts of the merchant mariners during the war. “We were honored to participate,” said SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (above, middle in posed shot). “It was appropriate for our members to get some of the recognition they deserve for their sacrifices during the war. It was a great event, with a tremendous turnout, and we were honored to be there representing the SIU.” Two merchant mariners were recognized during the event: Edward Tresch, Sr. and Bob Stewart (pictured above, seated). In attendance from the SIU were Westbrook, Recertified Bosun Kelly Doyle (above, far left) and Chief Steward John Hale (above, far right). The event, attended by hundreds, honored 23 veterans in total during the ceremony. AUGUST 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 11 LOG • 11 �Cheerful Givers Seafarers Happily Step Up for ‘Paint Tacoma Beautiful’ SIU members in the Pacific Northwest have a long history of giving back to their community, and this year has been no exception. This summer, 17 individuals from the union (members, officials and staff) volunteered for the annual Paint Tacoma Beautiful project, marking the eighteenth year that Seafarers have donated time and labor for the charitable cause. “This year was another huge success for the Port of Tacoma!” said SIU Assistant Vice President Warren Asp. “From pressure washing to painting, we had 13 members plus four people from the hall working on this one, for a total of 106 hours.” Paint Tacoma is administered by Associated Ministries and made possible by groups of locals who wish to offer their time and effort to beautify the community. Crews of volunteers come together every summer to paint the exteriors of homes of lowincome, elderly and disabled homeowners within Tacoma city limits. Since the program’s inception in 1985, more than 2,220 houses in Pierce County have been painted through this outreach, and the organization shows no signs of slowing. SIU members regularly and enthusiastically participate in this yearly event, and 2025 was no different, Asp said, underscoring their upbeat attitudes. The union’s volunteers included Asp, Port Agent Danielle Woodward, Safety Director Dennison Forsman, office administrator Joni Bradley, AB Patrick Wheat, AB Samuel Amisah, STOS Josefino Ramirez, Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla, GUDE Antonio Rocamora, AB Eugene Edwards, AB Peter Stoker, Bosun Antionne Kelly, Retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl, AB/Bosun Samuel Schwimmer, AB Robert Anderson, AB/Bosun Jenica Fotache, and SA Robert Seals. “We are not the only group that does this, but it sounds like we might be one of the more reliable ones,” Schwimmer stated. “Our participation in Paint Tacoma is (SIU Vice President) Joe Vicenzo’s baby, and he’s pretty dependable about stuff like this.” Repeat volunteers and first-timers alike showed up to help complete this year’s project for Beverly Perry, the homeowner whose house received a fresh look due to their hard work. “The homeowner was a pleasure to get to know. She made sure we had water and offered anything else she could do for us,” said Asp. “Typically, we like to shine the light on one or two members that left it all on the field,” he continued. “This year, that was Bosun Antionne Kelly and AB/ Bosun Samuel Schwimmer. These two volunteers went above and beyond to get the job done. Both Antionne and Sam were at the tops of our long ladders, getting the hard-to-reach areas. Hats off to them!” Some of the SIU volunteers are pictured at the worksite. Kelly, who registers and ships out of Tacoma, resides in Florida and flew into Washington just to be a part of the team. This was his first time participating in the philanthropic event. “I really enjoyed it a lot,” he said. “This is something worthwhile – being active in the community.” Kelly had wanted to volunteer in the past but wasn’t able, due to scheduling conflicts. This year, he had the opportunity, so he took the chance. “It was a really good experience, and if my schedule permits it, I will get involved every year,” he added. This year was not Schwimmer’s first time participating in the event, as he had volunteered in last year’s Paint Tacoma Beautiful. Having just returned home from the tanker Washington about a week prior to the 2025 outreach, he was alerted by his wife (Woodward, who recently was promoted to port agent) about the schedule. “I had time to go, so I was happy to volunteer and help out with something that’s important for the community and helps our union stay visible and helps people have good associations with the Seafarers,” said Schwimmer. He added, “We got a bunch of people to turn up and it was a pretty good time. We managed to get it done in about three days. It was a really good crew and it’s a good event. When we are able to come together like that, we can do a really nice job. The homeowner was very grateful.” SIU volunteers took the first day to prep and pressure-wash the house (including the garage); the second day to paint; and then the last day for finetuning and finishing touches. Being able to do something on land that he does aboard a ship was Kelly’s favorite part of this experience. “It was for a good cause, also,” he said. He appreciated sharing the volunteer experience with fellow union members. “You have some guys we (already) know, some guys we don’t know, and you get to meet other union brothers,” Kelly said. “It was a cool experience [to have] everybody working together. We weren’t getting paid; it was a humanitarian thing, and everybody pitched in. That Bosun Antionne Kelly 12• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp was the beauty of it.” Both he and Schwimmer noted the homeowner’s pleasantness and appreciation. Schwimmer added, “It’s nice to see that your efforts are paying off. And honestly, the fact the house looked nice when we were done was really gratifying. The whole purpose of this is helping people who are older and not necessarily able to afford to have their homes taken care of in this kind of way, and generally making their houses look nicer.” Schwimmer plans to continue participating in Paint Tacoma Beautiful next year, too, if he happens to be ashore. “I think it's a good thing that we do for our community,” Schwimmer said. “This, along with some of the other stuff we do, like Santa’s Castle in the winter and the few other things throughout the year, keep people thinking positively about [the SIU] and promoting good associations with sailors.” Kelly encourages other union halls to support a philanthropic cause like this. “I know every union hall does its own thing, but I think, as a whole, every port should do something to get support from the public – which I am a part of, as well as a union member,” he said. “We need all the support that we can get so, making a big impression in the communities around the United States would be a very big help as far as support from the general public. That way when people see SIU, they would have something else to associate to show that we’re involved in our communities everywhere.” Asp summarized this year’s SIU participation when he stated, “It never gets old here to participate is Paint Tacoma Beautiful. I can’t recall a time when it was a bad experience or someone wasn’t happy to do the work and have the work done. It’s really easy when all are enthusiastic and wanting to lend their time. Truly, our stellar membership in Tacoma is appreciated for all they give of their precious time at home. Big, big, thank you! So now we close the books on 2025 and look forward to hitting another house in 2026.” Additional photos on Page 13 AB/Bosun Samuel Schwimmer AUGUST 2025 �Members Lend a Helping Hand in Tacoma Safety Director Dennison Forsman (left) and AB Patrick Wheat Homeowner Beverly Perry AB Peter Stoker AB Samuel Amisah SIU Port Agent Danielle Woodward Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla AB/Bosun Jenica Fotache AUGUST 2025 Retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl AB Eugene Edwards AB Robert Anderson SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 13 • OCTOBER LOG • 13 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class. Question: Why did you join the SIU, and why have you stuck with it? Billy Hill Recertified Bosun Juan Ruiz-Manaiza Recertified Bosun I joined because I’m a fifth-generation member. My father told me about it throughout the years – his grandpa, and so on. It’s still in my blood; it’s what I love to do and I can pick my own schedule. Great benefits, too. I’m a second-generation SIU member. I was raised on SIU wages. I joined the SIU because I like travel – going places around the world and getting paid for it. I was able to put food on the table for my kids. Roy Madrio Recertified Bosun Ryan Scott Recertified Bosun I had experience working in the merchant marine on foreign ships. One of my friends here was an SIU member, and said to me, ‘Why don’t you go to the SIU?’ After I started, I had a chance to leave, but I stayed for the flexibility and for my family. I feel confident that I’m in good hands with the SIU. My stepbrother worked in the industry, and he told me about the opportunities in this career. I’ve stayed because I like the freedom that the vacation time provides, and I’m able to make a good living. Redentor Borja Recertified Bosun Kelly Doyle Recertified Bosun My brother-in-law was a union member, and he encouraged me to join. I had graduated high school, and had enrolled in City College, but I was having a hard time finding a good-paying job. He told me, if you want to make good money, the SIU is the place for you. I joined in 1998, after my dad encouraged me to join. He was a tug captain with Crescent Towing, and I followed his advice. I’ve been sailing ever since. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 14 • SEAFARERS LOG Oiler John Wallack (left) and shipmate Jim Stewart work aboard the Ogden Wabash in 1974. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2025 14 AUGUST �Enthusiastic Support Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 16 - July 15, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 16, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 21 Anchorage 2 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 23 Guam 1 Harvey 10 Honolulu 3 Houston 26 Jacksonville 38 Jersey City 17 Joliet 2 Mobile 7 Norfolk 16 Oakland 7 Philadelphia 4 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 14 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 18 Wilmington 29 9 3 2 13 1 6 3 16 20 6 0 4 10 6 3 5 1 0 6 15 2 1 2 7 0 3 0 9 11 1 2 1 9 3 1 0 1 1 5 1 13 1 2 12 1 8 4 19 30 19 2 5 16 4 3 0 4 0 8 16 5 3 0 8 1 4 3 14 20 4 1 5 11 3 3 4 0 1 6 10 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 6 7 2 1 1 6 0 1 0 1 1 3 4 4 2 1 10 0 3 1 14 17 7 0 5 12 2 3 1 1 1 8 8 22 2 1 28 3 14 8 51 53 34 1 13 30 11 3 1 15 1 28 56 10 4 2 15 3 5 3 29 22 5 1 4 13 6 1 2 5 1 8 15 2 2 2 13 0 5 2 10 15 4 1 4 8 4 1 0 0 0 5 2 TOTAL 244 129 60 167 106 39 100 375 154 80 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 4 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 2 Harvey 3 Honolulu 3 Houston 11 Jacksonville 17 Jersey City 7 Joliet 3 Mobile 5 Norfolk 12 Oakland 3 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 8 Wilmington 20 TOTAL 111 3 0 2 4 0 1 4 4 15 5 0 1 12 2 1 2 3 1 4 5 69 0 1 1 1 0 1 2 4 11 2 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 31 2 0 5 1 0 1 3 6 13 4 1 0 3 4 1 1 1 0 2 2 50 4 1 3 13 2 5 6 15 24 14 2 9 16 4 1 2 9 0 11 14 155 3 0 0 7 0 2 8 8 24 6 0 2 18 4 0 2 4 2 4 6 100 2 1 2 1 0 2 2 11 15 2 0 0 4 5 1 0 1 0 2 7 58 Algonac 6 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 8 Guam 1 Harvey 3 Honolulu 7 Houston 9 Jacksonville 21 Jersey City 7 Joliet 0 Mobile 1 Norfolk 9 Oakland 10 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 5 Puerto Rico 7 St. Louis 3 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 18 TOTAL 126 2 2 2 2 1 2 0 11 25 4 0 4 13 2 0 2 6 0 2 5 85 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 3 1 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 19 1 0 2 7 1 2 3 10 15 7 0 4 5 7 1 2 2 2 3 16 90 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 10 14 3 0 2 4 2 0 0 4 0 4 10 58 7 0 0 8 1 3 8 20 31 8 0 3 20 18 5 4 7 3 10 30 186 1 2 4 3 2 4 1 12 32 9 2 2 19 7 1 3 5 1 4 6 120 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 5 3 0 1 0 7 1 1 0 1 0 1 3 26 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 1 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 1 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 1 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 1 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 1 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 2 Wilmington 1 7 0 2 8 0 1 1 15 31 16 0 0 11 9 2 4 0 0 5 9 19 1 2 4 0 3 4 13 38 15 1 1 29 10 2 4 1 0 7 26 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 1 0 5 0 0 1 10 23 9 0 1 10 2 0 1 0 0 4 4 3 0 1 4 0 2 1 4 21 4 0 0 15 6 2 0 0 0 7 12 4 1 0 3 0 2 0 2 5 4 0 0 4 2 0 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 7 2 3 8 1 2 3 22 51 23 0 1 16 15 2 2 0 0 12 19 21 1 1 12 3 6 10 23 81 26 5 1 56 26 1 5 2 0 8 36 TOTAL 9 121 180 7 73 82 34 11 189 324 GRAND TOTAL 404 290 334 282 156 242 727 563 488 Engine Department This year’s Seafarers Waterfront Classic once again benefited Boulder Crest Foundation, a nonprofit organization self-described as “focused on ensuring the military, veteran, and first responder communities can live great lives in the aftermath of trauma.” Presenting a substantial portion of the proceeds from this year’s event to Boulder Crest personnel July 17 in Bluemont, Virginia, are (far left) Maersk Line, Limited President and CEO Bill Woodhour and (third from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Woodhour in recent years had suggested Boulder Crest as a beneficiary, while Tricker founded and continues managing the philanthropic Seafarers Waterfront Classic. Also pictured, starting second from left, are Boulder Crest Director of Philanthropy Janet Reid, (resuming third from right) Boulder Crest Property Manager Alan Denz, Boulder Crest Community and Events Manager Kyra Pooley, and retired U.S. Navy Veteran James Murphy. See the July edition of the LOG for full coverage of this year’s Seafarers Waterfront Classic; visit bouldercrest.org for more information about Boulder Crest Foundation. August & September Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: August 4, Sept. 8 Thursday: August 14 , Sept. 18 Thursday: August 7, Sept. 11 Thursday: August 21 , Sept. 25 Honolulu Friday: August 15, Sept. 19 Houston Monday: August 11, Sept. 15 Jacksonville Thursday: August 7, Sept. 11 Joliet Thursday: August 14, Sept. 18 Mobile Wednesday: August 13, Sept. 17 New Orleans Tuesday: August 12, Sept. 16 Jersey City Tuesday: August 5, Sept. 9 Norfolk Friday: August 8, Sept. 12 Oakland Thursday: August 14, Sept. 18 Philadelphia Wednesday: August 6, Sept. 10 Port Everglades Thursday: August 14, Sept. 18 San Juan Thursday: August 7, Sept. 11 St. Louis Friday: August 15, Sept. 19 Tacoma Friday: August 22, Sept. 26 Wilmington Monday: August 18, Sept. 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. AUGUST 2025 2 0 4 2 0 1 2 7 16 5 2 0 9 1 1 0 2 1 6 9 70 1 1 3 0 0 1 1 5 12 2 0 1 5 3 2 1 2 0 4 1 45 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 1 6 1 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 23 Steward Department 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 6 15 2 0 1 11 0 0 3 10 0 2 6 58 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 12 Entry Department 490 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA MICHAEL ALLAIN Brother Michael Allain, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and initially sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Allain last shipped on the SGT Matej Kocak and makes his home in Atlanta. ROMEO ARQUINES Brother Romeo Arquines, 80, became a member of the union in 2001 and initially sailed aboard the Cape Alexander. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Arquines last shipped on the John Paul Bobo. He lives in Dumfries, Virginia. ALONZO BELCHER Brother Alonzo Belcher, 64, signed on with the SIU in 1984. He first sailed aboard the Ponce and worked in the steward department. Brother Belcher upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Kansas and is a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. CLIFFORD BLACKMON Brother Clifford Blackmon, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Blackmon’s final vessel was the USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler. He settled in Aiea, Hawaii. ANTHONY CABASAG Brother Anthony Cabasag, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Cabasag concluded his career aboard the Long Lines. He lives in Gardena, California. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. DAVID CRISP DOMINIC MARCO Brother David Crisp, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1978. He first sailed aboard the Producer and worked in the deck department. Brother Crisp upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Chicago and lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. Brother Dominic Marco, 66, joined the SIU in 2003 and first shipped on the Performance. He worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the Green Lake. Brother Marco is a resident of Reno, Nevada. SERGEI ERDELL Brother Sergei Erdell, 71, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1982. He worked in the engine department and first shipped with Hvide Marine. Brother Erdell upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the USNS Dahl and settled in San Diego. RICHARD HOLT Brother Richard Holt, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1976 when he sailed aboard the Philadelphia. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in the steward department. Brother Holt most recently shipped on the Jack Lummus. He resides in La Conner, Washington. KELLY JOHNSON Brother Kelly Johnson, 68, joined the SIU in 1976. He initially shipped with Dixie Carriers and worked in the deck department. Brother Johnson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1983. He most recently was employed by Leo Marine Services and lives in Winters, California. ALBERT KONNING Brother Albert Konning, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2003 when he shipped on the Constellation. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Konning’s final vessel was the Liberty Eagle. He makes his home in Beaumont, Texas. OMAR KORISH Brother Omar Korish, 67, started sailing with the union in 2001, initially shipping on the Buffalo. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2018. Brother Korish concluded his career aboard the Gem State and lives in Melvindale, Michigan. DANILO MARTIN Brother Danilo Martin, 72, signed on with the SIU in 2005 when he sailed on the USNS Pomeroy. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Martin’s final vessel was the Dewayne T. Williams. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida. SILVINO MASALTA Brother Silvino Masalta, 65, joined the union in 2001. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the CP Navigator. Brother Masalta upgraded at the SIU-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. His final vessel was the St. Louis Express. Brother Masalta calls Missouri City, Texas, home. CARNELL MIDDLETON Brother Carnell Middleton, 71, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1998. He initially sailed on the William Baugh and worked in the deck department. Brother Middleton upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the USNS Victorious and lives in Pooler, Georgia. EDWARD MILSTEAD Brother Edward Milstead, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1998 and first sailed aboard the USNS Yano. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Milstead concluded his career working with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Pensacola, Florida. MARCELO PARAM Brother Marcelo Param, 71, signed on with the union in 2008 and sailed in the steward department. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and first shipped on the Intrepid. Brother Param most recently sailed aboard the President Reagan. He resides in Long Beach, California. JOSE CHUMPITAZ MAXIMO LAMBERT EDGARDO PLARISAN Brother Jose Chumpitaz, 67, signed on with the union in 1999. He first sailed aboard the USNS Antares and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Chumpitaz upgraded on multiple occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point School. He most recently shipped on the Perla Del Caribe and is a resident of St. Augustine, Florida. Brother Maximo Lambert, 67, joined the union in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Flickertail State. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the engine department. Brother Lambert’s final vessel was the Alliance St. Louis. He lives in Katy, Texas. Brother Edgardo Plarisan, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1993. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the deck department. Brother Plarisan upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Tennessee and settled in Galveston, Texas. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 AUGUST 2025 �Welcome Ashore! We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. PEDRO RAMOS RICHARD BELOTE JAMES GREENWOOD Brother Pedro Ramos, 76, began his career with the Seafarers in 1996 when he sailed aboard the USNS Kane. Brother Ramos worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the American Liberty. Brother Ramos is a Houston resident. Brother Richard Belote, 68, signed on with the union in 1977, initially working with Interstate Oil. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Belote concluded his career working for OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Milton, Delaware. Brother James Greenwood, 64, joined the SIU in 1998. An engine department member, he first worked with Riverboat Services. Brother Greenwood upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2006. He last shipped on the Detroit Princess and settled in Bay City, Michigan. LINO REMORIN Brother Gustavo Caceres, 68, joined the union in 1995. A deck department member, he was employed with Westbank Riverboat Services for the duration of his career. Brother Caceres calls Terrytown, Louisiana, home. Brother Lino Remorin, 75, joined the union in 1998, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Harriette. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Remorin last shipped on the Brenton Reef. He makes his home in Hockley, Texas. REBECCA SLEEPER MANION Sister Rebecca Sleeper Manion, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1984. She first sailed aboard the Long Lines and worked in the steward department. Sister Sleeper Manion upgraded her skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the OMI Leader. She concluded her career working as an SIU Port Agent. Sister Sleeper Manion is a resident of Hillsboro, Missouri. ROBERT YOUNG Brother Robert Young, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1990. He first sailed aboard the USNS Assurance and worked in the engine department. Brother Young upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Ocean Freedom and makes his home in Houston. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM HERMES Brother William Hermes, 59, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1992. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hermes worked with Great Lakes Towing for his entire career. He resides in Green Bay, Wisconsin. INLAND JOHN ANDERSON Brother John Anderson, 62, joined the SIU in 1989. A deck department member, he worked with Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. Brother Anderson lives in Hemphill, Texas. GUSTAVO CACERES ANDRE CARRIERE CHERYL KATES Sister Cheryl Kates, 63, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 1997. She sailed in the steward department and was employed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company for her entire career. Sister Kates is a resident of Ellenwood, Georgia. DWAYNE LOVE Brother Andre Carriere, 62, joined the SIU in 1983 when he sailed aboard the Charleston. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Carriere most recently worked with Penn Maritime. He settled in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Dwayne Love, 62, signed on with the union in 1999 when he worked with OSG Ship Management. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Love remained with the same company for the majority of his career. He makes his home in Keystone Heights, Florida. RAYMOND CONWAY Brother Raymond Conway, 76, started his career with the SIU in 1973, after previously being a member of the Seafarers-affiliated United Industrial Workers. He shipped with Norfolk, Baltimore and Carolina Container Lines for the duration of his career, as a member of the engine department. Brother Conway lives in Wallace, North Carolina. MARK MCGINNIS Brother Mark McGinnis, 62, became a member of the union in 1992. A deck department member, he was employed with G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother McGinnis calls Rockport, Texas, home. ROBERT MURRAY Brother Robert Murray, 64, joined the SIU in 1979 when he sailed with Meyle Towing Company. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Murray most recently worked with Express Marine. He resides in Glenolden, Pennsylvania. KEVIN DELAITTRE Brother Kevin DeLaittre, 67, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1983 when he shipped with Dixie Carriers. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother DeLaittre last sailed with Penn Maritime Inc. He resides in Trenton, Maine. SUSAN RIEDLINGER Sister Susan Riedlinger, 68, started her career with the SIU in 2017 when she shipped aboard the Millville. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2018. Sister Riedlinger was employed by Key Marine for her entire career. She lives in Avondale, Louisiana. GARY DENTON Brother Gary Denton, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1988. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Denton worked with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He is a resident of Orange, Texas. NMU JOSEPH BACHMANN JOHN FINCH CORENZA WILSON Brother Joseph Bachmann, 70, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1973. He sailed in the engine department and was employed with Taylor Marine Towing for the majority of his career. Brother Bachmann is a resident of Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. Brother John Finch, 69, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1976 when he worked for Steuart Transportation. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Finch concluded his career with Mariner Towing. He makes his home in York, South Carolina. Brother Corenza Wilson, 74, worked as a member of the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Margaret Lykes in 1995 and makes his home in Charleston, South Carolina. AUGUST 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17 SEAFARERS LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOEY ACEDILLO Pensioner Joey Acedillo, 78, died May 8. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Acedillo worked in the engine department. He last sailed on the Sumner before going on pension in 2015. Brother Acedillo was a Las Vegas resident. JOHN ALAMAR Pensioner John Alamar, 81, passed away April 11. He joined the union in 1978 and first shipped on the President Roosevelt. Brother Alamar worked in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the President Polk and became a pensioner in 2010. Brother Alamar made his home in Manteca, California. ANDREW BALASH Pensioner Andrew Balash, 84, died May 21. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1995. Brother Balash worked as a crane maintenance electrician for GFC Crane Consultants for the duration of his career. He retired in 2006 and settled in Greenville, South Carolina. WILFRED JONES Pensioner Wilfred Jones, 70, passed away May 15. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1995, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Jones sailed in the engine department and concluded his career on the Manhattan Island in 2002. He became a pensioner in 2020 and lived in Lacombe, Louisiana. FRANCHESCA KONOPASKI Pensioner Franchesca Konopaski, 61, died June 7. She joined the SIU in 1986 and first sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez. Sister Konopaski worked in the steward department and last sailed on the Overseas Nikiski. She retired in 2015 and made her home in Tacoma, Washington. ANDRES LAXAMANA Pensioner Andres Laxamana, 87, passed away June 15. He signed on with the union in 1979 and initially sailed aboard the Santa Maria. A steward department member, Brother Laxamana concluded his career aboard the Chief Gadao. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and resided in the Philippines. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. BONIFACIO LOZADA JOSE NUNEZ Pensioner Bonifacio Lozada, 74, died March 4. Brother Lozada signed on with the union in 1979 when he shipped on the Maunawili. He worked in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Thailand. Brother Lozada retired in 2015 and settled in Elk Grove, California. Pensioner Jose Nunez, 91, passed away March 29. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1986, initially sailing aboard the USNS Hess. Brother Nunez was a steward department member. He concluded his career with Crowley Puerto Rico Services and retired in 1998. Brother Nunez resided in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. SALAH SALEH EDVARD TOUCHETTE Pensioner Salah Saleh, 54, passed away June 5. He donned the SIU colors in 1999. A deck department member, Brother Saleh first shipped on the Independence. He most recently sailed aboard the Global Sentinel and became a pensioner in 2024. Brother Saleh made his home in Lafayette, Louisiana. Pensioner Edvard Touchette, 89, died May 8. He joined the SIU in 1960. A deck department member, Brother Touchette was employed with National Marine Service for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1998 and settled in Magnolia, Texas. GEORGE SILALAHI Pensioner George Silalahi, 94, died May 3. He became a member of the SIU in 1966. Brother Silalahi initially sailed aboard the La Salle. He worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Libra. Brother Silalahi went on pension in 1998 and resided in Brooklyn, New York. INLAND FRANKLIN ALTANY Pensioner Franklin Altany, 72, passed away May 7. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2006, initially sailing aboard the Delta Mariner. Brother Altany shipped in the deck department and was employed by Gulf Caribe for the majority of his career. He became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Rockport, Texas. LEANDER BOURGEOIS Pensioner Leander Bourgeois, 97, died June 6. He embarked on his career with the union in 1967 and initially sailed with Southern Towing Inc. Brother Bourgeois shipped in the deck department and last worked for Hvide Marine. He went on pension in 2000 and resided in Church Point, Louisiana. SCOTT COBURN Pensioner Scott Coburn, 70, passed away June 12. He joined the SIU in 1981 when he sailed aboard the Richard J Reiss. A deck department member, Brother Coburn was last employed with Luedtke Engineering. He started collecting his pension in 2017 and made his home in Bloomingdale, Michigan. MICHAEL EDWARDS Pensioner Michael Edwards, 58, died May 11. He joined the union in 1987. Brother Edwards sailed in the deck department and was employed with G&H Towing for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Spring, Texas. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 THOMAS VELA Pensioner Thomas Vela, 80, passed away February 5. He began sailing with the SIU in 1979. Brother Vela shipped in the deck department and worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He started collecting his pension in 2006 and lived in San Jose, Costa Rica. NMU CHESTLEE DILBERT Pensioner Chestlee Dilbert, 91, died May 4. Brother Dilbert was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Genevieve Lykes before going on pension in 1995. Brother Dilbert was a resident of Tampa, Florida. RICHARD LEROUX Pensioner Richard LeRoux, 79, passed away December 19. He started sailing in 1971 and worked in the engine department. Brother LeRoux was last employed with Woods Hole. He retired in 2000 and settled in Hyannis, Massachusetts. BARRY PATIN Pensioner Barry Patin, 79, died May 18. Brother Patin sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Intrepid and began collecting his pension in 2017. Brother Patin resided in Marrero, Louisiana. KIRBY RIDEAU Pensioner Kirby Rideau, 87, passed away April 13. Brother Rideau was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Marine Duval and retired in 1999. Brother Rideau made his home in New Orleans. AUGUST 2025 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. OCEAN FREEDOM (Patriot Shipping, LLC), March 31 – Chairman Robert Mack, Secretary Robert Foster, Educational Director David Argo, Deck Delegate James East, Steward Delegate Caprese Osorio. Entire crew is doing well and steward department is doing a great job, per chairman’s report. Educational director reminded crew to clean dryer lint traps. He encouraged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, and directed them to both the SIU website and Seafarers LOG for class dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Dishwasher in need of repair. Members would like new microwaves and new grill. Crew discussed possible enhancements to lounge. OCEAN FREEDOM (Patriot Shipping, LLC), April 27 – Chairman Robert Mack, Secretary Robert Foster, Engine Delegate Danny Challenger, Steward Delegate Caprese Osorio. Members reported an unpleasant odor coming from crew lounge, and one dryer still not working. Chairman reviewed upcoming ship schedule. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new rugs and new linens. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company, LLC), May 5 – Chairman Donny Castillo, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Harry Whitney, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Aljohn Fernandez, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. Chairman urged crew to keep up with documents and encouraged everyone to read the president’s report in the Seafarers LOG, available in print and online. He suggested visiting the SIU member portal for useful union information and talked about upcoming pay raises as specified in collective bargaining agreement. Secretary reminded members to wash hands before meals, keep living quarters clean and organized, return dishes to galley and no stowing of personal items in crew linen room. Secretary reiterated meal hours of operation. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to check the LOG and website for course dates. Chief cook course is back to a three-month duration, counting all modules. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested unlimited Wi-Fi access, new chairs in dining area, new mattresses in rooms, and basic toiletries to be provided in slop chest. SA needs new refrigerator. Members would like 20 for 30 vacation, increases in vision care and for steward assistants’ wages to match entry level wages in deck and engine departments. Crew would like extra meal compensation to increase to $5 per man and $25 per rider. Members suggested retirement age be lowered from 65 to 62. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), June 7 – Chairman Godocel Pascua, Educational Director Jetaime Mays. Chairman reiterated the importance of keeping all documents up to date and recommended crew upgrade at the Piney Point school whenever reasonably possible. Educational director reminded members to obtain all union physicals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested 30 for 30 vacation. EVERGREEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 20 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary Virnabeth Cano, Educational Director Gilbert Johnson, Deck Delegate Munassar Ahmed, Engine Delegate Tyler Summersill, Steward Delegate Philip Anthony Zulueta. Crew reviewed requests for fans, new mattresses, bathmats, towels, and an ice water machine. Chairman reminded everyone to take extra cooling breaks as needed, drink plenty of water, use cooling headbands as well as electrolyte packets provided in crew mess to deal with rising heat index. Chairman emphasized the importance of Maritime Defense League (MDL) donations as well as Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD) contributions. Secretary asked crew to keep up with laundry when washing clothes. All dirty linen should be in plastic bags and placed outside linen locker. Educational director encouraged members to ask questions when in doubt and reminded them to submit receipts for out-of-pocket dental work. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for clarification on which contract to follow between MSC and SIU regarding shipping rules with seniority and ratings. Crew would like contract to include one day of pay in lieu of day off, increases in vacation, increases in pension, and Juneteenth holiday. Members suggested reinstatement of online job postings. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), June 22 – Chairman Jerry Sobieraj, Secretary Robert Seim, Educational Director Cale Irons, Deck Delegate James McAtee, Engine Delegate Liam Richey. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases to benefits including eyecare, dental coverage and employer 401K contributions. Crew would like raises in wages and vacation pay. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 19 SEAFARERS AUGUST 2025 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 19 LOG • 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Training Revalidation Sept. 5 Sept. 8 Sept. 12 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Sept. 5 Sept. 8 Sept. 12 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Government Vessels Sept. 1 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Nov. 17 Dec. 8 Sept.5 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Nov. 21 Dec. 12 Tank Ship Fam. - DL Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Tank Ship Fam./LG Sept. 22 Oct. 27 Sept. 26 Oct. 31 DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival Sept. 29 Oct. 10 Able Seafarer - Deck Sept. 1 Oct. 13 Nov. 3 Dec. 1 Sept. 19 Oct. 31 Nov. 21 Dec. 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT Sept. 15 Nov. 17 Oct. 10 Dec. 12 Sept. 1 Oct. 13 Nov. 10 Sept. 26 Nov. 7 Dec. 5 Junior Engineer Sept. 29 Nov. 21 Welding Oct. 6 Oct. 24 RFPEW Latest Course Dates STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook Sept. 15 Nov. 24 Nov. 21 Jan. 30, 2026 Galley Operations Sept. 1 Sept. 22 Oct. 13 Nov. 10 Dec. 1 Sept. 26 Oct. 17 Nov. 7 Dec. 5 Dec. 26 ServSafe Management Sept. 8 Nov. 17 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 Advanced Galley Operations Sept. 15 Nov. 10 Oct. 10 Dec. 5 Chief Steward Oct. 13 Dec. 8 Nov. 7 Jan. 2, 2026 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Sept. 22 Sept. 26 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 20 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. AUGUST 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #921 – Recently graduated: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris, Joseph Prather and Ayinde Richards. RFPEW – Graduated May 23: Frank Balitewicz, Hunter Buster, Jadreanna Charleston, Abdelhamid Dika, GALLEY OPS – Graduated May 23 (not all are pictured): Marie Anthony, Marissa Armstead, Ashley Castillo, Octavia Grant and Vanessa Warren. GALLEY OPS – Graduated May 23: Averey Branch, Christopher Johnston, Michael Saputo, Natalia Smith and Alayla Tilley. ABLE SEAFARER - DECK – Graduated June 6: Marlon Gayle, Justin Shepler and Anpeng Sun. AUGUST 2025 Charles Evans Jr., Cayden Foster, Shauni Franklin, Austin Gottschlich, David Hebb, Nasir Hinton, Savonce Jackson, Tristan Kinsella, David Levin, Ayinde Richards, Tyrone Scott Jr., Terrell Slater, Jermerish Standberry and Darius Washington. GOV. VESSELS – Graduated May 23 (not all are pictured): Lekeano Babb, Tristan Casarez, Genesis Diaz Jimenez, Jonathan Gil Paul, Kier Hansen, Joshua Harrell, Kevin Johnson, Keith Jordan III, Freedom Le, Heaven McInnis, Eric Nieves Cortes, Tyler Singletary, Charles Stratton, Mirela Sutter, Leon Thompson-Repole, Jeffery Vega, Maxwell Walsh, Tre'von Warren and Isaiah Wells. FIRST AID – Pictured above: Michael Akers, John Baltazar, Jonathan Caballero Jr., Isaiah Chase, Adriel Cotto, Seth Daniel, Traynard Davis, Dickson Ellington Jr., Mike Estrada, Teneka Farris, Samuel Hawley, Joshua Jones, Jeanette Kaldawi, Tyler Kissick, Keywan Law, Jacqueline Patterson, James Petrick, Richard Price, Richard Richmond Jr., Harrison Wistock and Damita Wooten. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos Nilza Chavez, Lordito Cruz Jr., Jessica Davis, Shamir Ford, Daniel Gibson Jr., Deon Green, Reynaldo Gutierrez, Eugene Hoehn, Eric Jett, Darryl McCoy, Annie Nodd, Johanns RiveraRivera, Walter Schoppe, Arica Shaw and Kenneth Thomas. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated June 6 (not all are pictured): Michael Akers, John Baltazar, Jonathan Caballero Jr., Isaiah Chase, Seth Daniel, Traynard Davis, Dickson Ellington Jr., Mike Estrada, Teneka Farris, Samuel Hawley, Garrett Jackson, Bryant Jenkins, Joshua Jones, Jeanette Kaldawi, Tyler Kissick, Keywan Law, Jacqueline Patterson, James Petrick, Richard Price, Charles Ramos, Richard Richmond Jr., Harrison Wistock and Damita Wooten. RFPNW – Graduated June 13: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Courtland Montejo and Joseph Prather. GMDSS – Graduated June 6: Rodney Cole, Matthew Hargrove, Sean Jones, Arron Millar, Daniel Moran, Willie Myrick Jr., Dwuan Reed, Venise Spears, Arielle White and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. MACHINIST – Graduated June 13: Larry Calixto, Maria Escobar, Mohammed Gir, Ivan Kondakov, Joshua Kraynak, Yahya Mohamed, Michael Papaioannou, Kelly Percy and Julian Rubbo. Instructor Patrick Coppola is at the far left. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated June 6 (not all are pictured): Mario Botelho, George Creekmore, Emma DiGennaro, Alaa Embaby, Robert O'Neal, Dorothy Samuel-Harris, LaToya Sanford-Leggs, Mario Siclot, Randeisha Stone and Klaus Wigand Leguizamon. GOV. VESSELS – Graduated June 6 (not all are pictured): Gilbert Allende Jr., David Chance, RADAR/ARPA – Graduated June 20 (not all are pictured): Rodney Cole, Matthew Hargrove, Sean Jones, Arron Millar, Daniel Moran, Willie Myrick Jr., Dwuan Reed, Venise Spears, Arielle White and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. 22 22 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FIRST AID – Graduated June 20: Dantley Bramble, Stuart Casal, Roger Cray Jr., Charlie Flynn, Joshua Gadbois, Patrick Hamilton, Nathaniel Harris, Nathaniel Hart, Stephen Langdon, Dylan Levine, Kainoa MacKenzie, Mitchell Mangold, Jhon-Paul Manzanares, Preston Mizer, Paul Rocha, Jonathan Saili, Ameera Shakeel-Haadee, Ethan Sutton and Peter Tago. AUGUST 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos ABLE SEAFARER - DECK – Pictured above: Monica Burney, Sean Colonnello, Armando Contreras, Denzel Dennis, Jonah Ganzagan, Jacob Garatti, Matthew Harmon, Grant Lee, Corey Lopez, Henry Middleton III, Brandon Mitchell, Kameran Mitchell, Sandy Quezada, Eliot Randall, Luis Sanchez, Alexander Sandoval, Joshua Senquiz, Leondre Stevenson, Guillermo Villegas, Elvershon Williams Jr. and Raymond Winter. CARGO HANDLING – Graduated June 27: Rodney Cole, Matthew Hargrove, Sean Jones, Arron Millar, Daniel Moran, Willie Myrick Jr., Dwuan Reed, Venise Spears, Arielle White and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. JUNIOR ENGINEER – Graduated June 27 (not all are pictured): Jose Borrero Rodriguez, Anjwar Brooks, Jason Bullen, Jahnia Cain, Peter Espinosa, William Kilbuck, Sara Mesa, Evan Murff, Zachary Parker, Pedro Rivera Hernandez, Alexia Villaescusa and Nashell Williams. VESSEL OPS – Graduated June 13: Lekeano Babb, Tristan Casarez, Genesis Diaz Jimenez, Jonathan Gil Paul, Kier Hansen, Joshua Harrell, Kevin Johnson, Keith Jordan III, Freedom Le, Heaven McInnis, Ayinde Richards, Tyler Singletary, Charles Stratton, Leon Thompson-Repole, Maxwell Walsh and Isaiah Wells. Notice U.S. Mariner Mental Health & Wellbeing Survey – 2025 Open June 16, 2025 to September 16, 2025 The University of Washington invites mariners from all segments of the U.S. maritime industry to take 10–15 minutes to anonymously complete the 2025 Mariner Mental Health & Wellbeing Survey online at https://redcap.link/mariners2025 or by scanning the QR code. Who is eligible to participate? We want to hear from sailing, credentialed, mariners who work on U.S.-flagged vessels—including licensed and unlicensed mariners, cadets, and pilots. Participation from a wide range of mariners across the industry is critical to understanding the ongoing needs of the maritime workforce. BASIC SAFETY – Graduated June 27: James Clark, Joseph Crane, Asberry Holt, Aaron Howell, Alyssa Ray and Erasmo Vizcaino. What topics are on the survey? This confidential survey asks mariners about mental health, wellbeing, job satisfaction, and experiences aboard vessels. It will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. What if I don’t want to answer questions on the survey? With the exception of the screening criteria questions, all questions are optional. You should skip any questions you don’t feel comfortable answering, or don’t want to answer. Will individual data be linked back to me? No identifiable data (such as name, employer, or vessel) will be collected. Individual responses will be kept confidential and securely stored at the University of Washington in accordance with the ethics review board. Individual data will not be shared, we will only look at data summarized by groups that is not identifiable. Who is conducting this survey? This survey is being conducted by the same research team that led the 2021 Mariner Mental Health Survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may be familiar with that earlier effort. This 2025 follow-up survey aims to understand how mariner mental health and wellbeing have evolved since COVID-19. The survey is being conducted independently by Dr. Marissa Baker, Associate Professor, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. This survey was reviewed by representatives from SOCP, MARAD, AWO, NOAA, Maritime Institutes, and CMTS. How will the data be used? Survey findings will be shared with vessel owners/operators, mariner unions, maritime training institutions, seafarer welfare organizations, and MTS stakeholders to help develop effective, evidence-based solutions that benefit mariner mental health and wellbeing. We will also write a report which will be publicly accessible. How can I help this effort? We would appreciate you sharing the link to this survey with your shipmates, employees, training institutions, industry associations, unions, or anyone else who could contribute to this effort to improve the well-being of U.S. mariners. SERVE SAFE MANAGEMENT – Graduated June 27: Linzi Dyer, Sava Rodriguez, Laurel Treguboff and Mariah Worsley. AUGUST 2025 What if I have more questions? For more information on this survey, please click here. Please email any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this mariner survey to Dr. Marissa Baker and team, University of Washington, at marinersurvey@uw.edu SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 23 SEAFARERS LOG • 23 �AUGUST 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 8 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO In Their Own Words: SIU Women at Sea a career at sea. Their ‘I’m Here Because I Chose to be Here’ considering goal is simple: to inspire, inform, Editor’s note: This article is the third in an occasional series spotlighting female mariners. Our aim is to increase awareness of maritime career opportunities and highlight that the U.S. Merchant Marine is a viable path for many people. This installment focuses on former mariner and current SIU Vice President Hazel Galbiso, based in Honolulu. Hazel Galbiso became a merchant mariner in 1989. As she puts it, she “fell into the industry” at age 20 while searching for a job as a flight attendant. On her way home from an airline interview in Waikiki, she passed by Honolulu Harbor and noticed the towering steam stacks of two cruise ships docked at Aloha Tower. Her curiosity kicked in, so she stopped by the cruise line’s office to inquire about job openings. The following week, she was interviewed and hired for a dining room position – and began her maritime journey a month later. That’s when she officially joined the Seafarers International Union, launching a career that now spans more than three decades. What started as a spur-of-themoment decision quickly became a life-changing path. With no maritime experience or clear expectations, Galbiso embraced the unknown. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I knew I wanted to travel,” she recalls. “It just felt right.” Her early years at sea were filled with both challenges and major growth. In 1999, she completed safety training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Maryland, with the goal of working on commercial vessels overseas. Upon completing her training, she landed her first deepsea assignment on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, traveling through Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore. At the time, female mariners on deep-sea vessels were rare. Galbiso remembers the early mutual unease that came with breaking gender norms: “There were uncomfortable, curious vibes on both sides,” she says. “But I stayed focused and optimistic. I’m here because I chose to be here. My love for travel and my drive kept me moving forward.” That first deep sea tour turned out to be notably positive – an experience when everyone ended up working well together. After 15 years going to sea, Galbiso was offered the opportunity to bring her experience ashore. In 2004, she transitioned to a union representative role at the Honolulu hiring hall, initially representing cruise ship mariners. That role evolved into managing full hall operations. Her career growth didn’t end with her work as a port agent. Earlier this year, Galbiso became an SIU vice president. In recent years, she has worked side by side with her trusted colleague, Safety Director Amber Akana. A former member of the SIUNA-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union, Akana originally was hired as Galbiso’s secretary – but her shipboard experience, combined with Galbiso’s mentorship and guidance, led to her promotion into her current role. Together, they lead an all-female team at the hall with a wealth of seafaring experience adding authenticity, credibility, and deep understanding to their guidance as they continue serving rank-and-file Seafarers and the wider maritime community. Today, much of their work outside the hall focuses on outreach: visiting schools, attending career fairs, and sharing their stories with young people, especially women, who are and empower the next generation of mariners. Galbiso’s advice to aspiring women in maritime is clear and candid: “You’ve got to be a curious risk-taker. This job isn’t about glamour – it’s about grit, hard work, and stepping out of your comfort zone.” She emphasizes professionalism, situational awareness, and clear communication. “As a woman, I expect to work harder and be judged more harshly,” she says. “But you focus on doing your job, and you pick your battles.” She believes it was important to earn respect from her male counterparts by carrying her own weight. The hardest part of the job, she says, “isn’t the job itself. It’s navigating people and life at sea. I can honestly say I had an amazing 15 years at sea, even though there were times that tested my resilience. But the experience is what you make of it. Surround yourself with positive people; it makes all the difference.” Galbiso has seen encouraging changes in the industry. While she started in the steward department, she now sees more women stepping into deck and engine roles that were once traditionally male-dominated jobs. “It’s refreshing to see that shift,” she says. To the next generation of female mariners, she offers this advice: “Have thick skin. Demand respect. Build resilience. Sometimes you’ve got to suck it up, and sometimes you need SIU VP Hazel Galbiso is pictured earlier this year. to stand your ground. Finding that balance – it’s all part of growing.” And, true to her local style, she adds: “Sometimes, the tita gotta come out,” she laughs, using the Hawaiian term for a strong, no-nonsense woman. In a field that demands both physical stamina and emotional grit, many who know her say that Galbiso stands as a testament to perseverance, passion, and leadership. She didn’t just stumble into this career – she chose it, shaped it, and now helps redefine it for others. “At the end of the day, I can tell you everything I know to help prepare you for ship life,” she says. “But you’ll still have to live it for yourself.” Galbiso (front row, far right) started her SIU career in 1989, sailing with American Hawaii Cruises, Aboard her first deep-sea cargo ship – the LNG Aquarius – in 1999. longtime operator of the iconic passenger ships Independence and Constitution. � Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource AUGUST 2025 Description An account of the resource NEW MICHAEL SACCO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AIMS TO BRIDGE CAREER PROGRESS OF SEAFARERS SIU HELPS CELEBRATE U.S.-FLAG LNG SERVICE TO PUERTO RICO EXECUTIVE BOARD ANNOUNCES MODIFICATIONS VP MARRONE RETIRES AFTER HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE SIU CONTINUES HELPING MILITARY VETERANS FIND MARITIME CAREERS MAHMOUD FARES CHIEF COOK CHEERFUL GIVERS SEAFARERS HAPPILY STEP UP FOR 'PAINT TACOMA BEAUTIFUL' IN THEIR OWN WORDS: WOMEN AT SEA Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO. 8 2025 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/79558234a710d381f8b6d5d76569fd2b.pdf 4a69afbf3f98fda667d30bdfa1ec8a53 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JULY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 7 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Salutes U.S. Mariners The union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) observed National Maritime Day ceremonies across the country on May 22, including the traditional event hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation in the nation’s capital. That’s where SIU officials and PHC Apprentices are pictured above, shortly before the event. From left in front are VP Pat Vandegrift, President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Asst. VP Michael Russo, and VP George Tricker. At right, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy conveys the administration’s support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Pages 3-5. Sacco Honored With Building Dedication In a stirring ceremony, family members and former colleagues of the late SIU President Michael Sacco converged in Piney Point, Maryland, June 17 to name a building in his honor (above) as well as unveiling a bronze bust of the union’s longest-serving president. Pictured from left at the outdoor segment of the dedication are Valerie Moore (one of Sacco’s daughters), SIU SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski, AMA Chairman Capt. Robert Johnston, Paul Hall Center Trustee Tony Naccarato, SIU President David Heindel, and Sacco’s widow, Sophie. Pages 6-7. Seafarers Waterfront Classic Reaches 10 Years of Giving Back One of the SIU’s signature events, in conjunction with its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, the Seafarers Waterfront Classic went through its tenth installment May 20. The yearly happening benefits the Boulder Crest Foundation, which supports U.S. military veterans and first responders. Below, a spectacular sunrise greets some of the first participants as they set sail from the docks in Piney Point, Maryland, at daybreak. Pages 12-14. SHBP SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED • PAGE 8 // SIU WOMEN AT SEA • PAGE 24 �President’s Report Progress and Challenges Among many recent positive developments for the SIU, none may hit closer to home with me than our relocation from the old Philadelphia hall. Having been based there for 12 years while working as a port agent in the mid-1980s until 1996, it’s fair to say I accumulated some interesting memories, both professional and family-related. The SIU had been based at the hall on South Fourth Street since 1960. That location and facility served us well, but it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Our new, temporary home (see page 15) is a clear improvement. We are still exploring options for selecting a permanent space; I’m very encouraged by David Heindel the early stages of that search. Philly won’t be our only advancement. We’re also making some longer-range plans for a couple of other relocations, but those are a little further out on the horizon. The Philly move also isn’t the only recent bit of good news for the SIU. In the near future, we’re launching an online payment portal that will give Seafarers a new, convenient, alternative way to pay our dues. The online system is being fine-tuned but it’s close to being ready. I believe that these actions reflect the SIU’s status as an organization that’s fully committed to serving the membership to our absolute best abilities. We are usually cautious and deliberate, but also forward-thinking and dedicated. Three other fresh news items also underscore what we’re all about. As reported elsewhere in this edition, the SIU and our affiliated Paul Hall Center recently teamed up for the tenth annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic, which in part benefits U.S. military veterans and first responders. It would be an understatement to call the Boulder Crest Foundation a great cause. Additionally, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan awarded scholarships to several dependents of rank-and-file members, along with one active Seafarer. This annual initiative continues to prove its value – not only by helping recipients pursue their educational goals, but also by reinforcing our union’s longstanding commitment to learning, personal growth, and upward mobility. Finally, trustees have given the green light for the union and the school to work together on new scholarship programs for mariners who are upgrading to mate or engineer. We’re just getting started with the planning, but this is something I’ve been urging for a while, and I believe it’ll be a proverbial winwin. The scholarships will encourage more people to upgrade, and the industry will benefit from greater retention. Collectively, these developments all point to our union remaining on the right course, with a bright future. Encouragement in D.C. Right after this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony at Department of Transportation headquarters, the SIU had a strong turnout for an industry roundtable hosted by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. I led the SIU group and was joined by several other officials and our legislative director. Altogether, approximately 40 people attended, representing labor, industry, and government. This was a positive experience, and I came away confident that Secretary Duffy and his team are eager to help revitalize our industry. Speaking of the DOT, the White House recently nominated Steve Carmel to be the next United States Maritime Administrator. This is excellent news for our union and our industry. Steve is a former executive at SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited, and currently serves as president of U.S. Marine Management, another one of our contracted operators. Steve already had the backing of maritime labor, and we remain confident he’s the right person for the job. A Well-Earned Welcome Ashore We will publish a full recap of SIU Vice President Nick Marrone’s career in the next LOG, but he very recently announced his retirement, and I didn’t want to miss this chance to extend my sincere thanks and congratulations on his decades of service. Nick is one of us – a lifelong Seafarer who has given his all for the membership. He has promised to not be a stranger, but he nevertheless will be missed. Remembering Our Friend and Leader Last but definitely not least, the dedication of the Paul Hall Center’s most modern building in memory of the late SIU President Mike Sacco, along with the unveiling of a bronze bust of him, proved fulfilling but bittersweet. Mike truly was an all-time great, and I’m fortunate to have worked with him for decades. As I said during the ceremony, I’d much rather have him still with us, but I also appreciated the opportunity to further enshrine his memory at a school that owes much of its success to him. SIU, ITF Back Investigation into Flags of Convenience The SIU in late May formally weighed in on a newly announced investigation by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) “to examine whether the vessel flagging laws, regulations, or practices of certain foreign governments create unfavorable shipping conditions in the foreign trade of the United States.” There’s a 90-day public comment period associated with the investigation, ending Aug. 20. The FMC said it is “seeking examples of unfavorable flagging laws, regulations, and practices that endanger the efficiency and reliability of the ocean shipping supply chain,” including so-called flags of convenience (FOC), also known as runaway flags. An FOC vessel is one that flies the flag of a country other than the nation of ownership. In its submission to the commission, the SIU expressed its full support of the investigation “into the widespread and harmful use of FOCs in international shipping. As frontline representatives of maritime labor, we have long witnessed the detrimental consequences of the FOC system – ranging from degraded seafarer welfare and compromised safety standards Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 7 July 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG to weakened environmental protections and distorted market competition.” The union continued, “Critically, FOC registries are enabling the expansion of the so-called dark fleet – a growing network of vessels operating outside regulatory oversight. These ships routinely evade sanctions, safety protocols, and environmental regulations by exploiting permissive flag states and obscured ownership structures. According to maritime analysts including Lloyd’s List Intelligence and TankerTrackers, this shadow fleet comprises at least 600 vessels, with some estimates exceeding 1,000 when factoring in aging tankers and bulk carriers engaged in opaque or illicit trade. “We commend the FMC for taking this essential step toward exposing and addressing systemic abuses in vessel flagging – and urge the broader maritime community and international regulators to take coordinated action to restore integrity to global shipping.” The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated, also quickly voiced its backing of the investigation. The federation urged that the FMC’s efforts “must be backed by International Maritime Organization-led action and industry-wide accountability.” Additionally, the ITF underscored that as part of its announcement, the FMC “cited serious concerns that states operating FOCs are enabling a ‘race to the bottom’ in global maritime regulations.” In a news release, SIU President David Heindel, who serves as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, said, “The FMC is absolutely right in its assessment of flags of convenience and the permissive environments they create for unscrupulous shipowners and operators. The very existence of the FOC system continues to stain the integrity of the maritime industry. “This system thrives on weak oversight, allowing bad actors to exploit seafarers and shirk responsibility. We strongly support the FMC’s efforts to identify practical steps to introduce greater accountability across the world’s ship registries.” The FOC system has been the subject of the ITF’s longest-running campaign – launched in 1948 – due to its role in circumventing labor regulations, suppressing wages, and enabling unsafe working conditions. The ITF regularly updates its FOC list, which now includes 45 registries. Moreover, the federation pointed out that while more than half the world’s fleet is flagged under FOC registries, a staggering 80% of abandonment cases in 2024 involved FOC ships. Last year alone, 3,133 seafarers were abandoned across 312 vessels – a sharp increase from 2023. In just the first five months of 2025, the ITF has already recorded 158 abandonment cases, affecting more than 1,500 mariners. Thanking Pro-Maritime Congressman U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) (second from right), a longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, received this year’s International Propeller Club Frank Courtenay Salute to Congress Award on May 14 in Arlington, Virginia. Congratulating him are (from right to left) SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, AMO National President Willie Barrere, and MEBA SecretaryTreasurer Rex Rexha. Larsen highlighted the importance of defending the Jones Act and expressed optimism regarding the nomination of Capt. Steve Carmel to lead the Maritime Administration – a selection that signifies strong support for the Jones Act within the administration. JULY 2025 �SIU, Paul Hall Center Celebrate National Maritime Day DOT Ceremony Honors Past Service, Emphasizes Need for Revitalization Along with appreciative acknowledgements for the U.S. Merchant Marine’s centuries of reliable service, speakers at this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony hosted at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters on May 22 emphasized the importance of living up to the event’s theme: Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance. Weighing in with their unwavering backing of American maritime were Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Command Deputy Commander LTG Jered P. Helwig, and Interlake Steamship Company President Mark Barker. Eighteen apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) attended the gathering in Washington, D.C., including Joseph Prather, who served as the ceremonial bell toller, and Shandria McClain, the memorial wreath bearer. SIU officials in attendance included President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice Presidents George Tricker and Pat Vandegrift, and Assistant Vice President Michael Russo. World War II mariner James Quinn (a former NMU member) and Vietnam mariner Joseph Cox received awards during the event. (Cox worked for decades in shoreside positions supporting the industry, including many years at the Department of Labor and at the Chamber of Shipping of America, respectively.) Duffy noted that a recent pro-maritime executive order from the White House aims “to fortify maritime infrastructure, including upgrades to our ports, our waterways, to our shipping lanes. It’s an investment that’s going to be made to help secure our overseas markets for the products that we produce in America. We want to have access to those foreign markets, and it’s important that we have a maritime industry that can support American manufacturers.” He said the order also is “going to boost domestic ship production for both commercial and domestic vessels. It’s going to expand the [manpower pool] of mariners to effectively command this new American armada, safeguarding the freedom that we have on our seas…. America has never won a war without our merchant mariners. We haven’t won a war without being able to build ships.” The secretary recounted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s World War II heroism, including that of the more than 6,700 mariners who lost their lives sailing in support of the Allies (more than 1,200 SIU members died in wartime service). He Hundreds of guests attend the DOT ceremony. JULY 2025 pointed out that more than 800 U.S. merchant ships were sunk or damaged during the war, and that hundreds of mariners were detained as POWs. Duffy then turned to current challenges facing the industry. He contrasted America’s recent shipbuilding output and its commercial fleet with those of China – a vital topic that has helped generate strong bipartisan support for revitalizing U.S. maritime. “We used to be the (maritime) powerhouse,” Duffy said. “We used to be the best, and we’ve let this industry peter out and taper off, and we let some of our adversaries take the lead. If you want to be a global superpower, you actually have to build ships in your country, and you have to be able to sail those ships with your mariners.” He then pledged that the government “is going to fix the problems. We’re going to make the investments; we’re going to offer the support to make sure that we stand up for an industry that’s incredibly important for American security and American defense…. We can do this, but it’s going to be all of us partnering together and working together to make that happen.” Helwig said he appreciated that his trip to the nation’s capital gave him “the opportunity to participate with not just the Department of Defense, but the Department of Transportation and our industry partners and (address) so many things that are vital to our national interests.” The deputy commander thanked “our nation’s extraordinary merchant mariners…. We gather to recognize their invaluable contributions and the critical sealift capability that they provide. We honor the civilian mariners who crew the ships that carry the lifeblood of our economy and the strength of our military, and we celebrate the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine who bravely navigate the open seas, often in very perilous conditions, transporting vital goods, supplies and equipment across the globe.” He echoed Duffy’s appreciation for the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II (more than 250,000 mariners sailed during the war). “This time-honored legacy fills us with immense pride and deserves our unwavering remembrance and as we honor the past,” Helwig stated. “I’m equally excited about the future…. Merchant mariners remain the cornerstone of global trade, ensuring the seamless flow of goods between nations and fueling the economic engine. Sealift must continue to be the bedrock of transporting large quantities of equipment and supplies by sea. It must remain the logistical foundation that enables us to project power globally and sustain operations for extended periods PHC Apprentice Joseph Prather serves as the ceremonial bell toller. of time. While the other modes of transportation, like airlift, provide speed and other options, they all face the limitations of cargo size and weight, and so sealift provides heavy-lift capacity and capability essential for moving the things that the DOD needs to move most, such as armored vehicles, tanks, artillery and other bulky equipment that’s critical for combat operations.” He continued, “This capability empowers us to respond effectively to crises worldwide. We must continue to navigate the future by investing in it, by innovating and by sustaining a ready and capable workforce to meet the evolving requirements. USTRANSCOM relies on the combination of government-owned and commercially operated ships to meet these sealift demands. To power these ships, we require strong crews of American merchant mariners. It’s great to see our future (the PHC Apprentices) standing behind us here as well.” He concluded, “Let us honor the sacrifices of the mariners who have served our nation so faithfully over the years, and let us commit to supporting the policies and programs that will ensure that the U.S. remains a maritime power for generations to come.” Barker described his company’s history and touched on World War II-era shipbuilding and vessel operations, then said, “Today, our fleet is smaller, more domestic than international, but it has the same spirit and dedication as when we played the larger part in the economic prosperity and ensured a critical lifeline for our troops and our allies. The U.S.-flag Jones Act operators are ready to answer the call, given the opportunity. The Jones Act is critical for our national and economic security. We are not the lowest-cost provider, nor should we be. We build our ships under the highest safety and environmental standards. We pay good wages and benefits to the incredible women and men who build and operate these ships. We cannot compete, nor should we try to compete against ships that are built through foreign subsidies by countries that do not hold safety, people, the environment or good wages as a priority.” Referring to the executive order, along with recently reintroduced maritime legislation and planned steps by the U.S. Trade Representative, he encouraged U.S. maritime industry allies to “grab hold of this momentum. We need to execute this strategy for the long term to ensure that our maritime industry not only stays strong, but also builds to ensure our country’s economic and national security.” Additional photos, coverage on Pages 4-5 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �National Maritime Day 2025 The event kicked off May 22 in the nation’s capital. PHC Apprentice Shandria McClain (left), DOT Sec. Sean Duffy A Proclamation on National Maritime Day 2025 Interlake Steamship Company President Mark Barker urges industry personnel to seize the momentum currently enjoyed by American maritime. U.S. Transportation Command Deputy Commander LTG Jered P. Helwig thanks mariners for their service. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy (left) and SIU President David Heindel chat after the ceremony. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG From the White House: More than 200 years ago, the American steamship S.S. Savannah set sail across the Atlantic, becoming the first vessel of its kind to complete the journey. That daring voyage marked the start of American maritime excellence. From that first crossing to the increasingly important shipping lanes of today, America’s strength at sea has always been driven by the United States Merchant Marine and the skilled merchant mariners who support our economy and readiness in times of peace, crisis, and war. Merchant mariners play a vital role in our national defense, standing ready to support military operations whenever they are needed. As civilian seafarers, they deliver troops, weapons, and supplies through dangerous conditions to sustain our Armed Forces in times of conflict. During World War II, more than 243,000 merchant mariners risked their lives to aid the war effort and help secure victory and freedom. Their service came at a price as these merchant mariners suffered a higher casualty rate than all branches of the United States military during the war. Their courage and heroism reflect a deep commitment to the Nation that we hold in the highest honor and shall never forget. Beyond their role in national defense, merchant mariners help drive American economic strength. They operate the vessels that transport goods, energy, and raw materials to and from our shores, supporting global trade and connecting United States producers with international markets. Their work supports key industries across the American economy, including shipping, shipbuilding, logistics, and energy. The United States is a proud maritime nation, and as President, I am bringing a renewed focus to reestablishing our dominance at sea. Last month, I signed an Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance to spur investment in American shipbuilding, eliminate outdated regulations, and expand merchant mariner training and education. These reforms are critical to securing supply chains, protecting key trade routes, and countering growing threats from foreign adversaries. Today, we celebrate the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine and all those who support our maritime industry. Their dedication upholds our national defense, fuels our economy, and continues a proud tradition that has shaped our Nation since its earliest days. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship, in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2025, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortyninth. DONALD J. TRUMP SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERJULY 2023 4 2025 �SIU Observes National Maritime Day CELEBRATING IN GUAM ‒ SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon is at left in the indoor posed photo, with Guam Gov. The Honorable Lourdes “Lou” Aflague Leon Guerrero. In photo above, right, the governor signs a National Maritime Day proclamation. Sahagon is at left in the remaining photo, with U.S. Coast Guard personnel. COMMEMORATION IN VIRGINIA ‒ Pictured from left in the posed group photo are SIU personnel Port Agent Mario Torrey, Safety Director Anthony Houston, and Asst. VP Government Services Sam Spain. At the podium, delivering keynote remarks in Norfolk, is U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Peggy M. Britton, Commander, Sector Virginia. Torrey is at far right (foreground) in the other indoor photo, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. GATHERING IN LONE STAR STATE ‒ Fr. Sinclair Oubre, a longtime SIU member, is at left in the posed photo, with members of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur (Texas) Color Guard. In the other snapshot, Shelby Avant from the Maritime Administration (at podium) reads the White House’s National Maritime Day proclamation. JULY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Building Dedication, Bronze Bust Honor Mike Sacco’s Sterling Legacy The longest-serving president in Seafarers International Union history often described the organization as feeling “more like a family than a union.” That sentiment seemed palpable June 17 in Piney Point, Maryland, as union officials and employees, Seafarers Plans representatives, Paul Hall Center (PHC) personnel, employer trustees, officials from other maritime unions – and numerous family members – gathered to warmly and respectfully honor Sacco, who passed away in December 2023, at age 86 (nearly a year after retirement). The ceremony featured two main components: naming one of the school’s most prominent buildings in his memory, and unveiling a bronze bust universally regarded as a remarkably accurate depiction of him. As a result, the campus now boasts the Michael J Sacco Media Center, and that building houses the bronze bust. (Sacco’s middle name was John.) Later in the day, family and executive board members travelled to the nearby Seafarers Haven Cemetery for the blessing of a marble monument honoring Sacco. Altogether, the day went smoothly, and the dedications properly recognized one of the most influential figures in modern U.S. maritime history. The events kicked off with a gathering outside the media center, a building that houses state-ofthe-art classrooms, meeting facilities, touchscreen videos, maritime artifacts, and more. SIU SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski served as emcee; his opening remarks were followed by brief speeches from SIU President David Heindel, PHC Trustee Tony Naccarato, and American Maritime Association Chairman Capt. Robert Johnston. Sacco’s widow, Sophie, and daughter Valerie Moore then did the honors of removing a cover to unveil the newly affixed moniker Michael J Sacco. Moore wrapped up the outdoor portion of the ceremony with heart-rending remarks. Immediately thereafter, attendees moved inside the building, where SIU Vice President Pat Vandegrift introduced sculptor Kelly Micca. Sophie Sacco then unveiled the bust, to widespread applause. The family also received a miniature version. The speakers all worked with Sacco for decades. During the outdoor ceremony, Orzechowski recalled discussions with Sacco many years ago aimed at modernizing what was then the library (now the media center). “Mike always focused on how we could better equip our mariners to move to the next level, and also on making them comfortable here at the school,” Orzechowski said. “Mike was a huge advocate for education and making sure our members had the right tools to succeed…. Today, this building exemplifies everything that Mike was about.” Heindel noted that he first met Sacco as a trainee in the early 1970s. SIU President David Heindel “From the beginning, he was an inspiration to me and of course to countless others,” Heindel said. “Mike had a way of motivating people to learn and grow and to push themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of.” Reflecting on the planning that led to the building dedication, Heindel said, “When Mike passed back in 2023, one of the first things the executive board and the trustees started talking about was how to honor his legacy. We were eager to demonstrate our appreciation and respect for him, but we also didn’t want to rush. “I think we nailed it with this building dedication. The media center is our most modern facility. It’s essential in helping the apprentices and the rankand-file members continue their education and advance their careers. That’s why I think it’s fitting that we’re naming it after Mike. He was old school in the very best sense of the term, but he also pushed us to plan for the future, to better ourselves, and to be aggressive when it came to staying one step ahead of the industry’s needs. He always emphasized that this school is the key to our future, and that’s why he spared no effort in making sure it remained state-ofthe-art. That’s also why he constantly encouraged Seafarers to upgrade.” Naccarato described Sacco as “a force of nature. When I spoke to him, I always learned something new. Ideas flowed out of him like water out of a faucet. Over time, these ideas, strung together, were instrumental in building one of the strongest unions in America.” A longtime labor relations specialist in addition to his work as a trustee, Naccarato credited Sacco with “intrinsically understanding that in order for any union to survive and thrive, it was essential that it cultivated a close and mutually respectful relationship with his contracted companies…. Mike was an expert at being at the right place at the right time. He had the foresight to see far into the future to see any storms coming our way and preparing to deal with them. His knowledge of the Washington scene and his personal relationships with influential politicians, all the way to the president, was extremely valuable in keeping our industry wellprotected.” He concluded, “This bust will stand in this beautiful media center as a brilliant reminder to future generations of Seafarers that in life you will not be judged by where you start, but where you finish. Mike will be an inspiration to all – he started as an entry-level sailor in Brooklyn and finished leading one of the most respected unions in America, with a benefit fund that is the envy of all.” Johnston said that although it’s difficult to recap a forty-plus-year relationship in only a few minutes, he would summarize Sacco via three words: pride, integrity, and love. “It may seem strange to put those three words Attendees gather for the June 17 dedication at the Paul Hall Center. 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 together, but to me, they are Mike,” Johnston said. “Mike was proud of his accomplishments both with the SIU and personally. You only need to look at the SIU today to see what Mike built over the last 35 years. His pride in the SIU knew no bounds…. “I have never met a man with more integrity than Mike Sacco,” Johnston continued. “A man honest as the day is long and with a moral compass straight as an arrow…. He did not always make the easy choices or the popular choices. Sometimes the difficult choice was the best choice for the long-term security of his members, and Mike was not afraid to make those tough decisions.” Johnston concluded, “How do I associate love with Mike? First, his family – he loved them dearly. Secondly, the SIU. He loved the SIU, the officials and most of all its members…. Mike made sure that when he retired, there was a stellar leadership team in place that would ensure the continued success of the SIU. This is Mike’s legacy. I sincerely hope that future generations of SIU members walking in this building will see Mike’s name and likeness and fully appreciate what he did for them and the SIU.” Moore captivated the crowd with the last of the formal remarks. She stated, “We gather not merely to reflect on the accomplishments of our late father, but to celebrate the profound impact he had on our lives, the SIU and the maritime industry. We honor his legacy to ensure that his spirit lives on in the union he loved so dearly. We recognize the unwavering commitment, dedication and passion he brought, not just to his role as president of the SIU, but to every single person he interacted with…. “Our father believed in the power of unity,” she continued. “His team was not just a collective voice. They were his family. He worked tirelessly to foster strong employer partnerships. These partnerships have not just benefited our current members, but have also paved the way for future generations of Seafarers, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in an ever-evolving shipping industry.” Moore concluded, “Throughout his tenure as president, my father exemplified what it means to be a leader. He faced challenges with courage and resilience, always prioritizing the needs of the SIU and the maritime industry. He touched the lives of countless members…. As you dedicate this building, let it serve as a symbol of my father’s enduring legacy. May it stand as a reminder of his commitment to education. Every time students walk through these doors, may they feel the spirit of encouragement and inspiration that my father instilled in all of us.” The new lettering is unveiled in Piney Point, Maryland. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 JULY 2025 �SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski Valerie Moore speaks on behalf of the Sacco family. PHC Trustee Tony Naccarato Michael Sacco's widow, Sophie Sacco, shares a moment with the bronze bust of her late husband, which will remain on the campus of a school he helped establish and lead. Artist Kelly Micca AMA Chairman Capt. Robert Johnston Members of the Sacco family and other guests converge to honor the longest-serving president in SIU history. SIU VP Pat Vandegrift Scan Here For More Scan this code to view a short video of the bronze bust’s production The Michael J Sacco Media Center includes classrooms, meeting spaces and more. JULY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �$120,000 Total Awarded to 2025 Scholarship Winners Six individuals have a clearer path towards achieving their educational goals, thanks to scholarships recently awarded by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). Grants have been approved for one SIU member and five SIU dependents through the annual program. The SBHP Scholarship Committee, composed of both active and retired educators from colleges and universities across the nation, selected Steward/Baker Nicoll Quinones Rodriguez as the Seafarer winner. She will receive a $20,000 award ($5,000 for four years). This year’s Seafarer dependent winners – Michelle Eaton, Mason Holmes, Mariam Mohamed, Tyrese Tan, and Gabrielle Glapion – will also receive $20,000 ($5,000 for four years). The following profiles detail the ambitions and achievements of this year’s Charlie Logan Scholarship recipients. Nicoll Quinones Rodriguez SIU Connection: Quinones Rodriguez joined the union in 2018. Bio: Quinones Rodriguez hails from Puerto Rico, where beaches were only “a stone’s throw away.” Her upbringing inspired her to pursue a career at sea. LOG readers may recognize her name from a rescue story that ran on the cover of last year’s September edition. She assisted with rescue efforts by translating for the migrants she and her shipmates aboard the Garden State helped save from their collapsing raft. Inspired by that experience and by witnessing the devastation of her island home in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, she aims to pursue law to ensure that people without a voice or resources have ways to protect themselves and get the help they need. Education: Quinones Rodriguez attended Puerto Rico Advancement College and has applied to earn her bachelor’s degree in Entertainment and Marketing at Full Sail University, before eventually going on to attend law school. She has also worked with Condado Broadcasting, an affiliate of CBS Puerto Rico. Quotable: “Over the years, I have always tried to keep my head clear and my nerves calm during difficult situations and show empathy to others at the same time. I believe these are qualities that will help me become a successful lawyer.” Michelle Eaton SIU Connection: Eaton is the daughter of retired Recertified Bosun Michael Eaton. Bio: Described by one of her high school teachers as “empowerment personified,” Eaton is a bilingual first-generation American whose hard work and dedication has afforded her the opportunity to pursue secondary education in college, something neither of her parents had. In school, she devoted herself to several extracurricular activities, societies, and clubs in addition to her rigorous advanced-placement coursework. In her various clubs, Eaton learned about individuals’ adversities through competing against schools around Florida, and as she expanded her knowledge of global issues, she also developed a passion for public speaking. Through founding and serving as president of her school’s Model UN, she developed a spark for diplomacy. Eaton intends to study International Relations to develop that spark and combine her love of languages and her experiences from Model UN to become an advocate for others. Education: Eaton attended Edgewood Junior/ Senior High School, where she served as a senator for the student government, was a Florida 8 • SEAFARERS LOG Girls State Delegate, a competitor for speech and debate, Model UN president, and a member of the Future Educators of America and several honor societies such as National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and HOSA. She plans to study International Relations and Finance with a minor in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. Quotable: “I aspire to continue down the path I paved to continue to be the voice for those in countries where freedom of speech isn’t a right, where food security is no guarantee, and where the promise of a better future is not absolute.” Mason Holmes SIU Connection: Holmes is the stepson of NY/NJ Rail Locomotive Operator Richard Pezzano. Bio: Holmes felt like the odd one out in his New Jersey hometown, where few people shared his cultural background. He learned to navigate his complex upbringing through self-expression via art and fashion and still maintained a stellar GPA while taking AP courses. Being captain of the track team also helped him develop endurance and perseverance. His love of science and its life applications has inspired him to study chemistry/pre-med in college, in hopes of one day becoming a dermatologist. Holmes aims to launch his own haircare/skincare brand, which will be inclusive of all hair types and textures, and advocate for equality and representation in the beauty industry as well as sustainability. Education: Holmes attended Raritan High School, where he played football and ran track as a student athlete. He also belonged to the school’s Diversity Panel, Science League, and Art Club. He has applied to Fordham University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Drexel University. He plans to pursue a degree in chemistry/pre-med. Quotable: “My dreams stem from my lived experiences, learning how to care for my hair on my own, feeling out of place, and not seeing myself in the spaces I wanted to be part of. Now, I want to change that for others. I have a passion for science, social justice, and self-expression, and I’m ready to take everything I learn and turn it into something powerful, something meaningful – for myself, and for future generations.” Mariam Mohamed SIU Connection: Mohamed is the daughter of QE4 Mohsen Mohamed. Bio: Mohamed aspires to become a pediatric nurse to help make a difference in the lives of children and families in her community. Through assisting teachers in her local elementary school, taking care of cleaning duties at her mosque, volunteering at Shelter House and the local children’s museum, and helping to translate for Arabic services at her mosque as well as for her parents, her efforts to become a pillar of her community are already evident. Mohamed’s teachers agree that she is personable, attentive, responsible, and dedicated to doing her best at any assignment she takes on. In fact, her math instructor for the college-level Practical Algebra course says she has earned 99.8%, the highest score of all her peers in the class to date, placing her in the 99th percentile of every student who has taken their course since 2015. Education: Mohamed attended Coldwater High School. She played soccer, basketball and table tennis and participated in community service classes at her school. Mohamed applied to Kellogg Community College and Michigan State University to pursue her major in Radiology and Nursing. Quotable: “My goal in life is to make my family proud, help my community, and help children feel better. This opportunity would not only support me financially but also affirm my commitment to becoming a pediatric nurse who could make a difference in the lives of children and their families.” Tyrese Tan SIU Connection: Tan is the son of Bosun Ken Tan. Bio: Tan is passionate about pursuing a career in dentistry with a focus on maxillofacial surgery. A well-rounded student, he has retained a 4.2 GPA while being a member of Operation Smile Club, president of STEM Trifecta Robotics Club, president of his school’s chapter of the Technology Student Association (TSA), vice president of his school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, Academy Council vice president, and vice president of the Japanese Honor Society, all while working part-time as a barista at Joyu Tea & Coffee. Education: Tan graduated from Landstown High School and was a student leader in the Governor’s STEM Academy. He has applied to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Old Dominion University (ODU), the University of Virginia (UVA), and Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) and plans to study biochemistry, which will lead into his pre-dental path. Quotable: “In addition to academics and extracurriculars, I have maintained a social and work life... Working has taught me valuable lessons in responsibility and time management, which are qualities I plan to build on and improve on for the future as I pursue the field of dentistry.” Gabrielle Glapion SIU Connection: Glapion is the daughter of AB Alton Glapion. Bio: Inspired by her experience volunteering as a nurse’s aide over the summer, Glapion is set to attend college in hopes of one day becoming a doctor. Contrary to some less than positive experiences she’s had with medical professionals, Glapion aspires to be a hands-on doctor who is caring, kind and able to transcend stereotypes, judgments, and limitations. The leadership and responsibility she saw during her time volunteering in the hospital is something that she embodies in her own life, through her acceptance to the Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center Summer Program and her roles as both student council delegate and president of her senior class. Education: Glapion attended Jefferson Virtual High School. She participated in Jefferson Youth Leadership, Climate Club, Garden Club, Film Club, LSU Summer Science Program, and Harvard at Home Academies. She applied to Spelman College, LSU, Tulane University, and Loyola University of New Orleans to study Pre-medicine/Biology. Quotable: “I remember the first day I walked through the hospital doors. I made my way to the oncology unit where I would be a nurse’s aide. On my first day, someone coded, and I got to see how fast you must react to be in this field, and how much responsibility it takes. I kept seeing examples of this leadership and responsibility every time I volunteered, and it made me want to be a doctor even more.” SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERJULY 2023 8 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU MILESTONE IN HOUSTON ‒ AB Allan Cubillas (left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. ABOARD ALLIANCE NORFOLK ‒ Pictured from left in the three-person photo aboard the Maersk Line, Limited ship are SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala, OMU Justin Brown, and SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan. At left in the remaining photos are (above, right) Chief Cook Elida Miguel (with Zavala) and ABG Raul Lacayo-Benedith (with Pegan). WELL-EARNED RECOGNITION ‒ This snapshot was taken May ABOARD MAERSK CHICAGO ‒ Chief Cook Wilson Palacios helps keep his shipmates well-fed aboard the Maersk Line, Limited ship. 17 in New Orleans, during SIU-contracted Crescent Towing’s annual employee appreciation crawfish boil. These Seafarers were recognized by the company for having the “Boat of the Year” (the David J. Cooper). Pictured from left are SIU boatmen John Richardson and Kevin McDermott, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and members Billy Barletto and Brendan Brown. The award is based on a crew’s safety record, overall performance, and vessel maintenance and upkeep. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON ‒ ABG Edgardo Plarisan (second from left), who recently concluded a 32-year career, is pictured at the hiring hall with (from left) Patrolman Kelly Krick, Asst. VP Joe Zavala, Patrolman Kirk Pegan, and Safety Director Kevin Sykes. ABOARD CAPE SAN JUAN ‒ Pictured from left in the group photo, during a union meeting aboard the Intrepid ship on the West Coast, are ABM Alan Boiser, SIU Oakland Port Agent Duane Akers, camera-shy Chief Steward Nakaye White, QEE Alex Canada, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, and ACU Rodolfo Ludovice. The remaining photos show Acuman on the forklift, and White and Ludovice in the galley. ABOARD DECISIVE ‒ Pictured aboard the SubCom cable ship during a mid-May servicing in New Hampshire are (from left) Bosun Emilio Abreu and SIU Port Agent Osvaldo Ramos. JULY 2025 ABOARD GREEN OCEAN ‒ Pictured from left in the three-person photo aboard the Waterman vessel are OSA2 Cagy John Senn, WA2 Adarius Simpson, and QMED Mario Santos. Chief Cook Lenford Royes is shown in the galley, while the remaining photo is of Bosun Sergey Roshcin. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GREEN BAY ‒ Pictured aboard the Waterman vessel in Newark, New Jersey, are (from left) SIU Port Agent Osvaldo Ramos and Paul Hall Center Apprentice/SA Dorian White (son of SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White). ABOARD GREEN WAVE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Waterman ship are Bosun Rudy Harjanto, ABs Paul Nelson, Felix Garcia, and Fredy David, and QE4 Raymond Roldan. WELCOME ASHORE (X3) IN HAWAII ‒ Picking up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall in Honolulu are (starting with photo at far left) ABG Andrzej Bronkowski (right, with SIU VP Hazel Galbiso), Bosun Clifford Blackmon (center, with Galbiso and Safety Director Amber Akana), and ABG Joel Saul (center, also with Galbiso and Akana). Collectively, the three Seafarers were active SIU members for more than 100 years. TAKING THE OATH IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Pictured at the May membership meeting are (from left, starting second from left) Chief Cook Jawonn Nicholson (receiving his B-seniority book), SA Keyna Dowdell (B), Chief Cook Nicholas Valentin (B), ABM Dalrick Fleming (A), Oiler Breon Boyd (B), and SA Gionet Dennis (B). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at far left. WELCOME ASHORE IN GARDEN STATE ‒ SIU Asst. VP Ray Henderson (left in both photos) congratulates (photo above, left) ABM Ion Boros and (remaining photo) OS Harold Mercurius as they pick up their respective first pension checks at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MAYORAL MOMENT ‒ SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan (left) is pictured with Houston Mayor John Whitmire May 30 at the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation Working Families Awards Celebration. ABOARD OVERSEAS KEY WEST ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Overseas Ship Management vessel are Paul Hall Center Apprentice Evan Valigura, Bosun Ryan Boltz, SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins, and Pumpman Charlie Wescott. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERJULY 2023 10 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD LIBERTY POWER ‒ These photos were taken May 12 on the Liberty Maritime car carrier in Corpus Christi, Texas. Pictured from left in the larger group photo are (standing) SA Oscar Catabay, Paul Hall Center Apprentice/GUDE Edward Carbaugh, Chief Cook Antwon Norris, GUDE Marc Dadich, ABM Leopoldo Estrada-Martinez, ABM Juan Salgado, and (in front) SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. In the remaining photo, also from left: Chief Steward Leone Buggage and Bosun Jimmie Moore. COMMONWEALTH CONNECTION ‒ GUDE Lyndon Ocampo (left) receives his full union book. He’s pictured at the Norfolk, Virginia, hall with SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls. SOLIDARITY IN HAWAII ‒ SIU personnel in Honolulu ABOARD PACIFIC COLLECTOR ‒ Pictured from left aboard the TOTE ship are Chief Cook Barbara McDonald, Recertified Bosun Kenneth Steiner, SA Laura Davies, Wiper Carlos Noriega Mancilla, ABM Jack Corn, MDR Ninia Mendoza, QE4 Lamonte McKinnon, and ABM William McIntyre. were among the hundreds of workers from 24 local unions, joined by community supporters, who on May 1 marched from the Hawaii State Capitol to the Prince Kuhio Federal Building. They demonstrated in support of federal workers. TACOMA HALL WELCOMES CONGRESSWOMAN ‒ Seafarers welcomed U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) to the May membership meeting. She’s in the middle in the posed photo, with SIU VP Joe Vincenzo (left) and SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp. In the remaining snapshot, the congresswoman chats with Chief Cook Leslie McGirt (GUDE Reynaldo Mambulao is at left). JULY 2025 FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN ‒ AB Steven Horta (left) obtains his B-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. ABOARD WEST VIRGINIA ‒ Seafarers gather aboard the Fairwater vessel for a union meeting. Pictured from left are (standing) Chief Cook Gedrick Reyes, Chief Steward Sulay Martinez, Pumpman Scott Fuller, Bosun Martin Baker, (seated) OMU Dana Thomas, ABM Donaldo Valencia, ABM Tenereo Cacpal, ABG Enrique Ampil, and Oiler Enrique Martinez. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 11 LOG • 11 �2025 Seafarers Waterfront Classic: 130 Team Up for a T Philanthropy, Fellowship Underscore ‘Wonderful Event’ he Seafarers Waterfront Classic reached double digits in style . This year marked the tenth iteration of the charitable fundraiser; it’s an annual event during non-pandemic times, launched from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland. On May 20, 130 friends and colleagues of the SIU gathered in 16 boats to fish and raise funds for a philanthropic mission benefiting the Boulder Crest Foundation and the PHC. (Boulder Crest supports U.S. military veterans and first responders.) Anglers caught 122 rockfish during the tournament (other fish did not count toward the total), which weighed in at 452.30 pounds of fish altogether. After the tournament itself concluded and all boats had returned, SIU steward department upgraders and PHC culinary staff (under the direction of Chef John Dobson) prepped the catches of the day for a river-to-table meal. A few hours later, participants and others staying at the PHC gathered for a ceremony and awards presentation announcing the winners of the tournament (preceding the dinner). “This year was a little different,” said SIU Vice President George Tricker, who founded the event and who continues directing it each year. “Fish caught had to be between 19 and 24 inches, and we were off to a slow start. It was a little chilly in the morning, a little windy. We had to go way up the river.” While the fishing expedition was a focal point, many participants also took part in extensive meetings on campus May 19 and May 21. Those gatherings (the latter was a formal meeting of the PHC Advisory Board) covered wide-ranging topics including the latest technology utilized by the union and the PHC; current and projected training needs of Seafarers and SIU-contracted vessel operators; several potentially impactful maritime bills that have been introduced in Congress; and much more. During the awards dinner, Boulder Crest Foundation CEO Josh Goldberg spoke about post-traumatic growth and how the purpose of the organization is to provide resources and assistance to those who suffer from PTSD, and to encourage them to move toward healing. T he Boulder Crest Foundat ion sta r ted building programs based on the science of posttraumatic growth in 2014. “In 12 years, thanks to the generosity of folks like yourself, we've trained 162,000 people in the science of posttraumatic growth,” said Goldberg. “The reality is, we're not just trying to help people live ‘less bad’ lives. We’re not trying to help people cope with the symptoms of their struggle. We’re trying to help people live great lives. And as I got the chance to talk to the men and women who came through the program, you hear about people living lives of service and purpose and meaning, and I’ll be damned if that’s not what all veterans, all first responders in this country deser ve to ex perience once they get done and put down the uniform – that they get the opportunity to continue to be of service.” Following Goldberg’s speech, other officials and representatives from Boulder Crest who attended the Waterfront Classic also received tokens of appreciation from the SIU. Nick Grassia, an artist and retired member of the SIU, donated one of his paintings, named the North Star, for an auction. The proceeds went to the Boulder Crest Foundation. The winner of the auction was Ed Hanley, vice president of Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). After the auction, awards were distributed to people who caught the largest fish aboard each boat that participated in the tournament. MLL President and CEO Bill Woodhour caught the largest fish of all, weighing 6.7 pounds. Woodhour, who sailed on the North Star, received part of the total jackpot. The remaining amount was divided between the Boulder Crest Foundation, and the Paul Hall Center (where it will be used for improvements benefiting students). The next two largest catches were from Nick Franzetti of ASB Capital, who was aboard the Heritage, and caught a rockfish weighing in at 6.1 lbs., followed by Danny Robichaux of the American Maritime Officers on the Gerry C. (5.7 lbs.). Woodhour stated, “The Waterfront Classic is a wonderful event where you get everybody together as a community, as an industr y, including the folks at Boulder Crest and those at the school.” SIU President David Heindel made the closing remarks for the dinner ceremony, during which he invited SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez to help him present an honorary SIU membership book to maritime labor industry icon Tony Naccarato, who has been an industry stalwart for nearly 60 years. Naccarato, a PHC trustee, received a framed SIU union book and corresponding certificate. Heindel said, “Anybody that sails in the SIU knows that you go into a hiring hall, you go to register for a job, you throw your book up on the counter. Basically, it’s your identification, it’s who you are in the union. We occasionally give these books out to very special people, and tonight, we’re going to do that and bestow it to a great friend of ours.” Tel lez re c ite d t he u n ion oat h , wh ic h Naccarato repeated as he was sworn in as an honorary Seafarer. As he made the presentation, Tellez noted, Maersk Line Limited President and CEO Bill Woodhour “During his decades-long tenure as a company executive, plans trustee and plans chairman, Fortunado ‘Tony’ Naccarato has served the ma r it ime indust r y. He has worked w it h numerous SIU members and officials and had the pleasure of knowing and working with four SIU presidents: Paul Hall, Frank Drozak, Mike Sacco and now President Dave Heindel. “Seamen past and present benefit f rom his dedicated service,” Tellez continued. “We appreciate Tony’s great contributions as a company official and as chairman of various industry groups and wish to recognize and salute him. Now therefore, be it resolved the industry would like to recognize Tony Naccarato, as you leave the SIU and the maritime industry much stronger than you found it 60 years ago.” A misty-eyed Naccarato went to the podium to receive his honorary book and said, “I’m not going to talk about my time in this industry. I received a lot of awards in this industry and in my private life, but I’m going to tell you, nothing that means more to me than this – nothing at all. I’ve never cried when I’ve been honored, but I cry for this because it means so much to me.” Sum marizing t he overall Seafarers Water f ront Classic 2025 e x per ience, U. S. Marine Management General Manager of Risk Management and Business Planning Henley Ervin said, “There’s nothing better than a day on the water. Thank you, SIU.” Additional photos on Page 14 Sixteen boats sit at the docks, awaiting their passengers. 12• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 JULY 2025 �Cause as Tournament Reaches 10-Year Milestone The crew of the Bay Quest: Eunice Cadorette-Young, Kelly Scott, The crew of the Gerry C: Willie Barrere, Alaina Basciano, Trevor The crew of the Kelly D: Dean Charbonnet, Sadhana Duncan, Mariel Vander Linden, Ken Hehir, Kenny Hehir, Mark Lotruglio Carouge, Basil Castrovinci, Alan Denz, Nicholas Forsey, Chris Garrett, John Haller, Nick Grassia, Janet Reid, JT Williams and Andrea and Brian LaChance. Chris Holmes, Jessica Moyers, Robert Rice and SIU VP Pat Vandegrift. Williams. The crew of the Fin Finder II: Kerri Bancroft, Alexander DeGracia, Jane Jacobs, Brittany Lazzaro, Deanna Marshall, Dennis O'Neill, Joan Rothermel, Bill Schmedlin, Alex Steiner, David Steiner, Phil The crew of the Loose Knot: Ed Dos Santos, Andrea Gianni, David Steiner and Deanna Wolf. Pacheco and Juan Rodriguez. The crew of the All-In: Ryan Covert, Amanda Delphia, Henly Ervin, Linda Lavender, Kyra Pooley, David Sloane, Leslie Tarantola, Simeon Taylor and Gretchen Theriot. The crew of the Shea-D-Lady: Leo Bonser, Robert Hicks, Dale Hoover, SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins, Patrick Schoeberger, Chris Sedlack, Jonathan Singleton and Maureen Unabia. The crew of the North Star: Angel Cruz, Paul Giovino, Ed Hanley, Jean Harrington, Dennis Houghton, Pat McCaffery, Ed Powers, Jerry Thunilus, SIU VP George Tricker and Bill Woodhour. The crew of the Kit II: Dana Antretter, Jim Bender, Ira Douglas, Rashard Howe, Jennifer Leonard, Chelse Rose O'Connor, Shaikh Rana, Cris Serrano, Melissa Serridge, SIU VP Joseph Soresi and Thomas Soresi. The crew of the Three Sons: Kari Coffelt, Amy Kennemer, Greta Kreidler, John Peppe and Ellen Silver. The crew of the Heritage: Emily Black, Trevor Buck, Nick Franzetti, Fritz Golding, Michael Kraljevic, Stephen Poindexter, Mike Stafford, George Strawn and Gunilla Watts. The crew of the Joyce Dixie: William Campbell, Kirby Johnson, Michael Landry, Stephen Piazzi, SIU Port Agent Mark Von Siegel, Jaiby Thomas. JULY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 13 • OCTOBER LOG • 13 �2025 Seafarers Waterfront Classic The crew of the Lisa S: Michaela Barker, Ruthie Baker, Sue Campbell, Adrian Fraccaroli, Ed Hagan, Manolis Kakomanolis and Noa Slater. From left to right: SIU President David Heindel, SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez, SIU Trustee and Honorary Book Recipient Anthony Naccarato, Mary Naccarato, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Orzechowski and SIU Vice President George Tricker. The crew of the Marica II: Ben Morvant, SIU AVP Michael Russo, Michael Vineyard, SIU AVP Chris Westbrook and Andrew White. Boulder Crest Foundation CEO Josh Goldberg (left) and SIU VP George Tricker. The crew of the Red Osprey: Tia Anthony, Faith Auret, James Murphy Jr., Montana Smith, SIU VP Joe Vincenzo and Edward Washburn. The hardworking dock crew (from left to right): Beverly Watkins, SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen, Brittany Joson and Danielle Szepesi. The event concluded with a dinner and award ceremony. Rana Shaikh, posing with the biggest catch from the McKenzie Leigh. 14 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 JULY 2025 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice SIU’s Philly Operations Temporarily Relocate As of June 13, the new address for the Philadelphia hiring hall is: 2800 S. 20th Street Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 The phone and fax numbers remain the same (phone 215-336-3818, fax 215-271-5121). The union anticipates utilizing the new office space for a year or so, while plans are finalized for permanent relocation. The building at 2800 S. 20th Street – depending on the route chosen – is located approximately 1.6 to 2 miles from the old hall. The new facility is in a complex featuring plentiful parking. “This is an upgrade in every way,” said SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice. “I’m confident the new location will serve the membership well, while we continue investigating our options for a permanent home." “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 12 - June 13, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 13, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 15 Anchorage 3 Baltimore 4 Fort Lauderdale 18 Guam 3 Harvey 10 Honolulu 7 Houston 34 Jacksonville 28 Jersey City 22 Joliet 3 Mobile 12 Norfolk 29 Oakland 5 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 14 Wilmington 21 10 3 0 6 2 3 2 25 24 5 1 4 10 2 2 1 4 2 5 12 5 1 3 11 1 4 2 10 12 5 1 4 5 1 1 1 1 0 2 5 8 2 6 16 3 7 7 22 24 12 2 7 22 4 2 0 2 0 13 21 8 0 4 3 1 2 1 16 26 6 3 1 9 1 1 3 1 1 3 3 5 0 3 7 0 3 0 8 10 2 2 2 10 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 10 0 2 7 0 2 3 15 27 7 2 2 13 2 0 0 1 0 8 12 22 4 1 25 4 13 9 51 50 37 4 13 31 8 2 1 8 1 22 44 10 5 0 12 3 4 4 29 31 7 6 6 16 8 1 2 5 2 10 12 3 1 1 11 1 4 2 17 8 6 0 6 8 1 2 0 1 1 4 12 TOTAL 234 123 75 180 93 56 113 350 173 89 Algonac 4 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 9 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 7 Houston 8 Jacksonville 20 Jersey City 10 Joliet 2 Mobile 2 Norfolk 14 Oakland 4 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 4 Puerto Rico 5 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 4 TOTAL 101 2 1 1 2 0 2 3 8 15 4 1 2 11 4 1 4 3 1 5 2 72 2 0 3 3 0 2 1 7 6 1 0 1 4 3 1 3 0 0 2 4 43 2 0 4 9 0 2 0 4 10 4 0 0 10 0 0 0 3 0 2 4 54 5 1 3 8 1 2 6 20 28 13 1 4 14 4 0 3 9 2 11 6 141 2 1 1 5 0 1 5 12 18 6 0 2 14 3 1 3 3 1 6 5 89 2 0 4 1 0 2 1 11 7 1 0 0 7 4 1 0 1 0 3 7 52 Algonac 3 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 7 Guam 2 Harvey 1 Honolulu 4 Houston 15 Jacksonville 18 Jersey City 3 Joliet 0 Mobile 5 Norfolk 17 Oakland 12 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 3 Tacoma 8 Wilmington 16 TOTAL 121 0 0 3 3 1 2 1 8 16 6 1 2 13 4 0 3 5 3 3 9 83 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 4 0 0 2 6 2 1 0 0 0 1 4 26 3 0 0 7 2 1 2 8 20 0 0 2 13 6 2 2 4 1 5 18 96 1 0 1 8 0 3 1 7 12 1 0 3 13 1 1 2 3 1 6 10 74 5 0 0 9 1 4 4 23 27 12 1 7 22 16 2 2 5 2 9 30 181 0 0 2 3 1 6 3 8 20 6 2 1 16 5 1 4 11 1 2 6 98 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 6 4 0 0 0 9 3 1 0 2 0 2 3 34 Algonac 0 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 0 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 4 Jacksonville 1 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 1 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 1 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 1 Wilmington 0 5 2 4 5 1 1 2 16 39 12 0 2 14 5 0 1 0 0 10 15 13 0 1 14 4 7 5 15 52 12 4 0 38 14 2 2 1 0 12 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 0 0 1 15 25 6 0 0 11 4 0 0 0 0 8 11 4 0 0 8 0 2 1 9 34 8 1 0 21 8 1 1 0 0 5 10 1 2 1 4 0 1 0 7 8 4 1 0 8 2 0 2 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 5 2 1 6 1 2 3 24 55 23 0 3 13 11 0 2 0 0 11 17 18 1 1 15 3 8 8 24 87 22 4 2 55 27 1 2 1 0 14 37 TOTAL 8 134 214 6 91 113 46 15 179 330 GRAND TOTAL 464 412 358 367 315 204 287 687 539 505 Engine Department 2 0 3 10 1 0 5 3 17 7 2 1 16 4 1 1 2 0 3 7 85 3 0 3 6 1 4 0 6 14 2 0 0 13 2 0 0 1 0 4 2 61 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 13 Steward Department Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and Safety Director Andre MacCray catch their breath as the move winds down on June 13. July & August Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Monday: July 7, August 4 Thursday: July 17, August 14 Baltimore Thursday: July 10, August 7 Guam Thursday: July 24, August 21 Honolulu Friday: July 18, August 15 Houston Monday: July 14, August 11 Jacksonville Thursday: July 10, August 7 Joliet Thursday: July 17, August 14 Mobile Wednesday: July 16, August 13 New Orleans Tuesday: July 15, August 12 Jersey City Tuesday: July 8, August 5 Norfolk Friday: July 11, August 8 Oakland Thursday: July 17, August 14 Philadelphia Wednesday: July 9, August 6 Port Everglades Thursday: July 17, August 14 San Juan Thursday: July 10, August 7 St. Louis Friday: July 18, August 15 Tacoma Friday: July 25, August 22 Wilmington Monday: July 21, August 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JULY 2025 0 0 1 7 0 5 1 8 13 4 0 1 10 1 0 2 5 2 3 7 70 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 3 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 22 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent SIU Tallying Committee. Question: Thinking back to when you started sailing and comparing it to now, what’s something about the job that has improved? John Hale Chief Steward Tyrell Thabit Recertified Steward The money has improved a lot. It’s also more laid-back than what it was over the years, and I’ve learned more about my job. It’s a good lifestyle. The surroundings and the safety have gotten a lot better over time. The professionalism has grown. Overall, there’s a glaring difference. Cleofe Bernardez Castro Recertified Bosun Jack McElveen Recertified Steward HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 The internet. I think it’s better today for the new generation. When I started, I had to have a bunch of quarters, go to the phone booth, and get in line. Someone is probably behind you; you have five minutes to make your phone call. You have to get your work done first, but in your free time, you can now take advantage of the technology. The wages are one thing. The ships’ ability to allow the seamen to have access to Wi-Fi is another. With the union and the companies coming to an agreement, that’s allowed us to communicate face-toface (with family) as close as we can without touching. Also, the benefits overall have gotten better over the years. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 Stephen Hoskins AB Gerard Costello Recertified Bosun Honestly, the Wi-Fi on ships has definitely gotten better. There are more ships with WiFi. For people from my generation who are getting into shipping, we’re always on our phone – that’s a known fact. I’m glad they’re recognizing that putting Wi-Fi on ships is a must. We’ve got engines on the ships now, so I don’t hurt my hands sewing up sails anymore. Certainly the pay and the quality of life. The pension benefits have been raised. Thalis Ealy Recertified Steward Drushelia Finney Chief Steward The quality of life and the ships themselves. The training has improved, as have the overall benefits with the Seafarers Plans. Sailing has always been good to me, but the contracts are better and the money has gone up. The work itself is the work. Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 Pic from the Past PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 This snapshot of the SIU-crewed Sea-Land Anchorage in Bristol Bay, Alaska, is believed to have been taken in 1971. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JULY 2025 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA ANDRZEJ BRONKOWSKI Brother Andrzej Bronkowski, 65, became an SIU member in 2000. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Bronkowski upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently shipped on the USNS Henson and settled in Honolulu. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. INLAND SCOTT SALO Brother Scott Salo, 70, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2002, initially working with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. A deck department member, he upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Salo’s final vessel was the Maersk Atlanta. He lives in Bainbridge Island, Washington. ANGELO ACOSTA-MORALES Brother Angelo Acosta-Morales, 65, joined the SIU in 1995. Sailing as a deck department member, he initially worked aboard the William R. Button. Brother Acosta-Morales most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. JOEL SAUL Brother Reuben Grendahl, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1979, when he sailed aboard an Anchorage Tankship vessel. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Grendahl last shipped on the Baldomero Lopez and lives in Longview, Washington. Brother Joel Saul, 74, signed on with the SIU in 1982 when he worked on the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Saul most recently shipped on the Dependable and settled in Waipahu, Hawaii. BARRY HEMPSTEAD EDGAR TOWNSEND Brother Barry Hempstead, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 2003. He sailed in the engine department and first shipped on the Cape Race. Brother Hempstead concluded his career aboard the Samuel L. Cobb. He makes his home in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. Brother Edgar Townsend, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1986, when he sailed on the USNS Contender. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Townsend last shipped on the Gem State and lives in Portland, Oregon. REUBEN GRENDAHL ABDOU JOBE Brother Abdou Jobe, 65, signed on with the union in 2014 and first shipped on the Resolve. A steward department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Jobe most recently sailed aboard the Bernard F. Fisher. He is a resident of Raleigh, North Carolina. BILLY LOVE Brother Billy Love, 59, joined the SIU in 2000. He first sailed aboard the Cape Texas and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Love upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the USNS Regulus and makes his home in Houston. ERIK FABIAN GREAT LAKES GARY GATEAU Brother Gary Gateau, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1978. Sailing as a deck department member, he was initially employed with Northern Towing Company. Brother Gateau upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped with Steuart Transportation and makes his home in California, Maryland. MICHAEL MCGEE ROBERT DERKE Brother Michael McGee, 70, joined the union in 1986. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother McGee was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He lives in Spicewood, Texas. Brother Robert Derke, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Derke’s first vessel was the JA Kling; his last, the Burns Harbor. He calls Duluth, Minnesota, home. HAROLD MERCURIUS DAVID GAPSKE Brother David Gapske, 65, signed on with the union in 1990 and first sailed aboard the William Roesch. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1995. Brother Gapske most recently sailed aboard the Sam Laud. He is a resident of Alpena, Michigan. JOHN NUNEZ JEFFERY LALANDE Brother John Nunez, 65, became a member of the union in 1990. He shipped in the steward department and first sailed on the Independence. Brother Nunez upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the APL Eagle and settled in New York. Brother Jeffery LaLande, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1986, initially working with Bob-Lo Island. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother LaLande last shipped on the American Spirit. He lives in Lincoln Park, Michigan. CHARLES RYAN DAVID WARNER Brother Charles Ryan, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2003 and first sailed aboard the Cornhusker State. A steward department member, he concluded his career aboard the USNS Watson. Brother Ryan resides in Middleburg, Florida. Brother David Warner, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 2000. He sailed in the steward department and first shipped on the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Warner upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Admiral William Callaghan and settled in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania. JULY 2025 Brother Erik Fabian, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1989. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Fabian first worked with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. He last shipped on the Coastal Reliance and settled in Venice, California. Brother Harold Mercurius, 69, became a member of the Seafarers Union in 2006. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Mercurius sailed with OSG Ship Management for his entire career. He makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. MARK TAYLOR Brother Mark Taylor, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1983. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Taylor was employed by Moran Towing of Texas for the duration of his career. He calls Orange, Texas, home. MIKE WASHBURN Brother Mike Washburn, 62, donned the SIU colors in 2005. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Washburn worked for Penn Maritime for his entire career. He resides in Somerset, Kentucky. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17 SEAFARERS LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA EUGENE BEVERLY Pensioner Eugene Beverly, 90, passed away April 28. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1953. Brother Beverly first shipped on the Alcoa Pilgrim and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Willamette, before retiring in 1995. Brother Beverly resided in Santa Fe, Texas. ENRIQUE GONZALEZ Pensioner Enrique Gonzalez, 93, died March 28. He donned the SIU colors in 1973 and first worked with Interocean American Shipping Corporation. A member of the engine department, Brother Gonzalez concluded his career aboard the Producer. He went on pension in 1996 and settled in Phoenix. SUEY LEE Brother Suey Lee, 94, has passed away. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978. Brother Suey initially sailed aboard the President Eisenhower. A member of the steward department, he last shipped on the President Jefferson. Brother Lee was a San Francisco resident. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. ARTHUR QUINNEY ROBERT LEE Brother Arthur Quinney, 53, died March 16. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2000. Brother Quinney first shipped on the USNS Persistent. He worked in the deck department and most recently sailed aboard the Overseas Cascade. Brother Quinney called Mobile, Alabama, home. Pensioner Robert Lee, 88, died April 18. He signed on with the SIU in 1963 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Lee initially sailed with Dixie Carriers. He last sailed with Moran Towing of Texas and began collecting his pension in 1997. Brother Lee lived in Vidor, Texas. JULIO REYES Pensioner Julio Reyes, 90, passed away April 6. An engine department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1961. Brother Reyes first worked with Waterman Steamship Corporation. He last shipped aboard the Spirit and became a pensioner in 2000. Brother Reyes made his home in Canovanas, Puerto Rico. RICKIE ZELAYA Brother Rickie Zelaya, 54, died March 1. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991. Brother Zelaya first sailed aboard the Independence. He was a deck department member and last shipped on the Brownsville. Brother Zelaya was a Houston resident. LARRY LIGHTFOOT Pensioner Larry Lightfoot, 81, died March 16. He became a member of the union in 1970 when he sailed aboard the Warrior. Brother Lightfoot worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the North Star. He retired in 2009 and made his home in Seattle. MICHAEL MAHONEY Pensioner Michael Mahoney, 71, died April 11. Sailing first aboard the Baltimore, he donned the SIU colors in 1977. Brother Mahoney worked in the deck department and most recently shipped aboard the Resolve. He became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in Philadelphia. HILDEBRANDO MENDOZA Pensioner Hildebrando Mendoza, 94, passed away April 26. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1968. An engine department member, he first shipped with Victory Carriers Inc. Brother Mendoza last sailed on the Discovery and became a pensioner in 1995. He was a resident of Kenner, Louisiana. WILLIAM NATHAN Pensioner William Nathan, 63, died April 24. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Brooklyn. Brother Nathan worked in both the deck and engine departments. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Capella in 1992. He began collecting his pension in 2011 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. INLAND WILLIAM DIZE JEFFREY SWAIN Pensioner Jeffrey Swain, 72, passed away April 27. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A deck department member, Brother Swain was employed with OSG Ship Management for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2014 and made his home in Newport, North Carolina. NMU RANDOLPH BLANCHETTE Pensioner Randolph Blanchette, 79, passed away April 19. Brother Blanchette was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Horn and became a pensioner in 2010. Brother Blanchette lived in Spokane, Washington. Brother William Dize, 55, passed away December 27. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1992, initially sailing on the Sealift Caribbean. Brother Dize worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the Padre Island and resided in Cape Charles, Virginia. MARCO CARCAMO JOSEPH GIACOLONE Pensioner Cicero Dooley, 81, passed away March 21. Brother Dooley shipped in the steward department. He last sailed on the Cape Victory and began collecting his pension in 2006. Brother Dooley resided in Missouri City, Texas. Pensioner Joseph Giacolone, 91, passed away April 10. He joined the SIU in 1980, first working with the Gloucester Fishermen. Brother Giacolone was last employed with Boat St. Peter and began collecting his pension in 1998. He resided in Gloucester, Massachusetts. ELLIS HUDGINS Pensioner Ellis Hudgins, 93, died May 1. He started his SIU career in 1964 when he sailed with M Lee Hudgins Associates. Brother Hudgins shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. He became a pensioner in 1993 and settled in Mathews, Virginia. THOMAS HUMPHRY Pensioner Thomas Humphry, 86, passed away May 1. He began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1972. Brother Humphry was first employed with States Steamship Corporation and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. He was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and became a pensioner in 2007. Brother Humphry resided in Compton, California. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Pensioner Marco Carcamo, 88, died April 17. Brother Carcamo was an engine department member. He last sailed on the American Osprey before retiring in 1992. Brother Carcamo lived in Bridge City, Texas. CICERO DOOLEY RICHMON EDWARDS Pensioner Richmon Edwards, 94, died October 28. Brother Edwards worked in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1991 after sailing on his final vessel, the Letitia Lykes. Brother Edwards resided in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. LOUIS JONES Pensioner Louis Jones, 89, passed away March 7. Brother Jones sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Stella Lykes. He began collecting his pension in 1995 and settled in New Orleans. HUMBERTO MORALES Pensioner Humberto Morales, 97, died March 22. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Genevieve Lykes. Brother Morales retired in 1995 and settled in Pasadena, Texas. JULY 2025 �In Their Own Words: SIU Women at Sea Continued from Page 24 People are very supportive of me. They help me if I need help carrying things or taking the trash out. They also love being guinea pigs and trying all the good food and desserts I make, which I enjoy. If I’m working on a tugboat, I usually get my own room because [I’m usually the only woman aboard], which is very peaceful. The tugboats I’ve been on are pretty much 10 or 11 people, and there usually won’t be any other women. No issues, everybody’s happy. Question: Do you feel like they do a good job of making sure that you’re safe and comfortable when you get on the vessel or boat? Absolutely, always. From the captain to the crew. They come and check on me to see if I need anything. It’s always helpful. If I could just stay in the kitchen and cook and bake, I’ll be happy. … If I need something that’s too heavy, the guys are pretty much on it. Comment: That’s good that they offer you assistance with those kinds of things because then you can focus on actually cooking and making sure everything’s running in the galley. When the food is good, you could pretty much have them help you at the snap of your fingers. Even if I have to go to the market, if I’m on a vessel, like a tugboat or just an ROS vessel, if I have to make my way to the market or Sam’s Club and do all the shopping, all I have to do is come back and the guys usually handle the rest. Comment: It seems like you guys work very well together as a team. There’s definitely a lot of teamwork. I’m very family-oriented, so [having a close-knit team] goes a long way, especially when everybody you know is away from home. That keeps morale up, for me. Question: Do you feel that there are any unique challenges you face as a female Seafarer? And if you do feel that way, what are they? There are challenges. Once again, it is a maledominated field. Two, it has been challenging because I’m a very complex individual. I think I’ve grown tremendously, working in this career field as far as being my own person and being able to speak up for myself. That’s very important. When certain situations or challenges pop up, you have to be willing to put your ten toes down to the ground in a professional manner. Sometimes, you may have to see things from a different perspective but also be willing to have solutions for those problems [that do arise]. That has been very challenging, because I haven’t always been that strong individual who speaks up for myself. I’ve been learning how to do that…. I try to talk through these things and see what we need to do to be able to work together or around each other for a greater cause. It's not always an altercation. We have to talk things out and be able to understand one another, especially sailing as the chief steward, because you are the supervisor of your department, so you need to be able to come up with solutions and know that this journey, this mission, is bigger than oneself. I hadn’t always been a great communicator, so this has helped me tremendously. This career in sailing has shaped me into the woman that I am today. Question: I know sometimes you might be the only woman that sails on a vessel, but do you feel that women mariners are treated well and with respect overall? Yes. A lot of the crew members are used to being around their mom, sisters, cousins, or other female family members, so they understand how to work with women and are very respectful. Most people are very respectful. You have your bad eggs in the basket, but it’s normal. Every day is not going to be a good day. Everyone does not have the same positive mindset. Everyone is not in the same place mentally or physically. You will deal with certain situations. For the most part, if I have an issue that I need help handling, the bosun or captain or upper management people are always there. And if they’re not supportive, then we do have information around the vessel about people that we can reach out to, such as the DPA, if things aren't being handled correctly…. The chain of command is always there, on the vessel and off the vessel, which makes me pretty comfortable. And speaking on that, let’s not move past it – sexual harassment can be an issue. We do have SASH meetings, which are specifically for sexual harassment and discrimination. We have those meetings all the time, but issues do arise…. But again, it goes back to how I’ve been challenged to speak up for myself. No matter how uncomfortable that is, you have to speak up before things get out of hand. Comment: I appreciate that you’ve been able to share your experiences with us, which have overall been positive, but I feel like it's better to be honest like you were with that answer just now, and to know that in a male-dominated field, you might face these issues and to know what to do if it happens. Rather than shy away from it, this lets people know that they are well resourced. Yes, there’s help available, and I say that with laughter. Because I’m very well-known because of my social media presence, and because people know me in general, I do talk to a lot of people. I have a lot of close friends, associates, and coworkers in this industry and we pretty much all have the same stories. Another reason why I [shared my experience] is because there are a lot of younger people starting this career, especially women, that probably haven’t left home before in their life. They probably haven’t had a career or worked around so many different personalities and ages. I want them to know that there are resources out there for them and that they are not alone. Question: Would you encourage other women to follow in your footsteps as a Seafarer. Why? Of course, especially if you’re just wanting a change or to just give something to try. I gave it a try. I knew from the jump this was going to be life changing, so I recommend anybody that’s willing and wanting to give it a try, to try it out…. Everybody has their own experience. I can give you my experience, but that might not be the next person’s experience, right? You have to find that and manage that on your own time when you cross that bridge. Another reason why is, of course, travel. If you wanted to travel on somebody else’s dime, if you wanted to see things. And you know, especially in 2025 of course, the financial stability, right? That’s definitely important. You have a lot of downtime when you are home, to spend time with your loved ones, your friends. You might also be able to pursue something else on the side, such as another trade, or start your own business, or a side hustle if you want to. Whatever you’re into, this can be the tool to support that. Those are my reasons. Everybody is different, but for me it’s the traveling, the money, how I’m able to use this [career] to fund other things. And I just love that the lifestyle is very flexible. Again, when I’m home, I’m home – every day is a vacation. Plus, I can cuss somebody out and still keep my job. Comment: Many cannot say the same, trust me. [Laughs] Many cannot say the same. I don’t think I’m cut out for corporate America. I salute anyone that is, but this is more my speed. This is my personality. The lifestyle overall is just captivating, and it’s right for me personally. Seafarer Brittany Steward (center) is recognized by the Maryland Department of Labor in late 2023, for her professional and inspirational dedication. She’s pictured with SIU VP George Tricker (left) and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins. 19 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JULYSEAFARERS 2025 Question: What’s one thing that you would like to share with any women who may be interested or on the fence about starting a career in sailing? If you never give it a try, you’ll never know where this will take you. Some people want to research, research, research, or know all the answers beforehand. It’s not going to work out like that. You can research, you can ask all the questions you want, but if you never take action for yourself, then you’re just stuck. You don't want to be stuck, so the best thing to do is just, just do it. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 19 LOG • 19 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), March 2 – Chairman Carlos Gibbons, Secretary Charles Brooks, Educational Director Rustin Calame, Engine Delegate Christopher Brown, Steward Delegate Cody Younghans. Educational director advised members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested drinking cups, TVs for each member’s room and for more bleach. Members asked for more information about ship fund. ARC COMMITMENT (TOTE Services, LLC), April 14 – Chairman David Brady. Pillowcases and comforters still need to be ordered. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew referred to recent president’s column in Seafarers LOG. Next port: Brunswick, Georgia. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), April 19 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Noel Segovia, Deck Delegate Kenny Galeno, Steward Delegate Brian Rojas Perez. Chairman discussed upcoming ship schedule. Secretary reminded everyone to keep credentials updated and advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Members discussed ship funds. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New refrigerator for crew mess received along with new smoker machine and salad container for steward department. Crew would like increased pay for transportation from ship to airport as well as increased pension pay and vacation time. Vote of thanks given to steward department for providing good meals. WEST VIRGINIA (Fairwater Crew Management, LLC), May 9 – Chairman Martin Baker, Secretary Sulay Martinez, Educational Director Scott Fuller, Deck Delegate Tenereo Cacpal, Steward Delegate Gedrick Inre Reyes. Ship run to include Alaska, Portland and Seattle. All is well aboard vessel – crew in good spirits and health, per secretary’s report. Educational director encouraged crew to check documents at least 90 days prior to renewal date and to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed various articles from most recent edition of Seafarers LOG, including the president’s report. Members requested 20 for 30 vacation, cost-of-living wage increases and for gas reimbursement for traveling to and from vessels. Crew needs refrigerators in state rooms for medication, along with new pillowcases, new comforters and a new microwave in crew lounge. Next port: Portland, Oregon. ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), May 11 – Chairman Michael Stein, Secretary Rocky Dupraw, Educational Director Kyle Williamson, Deck Delegate Darvin Brown, Engine Delegate John Bayonne. Chairman thanked everyone for a smooth trip and reviewed ship’s schedule. Secretary discussed instructions for crew turnover. Educational director urged crew to keep documents up to date and to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center as often as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increases in vacation benefits and would like company to match 401k contributions. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), May 12 – Chairman Mario Ordonez, Secretary Pauline Crespo Guillen, Steward Delegate Melvin Ellis. Chairman discussed upcoming payoff schedule. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and explained the online application process on the union’s website. Physicals must be up to date for upgrading eligibility. Members would like increases in both vacation and overtime and less sea time required to qualify for pension. They encouraged fellow Seafarers to stay informed by reading the LOG, which is available in print and online. Bosun answered questions about sea time requirements for A-seniority books. New pillows and personal items ordered for crew rooms. Crew talked about importance of shore leave. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), May 25 – Chairman Ben Skuban, Secretary George Farala, E duca t i o n a l D i re c to r C i r i co Geonanga. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Los Angeles and reminded everyone to remain current on union dues. He talked about overtime distribution and the importance of reading all contracts before taking jobs. Educational director advised members to update their documents and to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation benefits, less sea time required to qualify for retirement, and for physicals to be required annually. Wi-Fi connectivity aboard vessel is inconsistent. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official 20 20 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 JULY 2025 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Latest Course Dates Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Government Vessels Aug. 11 Sept. 1 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Nov. 17 Dec. 8 Aug. 15 Sept.5 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Nov. 21 Dec. 12 Tank Ship Fam. - DL Aug. 11 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Aug. 15 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Tank Ship Fam./LG Aug. 4 Sept. 22 Oct. 27 Aug. 8 Sept. 26 Oct. 31 DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival Sept. 29 Oct. 10 Able Seafarer - Deck Sept. 1 Oct. 13 Dec. 1 Sept. 19 Oct. 31 Dec. 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT Sept. 15 Nov. 17 Oct. 10 Dec. 12 Junior Engineer Aug. 4 Sept. 29 Sept. 26 Nov. 21 Welding Aug. 25 Oct. 6 Sept. 12 Oct. 24 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook Sept. 15 Nov. 21 Galley Operations Aug. 4 Sept. 1 Sept. 22 Oct. 13 Nov. 10 Dec. 1 Aug. 29 Sept. 26 Oct. 17 Nov. 7 Dec. 5 Dec. 26 ServSafe Management Sept. 8 Nov. 17 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 Advanced Galley Operations Aug. 18 Sept. 15 Nov. 10 Sept. 12 Oct. 10 Dec. 5 Chief Steward Oct. 13 Dec. 8 Nov. 7 Jan. 2, 2026 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Basic Training Revalidation Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. JULY 2025 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #920 – Recently graduated: Frank Balitewicz, Averey Branch, Hunter Buster, Jadreanna Charleston, Jayvon Clayborn, Abdelhamid Dika, Charles Evans Jr., Cayden Foster, Austin Gottschlich, David Hebb, Nasir Hinton, Savonce Jackson, Christopher Johnston, Joshua Jordan, Tristan Kinsella, David Levin, Michael Saputo, Tyrone Scott Jr., Terrell Slater, Natalia Smith, Jermerish Standberry, Alayla Tilley and Darius Washington. ABLE SEAFARER DECK – Graduated May 23: Bryden Beadle, Jordan Beaty, Brandon Bradley, Israel Christian-Grace, Nathaniel Gancarz, Carl Griffin III, Ryan Heimberger, Antoine Kozel, Da'quan Moreland, Noah Neal, James Randall III, Alyssa Ray, Xavier Roberts, Gary Rushing Jr., Vensen Suguitan, Ty-rrell Washington, Marshall Whitcraft and Tyler Williams. COMBINED BASIC/ADVANCED FIREFIGHTING – Graduated May 16 (not all are pictured): Rodney Cole, Yamira Colon Del Moral, Terren Fields, Raphael Henson, Sean Jones, Ivan Kondakov, Arron Millar, Daniel Moran, Willie Myrick Jr., Dwuan Reed, Omar Rodgers, Venise Spears, Arielle White and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. FOWT – Not all are pictured: John Bowen Jr., Jamel Brown-Faulkner, Terren Carlton, Brandon Cavitt, Walter Figueroa, Christopher Holmes, Tariq Mamudu, Kevin Menendez Barrales, Robiana Murphy, Javon Norris Jr., Denise Parker, Chelan Peterson, Corey Porter, Aaron Quainoo, Emmanuel Santos Capulong, Jyheir Thompson, Alfred Washington and Xavion Young-Key. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated May 9: Lavontat Anderson, Jasmine Butler, Dora Carranza, Micah Champion, Wahid Dickey, Oscar Garcia, James Hall, Raynard Hall, Rosalinda Lorenzo, Mark Malicki, Yakima Napier, Margie Naval, John Price, Chanta Rattler, Elvin Rijos-Perez, Kevin Robinson, Daron Tinney and Curtis Williams. JR. ENGINEER – Graduated May 30 (not all are pictured): Jose Borrero Rodriguez, Anjwar MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER – Not all are pictured: Ashely Burke, Rodney Cole, Terren Fields, Matthew Hargrove, Raphael Henson, Sean Jones, Arron Millar, Daniel Moran, Willie Myrick Jr., Dwuan Reed, Nicholas Simoneaux, Venise Spears, Arielle White and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. Brooks, Jason Bullen, Jahnia Cain, Peter Espinosa, William Kilbuck, Sara Mesa, Evan Murff, Zachary Parker, Pedro Rivera Hernandez, Alexia Villaescusa and Nashell Williams. 22 22 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JULY 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated June 6 (Not all are pictured): Mario Botelho, George Creekmore, Emma DiGennaro, Alaa Embaby, Robert O'Neal, Dorothy Samuel-Harris, LaToya Sanford-Leggs, Mario Siclot, Randeisha Stone and Klaus Wigand Leguizamon. PUMPMAN – Graduated May 23: Larry Calixto, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Maria Escobar, Mohammed Gir, Ivan Kondakov, Joshua Kraynak, Yahya Mohamed, Michael Papaioannou, Kelly Percy and Julian Rubbo. Instructor Patrick Coppola is at the far left. RFPEW – Graduated May 23: Ja'Von Harvey. WELDING – Graduated May 9: D'Angelo Brown, Larry Calixto, Luke Eastman, Brandon Jordan, Ivan Kondakov, Harry McKever II, Daniel Mensah and Tyson Richardson. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. RFPNW – Graduated May 16, from left to right: Justin Shepler and Marlon Gayle. Instructor Peter Luhn is at the far right. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated May 23, from left to right: Dee Anne Merriman, Anthony Roman and Evelyn Cruz. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated May 23: Owen Carpenter, David Clark, Corey Covington Jr., Sirvod Davis, Linzi Dyer, David Escobar, Stevenjohn Eustaquio, Bradley Franti, Cole Hofstrand, Mathew Holloman, Jerionna Joyner, Amahd Manigault, Bryan Marty Barrera, Kevin Marty Barrera, Angel Ojeda-Galindo, Sava Rodriguez, James Slue, Jonas Smith, Moncho Soriano Martinez, Cody Tenney, Laurel Treguboff and Mariah Worsley. JULY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 23 SEAFARERS LOG • 23 �JULY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 7 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO In Their Own Words: SIU Women at Sea ‘I Would Do It All Over Again’ Editor’s note: This article is the second in an occasional series spotlighting female mariners. Our aim is to increase awareness about maritime career opportunities, and in particular to underscore the fact that the U.S. Merchant Marine is a viable path for women and men alike. The questions and boldfaced comments that are included in the article were asked and said by LOG staff. Steward/ Baker Brittany Steward has been sailing since graduating from the apprenticeship program in Piney Point in 2017. Last year, she was featured in a LOG article for receiving the Apprenticeship Champion Award, given by the Maryland Department of Labor. Question: What has your overall experience as a female seafarer been like? Overall, my experience has been very enjoyable. It can be demanding or challenging at times. It’s been a roller coaster, but overall, the good always outweighs the bad. Joining the SIU has definitely been a life-changing event, and this is a life-changing career. I’m just happy that my past decisions have guided me here. I’m still doing what I love to do: cooking and traveling, which I discovered years ago – well before I started sailing. [Back then, traveling] probably was just catching a bus or a train to D.C., or catching a bus to Philly and just exploring. This has definitely been a great tool to use to finance other adventures. Now, I have been backpacking around the world and I’m traveling the world on a bigger scale than what I came from. I couldn’t have done it alone, so I’ll always credit my friend Brandon, who shared the information about becoming a Seafarer with me back in 2016. All of this information, all the people helping me out, and the choices that I made definitely aligned for me to be where I am today. It’s been freaking amazing. I would do it all over again. The only problem I have is I wish I could have started sooner! Question: What is a normal day for you like when you are at sea? A typical day for me as a steward/ baker will consist of waking up super early, and that’s only because I like to get a head start on my day. I don’t like to be behind schedule. Being a steward/baker means that I am responsible for the supervision of my department. I work with the chief cook, who prepares lunch and dinner. They might need my help throughout the day, or they may have questions or concerns, or just may need some guidance with cooking or the menu. Steward assistants, who do a lot of the cleaning and stocking, might need some help throughout the day as well, or they may need help with the trash, or may want to have a conversation about something or might want help with the menu. I get up in enough time to mentally prepare and get my day started. It’s mostly cooking, but I also like to wake up with enough time to handle any unknown obstacles that might come my way. After taking care of my personal hygiene, which is very important, I start with coffee or tea, depending on how I’m feeling that morning. I’ll come down, turn on the ovens, light the stovetop and then I get my bacon ready. You know, as soon as that bacon is in the oven to start cooking, it’s a beautiful morning because everybody is smelling it. Then I continue prepping my breakfast which could be home fries, French toast, getting the omelet station ready with fresh vegetables, cheese, garnish like cilantro, some parsley. I get all of that ready and out the way. I’m pretty quick, too. It depends on how many crew members I have. If I have at least 20 to 30, you know, I’m pretty fast. If I’m working on a vessel with close to 50 people, then I’ll do a lot of my prepping, like panning the bacon, the day before. After that, I’ll be setting things up to take everyone’s orders when they come in. Before that though, my chief cook and my other steward assistants will come in to start their days, so it’s very important for me to do what I need to do so I can be out of their way, and they can have the space and prep accordingly. While breakfast is going on, usually I’m cooking fresh eggs to order. I might do a specialty that morning; it might be a crab omelet or French toast to order; I switch it up daily. It’s usually the same breakfast, but I always try to put a little razzle dazzle in there. I might do a French toast casserole to mix it up, instead of doing just regular French toast. It depends on my crew, too. If I know their eating habits, and I know they’re open to trying something different, then I’m all ears. I’m a traveler and I’m a foodie, so I love to bring the outside world to the vessel. Instead of having the same thing, on Sundays, I try to make it like a home-cooked meal, with more comfort foods like biscuits and gravy, or shrimp and grits. Sometimes they want to get a quick sandwich, and that’s cool too, but the sandwich might be elevated. It might be a French toast sandwich. It might be a toasted bagel on some Steward/Baker Brittany Steward lox. It honestly depends what we have on hand to use, but I like to do specialty omelets. I’m from Baltimore, Maryland, so I love using a lot of crab meat. After breakfast is done and after everybody eats, sometimes I might or might not eat, depending on how I’m feeling that day. I clean up my station and put everything away. While that is going on, my chief cook is usually having breakfast, so that gives me enough time to be in the galley cleaning up, and resetting everything so that when they finish eating, they can come back in and start cooking. After that I sometimes take a morning break or check in with my department to see if everyone is okay or start baking, which I usually like to get done in the morning. After breakfast, my day is usually pretty flexible. It just depends on whether I’m baking or if I’m doing inventory, or ordering, or doing supervising duties. If the captain needs me to do something, that pretty much describes my whole day. There’s always something to do, so it can be demanding at times, depending on how prepared one is. I always try to be a step ahead. Lunch starts about quarter after 11 to maybe 12:30 or so. I usually help serve lunch, if needed. If not, I usually go do my own thing, which could be baking something or just prepping the bay, getting everything in order, ordering supplies, or I’ll organize something. After lunch, we pretty much either eat, take our break, and then come back and start doing our overtime, which usually consists of cleaning or baking, and then dinner starts at around 4 p.m. and ends around 5:30-6, so we’ll prep and cook and then clean and set up for the next day afterward. After dinner is done and I get off work at around 6:30, the rest of the day is fair game. I’m off of work by 6:30, and I usually hit the gym. If I’m too lazy and want to sleep, I’ll go back to my cabin, probably shower, read a little bit, and go on the internet, watch some Netflix, browse social media or check in with my family. Sometimes, if there’s something to do on board, like if there are activities or a pool, I’ll go check that out. That’s pretty much the day. We wake up and do it every single day for 120 days, or 70 days, but they’re still very flexible. If we pull into port, I can also get off the ship and go out to eat, go have some fun or go shopping, which I love to do. If we’re in the middle of the sea, then it’s best to go to sleep. Question: Do you feel that being a woman at sea offers you any unique opportunities? And if so, what are they? Absolutely! There are a lot of unique opportunities because, as you know, we’re in a male-dominated industry, so there’s not too many women out here. Some unique opportunities might be, for example, I get to do cool interviews with you. The more that people can see themselves out here, the better. If I can be a catalyst for that change, that’d be awesome. Continued on Page 19 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource JULY 2025 Description An account of the resource SIU, ITF BACK INVESTIGATION INTO FLAGS OF CONVENIENCE SIU, PAUL HALL CENTER CELEBRATE NATIONAL MARITIME DAY BUILDING DEDICATION, BRONZE BUST HONOR MIKE SACCO'S STERLING LEGACY $120,000 TOTAL AWARDED TO 2025 SCHOLARHSHIP WINNERS 2025 SEAFARERS WATERFRONT CLASSIC IN THEIR OWN WORDS: SIU WOMEN AT SEA Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO. 7 2025 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b6d4ac7fe114bbcd20221128e5ca3659.pdf 1c96e8a01085b5958b2b7edc5f4f9c69 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JUNE 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 6 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SHIPS for America Act Introduced The most comprehensive maritime revitalization bill in more than half a century has been reintroduced in Congress. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center were well-represented at the related press event April 30 across from the Capitol; some Seafarers and apprentices are shown in photo at lower left. Directly below are co-sponsors (from left) U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana), U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California). Pages 2, 7. Maritime Trades Department Convenes in Nation’s Capital Labor and maritime issues were at the forefront as the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board met May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Below, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) addresses the board; MTD/SIU President David Heindel is at right. Pages 3-5. SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN FUNDING NOTICE • PAGE 6 // CAPE KNOX SHINES • PAGE 20 �President’s Report Progress and Challenges Whether you’re reading this column in print or online, you likely know that the SHIPS for America Act has been reintroduced in Congress. It happened a few weeks earlier than anticipated, but in this case, the sooner the better. As mentioned in my formal report to the membership for our May meetings, although shipbuilding is a primary focus of the legislation, there are also significant sections that aim to boost the manpower pool of United States mariners. We recognize the importance of revitalizing our shipyards and growing the fleet, but our main focus is shipboard jobs (and cargo), and that’s why we’ve David Heindel been so active in helping craft and publicize the bill. Additionally, for those of you who may be newer to the industry or who otherwise may be wondering about a possible timeline, these things can take years. For example, I’m sure most of us are very familiar with the Maritime Security Program. What you may not immediately recall is that the MSP was mandated by the Maritime Security Act of 1996. The Maritime Security Act originally was introduced in 1992, by another name. The Merchant Marine Act of 1970 was slightly before my time, but that legislation traces its roots to a 1968 campaign promise from Richard Nixon. During the SHIPS Act press conference on April 30, the senators and congressmen acknowledged that a bill of this size and scope doesn’t get enacted overnight. That’s not to say it won’t happen during the current session of congress, but, again, I think the historical context is important. With all of that said, the bill does indeed enjoy strong bipartisan support in addition to largely aligning with the maritime executive order issued recently by the White House. We will continue working with our allies across all sectors to get the SHIPS Act passed as soon as possible. Message to CIVMARS Many of you have asked how to maintain good standing with your union in light of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s failure to deduct and remit dues as it has done in the past – and as required by law. We are actively exploring all available options to resolve this issue and are already taking steps to address it. We will keep you informed as more details become available. To continue receiving email updates from your union, send your personal email address to tacoma@seafarers.org and we will add you to our Government Services Division email list. In the meantime, if you wish to remain in good standing, we encourage you to remit dues directly via check or money order to: SIU Attn: Government Services Division 3411 South Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98409. Alternatively, you may submit dues at any of our halls. A full list of hiring halls is available at www.seafarers.org and in every issue of the LOG. We also encourage you to keep an eye on our website for other updates (there’s a “CIVMAR RESOURCES” box that’s prominently displayed on the home page). As the saying goes, there are lots of moving parts in response to the executive order that canceled collective bargaining for many federal-sector workers. The order is being challenged in court, and although the Military Sealift Command’s initial request for an exemption was denied, we are nowhere near the point of having exhausted our resources. We’ll continue evaluating all potential remedies and actively working with allies on Capitol Hill and throughout the industry. In the meantime, the SIU continues representing all dues-paying members in grievances and other matters as permitted or required by law. This situation is frustrating and complicated, but I’m cautiously optimistic we’ll achieve a desirable outcome. If nothing else, the initial court decisions are favorable. While none of those cases dealt directly with CIVMARS, we are monitoring them all closely and will get involved if necessary. Stay tuned. SIU Helps Celebrate SHIPS Act Reintroduction The most comprehensive U.S. maritime legislation in more than a half-century has been reintroduced in Congress – and the SIU prominently helped mark the occasion. Shortly after the bipartisan bill formally landed on April 30, SIU members, officials and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) attended a Capitol Hill press conference featuring the legislation’s initial co-sponsors: Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana), Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), and Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi). PHC apprentices – holding signs promoting the legislation, the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act – stood behind the legislators and other invited speakers, across from the Capitol building. Also among the SIU contingent were several members, President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, and Chris Holloway, assistant commandant of the apprentice program. “I’m very excited about what’s happening,” said Bosun Lucas Tiderman, one of the attendees. “This is momentous for Seafarers.” Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 6 Chief Cook Marilou Toledo also attended the news conference. “It’s a privilege to be here,” she said. “It’s great to hear that we’ll be getting more ships and more job opportunities.” Legislators first introduced this bill, with overwhelming support from industry stakeholders, in December of 2024. While much of the legislation focuses on domestic shipbuilding, substantial components aim to grow and sustain the shipboard manpower pool. The SIU actively worked on the bill for more than a year, providing input and collaborating with other interested parties from throughout the industry. As noted at various points during the news conference, there are currently 80 U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce, while China has 5,500. The SHIPS for America Act “aims to close this gap and boost the U.S. Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy, making U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention,” according to a joint news release from the aforementioned legislators. “After decades of dangerously neglecting our shipbuilding industry, we’re finally doing something about it,” said Sen. Kelly, a former mariner, Navy veteran and graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “The SHIPS for America Act is the most ambitious effort in a generation to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries and counter China’s dominance over the oceans. Building and staffing more U.S.-flagged ships will create good-paying American jobs, make our supply chains more resilient, lower costs, and strengthen our ability to resupply our military at times of war. We’ll keep working with our colleagues in Congress, this administration, and our partners in the industry to make our country safer and more competitive by passing the SHIPS for America Act.” Young, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, said, “America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth. Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion...” Continues on Page 7 June 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Seafarers, SIU officials, officials from other unions, and additional supporters are pictured with U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) (fourth from left in front). JUNE 2025 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting MTD Charts Courses for Bolstering Maritime, Protecting Workers’ Rights Convening for the second straight year at AFL-CIO headquarters, the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board had no shortage of red-hot topics to address on May 7 in Washington, D.C. SIU President David Heindel, who also serves as MTD president, summarized the conflicting emotions felt by many MTD affiliates. In his opening remarks, he pointed out that although the U.S. maritime industry seems on the verge of exceptionally noteworthy gains, the labor movement is battling against unprecedented attacks on federal-sector unions. “I’ve been part of the maritime industry and the labor movement for a lot longer than I care to admit, and through all those decades, I’m not sure there’s been another moment that has held so much promise on the maritime industry side while simultaneously carrying so many threats to workers’ rights,” he said. The MTD is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. Formed shortly before the General Strike of 1946, the MTD currently includes 25 affiliated unions (the SIU is one) and a network of 21 port maritime councils in the U.S. and Canada. Guest speakers addressing the board during its most recent meeting were, in order, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) (via video); AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler; American Maritime Partnership (AMP) President Jennifer Carpenter; Michael Wessel, maritime advocate and head of The Wessel Group; U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-New York); and Eric Bunn Sr., national secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). The board approved statements backing the SHIPS for America Act; the Jones Act; cargo preference laws; maritime-related recommendations from the United States Trade Representative (USTR); and federal workers’ rights. The SIU had a strong turnout for the meeting. In addition to Heindel, Seafarers attendees included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice Presidents George Tricker, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi, Joe Vincenzo, Hazel Galbiso, Pat Vandegrift, and Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice Presidents Amancio Crespo, Sam Spain, Todd Brdak, and Michael Russo, and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Kelly had been scheduled for an in-person appearance but was called away on other business. In the video, he thanked the MTD and its affiliates for supporting the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, which had been reintroduced in Congress a week earlier. Continues on Pages 4-5 MTD/SIU President David Heindel (left) and MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Brittanie Potter convene the meeting. SIU VP Hazel Galbiso presents a report about port council activities. AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer Eric Bunn Sr. updates the board on his union’s latest efforts. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) gives his regards in a video message. The meeting takes place at AFL-CIO headquarters in the nation’s capital. JUNE 2025 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting MTD Executive Board Defines Future Priorities Continued from Page 3 Shuler provided a comprehensive review of the AFL-CIO’s efforts to stand up for workers’ rights, particularly in the face of an executive order that, at least for now, has removed collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including some members of the SIU Government Services Division. She also answered several questions from meeting attendees. Carpenter offered an overview of AMP’s ongoing work to promote and protect the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, while Wessel reported on the most recent plans unveiled by the USTR to curb China’s maritime dominance. Following a midday break, Suozzi reinforced his support for the American maritime industry and for workers’ rights. He also stressed the importance of clearer pro-worker communication from Democrats, along with the benefits of respectful dialogue. Bunn wrapped up the guest speaker remarks with a sobering recap of the effects of the aforementioned executive order. He also explained how AFGE and other unions are pushing back, including through the courts. The MTD is scheduled to conduct its next quadrennial convention June 4-5, 2025, in Minneapolis. MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Daniel Duncan asks a question of one of the guest speakers. Mike Wessel discusses the recent plans unveiled by the U.S. Trade Representative. Congressman Urges Pro-Worker Platforms, Cooperative Dialogue U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-New York) firmly reiterated his complete support for the U.S. maritime industry during his May 7 address to the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board in the nation’s capital. Most of his remarks, however, focused on bigger-picture issues facing America’s working families as well as the Democratic Party. Suozzi, whose district includes the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, has an outstanding voting record on both maritime and labor issues. “I’m with you guys 100%,” he said. “But we have got a problem in our country, and the problem is that working men and women are not making enough money.” He continued, “If you’re in a union, thank God; you’re doing good. You’ve got a good wage and good health benefits. You have good pensions. But the rest of the country, the people who aren’t in unions are in a lot of trouble.” Suozzi said one of the nation’s goals should be “to get back to a place in our country where the American Dream is a real thing for everybody. I’ll work hard and in return for working hard, I make enough money so I have a good life. That’s it. I work hard, I make enough money, I can buy a house, I can educate my kids, I can pay for health insurance. I can retire without being scared. Too many Americans don’t have that anymore, and that’s why they're [upset].” After touching on last year’s election results and current messaging that seems well-received by working families, Suozzi stated, “My party has got to get back to a place where working men and women say, those are the guys looking out for me. Those are the people looking out for my interests.” He credited the labor movement for helping build the foundation of the American Dream, then offered a brief history lesson beginning in the 1970s. Suozzi gave examples of how, starting during that period, ownership management in numerous industries began prioritizing shareholder profits far more than employee or community wellbeing. In terms of generating income, “it worked. We made a ton of money in America from the end of the 70s to now,” he said. “The Dow Jones has gone up 2,500%, the GDP has gone up – but 4 • SEAFARERS LOG Pictured from left are UA Metal Trades Director Patrick Dolan, Congressman Tom Suozzi, and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. workers wages have not gone up (correspondingly). They’ve been stuck. So, we made all this money, but it was only for a certain group of people.” Looking ahead, Suozzi said that Democratic legislators and candidates “have to lay out our platform that says very clearly our main focus is raising people’s wages and benefits and retirement security. That’s our number one priority. We’ve got to get back to that basic message, and then we have to have the vehicles to communicate the message.” The congressman concluded by appealing for more open communication between people and organizations at every level, from individuals to legislators to businesses and more. “People are just fighting with each other, and you can’t solve complicated problems with everybody yelling and screaming at each other,” he said. “You can’t do it in your family. You can’t do it in your business. Can’t do it in negotiating a contract. You need people who may disagree with each other to sit down across from each other and say, I think this. Well, I think that. Well, how about this? Well, how about that? And you try and find some common ground so you can move us all forward together. That’s not happening in an environment where everything’s attack and counter-attack, punch and counter-punch. “One of the things I’m doing is, I’m the co-chair of a group called The Problem Solvers Caucus,” he continued. “We just had a meeting today…. Fifty members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans. The Republican co-chair is going to be Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), who’s a pro-labor Republican. We’re working to try and find common ground…. If you agree with what I’m saying, tell people the same thing and encourage this. Spread the word with your friends and your neighbors and your colleagues.” U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (left) outlines his pro-worker message to the board. At right is MTD/SIU President David Heindel. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 JUNE 2025 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting Federation President Shows the Way Forward AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler is realistic about the challenges facing the labor movement – and she’s also determined to help lead a strong recovery as the federation battles against a number of recent anti-worker developments. Shuler spoke to the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters, located in the nation’s capital. She thanked MTD/SIU President David Heindel for his leadership and reiterated the federation’s unwavering support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. “The attacks on the Jones Act are constant, and I’m so glad to work with Dave and all of you to really keep that front and center and educate people,” Shuler stated. “I feel like we’re always behind the curve when these attacks come – that people have a knowledge deficit, and we wring our hands and say, how could they do this? Well, mostly it’s because we have a lot of people that are retiring. We have turnover on the Hill, and it’s this constant education. But we’re going to fiercely defend the Jones Act with everything we have, at all times, because it’s bedrock. It is a fundamental right that that we will fiercely stand by as a labor movement.” She also commended the MTD and its affiliates for their work promoting the SHIPS for America Act, which is considered the most comprehensive maritime revitalization legislation in more than half a century. Shuler pointed to the MTD’s decades of solidarity as a guide for overcoming current challenges. “Solidarity is a word that really means something with the Maritime Trades,” she said. “You show up. You show up for those who aren’t even necessarily adjacent to your industry…. The OPEIU was born out of the solidarity you showed. In the 1960s and 1970s, when the public AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler sector was trying to organize, you showed up…. We could use that solidarity more than ever.” The federation president described some recent executive orders as “a full-frontal assault on our labor movement writ large. With the stroke of a pen, eliminating collective bargaining rights for federal union members…. It is the biggest attack on our labor movement in our history. People like to point back to PATCO, the air traffic controllers, which was a moment in time that was seminal. This is that moment on steroids.” She continued, “No matter what industry you’re in, there’s an executive order for you, and it’s coming a mile a minute. But we’ve been here before. The labor movement endures. It’s a matter of the fierceness and the speed we probably haven’t dealt with before, but we have definitely been here before and gone through hard times and come back stronger. So that’s our objective. We’re going to continue to organize. We’re going to continue to fight back, make our voices heard.” Shuler has been traveling across the country, mobilizing for various grassroots outreach. Among other messages, she has used the meetings and rallies to promote the AFL-CIO’s Department of People Who Work for a Living – a resource aimed at countering misinformation from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In starting the mobilization, “we said, we’ll tell you from our perspective what efficiency looks like, but we also use it as a platform to show the impacts of what these (DOGE) cuts look like on real people. The hearings we did were all across the country, and mainly purple districts…. We invited workers to come in and testify, and we invited small-business people. We invited farmers, we invited veterans to talk about what these cuts mean. And it was so compelling.” A lifelong trade unionist and longtime backer of the SIU, Shuler said that during her travels, “What I heard was that people want common sense. No matter if you’re Democrat, Independent, Republican, people want common sense. And what they’re starting to see (from the administration) is not that.” She pointed out that income disparity remains a significant issue in the U.S. For example, a CEO rakes in an average of 238 times more money than a worker at their company. Shuler also said the many people who attended those meetings expressed fear about potential cuts to Social Security and Medicaid. “It’s up to us as a labor movement to be that place where you connect that anger and that frustration to action,” Shuler said. “Now is our time, and unions have never been more popular…. We have a real opportunity for organizing and to continue to stay on that front foot.” AMP President Sees Great Promise for Maritime Industry The head of the nation’s leading domestic maritime coalition sees great opportunities for the industry – and is committed to helping capitalize on them. Jennifer Carpenter serves as both the newest president of the SIU-affiliated American Maritime Partnership (AMP), as well as president and CEO of the American Waterways Operators. She addressed the Maritime Trades Department’s Executive Board meeting May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Speaking immediately after AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Carpenter noted, “Labor was absolutely essential to the formation of AMP way back in 1995 when it went by the inelegant name Maritime Cabotage Task Force. We decided we needed to work on the nomenclature a little bit, but the purpose has been consistent for the last 30 years, and that is single-issue focused on defending the Jones Act, the law that really is the statutory foundation of the domestic maritime industry.” The Jones Act has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. The law requires that cargo moving between two points in the U.S. is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. “The case for the Jones Act has never been stronger or more relevant to issues that Americans care about,” Carpenter stated. “Everybody is focused on working-class American jobs, and that is the Jones Act through and through. We’re talking 650,000 American jobs, direct and indirect, that rely on this industry….” She pointed out that the general public gained a new appreciation for the maritime industry during the COVID 19 pandemic, when people “realized that empty shelves are a thing that can JUNE 2025 happen. Supply chains don’t just work miraculously; they work because people make them work.” The domestic maritime industry shined during that period, particularly compared to the “wild swings in international commerce” that took place, Carpenter recalled. “We didn’t see that domestically, because we had American control of our supply chain,” she said. “We had American workers, American owners committed to this trade. I think that that resonates with people in a way that it didn’t five or six years ago.” Carpenter then focused on a sometimes-underappreciated aspect of the nation’s freight cabotage law. “Somebody asked me not long ago, what does America without the Jones Act look like? And I said, borderless. Our coastline is our longest border, and the Jones Act is absolutely essential to maritime border security. We know that it is a very dangerous world. Maritime is a critical domain in which geopolitical tensions are being played out, whether we’re talking about the Middle East, whether we’re talking about the Taiwan Strait, whether we’re talking about Russia and Ukraine. So, I think that there is a relevance to our arguments that was always there, but that maybe folks didn’t recognize in the same way that they do now.” Turning her attention to politics, Carpenter said, “I think there is an emerging bipartisan consensus that growing our maritime industry is essential to economic and homeland and national security. In just the last two months, we’ve seen the president’s executive order on restoring American maritime dominance. We’ve seen the reintroduction of the SHIPS for America Act by that wonderful bipartisan coalition of Senator (Mark) Kelly, Senator (Todd) Young, AMP President Jennifer Carpenter (left) addresses the board. Also pictured is MTD/SIU President David Heindel. Congressman (Trent) Kelly and Congressman (John) Garamendi. These two important initiatives are focused primarily on growing the U.S.-flag international fleet. That is absolutely essential, because that’s where we’ve got quite a bit of catching up to do, but I think it’s significant that they take the Jones Act as a foundation.” Carpenter noted that it remains critical for industry representatives to promote American maritime. In particular, and notwithstanding the current strong bipartisan backing, she noted that there are dozens and dozens of new members of Congress along with new staff on Capitol Hill. “Let’s get out there and let’s educate them,” she said. “Let’s not assume that they understand what the Jones Act is. Let’s not assume that if they think they know what the Jones Act is, they’re right about what the Jones Act is.” She concluded, “The Jones Act is critical to a strong American workforce, economy, supply chain, and border security. Now more than ever, we need to amplify the voice of all workers in support of the Jones Act.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice provides key details about your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”) for the plan year beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024 (“Plan Year”). Investment Policy Pension plans also have investment policies that provide guidelines for making investment management decisions. The Plan’s investment policy is a follows: This is an informational notice. You do not need to respond or take any action. This notice includes: • Information about your Plan’s funding status. • Details on your benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. What if I have questions about this notice, my Plan, or my benefits? Contact your plan administrator at: • Margaret Bowen • Phone: 301.899.0675 • Address: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 • Email: map@seafarers.org To better assist you, provide your plan administrator with the following information when you contact them: • Plan Number: 001 • Plan Sponsor Name: Seafarers Pension Plan • Employer Identification Number: 13-6100329 1) What if I have questions about PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees? Visit www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer for more information. For specific information about your pension plan or pension benefits, you should contact your employer or plan administrator as PBGC does not have that information. Federal law requires all traditional pension plans, also known as defined benefit pension plans, to provide this notice every year regardless of funding status. This notice does not mean your Plan is terminating. 2) How Well Funded Is Your Plan? The law requires the Plan’s administrator to explain how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The funded percentage is calculated by dividing Plan assets by Plan liabilities. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The chart below shows the Plan's funded percentage for the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. It also lists the value of the Plan's assets and liabilities for those years. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Target Range Domestic Equities 50% 40% - 60% Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents 40% 30% - 50% Real Estate 10% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. 3) Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets To provide further insight into the Plan’s financial position, the chart below shows the fair market value of the Plan’s assets on the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years. Market values fluctuate based on investment performance, providing a more immediate snapshot of the plan’s funding status. As of the end of the Plan Year, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following investment categories as percentages of total assets: 4) Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan’s funding status determines the steps a plan must take to strengthen its finances and continue paying benefits: • Endangered: The plan’s funded percentage drops below 80 percent. The plan’s trustees must adopt a funding improvement plan. • Critical: The plan’s funded percentage falls below 65 percent or meets other financial distress criteria. The plan’s trustees must implement a rehabilitation plan. • Critical and Declining: A plan in critical status is also designated as critical and declining if projected to become insolvent—meaning it will no longer have enough assets to pay out benefits—within 15 years (or within 20 years under a special rule). The plan’s trustees must continue to implement the rehabilitation plan. The plan’s sponsor may seek approval to amend the plan, including reducing current and future benefits. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the Plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2025, a separate notification of that status has or will be provided. 5) Participant and Beneficiary Information The following chart shows the number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the last day of the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. The numbers for the latest Plan Year reflect the plan administrator’s reasonable, good faith estimate. For information about the Plan's investment in any of the following types of investments common-/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities - contact Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: SPP Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. The average return on assets for the Plan Year was 12.3%. 7) Events Having a Material Effect on Assets or Liabilities By law, this notice must include an explanation of any new events that materially affect the Plan’s liabilities or assets. These events could affect the Plan’s financial health or its ability to meet its obligations. For the plan year beginning on January 1, 2025 (i.e., the year after the notice year) and ending on December 31, 2025, there was no amendment, scheduled benefit increase or reduction, or other known event taking effect in the current plan year and expected to have a material effect on plan liabilities or assets for the current plan year. The above table reflects actual year-end demographic data for the preceding two plan years. 6) Funding & Investment Policies Funding Policy Every pension plan must establish a funding policy to meet its objectives. The funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The Plan’s funding policy to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers' contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan's Actuary. 8) Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file an annual report, called the Form 5500, with the U.S. Department of Labor. The Form 5500 includes financial and other information about these pension plans. You can get a copy of your Plan’s Form 5500: • Online: Visit www.efast.dol.gov to search for your Plan’s Form 5500. • By Mail: Submit a written request to your plan administrator. • By Phone: Call (202) 693-8673 to speak with a representative of the U.S. Depart ment of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room. The Form 5500 does not include personal information, such as your accrued benefits. For details about your accrued benefits, contact your plan administrator. Continues on Page 11 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 JUNE 2025 �SHIPS Act Will Bolster Industry Continued from Page 2 “...Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China.” Rep. Kelly noted, “Strengthening America’s shipbuilding capacity and revitalizing our commercial maritime industry is critical to national security and economic resilience. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re prioritizing these vital sectors. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Todd Young, and Congressman John Garamendi to help safeguard our maritime future.” Longtime maritime champion Garamendi stated, “With China's growing influence in the global maritime sector, the United States can no longer afford to overlook our maritime industries. The SHIPS for America Act will give our shipyards and merchant mariners the tools they need to rebuild America’s maritime industry and create good-paying American jobs. I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly to strengthen America’s national security, economic strength, and global leadership on the high seas.” Other cosponsors in the Senate include Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania). Murkowski stated, “Because of our vast geography, the maritime industry is uniquely vital to Alaska, with many of our coastal communities relying on a strong U.S.-flagged fleet for everything from everyday logistics to commercial fishing and homeland defense. I am proud to cosponsor the SHIPS Act, which advances common-sense solutions that will invest in the workforce and revitalize our nation’s shipbuilding, increasing Alaska’s resilience and security.” Fetterman said, “When it comes to maintaining our competitive edge against China, failure is not an option. The SHIPS for America Act will help the United States compete with China’s production of ships while creating new manufacturing jobs in shipyards across the nation. Not only will this strengthen our national security, but it’ll also grow our local economies and support working families right here in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will help us build more ships in America and stand up to China.” Among many other achievements, the SHIPS for America Act would: • Coordinate U.S. maritime policy by establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House, who would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board tasked with making whole-of-government strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy. The bill also establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund that would reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure supporting maritime commerce. • Establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years by creating the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would facilitate the development of a fleet of commercially operated, U.S.-flagged, American-crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels that can operate competitively in international commerce. • Enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce by establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards to “cut through the U.S. Coast Guard’s red tape that limits the international competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, modify duties to make cargo on U.S.-flagged vessels more competitive, requiring that government-funded cargo move aboard U.S.-flagged vessels, and requiring a portion of commercial goods imported from China to move aboard U.S.-flagged vessels starting in 2030.” • Expand the U.S. shipyard industrial base, for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels, by establishing a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovative approaches to domestic ship building and ship repair. • Make historic investments in the maritime workforce by supporting a Maritime Workforce Promotion and Recruitment Campaign, allowing mariners to retain their credentials through a newly established Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, investing in long-overdue infrastructure needs for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and supporting State Maritime Academies and Centers for Excellence for Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana) Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The bill also makes “long-overdue changes to streamline and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.” Schoeneman, in addition to his SIU duties, also serves as chair of the coalition USA Maritime. In the latter capacity, he commented, “The USA Maritime coalition supports the SHIPS for America Act and has been honored to work with Senators Kelly and Young, and Congressmen Garamendi and Kelly as the bill has taken shape over the last two years. This bill represents the most comprehensive maritime policy initiative in more than half a century. Now, more than ever, the United States needs a strong, vibrant and growing U.S. Merchant Marine, capable of carrying a substantial portion of our foreign commerce and supporting our military in time of war. This initiative will ensure our country has the U.S.-flag ships and American mariners needed to preserve, protect and defend America and our economic security. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this legislation.” Among those taking in the speeches are (far left) SIU President David Heindel, (fourth from left in front) SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, (far right in front) AMO President Willie Barrere, and (far right, rear) Bosun Lucas Tiderman. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center show up in force for the pro-maritime event. Immediately after the press gathering, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) (left) asks Paul Hall Center Apprentices about their training and their aspirations. JUNE 2025 U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) (nearest person facing camera) chats with Paul Hall Center Apprentices prior to the news conference. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA DARREN BATES Brother Darren Bates, 62, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. He first sailed on the Cape Hudson and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bates was a deck department member and most recently shipped aboard the Resolve. He calls Magnolia, Mississippi, home. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. WILLIAM LEACHMAN FRANK KOSARICK Brother William Leachman, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1993 and first worked on the Sealift Arabian Sea. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Leachman concluded his career on the USNS Fisher. He resides in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Brother Frank Kosarick, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 2008. A member of the deck department, he originally sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Kosarick upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career with Penn Maritime and settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. GEORGE SCHUMPP RODOLFO CALDO PAUL MCDONELL Brother Rodolfo Caldo, 65, joined the union in 2005 and initially sailed aboard the Lawrence Gianella. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Caldo last shipped on the Horizon Spirit. He makes his home in Lathrop, California. Brother Paul McDonell, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Leo. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McDonell last shipped on the Maersk Chesapeake. He is a resident of Lake Placid, Florida. ROBINSON EROMOSELE Brother Robinson Eromosele, 76, started sailing with the SIU in 2003 and first worked on the Wilson. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Eromosele last shipped on the Liberty Glory. He resides in Richmond, Texas. BONIFACIO FORTES Brother Bonifacio Fortes, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Fortes most recently shipped aboard the Alaskan Navigator and settled in Stockton, California. PABLO GARCIA Brother Pablo Garcia, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Garcia last sailed aboard the Maersk Sentosa. He lives in the Bronx, New York. TIMOTHY HOLMES Brother Timothy Holmes, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996. He initially sailed on the USNS Bob Hope and worked in the steward department. Brother Holmes upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. His final vessel was the USNS Henson. Brother Holmes resides in Chemung, New York. LUMUMBA LASANA Brother Lumumba Lasana, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1997. He first sailed aboard the USNS Able and worked in the deck department. Brother Lasana last sailed on the SBX and settled in Chesapeake, Virginia. HUSSEIN MOHAMED Brother Hussein Mohamed, 49, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Mohamed concluded his career aboard the Maersk Kensington and settled in Melvindale, Michigan. MICHELLE WATERS Sister Michelle Waters, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1983 and first shipped on the Independence. She upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in the steward department. Sister Waters last sailed on the Cape Gibson and settled in Merritt Island, Florida. INLAND LESLIE HOLLOWELL Brother Leslie Hollowell, 62, signed on with the union in 1994, initially working with Penn Maritime. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Hollowell was last employed with Allied Transportation. He makes his home in Greenville, North Carolina. DAVID JOHNSON Brother David Johnson, 63, joined the union in 1999. A deck department member, he worked with G&H Towing for the entirety of his career. Brother Johnson lives in Tool, Texas. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG• OCTOBER 2023 Brother George Schumpp, 66, joined the union in 1994. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Schumpp was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. He lives in Fairlawn, New Jersey. MARIA SMITH Sister Maria Smith, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Sister Smith sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat for the duration of her career, most recently aboard the Mississippi Queen. She resides in Kenner, Louisiana. ROBERT THORNE Brother Robert Thorne, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2008. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. An engine department member, Brother Thorne worked for G&H Towing for most of his career. He lives in Kingwood, Texas. PHILIP WRIGHT Brother Philip Wright, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1993 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Wright most recently sailed aboard the Courage. He makes his home in Key Largo, Florida. NMU REYNALDO DEL MUNDO Brother Reynaldo Del Mundo, 70, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Keystone Texas. Brother Del Mundo lives in Alhambra, California. PAUL RICHARD Brother Paul Richard, 66, signed on with the union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and last sailed on the Cape Horn. He resides in Post Falls, Idaho. JUNE 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU MILESTONES IN MICHIGAN ‒ Three Seafarers recently picked up their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall in Algonac, Michigan. Pictured at left, starting with photo at far left, are AB Mohammed Obad, Steward/Baker Ammar Sailan, and AB Zaid Mesleh. Safety Director Jason Brown is at right in each snapshot. CATCHING UP IN HOUSTON ‒ SIU ABOARD MATSON ANCHORAGE ‒ Pictured from left are Chief Cook Christopher Hopkins, SA Nasser Hajaji, and SIU Patrolman Dennison Forsman. pensioner Arthur Ross (center) stops by the hiring hall to grab a copy of his favorite periodical and to chat with (from left) Patrolman J.B. Niday and Safety Director Kevin Sykes. Ross recently turned 81. His last vessel was the Sulphur Enterprise, in 2006. HONORING THE GREATEST GENERATION ‒ SIU Asst. VP Sam Spain helped salute the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II during this year’s American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) Convention, which took place in early April in Norfolk, Virginia. He’s pictured at right in photo above, left, with Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret.), one of the keynote speakers. Pictured from left in photo above, right, are AMMV National Secretary (and former SIU member) Chris Edyvean, Spain, and SIU pensioner Michael Pooler, while the remaining snapshot includes (also from left) Sailors Snug Harbor Executive Director Jay Brooks, SIU pensioner Clay Brown, and AMMV President Dru DiMattia. JUNE 2025 SEAFARERS LOGSEAFARERS 2023 • OCTOBER LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ABOARD ‒ Crescent Towing Wheelman Cody Nelson (right) receives his full book. He’s pictured at the New Orleans hall with SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. (Nelson also just earned his Master of Towing.) WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS ‒ Crowley ATB Capt. Darren Bates (right) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He sailed with the SIU for 35 years. Congratulating him on the milestone is SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. FAMILY TRADITION ‒ Seafaring often runs in families. At left is GUDE Matthew Lehnen aboard the Mariner (Eco-Tankers), with his uncle, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. “I am very proud of him,” Krick noted, “and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience walking up the gangway with him.” ABOARD FLORIDA ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid tanker are (larger group photo) SA Naila King, Recertified Bosun Samuel Duah, ABG Daniel Flanagan, and ABB Lucas Anderson. From left in the other non-ship photo: Chief Cook Crystal Cobbs, SA Naila King. CLASSMATES RECONNECT ‒ Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson and Chief Mate/Hawsepiper Mark Holman were Piney Point classmates back in 1980, and they ran into each other earlier this year while working for Pacific Gulf Marine. Jackson (left in the recent photo, with Holman) said they “shared many sea stories.” In the class photo, Holman is barely visible in back, near the center, while Jackson is easier to spot (front, far left). TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA ‒ Being sworn in during the April membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, are (from left, facing camera) ABM Markham Campbell (B book), AB Campbell Busbey (B book), Storekeeper Carl Bascara (A book), STOS Dion Bonner (B book) and OS Samuel Hall (B book). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. ABOARD SLNC YORK ‒ ACU Ryan Hatch is pictured aboard the Argent Marine vessel in Indian Island, Washington. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERJUNE 2023 2025 10 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELL-EARNED KUDOS ‒ SA Hyun Kim (right) recently ABOARD PACIFIC TRACKER ‒ Pictured from left aboard the TOTE vessel are ABMs Theodore Swift and Joey Benosa, and Bosun Leroy Reed. won the monthly recognition aboard the Alliance Fairfax (Maersk Line, Limited) for outstanding shipmate and cleanest room. Celebrating the occasion with her is Chief Mate Chuck Hendricks. Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw said Kim “is by far the best SA I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Along with her work ethic, she has great attention to detail.” SHARING A SPECIAL MOMENT ‒ Talk about versatility: FULL BOOK IN PINEY POINT ‒ OS Marlon Gayle (left) receives his B book. He’s pictured at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, with SIU Patrolman Josh Gail. Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb. Sr., who earned a Doctor of Religious Education degree, recently was installed as an assistant pastor with his local church in Oakland, California. Celebrating the occasion are (standing, from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU pensioners Donald Benjamin, Larry Toston, and Perry McCall, Webb, SIU Patrolwoman Kathy Chester, SIU Oakland Port Agent Duane Akers, and (in front) pensioner Gerald Archie. PROMOTING SIU CAREERS ‒ The union’s efforts to attract the next generation of mariners never stops, as evidenced by this recent snapshot of (from left) Recruiting Director Ryan Covert and SIU Asst. VP Todd Brdak at a career expo in Detroit. Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan (Continued) Continued from Page 6 9) Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan's available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC, below), the plan must apply to PBGC for financial assistance. PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan's financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. 10) Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC Only vested benefits—those that you’ve earned and cannot forfeit—are guaranteed. What PBGC Guarantees PBGC guarantees “basic benefits” including: • Pension benefits at normal retirement age. • Most early retirement benefits. • Annuity benefits for survivors of plan participants. • Disability benefits for disabilities that occurred before the earlier of the date the plan terminated or the sponsor’s bankruptcy date. What PBGC Does Not Guarantee PBGC does not guarantee certain types of benefits, including: • A participant’s pension benefit or benefit increase until it has been part of the JUNE 2025 plan for 60 full months. • Disability benefits in non-pay status. • Non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, or death benefits. Determining Guarantee Amounts The maximum benefit PBGC guarantees is set by law. Your plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. The maximum PBGC guarantee is $35.75 per month, multiplied by a participant's years of credited service. PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit based on the plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate and your years of credited service. The guarantee is calculated as follows: 1. Take 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan's monthly benefit accrual rate. 2. Take 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate. 3. Add both amounts together. 4. Multiply the total by your years of credited service to determine your guaranteed monthly benefit. Example 1: Participant with a Monthly $600 Benefit and 10 Years of Service. 1. Find the accrual rate: $600/10 = $60 accrual rate. 2. Apply PBGC formula: a. Take 100 percent of the first $11= $11 b. Take 75 percent of the next $33 = $24.75 3. Add the two amounts together: $11 + $24.75 = $35.75 4. Multiply by years of credited service: $35.75 x 10 years = $357.50 In this example, the participant's guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50. Example 2: Participant with a $200 Monthly Benefit and 10 Years of Service. 1. Find the accrual rate: $200/10 = $20 accrual rate. 2. Apply PBGC formula: a. Take 100 percent of the first $11= $11 b. Take 75 percent of the next $9 = $6.75 3. Add the two amounts together: $11 + $6.75 = $17.75 4. Multiply by years of credited service: $17.75 x 10 years = $177.50 In this example, the participant's guaranteed monthly benefit is $177.50 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •11 11 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent SIU Tallying Committee. Question: If you could change anything about the maritime industry, what would you change? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Jason Powell Chief Electrician Mubarek Ahmed Bosun I would like to [decrease] the regulations on seafarers so we can go to sea and be less encumbered by the Coast Guard. Being able to hit the shore faster, without getting held up for hours. Your time off is limited already, depending on what your position is on the ship. Hitting a port and just giving your ID, like you were at a domestic port, would be a lot easier. Ronald J. Davis Recertified Steward Richard Benoit AB Bring back more American-flag ships. We need increased trade. We’ve got to start building more ships, catch up with China and pass them. Try to [reduce] some of the Coast Guard regulations. There are way too many. I liked it back in the old days, when you got your documents and you were good until you retired or you upgraded. Chandler Williams AB Anthony Jacobson Recertified Steward Just how slowly things change in the industry. It can be a slog. Keep up with what seafarers are saying, so we have more input. From a steward’s point of view, these companies need to look again at the food budgets and make them realistic. Because of all the inflation that’s been happening, they’re not in line with inflation. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Wiper Nick Farinaccio checks out the engine room control board on the LNG carrier El Paso Sonatrach (El Paso Southern Tanker Co.) in late 1979. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2025 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice Important Reminder for Seafarers and Pensioners Seafarers and SIU pensioners are strongly encouraged to make sure that their beneficiary designations are up to date and accurate. If outdated beneficiary information remains on file, it may result in benefits being paid to one or more individuals no longer intended by the member or pensioner to receive those benefits. Unintended consequences may arise if, for example, a designated beneficiary has passed away, or if a member’s or pensioner’s marital status has changed. Seafarers and pensioners can update their designated beneficiaries by contacting the SIU Member Assistance Program (MAP) by phone: 1-(800) 252-4674 Option 2, or by email: map@seafarers.org in order to obtain beneficiary forms. “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 14 - May 13, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 14, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 12 Anchorage 2 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 14 Guam 2 Harvey 5 Honolulu 6 Houston 27 Jacksonville 31 Jersey City 26 Joliet 0 Mobile 10 Norfolk 27 Oakland 8 Philadelphia 4 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 5 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 18 Wilmington 25 9 1 4 8 2 4 2 17 21 7 4 1 14 4 1 4 3 2 10 3 2 0 1 7 0 3 0 9 12 3 0 2 9 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 21 0 2 13 0 4 2 26 23 13 1 8 17 3 2 1 4 1 17 18 4 0 5 5 0 6 0 13 16 6 1 1 11 2 1 3 3 2 5 2 1 0 1 4 0 3 0 7 10 4 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 1 10 0 6 0 18 17 11 0 2 8 2 1 1 5 0 8 5 17 5 6 29 6 12 12 44 59 31 6 13 28 12 2 2 8 1 26 59 12 2 3 7 2 7 4 30 36 10 7 4 17 7 1 4 2 2 10 6 4 0 0 7 0 4 0 19 7 5 1 4 16 1 0 0 1 2 3 8 TOTAL 226 121 53 176 86 38 103 378 173 82 Algonac 2 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 9 Guam 2 Harvey 3 Honolulu 1 Houston 10 Jacksonville 21 Jersey City 6 Joliet 1 Mobile 4 Norfolk 10 Oakland 4 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 2 Tacoma 7 Wilmington 7 TOTAL 101 0 0 6 5 1 4 2 9 26 1 1 0 14 4 1 1 1 0 2 3 81 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 5 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 2 3 27 2 0 2 5 0 3 1 3 9 3 0 1 5 2 0 0 1 0 2 3 42 5 1 5 9 1 2 7 15 29 11 1 3 15 4 1 3 3 2 7 15 139 4 0 3 10 1 2 2 13 21 4 1 0 15 5 0 0 1 0 6 5 93 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 6 6 2 0 1 8 3 1 1 2 0 2 10 48 Algonac 4 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 2 Harvey 2 Honolulu 4 Houston 12 Jacksonville 23 Jersey City 8 Joliet 0 Mobile 4 Norfolk 23 Oakland 9 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 3 Wilmington 23 TOTAL 131 1 0 2 3 1 4 1 7 21 7 2 0 9 2 1 4 7 0 1 2 75 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 4 4 1 0 0 5 1 0 2 3 0 4 3 33 3 0 0 5 1 1 5 7 18 4 0 3 13 12 0 3 3 1 4 11 94 0 0 2 2 0 5 3 8 11 3 0 1 6 4 1 3 1 0 0 6 56 6 0 0 9 1 3 5 19 33 14 1 5 23 14 1 1 6 0 8 31 180 0 0 1 5 0 8 3 10 27 5 2 0 19 2 1 3 12 0 2 5 105 1 0 0 3 1 0 1 7 6 0 0 0 7 1 0 0 2 0 4 4 37 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 1 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 4 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 1 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 1 Wilmington 1 6 2 3 4 0 0 2 17 25 18 0 0 7 11 0 1 0 0 4 16 13 0 1 10 5 2 3 14 55 15 1 0 40 22 0 3 0 0 11 23 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 0 1 2 1 1 0 3 7 3 0 0 5 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 2 1 5 0 1 2 26 50 22 0 1 11 12 0 3 0 0 11 14 17 1 1 16 3 6 4 28 108 26 1 2 52 22 0 3 0 0 14 31 Engine Department 2 1 3 5 1 3 4 3 11 4 1 2 11 3 2 0 2 1 6 7 72 1 1 5 1 1 4 1 5 13 2 1 1 13 3 0 1 1 1 2 3 60 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 16 Steward Department June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: June 2, July 7 Thursday: June 12, July17 Thursday: June 5, July 10 Friday: June 20, Thursday: July 24 Honolulu Friday: June 13, July 18 Houston Monday: June 9, July 14 Jacksonville Thursday: June 5, July 10 Joliet Thursday: June 12, July 17 Mobile Wednesday: June 11, July 16 New Orleans Tuesday: June 10, July 15 Jersey City Tuesday: June 3, July 8 Norfolk Friday: June 6, July 11 Oakland Thursday: June 12, July 17 Philadelphia Wednesday: June 4, July 9 Port Everglades Thursday: June 12, July 17 San Juan Thursday: June 5, July 10 St. Louis Friday: June 13, July 18 Tacoma Friday: June 20, July 25 Wilmington Monday: June 16, July 21 Schedule change due to holiday observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JUNE 2025 0 1 1 4 1 6 2 7 10 2 1 1 4 2 0 3 4 0 2 4 55 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 3 1 1 1 1 0 2 3 20 Entry Department 3 0 1 5 1 1 1 13 17 10 1 1 3 6 0 1 0 0 4 6 6 1 2 2 2 1 3 3 24 10 0 0 14 7 1 1 1 0 4 8 TOTAL 9 116 218 8 74 90 29 19 165 335 GRAND TOTAL 393 331 350 275 164 230 716 536 502 467 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN ALICEA Pensioner John Alicea, 69, passed away February 22. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2000 when he sailed aboard the Independence. An engine department member, Brother Alicea last shipped on the Ocean Jazz in 2021. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Port St. Lucie, Florida. DONALD BOATRIGHT Pensioner Donald Boatright, 73, died March 24. He started shipping with the union in 1970, initially working with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Boatright was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Spirit. He went on pension in 2010 and resided in Pinole, California. CARLOS BONEFONT Pensioner Carlos Bonefont, 83, passed away March 13. He joined the SIU in 1960 when he sailed on the Evelyn. Brother Bonefont sailed in all three departments and last shipped on the Horizon Hawaii. He became a pensioner in 2008 and made his home in Amsterdam, New York. ARNULFO CALDERON Pensioner Arnulfo Calderon, 76, died February 6. He signed on with the union in 2001. Brother Calderon first shipped on the Bernard F. Fisher and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Harry Martin and went on pension in 2013. Brother Calderon resided in the Bronx, New York. DELFINO CASTRO Pensioner Delfino Castro, 79, passed away March 30. He donned the SIU colors in 1995 and first shipped on the Independence. A member of the steward department, Brother Castro concluded his career aboard the Chemical Pioneer and retired in 2012. He was a Houston resident. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. CRAIG CROFT PAULA KALEIKINI Pensioner Craig Croft, 58, passed away February 2. He joined the SIU in 1985, initially sailing with G&H Towing. Brother Croft worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Louisiana in 2021. Brother Croft went on pension in 2023 and made his home in Hitchcock, Texas. Pensioner Paula Kaleikini, 75, died February 11. She became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992. Sister Kaleikini first sailed aboard the USNS Adventurous. She was a steward department member and last shipped on the North Star. Sister Kaleikini retired in 2015 and lived in Kapolei, Hawaii. ALFREDO CUEVAS Pensioner Alfredo Cuevas, 78, died December 4. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1987 when he shipped on the USNS Wyman. Brother Cuevas was an engine department member. He concluded his career aboard the Maersk Missouri and became a pensioner in 2015. Brother Cuevas made his home in the Philippines. JUANITO DANSALAN Pensioner Juanito Dansalan, 83, has passed away. Sailing first aboard the USNS Harkness, he donned the SIU colors in 1988. Brother Dansalan worked in the engine department and last shipped on the Charger. He went on pension in 2011 and resided in the Philippines. DANIEL GAMBOA Pensioner Daniel Gamboa, 73, died March 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2002. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Cape Farewell. Brother Gamboa last sailed on the Liberty Glory. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Houston. MICHAEL GAY Pensioner Michael Gay, 73 passed away March 3. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1971, initially sailing aboard the Yukon. Brother Gay worked in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Ocean Freedom. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and lived in Tallahassee, Florida. GEORGE HOLLAND Pensioner George Holland, 83, died February 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1963. Brother Holland first shipped with Moore-McCormack Lines. A deck department member, he last sailed aboard the Navigator. Brother Holland retired in 2002 and called Lacey, Washington, home. LEON CATLIN CHRISTIE JOHNSON Pensioner Leon Catlin, 79, died February 22. He became a member of the union in 2001. Brother Catlin worked in the steward department. He sailed aboard the Delaware Trader for his entire career before going on pension in 2012. Brother Catlin lived in Mobile, Alabama. Pensioner Christie Johnson, 88, passed away February 3. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1958. Brother Johnson first worked on the Beaugard. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Wave in 2000. Brother Johnson went on pension the following year and made his home in Eupora, Mississippi. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JOEL LECHEL Pensioner Joel Lechel, 66, passed away March 29. Brother Lechel embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing on the Indiana Harbor. He worked in the deck department. Brother Lechel’s final vessel was the Walter J. McCarthy. He began collecting his pension in 2010 and resided in Estero, Florida. ROMUALD LOS Pensioner Romuald Los, 91, passed away March 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1963 and first worked aboard the Transeastern. A member of the deck department, Brother Los concluded his career aboard the Freedom. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled in the United Kingdom. PIOTR MLYMARCZYK Pensioner Piotr Mlymarczyk, 65, died January 21. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2003. Brother Mlymarczyk first shipped on the Gus Darnell. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Matson Tacoma. Brother Mlymarczyk became a pensioner in 2024 and made his home in Burien, Washington. ROSINDO MORA Pensioner Rosindo Mora, 100, passed away February 11. Sailing first aboard the Yaka, he donned the SIU colors in 1951. Brother Mora worked in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Crusader. He retired in 1990 and resided in New Port Richey, Florida. GUILLERMO QUINONES Pensioner Guillermo Quinones, 71, died March 4. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1969. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Steel Apprentice. Brother Quinones last sailed on the Value in 1994. He became a pensioner in 2018 and settled in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. TOMMIE SANFORD Pensioner Tommie Sanford, 86, passed away February 26. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1958, initially sailing aboard the La Salle. Brother Sanford worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Overseas Ohio in 1986. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and lived in Colmesneil, Texas. JUNE 2025 �JOSE SIALANA RONALD HALBERG FELTON BERCY Pensioner Jose Sialana, 72, died February 16. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991. Brother Sialana first shipped on the Independence. He worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Freedom. Brother Sialana retired in 2018 and called Pico River, California, home. Pensioner Ronald Halberg, 75, died March 12. He signed on with the SIU in 1971. Brother Halberg worked in the steward department and was employed with Arnold Transit Company for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2013 and made his home in Saint Ignace, Michigan. Pensioner Felton Bercy, 76, died February 2. A deck department member, Brother Bercy last shipped on the Green Cove. He became a pensioner in 2009 and lived in New Orleans. WARREN WRIGHT Pensioner Warren Wright, 71, passed away March 10. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed on the Mohawk. Brother Wright sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 2018 and made his home in Newark, Delaware. ROGELIO YBARRA Pensioner Rogelio Ybarra, 67, died March 19. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1978. Brother Ybarra first sailed aboard the Connecticut. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and last shipped on the Overseas Chinook. Brother Ybarra began collecting his pension in 2016 and settled in Texas City, Texas. GREAT LAKES RONALD DANDREA Pensioner Ronald Dandrea, 80, passed away February 26. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 and first worked aboard the CL Austin. Brother Dandrea sailed in the deck department. He became a pensioner in 2009 after concluding his career on the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Dandrea made his home in Duluth, Minnesota. DONALD DEVLIEGER Pensioner Donald DeVlieger, 73, died February 13. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 and initially worked aboard the JA Kling. Brother DeVlieger last sailed aboard the JAW Iglehart and retired in 2005. He resided in Redford, Michigan. INLAND MEDFORD AUSTIN Pensioner Medford Austin, 85, passed away March 22. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968. A deck department member, Brother Austin first was employed with Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation. He concluded his career with Mariner Towing and went on pension in 2011. Brother Austin called Frisco, North Carolina, home. DONALD AUTERY Pensioner Donald Autery, 72, died March 29. He embarked on his career with the union in 1989 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Autery worked with Allied Transportation until he became a pensioner in 2011. He resided in South Mills, North Carolina. Pensioner Joseph Costa, 94, passed away March 6. Brother Costa began sailing in 1950. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Islander. Brother Costa concluded his career aboard the Eagle and retired in 1995. He resided in Northborough, Massachusetts. JOHN DORSEY Pensioner John Dorsey, 81, died March 2. Brother Dorsey sailed as a deck department member. He last shipped aboard the Denali and began collecting his pension in 2003. Brother Dorsey made his home in Rincon, Georgia. PHILIP HAWES DAVID KEEFE Pensioner David Keefe, 65, passed away March 8. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Gulf Trader. Brother Keefe was a deck department member and concluded his career working with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. WAYNE PROUDLOVE Pensioner Wayne Proudlove, 79, died February 28. He began sailing with the SIU in 1969 when he was employed with Berg Towing Company. Brother Proudlove worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the American Eagle in 1989. Brother Proudlove started collecting his pension in 2014 and called Rogersville, Tennessee, home. Pensioner Philip Hawes, 78, passed away March 5. Brother Hawes sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Energy Enterprise before becoming a pensioner in 2005. Brother Hawes lived in Harahan, Louisiana. JAMES HOCKING Pensioner James Hocking, 75, died February 26. Brother Hocking worked in the deck department. He retired in 2014 after concluding his career with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Hocking resided in East Falmouth, Massachusetts. RICHARD JOHNSON Brother Richard Johnson, 93, has passed away. Brother Johnson sailed in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Chesapeake Bay and lived in Goose Creek, South Carolina. LOUIS SMITH Pensioner Louis Smith, 84, passed away February 21. A deck department member, he joined the union in 1967 when he worked with National Marine Service. Brother Smith was last employed with OSG Ship Management and retired in 1993. He resided in Riverview, Florida. NMU ANDREW EGRESSY Pensioner Andrew Egressy, 87, passed away March 4. Brother Egressy signed on with the SIU in 1999. He first sailed aboard the Sam Laud and shipped in the engine department. Brother Egressy concluded his career aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger and retired in 2008. He lived in East Concord, New York. JOSEPH COSTA AGUEDO SABINO Pensioner Aguedo Sabino, 81, died January 19. Brother Sabino was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Energy Enterprise. He became a pensioner in 2009 and made his home in Portugal. CAROL ALLEN Pensioner Carol Allen, 70, died March 28. Brother Allen shipped in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Chesapeake and began collecting his pension in 2010. Brother Allen called Milton, Massachusetts, home. 15 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2025 ERNESTO SALANO Pensioner Ernesto Salano, 97, passed away March 28. Brother Salano worked in the deck department. He sailed on his final vessel, the Delaware Trader, before retiring in 1996. Brother Salano resided in Isabela, Puerto Rico. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. CALIFORNIA (Fairwater Tanker Management), February 23 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Dante Cruz, Educational Director Demarkus McNabb, Deck Delegate Leonard Ajoste, Engine Delegate Latiffe Brooks, Steward Delegate Rey Chang. Chairman discussed the upcoming change of ownership. SIU contract agreement to stay in place. He reminded members to clean rooms before signoff. Educational director encouraged crew to renew documents as early as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed the latest union constitutional changes, including dues increases and four new constitutional halls, as approved by rank-and-file members during the most recent balloting period. Crew asked for tour of duty forms to be forwarded to ship. Vote of thanks given to all for working great together and special thanks given to steward department for providing excellent meals. Members requested increases in both safety boot allowances and vacation days to 18 for 30. Next port: Long Beach, California. TORM TIMOTHY (Eco-Tankers Crew Management, LLC), March 2 – Chairman Troy Glatter, Secretary Jeremias Luenzo, Educational Director Abasiama Essien-Ete. Members welcomed new steward/ baker and reported excellent morale on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed ship launches and ship restrictions as well as the Eco Tankers contract. Bosun requested new pillows and fitted sheets. Captain is trying to get them in Singapore. AMERICAN FREEDOM (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 6 – Chairman Joshua Mensah, Secretary Bruce Johnson, Deck Delegate Dwuan Reed, Engine Delegate Melgar Daguio, Steward Delegate Andrew Miller. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, and to renew documents early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was commended for a job well done. Chairman instructed crew to keep TVs connected so they work for the next member and reminded everyone to be considerate of those who are sleeping when closing doors. Members were reminded about phone use and shipboard safety. LIBERTY PASSION (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 6 – Chairman Duane Frosburg, Secretary Jessica Davis, Deck Delegate Efren Guerrero Cordova, Engine Delegate Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Steward Delegate William Johnson. New Wi-Fi routers to be installed once ship returns to U.S., per chairman. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center and to keep documents up to date. Members requested online access for job boards and/or fuel reimbursement for those who travel long distances. Crew asked for completion of duty to not be deemed a quit in instances where they do not get a relief. Members suggested adding a larger TV, gaming systems, better books and DVDs to improve crew lounge. Seafarer at Work Bosun Kemer Rojas is pictured aboard the Maersk Durban. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 JUNE 2025 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Latest Course Dates Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 30 Sept. 29 July 11 Oct. 10 Able Seafarer - Deck Sept. 1 Oct. 13 Dec. 1 Sept. 19 Oct. 31 Dec. 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Welding July 14 Aug. 25 Oct. 6 Aug. 1 Sept. 12 Oct. 24 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook July 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 ServSafe Management June 30 Sept. 8 Nov. 17 July 4 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 Advanced Galley Operations July 21 Aug. 18 Sept. 15 Nov. 10 Aug. 15 Sept. 12 Oct. 10 Dec. 5 Chief Steward Oct. 13 Dec. 8 Nov. 7 Jan. 2, 2026 Engineers Needed OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Basic Training Revalidation June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 Tank Ship Fam. - DL Aug. 11 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Aug. 15 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Tank Ship Fam./LG Aug. 4 Sept. 22 Oct. 27 Aug. 8 Sept. 26 Oct. 31 Chief Engineer/Engine Instructor (full- or part-time) The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has opportunities for qualified individuals to come ashore and use their seagoing experience to help prepare the next generation of mariners. Our instructors’ professionalism helps sustain a unique and dynamic environment throughout our campus in Piney Point, Maryland. If you’re potentially interested in applying to be an instructor, please email monicaszepesi@seafarers.org with a copy of your credential. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. JUNE 2025 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #919 – Recently graduating: Fuad Ali, Sincere Davenport, Dominick Davis, Ralpheal Evans, Travis Flippin, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Harry Hurley, Reon James, Tomeria Kendrick, Karen Lira, Eric Nieves Jr., Lamillian Phillips, James Regan Jr., Demetrius Soto, Ishay Thomas, Trey Traughber, Noah Welch and Timothy Wheeler. FOWT – Among those graduating April 11: Ismael Andriamasy, D'Angelo Brown, Robert Crain, Luke Eastman, Joshua Higdon, Brandon Jordan, Harry McKever II, Cristian Salazar and Decontee Saypoh. DECK OPERATIONS – Graduated April 4: Raheem Ali, David Henneken, Darren Joseph, Robert Kitchen III, Evan Koslofsky, Dennis Krevey Jr., Christopher Leasure, Stephen Pagan Laureano, Alejandro Rivera Martinez, Hayden Scott and Jacob Watson. FIRST AID – Graduated April 11 (not all are pictured): Abdulhak Ahmed, Tajle Johnson, Anthony Pace, Yoali Salcedo and Justin Shepler. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated April 4: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris, Joseph Prather and Ayinde Richards. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduating April 11 (not all are pictured): Wajdi Ali, Sequoya Anderson, Thomas Bateman, Torina Brooks, Milton Buelto Fernandez, Dean Diaz Sr., Joy Eady, Casey Frederick, Daniel Hanback, Ardeccia Hill, Marquis Hill, Richetta Jackson, Ekaterina Jansone, Christian Jones, William Kilbuck, Arthur Kinsman, Steven Laubach, Angela Lewis, Kharon Mitchell, Ali Qasem, Ta'tiyana Roberts, Kassem Salem Sr. and Benjamin Wilson. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MARINE ELECTRICIAN – Graduated April 18: Micah Champion, Sherrod Frazier, Danielle Gore, Eric Hondel, Damon Johnson, Sherman Kennon Jr., Zion Lyons, Dennis Malaran, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Tyson Richardson, Marcelino Santos Bermeo and Sean Wilson. JUNE 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated April 4: Frank Balitewicz, Averey Branch, Hunter Buster, Jadreanna Charleston, Jayvon Clayborn, Abdelhamid Dika, Charles Evans Jr., Cayden Foster, Austin Gottschlich, David Hebb, Nasir Hinton, Savonce Jackson, Christopher Johnston, Joshua Jordan, Tristan Kinsella, David Levin, Michael Saputo, Tyrone Scott Jr., Terrell Slater, Natalia Smith, Jermerish Standberry, Alayla Tilley and Darius Washington. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Among those graduating April 18: Lekeano Babb, Tristan Casarez, Genesis Diaz Jimenez, Jonathan Gil Paul, Kier Hansen, Joshua Harrell, Kevin Johnson, Keith Jordan III, Freedom Le, Heaven McInnis, Alec Neace, Eric Nieves Cortes, Tyler Singletary, Charles Stratton, Mirela Sutter, Leon Thompson-Repole, Jeffery Vega, Maxwell Walsh, Tre'von Warren and Isaiah Wells. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated April 25: Ronzell Collins, Grayson Goodwin, Raheem Joseph, Kassidy Mays, Unique Owens, Kendric Payne, Kyunjre Randall, Brittney Sharp and Natanael Velez Cordero. RFPNW – Graduated April 25: Sincere Davenport, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Tomeria Kendrick, Lamillian Phillips, James Regan Jr., Deandre Ryan and Timothy Wheeler. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated April 11 (not all are pictured): Ahmed Ali, Scott Brainard, Kyra Buggs, Joshua Collins, John Edwards Jr., Jermie Francis, Bobbie Gibbs, Mohammed Gir, Carlos Gomez Hernandez, Deon Greenidge, Ja'von Harvey, Raphael Henson, Olivier Kozel, June Margaja, Jeffrey Phillips, Erwin Renon, Saleh Saeed and Wilma Smith. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated May 2: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason SERVE SAFE MGMT – Graduated April 25, from left to right: Emma DiGennaro and LaToya Sanford-Leggs. JUNE 2025 Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris and Joseph Prather. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �JUNE 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 6 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Cape Knox Gets It Done The SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel MV Cape Knox, operated by Keystone Shipping Company, recently mobilized under a no-notice turbo activation – and the crew exceeded all performance expectations, according to vessel master Capt. Darin L. Huggins. The ship on Feb. 3 started transforming from reduced operating status (ROS) to full operating status (FOS) for a 10-day sea trial. Huggins noted that, hours after the initial contact from the U.S. Maritime Administration, a follow-on communication came from the Military Sealift Command: load up and deploy. “The SIU and MEBA answered that call, rapidly preparing the mighty Knox for an overseas deployment supporting multiple surge sealift missions,” Huggins stated. “Over the course of 90 days of exceptional operational performance, the crew delivered consistent results, earned multiple Bravo Zulus, and enjoyed some legendary BBQs.” The SIU members who participated in the Cape Knox activation included Bosun Ivan Vargas, ABM Terry Jackson, ABM Chester Pickens, ABM Edward Copeland, ABM Willie Dawston, ABM Saleh Almatari, OS Jason Pierce, QEE Jurgen Gottschlich, Oiler Joseph McClam, Oiler Jeremiah Anderson, Oiler Christopher Fisher, Steward/Baker Kenisha Neal, Chief Cook Zion Bradford, SA Latianah Griggs, SA Mohamed Diallo, GUDE Kimcherria Henry, GUDE Benito Chief Cook Zion Bradford grills some chicken for the crew. Figueroa, and GVA Dion Sanchez Cubas. “When I got on the ship on Feb. 5 in New Orleans, it was ROS at that time. We were supposed to do a 10day activation, and it turned into an actual mission,” said Pierce. “I was in New Orleans for Super Bowl weekend, so that was pretty cool, and then we took the ship up to Charleston, South Carolina. After that is when we got activated for the mission.” Pierce, who began his journey as a Seafarer only a year ago, was aboard the Cape Knox completing his first full mission, outside of doing sea trials. This was also Pierce’s first time out of the country. “It was pretty exciting,” he said. “I can't wait to do another one.” Similarly, Gottschlich, a seasoned Seafarer with decades of experience, was content to have what might be his final voyage before retirement aboard the Cape Knox. “This might be my last trip as a merchant seaman so, fortunately, we ended up with a great captain,” he said. “When we were out anchor, he made sure we had a launch to be able to go to shore to release some of this stress from working on the ship, 24/7. He made the trip very pleasurable for us.” “The last time this ship was activated was two years prior, and they did a round-the-world trip,” added Gottschlich. Transitioning a ship from ROS to FOS creates a host of opportunities, said Bosun Vargas. “ROS is great for us. I'm a married man who has bills, and a wife and kids, and this has been AB Sal Almatari and 2M Liam Reddan pose for a quick photo. Pictured above are many of the SIU members who sailed aboard the Keystone vessel during its recent activation. Kneeling in the front row (left to right) are AB Saleh Almatari and Electrician Jurgen Gottschlich. Standing behind them, from left to right are Bosun Ivan Vargas, AB Chester Pickens, QMED Jeremiah Anderson, GUDE Kimcherria Henry, AB Willie Dawston, AB Terry Jackson, AB Edward Copeland, QMED Christopher Fisher, OS Jason Pierce, and GUDE Benito Figuero. helpful financially for us,” he said. mission goes, there were no incidents He continued, “ROS is less or anything like that.” demanding, with less activity and less Huggins said that the Cape Knox pressure. The responsibility with FOS “stands as proof: When the call comes, is higher, because we do have more the U.S. Merchant Marine – with SIU work to do. We have to perform to and MEBA on board – will always the very best of our abilities, which is deliver. The mariners aboard the Cape always the case, but you could say we Knox stepped up and demonstrated have to do our jobs even more. Because once again that the U.S. Merchant the ship is at sea and because we have Marine remains a vital asset in support cargo, we have a higher responsibility.” of our nation’s warfighters.” When a vessel is in ROS, the Vargas said he was thankful the mariners aboard the ship comprise mission went smoothly. a skeleton crew, with only a handful “We went to some dangerous places of mariners working while the vessel where we were restricted to the ship, waits for its next military support but that was beneficial to us because voyage, Gottschlich explained. “There I feel that the union, the company are 11 of us…. We maintain the ship and and the government were concerned get it ready and make sure it's prepared about our safety,” said Vargas. “It went for its next activation,” he said. great. We have a great captain and “It was a pretty smooth transition crew. Nobody got hurt, which is the from ROS to FOS,” said Pierce. “There main thing, and everybody is safe. We were some long days, but we also will make it back home safely to our had some short days after we got families.” everything secured for sea. As far as the Electrician Jurgen Gottschlich Bosun Ivan Vargas The vessel (three photos directly above) upheld the United States Merchant Marine’s role as America’s fourth arm of defense. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource JUNE 2025 Description An account of the resource SIU HELPS CELEBRATE SHIPS ACT REINTRODUCTION MTD CHARTS COURSES FOR BOLSTERING MARITIME PROTECTING WORKERS RIGHTS EXECUTIVE BOARD DEFINES FUTURE PRIORITIES CONGRESSMAN URGES PROWORKER PLATFORMS COOPERATIVE DIALOGUE FEDERATION PRESIDENT SHOWS THE WAY FORWARD AMP PRESIDENT SEES GREAT PROMISE FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY SHIPS ACT WILL BOLSTER INDUSTRY CAPE KNOX GETS IT DONE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO. 6 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/63c200f8c3d20a517e69028ea171854f.pdf 9161743bbabadeaa20268460bfa4beda PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 12 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO BECK NOTICE • PAGE 5 // SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS • PAGE 8 �President’s Report Sailing Ahead as One Crew For several months leading up to Election Day, both in this space and elsewhere, I periodically suggested that our society as a whole would do well to remember that we are ultimately on the same side, even if we differ about certain governmental policies and preferred political candidates. With November 5 behind us, the SIU already has been working to promote and protect your jobs as well as the overall American maritime industry and the labor movement. Those efforts never end, regardless of who’s in office, and they take place at every level of government. Although the union-endorsed candidate did not win the presidential election, I remain confident in the sound reasoning behind our choice, starting with many years of having demonstrated unwavering support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. As reported elsewhere in this edition, a number of SIU-backed candidates did win in the House and Senate, respectively, and those outcomes should help us advance our goals. If you have paid attention to politics for any length of time, particularly when it comes to the White House, you know that every presidential election is billed as “the most important one of our lifetimes.” There’s rarely a shortage of fervent support for the main candidates. The stress is real. Nevertheless, this one felt different, and not in a good way. I respectfully ask all of us, myself included, to take a deep breath and give people the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume the worst about someone just because they don’t share your opinion or didn’t vote the same way. Whether or not you even decide to talk about politics is up to you, though I’ve found it more and more difficult to completely avoid the subject in this age of 24/7 connectivity. Judging someone because of how they voted is a different story, and that’s something each one of us can in fact control. Most importantly, I believe we need to move forward and focus on the work that lies ahead. Just like our crews pull together to keep the ship moving on the right course, our brothers and sisters throughout the SIU must work as a team to help preserve the U.S. Merchant Marine along with the laws and regulations that protect freedom of association, workplace safety, overtime pay, and so much more. I for one am glad the elections are over, and as we adjust to the incoming administration, I’ll remain focused on protecting the jobs and job security of all Seafarers. On the maritime side, that work will involve solidifying ongoing support of the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference laws, the Tanker Security Program, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, domestic shipbuilding, plus other laws and statutes that help keep Old Glory flying on the oceans, coastlines, Great Lakes and inland waterways. Enacting the Ships for America bill would be a fantastic start. When it comes to workers’ rights and freedom of association, I don’t think it’s alarmist to say we’re anticipating choppier seas. It’s no secret that public-sector unions will be in the crosshairs, and I’ll also be pleasantly surprised if we don’t have to fight against a proposed national “right to work” law. There will be other challenges, too. As mentioned, we’re not waiting around. We’re engaged in the nation’s capital, both with fellow maritime stakeholders and with our brothers and sisters from organized labor. We’ll continue working on your behalf and we’ll keep you informed, as always. Congratulations to all of the winning candidates. On behalf of the SIU membership, we look forward to working with you. Holiday Wishes We are wrapping up this edition before Thanksgiving, and I flat cannot believe that the winter holidays are already upon us once again. If you cannot relate to the feeling that the years are flying by, then I say, enjoy your youth! Meanwhile, I wish everyone in our SIU family a safe, happy, healthy holiday season. For those of you who are working during the holidays, thank you for your dedication. I know from firsthand experience that being away from home at those times can be difficult, and I don’t take your commitment for granted. SIU Helps Welcome New Dredge With SIU members and union representatives in attendance, Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) on Oct. 25 conducted a naming ceremony for its newest trailing suction hopper dredge, the Galveston Island. Approximately 70 people attended the event, which took place in warm, sunny weather in Galveston, Texas. According to the company, “With a capacity of 6,500 cubic yards and a dredging depth of up to 100 feet, Galveston Island is equipped to handle complex operations while reducing its environmental impact. This state-of-the-art dredge can operate on biofuel, making it a cleaner option for dredging work in the Great Lakes and other coastal projects. It also meets EPA Tier 4 regulations, which minimizes its carbon footprint and protects marine life by reducing the risk of species entrapment.” GLDD added, “Conrad Shipyard has designed the Galveston Island dredger to meet today’s sustainability demands. The vessel is equipped with a high-power pumping system to facilitate dredging, and incorporates dynamic positioning and tracking technology, ensuring more precise and effective operations.” The Galveston Island is 348 feet long and nearly 70 feet wide. SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday attended the ceremony. Zavala read a congratulatory message from SIU President David Heindel that stated in part, “This new ship is the most modern and advanced hopper dredge in the U.S. fleet. The men and women of the Seafarers International Union are excited and proud to be your partners, and we’re equally enthusiastic about serving on board the vessels…. We also look forward to crewing the next hopper dredge, the Amelia Island, as well as GLDD’s new offshore wind vessel, the Acadia. This allows us to continue our long-standing, productive relationship as we promote growth in the domestic fleet. The new vessels also reinforce American innovation and capability.” Zavala said he considers dredging operations as “the backbone of the industry. Without it, other ships can’t do their job.” The Galveston Island is expected to replace one of the company’s older dredges, the Terrapin Island, while the Amelia Island is slated for delivery in 2025. Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 12 Clara Petterson, wife of GLDD CEO Lasse Petterson, (right) does the honors during the gathering in Galveston, Texas. Multiple SIU crews from the dredge assemble for the ceremony. December 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG The new dredge is a state-of-the-art addition to the SIU-crewed Great Lakes Dredge & Dock fleet. (Photo by Jacob Luikart, via Marine Traffic) DECEMBER 2024 �Voting Continues in SIU’s 2024 Election Voting started last month and will continue through Dec. 31 in the election of officers of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. Balloting is taking place at 20 SIU halls across the country. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 2025-2028 term. Seafarers may obtain their ballots from 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays through Saturdays (except legal holidays), until Dec. 31. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions). Only two of the positions have more than one candidate running; those positions are highlighted on the ballot. Also included on this year’s ballot are 23 proposed amendments to the SIU Constitution. At the hiring halls and, when possible, on some ships or other locations where members congregate that are relatively close to a hall, a member in good standing (upon presenting his or her book) is given a ballot and two envelopes. After his or her selection is marked, the ballot is folded and placed inside an envelope marked “ballot.” That envelope then is sealed inside a postage-paid envelope bearing the mailing address of the bank depository where ballots are kept until submitted to the union tallying committee. The rank-and-file tallying committee, consisting of two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will be elected in December. They will convene in early January and will tabulate and announce the election results. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations and other related information appears on Pages 9-14 of the October 2024 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. From left, Chief Storekeeper Stacy Davis, SA Keyanna Williams, and Chief Cook Rosemary Glover are ready to vote at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall on the first day of balloting. Aboard the Isla Bella (TOTE Services) in Jacksonville, Florida, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman (left) prepares for members to secure their respective ballots. Recertified Bosun Tavell Love is at right; AB Jan Jalloh is standing. AB Alton Glapion casts the first vote at the New Orleans hall. Securing the first ballot this year at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is Chief Steward Jacob Parrilla (right), a second-generation Seafarer. At left is Safety Director Ricky Rivera. First to vote in Tacoma, Washington, is SA Abdul Yahia (right). He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. For more photos of SIU members voting in the union election, see page 11 Recertified Bosun Noel Otero completes his ballot aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE Services) in Puerto Rico. Pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall on the first day of voting are (from left) ABG Rodante Niebres, ABG Paul Amato, Steward/Baker Jose Norales, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, OMU Denard Williams, and ABM Gary Boyd. DECEMBER 2024 Securing his ballot at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is Recertified Steward Ismael Garayua. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 3 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Election Day Proves Fruitful For SIU-Backed Candidates Congressional candidates who received backing from the SIU’s voluntary political action fund enjoyed lots of success on Election Day. Of the 50 House of Representatives members (from a total of 435, plus four delegates) receiving support from the Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD) during the 2024 cycle, 47 of them won, with one race still too close to call at press time. In the Senate, SPAD supported 17 individuals (from a total of 33); 13 of them won, with one race still too close to call. The SIU-endorsed candidate for the presidency did not win, although no SPAD money was given in that race. Specifically commenting on the presidential election, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “Presidential administrations change, but the labor movement’s values do not. We stand for the freedom to organize and for the right to collectively bargain. We stand for solidarity – the kind that is built when working people stand together to take on the biggest, richest bosses and the most powerful extremist politicians. Most importantly, we know how to fight back when anyone comes after our freedoms. “This result is a blow for every worker who depends on our elected leaders to fight for our jobs, our unions and our contracts,” she continued. “We organized for months to produce a nearly 17-point advantage for Vice President Kamala Harris with union members. But it is clear that the economic struggle working-class people are facing is causing real pain and neither party has sufficiently addressed it.” Shuler concluded, “Organized labor is the path forward. In unions, people have power to build a stable foundation for themselves and their families. To say, ‘It’s Better in a Union,’ is not simply a slogan – it’s the way to level the playing field and create a path to economic security for every working person. The nearly 13 million union members of the AFL-CIO won’t be divided and we won’t back down. We will be there for each other and we will fight every step of the way for every worker in this country, no matter who sits in the Oval Office.” These pre-Election Day photos from the Pacific Northwest include SIU personnel with U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (front, right, in photo at left), U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (left in photo at top, with Safety Director Danielle Woodward), and (remaining photo) U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (center), with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp (left) and Patrolman Dennison Forsman. Strickland, Larsen and Smith, Washington State Democrats who are all strong supporters of the U.S. Merchant Marine, won re-election to Congress. 2025 Meeting Dates Port Traditional Date JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Piney Point Jersey City Philadelphia Baltimore Jacksonville San Juan Algonac Norfolk Houston New Orleans Mobile Oakland Port Everglades Joliet St. Louis Honolulu Wilmington Guam Tacoma 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 18 20 21 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 7 8 9 10 10 10 17 11 14 15 16 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 5 6 7 8 8 8 15 9 12 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 19 22 23 2 3 4 5 5 5 12 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 16 20 20 7 8 9 10 10 10 17 11 14 15 16 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 4 5 6 7 7 7 14 8 11 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 18 21 22 8 9 10 11 11 11 18 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 6 7 8 9 9 9 16 10 14 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 20 23 24 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 12 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 8 9 10 11 11 11 18 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 26 26 Monday after first Sunday Tuesday after first Sunday Wednesday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday *Thursday after second Sunday Friday after first Sunday Monday after second Sunday Tuesday after second Sunday Wednesday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Monday after third Sunday Thursday after third Sunday Friday after third Sunday 6 7 8 9 9 9 16 10 13 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 21 23 24 Circled dates indicate changes due to holiday observances -- Meetings start at 10:30 a.m. *A proposed amendment to the SIU Constitution would change the regular date of the Algonac, Michigan, membership meeting so that it occurs each month on the Thursday after the second Sunday. This chart reflects a schedule based on membership approval of that specific amendment. If the amendment isn’t approved (voting doesn’t end until Dec. 31, 2024), the LOG will furnish dates for the Algonac meetings accordingly. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 DECEMBER 2024 �Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such ar- DECEMBER 2024 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act rangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2023 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 80.05 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $400.25 (four hundred dollars and twenty-five cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2025 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025 will have this calculation applied to their 2025 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2026, your objection must be received by December 1, 2025. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2023. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, Tom Orzechowski Secretary-Treasurer SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Rep. Dingell Honored By Great Lakes Group The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) on Oct. 28 recognized U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) with its Legislator of the Year Award “for her efforts advocating for the Great Lakes Navigation System and the American workers that ensure a resilient maritime supply chain which drives the nation’s economic base,” the group said in a news release. The SIU is a GLMTF affiliate. “The Great Lakes are not only an important natural resource but a way of life that supports communities across our region and country, creating more than 1.5 million jobs, supplying 90 percent of our nation’s fresh surface water, and generating $62 billion in wages every year,” Dingell stated. “They are critical to numerous industries, supply chains, and our economy, and support countless families’ livelihoods. As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I’m honored to be recognized by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force and will continue to fight in Congress to protect these waters and all who depend on them.” Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association and vice president of the GLMTF, said, “It is an honor and privilege to present this award to Representative Dingell. She strengthened navigational infrastructure by supporting funding to finish the critical new large navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan and pressing for the acquisition of a desperately needed U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes.” The task force in its announcement added, “Representative Dingell understands the need to attract and retain a skilled workforce like those needed at the Soo Locks. As the only waterway connection between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Soo Locks are the linchpin of the Great Lakes Navigation System. In 2022, the Department of Defense reduced the wage rate for 77 skilled laborer positions at the Soo Locks Complex by 19 percent. Two-thirds of the workers occupying those positions are veterans. She has been a catalyst for a solution proposing that the Department of Defense approve the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers May 2022 request for a special salary rate (SSR) to restore the wage scale lost in 2022 for these 77 positions.” John Clemons, Great Lakes vice president of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers, said, “Representative Dingell is a true champion for the Great Lakes and the hard-working men and women which keep the pilot light of the North American economy lit. Representative Dingell has been a strong supporter of the Jones Act, which ensures the more than 147,000 U.S. jobs tied to the Great Lakes maritime industry remain in America.” The award ceremony took place on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, with nearly 80 members, is the largest coalition to speak for the Great Lakes Navigation System. Advocating for NMC: Rejection of Incomplete Applications Editor’s note: The following news item was issued by the National Maritime Center in late October. It is available on the agency’s website and on the SIU website. Rejection of Incomplete Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Applications During Initial Screening The National Maritime Center (NMC) will begin rejecting incomplete merchant mariner credential (MMC) application submissions during initial screening beginning December 1, 2024. MMC application submissions that are incomplete due to missing the following required items will be rejected: • a complete CG-719B on the current version of the form • evidence the applicant holds or has applied for a TWIC card • evidence of payment of the required evaluation fee (use of pay.gov is the preferred method of fee payment) • evidence of satisfying applicable drug testing requirements. If an application package is found to be missing any of these items during initial screening, the applicant will be e-mailed a Notice of Rejected Incomplete Application indicating what is missing. If the original submission is rejected, the applicant will have to resubmit the entire application package and include the missing item(s). The documentation in the U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) domestic and international shipping, its members represent labor and management from U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards, and other Great Lakes interests. The Great Lakes commercial maritime industry generates more than $36 billion in economic activity each year. application submission will not be retained by the NMC or returned to the applicant. Guidance on how to complete an MMC application can be found on the NMC website. If submitting via regular mail or other courier service (FedEx, UPS, etc.), please retain a copy of your submission including all original documents. Should you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Sincerely, B. W. Clare Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer Important Notice: Updated Merchant Mariner Credential and MMC-related Documentation E-mail Submission Instructions Editor’s note: The U.S Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) issued the following notice on Aug. 12. The bulletin is available on the SIU website; printed copies have been posted at the hiring halls. Additionally, the notice appears in the September LOG. Please note that as of early November, both the union and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, have become aware of instances when medical certificate applications have been rejected because of one or more of the following: multiple attachments, as opposed to a single PDF document (can be multiple pages); PDF document names that do not adhere to the agency’s requirements; mistakes in subject lines; using an image file instead of a PDF. Detailed instructions about applying for a medical certificate are available at: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/medical_certificate/ Finally, be aware that when an individual applies for a merchant mariner credential and/or a medical certificate, he or she normally will receive an immediate confirmation of receipt from the agency, via email. Such confirmation only means the NMC received the message; it does not necessarily mean there are no problems with the application. The National Maritime Center (NMC) has established a centralized e-mail inbox for the submission of certain merchant mariner credential (MMC) applications to streamline the MMC application submission process and better manage the receipt and initial processing of incoming MMC applications. Regional exam centers (RECs) will continue to receive and process MMC applications for Local Limited, Restricted, and First Class Pilot MMCs. Please continue to e-mail, mail, or hand- deliver these applications to the local REC responsible for the routes requested. E-mail is the preferred method for submission of these applications. The e-mail and physical address for each of the RECs is available on the NMC’s Regional Exam Centers webpage. Please note that sending First Class Pilot/Local Limited applications directly to the NMC may result in delays in processing your application. The NMC is centralizing the submission of all other MMC applications. The preferred method of application submission is e-mail. If you are applying for anything other than a Local Limited, Restricted, or First Class Pilot credential, please e-mail your application to MMCApplications@uscg.mil. Processing times at the NMC vary based on e-mail volume. Sending information via e-mail to the incorrect e-mail address or sending the same information to several e-mail addresses not only causes delays in processing for other mariners but will significantly delay the processing of your information. MMC and medical certificate applications and information are processed separately and should not be sent to the same e-mail address. For more detailed guidelines on submitting medical certificate applications and information, visit the NMC’s Medical Certificate webpage. You can help us improve our processing times by sending MMC applications as indicated above AND by adhering to the guidelines below when sending any other information electronically: • Subject lines for MMC related e-mails should include: the mariner’s last name, mariner’s first name, and mariner’s reference number (if available). 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 • Attachments should be in PDF format, named in the following format: Mariner Last Name_Mariner First Name_ Mariner Reference Number (if available). For example: Smith_John_1234567. • Only submit documentation in PDF format attached to the e-mail. Other formats (including links to PDFs) will not be accepted and your application and/or documentation will not be returned. • Drug test results are part of your MMC application and should NOT be sent with your Medical application (CG 719K or K/E). • E-mail documentation/information in response to an awaiting information letter related to an MMC application to: MMC-Awaiting-Info@uscg.mil. • E-mail general questions and requests for status updates to: IASKNMC@uscg.mil. • Do not send the same documentation and/or information to more than one e-mail address. • Send all required documentation with your application. • Mariners who do not have an active MMC application in process at the NMC or an REC should hold all documentation until they submit their next MMC application. Documents received without an open MMC application are not processed and will not be returned. Be advised that the NMC West Virginia does not accept walk-ins or in-person delivery of applications. RECs do accept in-person delivery of applications with an appointment. Should you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 DECEMBER 2024 �OSG Inland Crews Ratify Contract Seafarers have approved a new three-year contract with the inland division of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Members unanimously ratified the agreement in mid-August; the pact covers approximately 40 Seafarers employed by OSG. The SIU negotiating committee included Delegate AB/Tankerman Edmund Putro, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice. The contract includes substantial wage increases in each year of the agreement, which is retroactive to April 1, 2024. The pact also includes an additional holiday, plus increases to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and other benefits, all while maintaining existing health benefits and 2-for-1 pension contributions. Reflecting on the bargaining and the contract itself, Baselice said, "We are pleased with the outcome of negotiations. Through cooperation, a concerted effort and the flexibility of extending our discussions, we were able to remain focused on our intended outcome. With the support of all of the SIU members working aboard OSG vessels, we were able to achieve a beneficial agreement that best addressed their stated needs." The crew onboard the OSG ATB Horizon (from left to right): Kelly Marsh, Dan Doherty, Ed Putro (who also served on the negotiating committee) and Grant Fedukovich. Mariners, Jones Act Tankers Commended for Relief Efforts Editor’s note: The following news item is from the Apostleship of the Sea: The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America (AOS-USA) through its administrative board wishes to recognize and commend the heroic and dedicated service of our U.S. Merchant Mariners and our Jones Act tanker fleet in support of our nation’s hurricane relief and response efforts. Captain George McShea, President of AOS-USA commented, “Our U.S. seafarers and our U.S.-flag companies have always answered the call in times of national emergencies and the recent devastating storms impacting the southern US are no exception. Time and time again U.S. seafarers deliver the needed and vital aid and energy resources in both national emergencies and in war time.” AOS-USA supports and recognizes these valiant efforts and actions. AOS-USA calls on and encourages Americas youth to consider continuing this long and great American tradition of seagoing service to our country by pursuing a career in the maritime industry. The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are U.S.-crewed, built, flagged and owned. More than 90 nations across the globe maintain some form of cabotage law. In the U.S., the Jones Act helps maintain more than 653,000 American jobs while contributing billions of dollars each year to the economy. Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: - Equal rights to participate in union activities - Freedom of speech and assembly - Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments - Protection of the right to sue - Safeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: - Nominate candidates for office - Run for office - Cast a secret ballot - Protest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an DECEMBER 2024 elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: - File an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. - Retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: - Conduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. - Conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. - Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. - Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. - Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). - Permit candidates to have election observers. - Allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol. gov SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $409,808,426 as of December 31, 2023 compare to $344,518,301 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its assets of $65,290,125. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $166,797,007. This income included employer contributions of $128,145,151, employee contributions of $417,800, realized losses of ($2,461,714) from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $37,775,294 and other income of $2,920,476. Plan expenses were $101,506,882. These expenses included $15,567,478 in administrative expenses and $85,939,404 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $15,676,447. These expenses included $1,389,816 in administrative expenses and $14,286,631 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,376 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $154,590,307 as of December 31, 2023 compared to $147,590,346 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $6,999,961. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $22,676,408, including employer contributions of $10,813,248, employee contributions of $133,974, gains of $1,024,807 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $10,704,379. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $34,614,407 as of December 31, 2023 compare to $32,110,526 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its assets of $2,503,881. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $81,286,747. This income included employer contributions of $77,494,851, realized losses of ($160,772) from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $3,490,022 and other income of $462,646. Plan expenses were $78,782,866. These expenses included $8,166,436 in administrative expenses and $70,616,430 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $5,309,981. These expenses included $149,658 in administrative expenses, $5,049,974 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $110,349 in deemed distributions. A total of 16,178 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $67,191,180 as of December 31, 2023 compared to $55,489,159 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $11,702,021. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $17,012,002, including employee contributions of $7,291,179, other contributions of $215,142 and earnings from investments of $9,505,681. 8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 • SEAFARERS LOG Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof for any or all of these employee benefit plans, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. 5. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 6. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 10312 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs for full reports will be (respectively) $12 for SHBP, $16.50 for SVP, $5.50 for 401(K), and $8.75 for SMPPP. The cost for any individual page or portion of a page (from any report) is 25 cents. You also have the right to receive from the Plan Administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. DECEMBER 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WEST COAST CONGRATS ‒ QEP Abasiama Essien-Ete (right) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Wilmington, California. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. MILESTONE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ AB Donald Desir (center) recently received his A-seniority book. Congratulating him are longtime friends Bosun Damon Anderson (left) and Patrolman Brian Guiry. TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA ‒ Hurricane Milton bumped back the October membership meeting in Jacksonville by one week, so these photos were taken Oct. 17 at the hall. Being sworn in (and facing the podium) are (from left) GUDE Latoria Fairley (B seniority), GUDE Zion Taylor (B seniority), ABM Malcolm Campbell (A seniority), Storekeeper Sean Outlaw (A seniority), OS Denis Moskalenko (B seniority) and Chief Cook Nyasa Henry (B seniority). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at the podium. ABOARD APL ISLANDER ‒ Pictured from left aboard the APL Marine Services ship are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, Chief Cook Lawanda Sloan, ACU Amad Kassem, and Recertified Steward Emanuel Spain. AT THE SAN JUAN HALL ‒ AB Felix Rivera (left) recently received his B book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with close friend and fellow Seafarer AB Erick Toledo. WITH SEAFARERS IN CHARM CITY ‒ A couple of noteworthy moments recently occurred at the hiring hall in Baltimore. AB Joseph Toth (left in photo above, left) received his A-seniority book, while Seafarer Sandra Norato (left in remaining photo) shared that she has completed her certified chief cook training at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Safety Director Jose Argueta is at right in both photos. He and Norato have crossed paths in Jersey City, Piney Point and Baltimore, with Argueta offering professional guidance as needed along the way. TALKING MARITIME IN TACOMA ‒ Pictured at ABOARD MISSOURI EXPRESS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are QEE Jetaime Mays, AB Darnell Jordan, and ABM Abubakr Quraish. the October membership meeting are (from left) Port Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, and Patrolman Dennison Forsman. GRASSROOTS ACTION ‒ Houston-area Seafarers helped get out the vote for pro-labor, pro-maritime candidates leading up to (and on) Election Day. In three photos above, SIU personnel team up with other volunteers from the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation and the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, for block walking and phone banking. DECEMBER 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9 SEAFARERS LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD PRESIDENT ADAMS – Displaying their favorite monthly periodical aboard the APL Marine Services ship are (from left) Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz, ACU Moosa Mohamed, and Steward/Baker Roberto Coronado. ABOARD USNS JACK LUMMUS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Crowley-operated vessel are Bosun Jonathan Haefner, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, and Chief Steward Masha Blas. AS SEEN IN THE COMMONWEALTH ‒ In the photo above, right, Bosun Eric Thor Young (right), who sailed with the SIU for 37 years, picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. SA Maria Legier is at right in the other photo, receiving her full book. Both members are pictured with SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls. ABOARD PATRIOT STATE – SIU members recently helped deliver the new training ship to Mass Maritime. SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson met with the crew Oct. 21 and thanked them for a job well done (he also submitted this photo of many of the Seafarers on board). TOTE Services operates the vessel when it is activated. RECRUITING NEVER STOPS – SIU personnel remain active across the country in promoting career opportunities with the union. In photo above, far left, Tacoma Safety Director Danielle Woodward (second from left) welcomes attendees at a recent career fair in the Pacific Northwest. In the snapshot above, far right, Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) and Fr. Sinclair Oubre (an active Seafarer) man a table at an event in Port Arthur, Texas. Chief Storekeeper Stacy Davis (above, second from right) is ready to discuss the SIU and the maritime industry during a recent career fair in Jacksonville, Florida, while Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick (left in remaining photo) speaks to a guest at a gathering in Pasadena, Texas. TOY DRIVE GOING STRONG – As previously noted, the SIU is teaming up with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) in Puerto Rico for a toy drive benefiting local schoolchildren. Several rank-and-file contributors along with hiring hall personnel are pictured above, delivering and gathering donations. Look for an event recap in a future edition. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2024 10 DECEMBER �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD OCEAN GLORY ‒ Safety MILESTONE IN ILLINOIS ‒ QEE Kyle Williamson receives his A-seniority book at the Joliet hall. Director Danielle Woodward (left) is pictured with Paul Hall Center Apprentice Lamonica Daniels at the gangway of the Patriot Shipping vessel last month in Tacoma, Washington. ABOARD MAERSK KINLOSS ‒ Pictured during a payoff aboard the vessel in Newark, New Jersey, are (from left) GUDE Jose Palacios, SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos, and Chief Cook Wilson Palacios. Jose and Wilson are brothers. Members Vote in SIU Election ABM Thyron Dy wraps up his voting aboard TOTE’s Perla Del Caribe. Recertified Steward Jesus Pacheco votes at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. GUDE Raenell Brewster (left) casts his ballot aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE Services) in Puerto Rico. At right is Safety Director Ricky Rivera. Voting in Norfolk, Virginia, on the first day of balloting is Bosun James Gregory. Chief Cook Thomas Smith (right) and SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman are pictured at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. DECEMBER 2024 Chief Cook Samone Alston arrives at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall to vote in the union election. QEE Michael Papaioannou (right) and SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson are pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall, where Papaioannou voted on Nov. 4. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 11 SEAFARERS LOG • 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 13, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 12 3 3 12 3 7 6 34 33 26 2 6 14 10 2 0 8 3 12 12 13 5 3 7 2 4 3 12 23 9 2 3 12 1 2 3 2 1 8 6 2 0 1 4 1 2 0 10 8 6 3 2 6 1 0 0 2 1 5 1 10 3 3 13 0 6 2 18 28 15 4 6 11 8 1 0 4 0 13 18 9 0 2 3 1 3 0 15 17 6 1 2 8 1 0 2 2 1 4 3 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 4 3 3 2 5 1 0 0 2 0 4 2 6 1 2 6 0 3 0 15 17 13 2 5 8 2 0 1 3 0 3 8 22 2 3 22 4 11 8 48 44 28 1 5 31 14 3 1 9 4 16 47 12 5 2 14 2 4 4 22 37 11 3 5 10 3 3 3 4 4 9 14 2 0 1 5 2 7 1 15 7 7 1 3 8 2 0 0 1 1 3 1 TOTAL 208 121 55 163 80 31 95 323 171 67 3 0 3 3 0 2 0 1 7 2 0 1 6 2 2 3 2 0 4 6 47 5 1 3 9 1 2 8 12 30 8 2 1 21 6 2 1 6 2 8 14 142 4 1 2 7 0 3 3 8 16 4 2 1 17 7 0 1 2 2 4 6 90 0 0 1 5 1 3 0 8 7 0 0 1 7 3 0 0 1 1 4 7 49 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 3 12 3 1 0 6 4 0 0 1 0 10 9 55 4 0 1 10 3 2 10 17 23 15 1 6 15 12 2 2 4 2 7 35 171 0 2 2 6 1 7 2 10 28 5 0 3 14 8 1 3 12 1 3 10 118 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 19 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 5 3 1 1 4 0 0 7 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 12 1 3 7 0 3 1 17 46 21 0 1 10 12 0 4 0 0 9 17 22 1 4 16 1 2 5 29 75 34 2 4 63 13 1 10 3 2 9 21 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to (412) 899-8989. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to (412) 899-8989. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. December & January Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: Dec. 2, Jan. 6 Friday: Dec. 6, Jan. 16 Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 Thursday: Dec. 19, Jan. 23 Honolulu Friday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17 Houston Monday: Dec. 9, Jan. 13 Jacksonville Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 Joliet Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: Dec. 11, Jan. 15 Tuesday: Dec. 10, Jan. 14 Tuesday: Dec. 3, Jan. 7 Norfolk Friday: Dec. 6, Jan. 10 Oakland Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 Philadelphia Wednesday: Dec. 4, Jan. 8 Port Everglades Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 San Juan Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 St. Louis Friday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17 Tacoma Friday: Dec. 20, Jan. 24 Wilmington Monday: Dec. 16, Tuesday: Jan. 21 Wilmington change due to holiday observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Engine Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 5 6 1 1 4 11 12 5 0 2 16 4 1 1 3 1 7 10 95 2 1 0 2 0 3 1 4 11 2 0 1 10 6 1 3 1 0 2 4 54 1 0 2 2 0 1 0 4 5 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 1 2 3 26 4 1 2 7 1 0 2 4 6 7 1 2 17 4 1 1 3 2 6 11 82 1 0 3 2 0 2 1 1 10 1 1 1 7 0 1 3 0 0 2 4 40 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 12 Steward Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 0 9 2 2 7 10 15 12 0 3 9 10 2 2 5 3 6 20 122 0 2 3 4 0 5 1 11 14 8 0 0 9 5 2 3 5 2 4 4 82 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 18 5 0 0 6 1 3 2 5 14 5 1 0 10 8 1 1 6 3 9 9 89 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 1 3 4 0 1 0 15 32 12 1 1 6 7 1 4 1 0 7 11 11 0 4 11 0 3 2 12 39 16 0 2 37 9 1 10 2 2 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 3 0 2 0 5 20 3 0 0 9 3 0 4 4 1 5 7 71 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 5 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 19 Entry Department 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 14 17 10 1 2 2 4 1 1 1 0 5 6 2 1 3 3 1 5 2 3 25 5 0 0 14 5 0 10 0 0 1 10 TOTAL 13 114 175 7 71 90 30 14 164 317 GRAND TOTAL 371 274 341 262 152 227 650 543 452 12 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG 438 DECEMBER 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August 13 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Jose Outeiral, Educational Director Oscar Garcia, Deck Delegate Christopher Smith, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Members discussed considerations for future contracts. Committee requested an MOU to be created between headquarters and company to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday and seek retroactive holiday pay differential for hours worked on Juneteenth 2024. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep an eye on credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New washing machines installed. Members requested cost-of-living pay increases. Chairman emphasized the importance of SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation) and how impactful donations are with helping protect the Jones Act. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for a job well done. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), August 28 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary David Johnson, Educational Director Agusto Rosales, Deck Delegate Loukas Fragkias, Engine Delegate Angel Aranda Gamboa, Steward Delegate Simone Smith. Chairman reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew and to keep documents up to date. He encouraged everyone to vote in the November elections. Secretary asked crew to maintain cleanliness in the dining areas and return all plates to the galley. Educa- tional director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like new furniture for crew lounge, new pillows, new comforters and new movies. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. OVERSEAS SANTORINI (Overseas Ship Management), August 31 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Michael Carello, Educational Director Mathew Palmer. Linens, galley equipment and Wi-Fi are all taken care of. Bosun thanked everyone for their professional attitudes and made plans to post new Seafarers LOGs when they become available. Secretary reiterated the importance of renewing documents early as well as participating in monthly union meetings. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Cold water fountain installed on each deck. Members discussed definition of “break in service” and how it may affect pension. Crew requested increases in vacation days and asked about purchasing Britta water filters. Members expressed gratitude for internet connectivity but noted some room for improvement in its daily duration of service. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 3 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Delbra Singleton-Leslie, Educational Director Joshua Zelinsky, Deck Delegate Modival Cagaoan, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Rey Chang. New washing machine installed in crew laundry. Chairman discussed shipping rules and insisted members get an early start on renewing documents. He instructed crew to defrost refrigerators for shipyard layup and reminded everyone to clean their cabins. Educational director talked about ROS status and how it affects wages and vacation benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members went over port agent’s report, SIU election information and the upcoming proposed dues increase in 2025. Members were thanked for all of their hard work, especially the steward department for providing great meals. Members requested increases to shoe reimbursements and vacation pay. Next port: Singapore. OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), September 15 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Rudy Lopez, Educational Director Michael Robinson, Deck Delegate Christopher Dickens, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. New ice machine in crew mess. Chairman expressed gratitude for everyone’s hard work maintaining and improving the vessel. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to keep all documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses, new pillows, high-definition cable channels and a higher food budget. Members would like increases to medical and dental care coverage. OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas Ship Management), September 21 – Chairman Paul Brown, Secretary Melvin Cooper, Educational Director Christopher Edwards, Deck Delegate Kevin Chan, Engine Delegate Lytrese Morton, Steward Delegate Jordan Griffin. Chairman underscored the importance of renewing medical certifications early. Educational director reminded members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested refrigerators in each room, shorter rotary jobs, more vacation, better Wi-Fi and a videogame system. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations), September 23 – Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Jody Owens, Engine Delegate Henry Cacal, Steward Delegate Norma Baucan. Chairman encouraged members to vote in upcoming SIU election and provided information on acquiring absentee ballots. He advised everyone to keep current on union dues. Secretary reminded crew to wash full loads when doing laundry rather than washing one or two items. Sanitary inspection went well, per secretary’s report. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and warned against waiting too long to renew Coast Guard credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like 25 for 30 vacation. Next port: Oakland, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- DECEMBER 2024 ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast This month’s question was answered by the most recent class of recertified bosuns. Question: What was one of your favorite or otherwise most memorable voyages, and what made it so? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Adiener Alfaro Recertified Bosun Edward Tennyson Recertified Bosun I have to say it was a trip when we ended up going to Africa, on a grain ship. We went to maybe 15 different ports. For me, that country is unique. I went to Sierra Leone one time, and it’s so sad. You see little kids with no arms. Running to South America, Brazil. The weather, the people. It was a nice, beautiful voyage. Julio Alvarez Recertified Bosun BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 One that stands out is 2003, in the middle of Operation Enduring Freedom, I worked on the SS Cape Inscription. We were loaded with ammunition, although we didn’t know exactly what it was. We got to Kuwait and the energy was electric. We were doing our part – we saw our soldiers on the dock and it was very fulfilling to be part of something so big. We were bringing stuff that they needed. GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 John Walsh Recertified Bosun JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 One of my favorite voyages was on the Sealand Crusader. It was nice taking work to the West Coast, from Puerto Rico to Hong Kong. It was one of the last voyages with some of my crew, because some of them retired after that trip. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Mario Ordonez Recertified Bosun A trip to Singapore back in 2002. I was able to spend a lot of time in the city, which was beautiful, and the food was so good. There is also zero tolerance for drugs and crime, so it was safe and crime-free. Alfie Cicat Recertified Bosun Being based in Tacoma, I really like doing the Alaska run. I really like how it is closer to home and I don’t have to be far from my family. Kelvin Johnson Recertified Bosun My favorite voyage was probably Guam. It’s a U.S. territory, which made it feel like home. We worked hard but there was always something to look forward to after work. You could go to the beach, swim, scuba dive, and enjoy the nightlife. It was a nice work-life balance. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Getting into the holiday spirit in 1981 aboard the Ogden Champion are Seafarers Richard Ward, John Fitzgerald, Peter Gonzalez, Ralph Maldonado, Herbert Boudreaux, James Baudoin, Silvio Marano and Charles Howell. 14 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS LOG • DECEMBER 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA ROBERT ALLEN Brother Robert Allen, 69, signed on with the union in 1974 when he sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Allen’s final vessel was the Duchess. He resides in Mobile, Alabama. GREG ALVAREZ Brother Greg Alvarez, 66, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Alvarez most recently sailed on the Ocean Freedom and lives in Miami. MICHAEL BRISCO Brother Michael Brisco, 65, joined the SIU in 2001. He first shipped on the Chelsea and sailed in the deck department. Brother Brisco upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Missouri Express and makes his home in Newport News, Virginia. HERMAN CASTRO Brother Herman Castro, 67, joined the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Castro most recently sailed on the Maersk Denver. He lives in Ocala, Florida. ISRAEL CORONEL Brother Israel Coronel, 66, joined the union in 2012 when he sailed aboard the President Polk. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Coronel last shipped on the Maersk Chicago and makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ALBERT ELLIS Brother Albert Ellis, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1990. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Cape Flattery. Brother Ellis upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He concluded his career on the Chemical Explorer and resides in Biloxi, Mississippi. SCOTT GETMAN Brother Scott Getman, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing on the El Paso Arzew. Brother Getman sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was last employed with Sealand. Brother Getman lives in Venice, Florida. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. CRAIG HOLDREDGE SAMUEL SINCLAIR Brother Craig Holdredge, 65, became a member of the union in 1978. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed with Orgulf Transport. Brother Holdredge upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed on the Sealand Express and settled in Santa Maria, California. Brother Samuel Sinclair, 71, embarked on his SIU career in 1989, first sailing aboard the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Sinclair was a member of the steward department. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career on the Jean Anne. Brother Sinclair lives in Eudora, Kansas. INLAND SHIRLEY JENKINS JOHN DEAN Sister Shirley Jenkins, 73, joined the union in 2007. She was a member of the steward department, and initially shipped on the Energy Enterprise. Sister Jenkins upgraded her skills often at the Piney Point school. She concluded her career aboard the USNS Impeccable and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. Brother John Dean, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1989. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Dean was employed by OSG Ship Management for the majority of his career. He settled in Fairfield, Connecticut. JOHN DIMEGLIO Brother John Dimeglio, 62, joined the SIU in 1983. Sailing as a deck department member, he worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Dimeglio calls San Pedro, California, home. TONI JOHNSON Sister Toni Johnson, 70, became a member of the union in 1996 when she sailed on the Independence. Sister Johnson worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. She most recently shipped on the USNS Dahl and resides in Keaau, Hawaii. BEN JOHNSON Brother Ben Johnson, 57, started sailing with the union in 1992 when he shipped on the Gemini. A deck department member, Brother Johnson upgraded his skills on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Pride and resides in Deerfield Beach, Florida. ALEXANDER MIRAGLIA Brother Alexander Miraglia, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1987. He first sailed with Orgulf Transport and worked in the deck department. Brother Miraglia upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Anchorage and is a resident of St. Charles, Missouri. ROBERT NOLE Brother Robert Nole, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he was employed with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Nole lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. DONALD SINCLAIR ALDO SANTIAGO Brother Aldo Santiago, 65, started his career with the union in 1980 and initially sailed aboard the Portland. Brother Santiago shipped in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Santiago was last employed with World Crane Services and settled in in Hallandale Beach, Florida. CLIFFORD SIMRIL Brother Clifford Simril, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1998 when he shipped on the Little Hales. A steward department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Simril most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Grace. He resides in Fort Worth, Texas. 15 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 DECEMBER 2024 Brother Donald Sinclair, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1980. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Sinclair was employed with G&H Towing for most of his career. He makes his home in Palacios, Texas. WILLIAM ULCH Brother William Ulch, 63, joined the union in 1986. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Ulch worked with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He settled in Sandia, Texas. TROY WILLIAMS Brother Troy Williams, 62, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Cape Isabel. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the engine department. Brother Williams was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ALOA AGOSTINO Pensioner Aloa Agostino, 97, died September 13. She became a member of the SIU in 1964. A steward department member, Sister Agostino first sailed aboard the Santa Magdelena. She last shipped on the Mahimahi and retired in 1999. Sister Agostino made her home in Corona Del Mar, California. JORGE BONELLI In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. Pensioner John Picciolo, 68, died August 20. He became a member of the SIU in 1973. Brother Picciolo initially sailed with Waterman Steamship. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Antares in 1994. Brother Picciolo went on pension in 2021 and resided in North Miami Beach, Florida. EDWARD PORTER Brother Jorge Bonelli, 61, has passed away. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1986, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Ohio. Brother Bonelli sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the El Yunque and lived in Kensington, Maryland. Pensioner Edward Porter, 66, passed away September 29. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1979 and first sailed aboard the H Atlantic. Brother Porter sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Maersk Pittsburgh and retired in 2019. Brother Porter lived in Jacksonville, Florida. CARLOS CASTILLO PETER RICE Brother Carlos Castillo, 52, died September 24. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1994 when he sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Castillo worked in all three departments and most recently sailed aboard the Seabulk Challenge. He resided in Houston. Brother Peter Rice, 53, died September 3. He joined the union in 1992 and initially shipped on the American Merlin. Brother Rice sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Harry Martin. He was a resident of Callahan, Florida. MILTON ISRAEL Pensioner Milton Israel, 74, passed away September 20. He joined the SIU in 1968 and first shipped on the Monticello. Brother Israel sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Sealand Eagle and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Israel made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. ERNEST LACUNZA Pensioner Ernest Lacunza, 86, died September 11. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1968, initially working on the Long Beach. Brother Lacunza was an engine department member and concluded his career aboard the Lawrence Gianella. He began collecting his pension in 2000 and resided in Sun Valley, Nevada. MICHAEL SCINTO Brother Michael Scinto, 69, passed away September 9. He became a member of the SIU in 1974 and first sailed aboard the Producer. Brother Scinto worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard the Maersk Iowa. He made his home in New York. THOMAS TAYLOR Pensioner Thomas Taylor, 86, died September 10. An engine department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1965. Brother Taylor’s first vessel was the Globe Carrier; his last, the Sam Houston. He went on pension in 2004 and settled in Norfolk, Virginia. SAUNDRA LEONARD Pensioner Saundra Leonard, 82, passed away September 19. She donned the SIU colors in 1992. A steward department member, Sister Leonard first shipped on the Independence. She last sailed aboard the Integrity and became a pensioner in 2013. Sister Leonard lived in Reno, Nevada. CHARLES PARMAN Pensioner Charles Parman, 67, died September 26. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1975 when he sailed aboard the Van Defender. Brother Parman was a deck department member and last shipped on the Liberty Star in 1998. He began collecting his pension in 2022 and settled in New Orleans. NMU JOHN PICCIOLO INLAND FRANK MARTINE Pensioner Frank Martine, 62, passed away September 13. He joined the union in 2003 when he worked with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Martine shipped in the deck department. He was last employed with G&H Towing and retired in 2021. Brother Martine resided in Livingston, Texas. HENRY WHITE Pensioner Henry White, 87, died August 30. He joined the union in 1976 and first sailed with Marine Contracting and Towing. A deck department member, Brother White remained with the same company until his retirement in 1988. He lived in Townville, South Carolina. 16 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS LOG JOSE ADAMES Pensioner Jose Adames, 85, died August 18. A deck department member, Brother Adames last shipped on the Green Harbor. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived in Manati, Puerto Rico. HANNAH BLAZEWICK Pensioner Hannah Blazewick, 81, passed away September 25. Sister Blazewick worked in both the deck and engine departments and last shipped on the Stella Lykes. She went on pension in 1997 and settled in Luning, Nevada. WARD BOURSAW Pensioner Ward Boursaw, 89, passed away August 22. Brother Boursaw worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Green Lake before becoming a pensioner in 2000. Brother Boursaw called Concrete, Washington, home. ALEJANDRO CRUZ Pensioner Alejandro Cruz, 97, died September 26. Brother Cruz began sailing in 1956. He concluded his career aboard the American Michigan and retired in 1986. He lived in Naguabo, Puerto Rico. KEVIN GASAWAY Pensioner Kevin Gasaway, 68, passed away September 16. He worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Maersk Maryland. Brother Gasaway became a pensioner in 2007 and made his home in Houston. ARNOLD JOHNSON Pensioner Arnold Johnson, 76, died September 3. He started sailing in 1967, initially aboard the Dolly Turman. A deck department member, Brother Johnson last shipped on the Marine Duval before retiring in 2003. He was a New Orleans resident. EARL JONES Pensioner Earl Jones, 94, passed away September 21. Brother Jones last sailed aboard the Texas Trader. He went on pension in 1982 and settled in Beaumont, Texas. WALTER JONES Pensioner Walter Jones, 99, died September 20. He began sailing in 1944. A steward department member, he first shipped on the St. Maheal. Brother Jones’s final vessel was the African Planet. He became a pensioner in 1973 and lived in Baltimore. JAMES POLLETTE Pensioner James Pollette, 97, passed away September 26. Brother Pollette last sailed aboard the Gulf King. He began collecting his pension in 1986 and resided in Nacogdoches, Texas. WALTER ROSE Pensioner Walter Rose, 92, died September 16. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Stella Lykes. Brother Rose became a pensioner in 1995 and called Blue Springs, Mississippi, home. DECEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 10 April 14 February 21 April 25 Basic Training February 3 April 7 February 7 April 11 RFPNW January 13 January 31 Basic Training Revalidation Able Seafarer - Deck January 20 February 10 March 17 February 7 February 28 April 4 January 6 January 10 January 27 January 31 March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 January 6 January 10 January 27 January 31 March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation March 17 March 18 Government Vessels January 27 February 24 March 17 April 7 January 31 February 28 March 21 April 11 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES RFPEW January 13 February 7 FOWT January 27 March 17 April 21 February 21 April 11 May 16 Welding January 13 February 24 April 21 January 31 March 14 May 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations January 13 February 10 March 10 April 7 February 7 March 7 April 4 May 2 Certified Chief Cook February 17 April 28 July 7 April 25 July 4 September 12 ServSafe Management February 10 April 21 June 30 February 14 April 25 July 4 Advanced Galley Operations February 3 March 3 March 31 February 28 March 28 April 25 Chief Steward January 6 April 28 June 23 January 31 May 23 July 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. DECEMBER 2024 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17 SEAFARERS LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #913 – Pictured above: Jasmine Brockington, Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda, Sherlyen Gedeon, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston Mejia-Johnson, Javion Riley-Medlock, Deandre Ryan, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton. RFPEW – Graduated September 20 (not all are pictured): Justine Headen, Christopher Holmes, Joshua Mair, Denise Parker, Lakisha Perry, Caleb Rawls, Kenneth Watts Berry, Conor Westbrook and Benjamin Wilkinson. RFPNW – Graduated September 27: Mathew Bolanos, Benjamin Brown, Tristan Chavers, Austin Gass, Richard Holland, Antoine Kozel, Corey Lopez, Lionel Packnett Jr., James Randall III, Raymond Richards, Sarah Silverleaf, Leondre Stevenson, Connor Stratton and Trent Valentine. RFPNW – Graduated September 13: Vensen Suguitan and Nature Torrey. WELDING – Graduated September 6: Francois Doucet III, Jylnn LeCounte, Alton Simpson, Ian Tarwater and Nashell Williams. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far left. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION DL – Graduated September 20: Jontae Allen, Zyon Anderson, Adam Atterberry Jr., Paul Conlon, Alexandria DeAtley, Gennaro Dimatteo, Nadia Forester, Kason Garibaldi, Jamari Gissentanner, Nainoa Goodwin, Jacob Hall, Hans Hansen Quinones, Samaria Harper, Baldemar Hernandez Jr., Ken Kan, Ashton Luuloa, Kenny Nguyen, Shania Panton, Andy Phouminh, Joshua Robinson, Malachi Scott, Nathan Tissaw, Daniel Valentine and Allan Willingham. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION LG – Graduated September 20 (above, not all are pictured): Omar Alshami, Marissa Armstead, Justin Bodnar, John Garrett, Nasir Harrell, Jamari Harris, Donna Hickman, Alan Hollinger, Quincy Howard, Kaden Ketcham, Hyun Kim, Demir Koksal, Darea McCarthy, Alyssa Ray, David Rexrode Jr., Maurice Roberts Jr., Jayden Smith, Nature Torrey, Wilfredo VelezMendez, Ronald Williams and Tyler Williams. 18 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos BASIC SAFETY – Graduated October 4: Phillip Adams, Tyler Allen, Corey Ambrose, Malakhi Basquez, Julius Douglas, Jeremy Fazio, Alex Greco, Kristopher Henny, Chifhon Hogan, Shatavia Ingram, Michael Johnson, Monica Marquez-Realivazquez, Robert McMahon, Tylan Meekins, Nathaniel Orff, Justice Rodriguez and Charles Vanderpool. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 18 (not all are pictured): John Adarayan, Mahmoud Fares, Samyra Gardner, Jerome Johnson Jr., Nikita Johnson, Maria Legier, Ramon Lino, Sandra Norato, Kevin Watson Jr. and James White Jr. RFPEW – Graduated October 18: Robert Bergstedt Jr., Daqwuan Cleveland, Eric Davidson, Andre Dixon Jr., Yetiani Fernandez, Adam Hassebrock, David Jackson and Chad Peters. October 4: Joseph Tier (left), Brandon Jordan (right) and Aaron Wood (not pictured). WELDING – Graduated October 11: Tre Scott (above, left) and Jessica Valentin (not pictured). Instructor Chris Raley is at right. VESSEL OPS – Graduated October 18: Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston MejiaJohnson, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 4 (not all are pictured): Moath Alsharif, Debra Bright, Peter Burroughs, Jeffrey Corpstein, Sharoneca Currelley, Simona Evans, Luis Fernandez, Takiyah Francis, Timothy Franklin Jr., Noel Gemo, William Harris, Paul Hudgins, John Long, Tomas Merel, John Roberson II, Angela Robertson, Deja Taylor, Jasean Tomlin, Guillermo Villegas, Steven Whiting, Michael Williams, Al Yandoc and Mehdi Youssef. DECEMBER 2024 BASIC SAFETY - UPGRADERS – Graduated COMBINED BASIC/ADVANCED FIREFIGHTING – Graduated October 11: Zachary Cartwright, Jessica Clark, Brian Guiry, Crystal Higgs, Essam Hussein and Nicholas Simoneaux. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Crews, Exec. VP Tellez Honored at AOTOS Event U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips discusses the industry’s future. The Hon. Elaine L. Chao, longtime backer of the U.S. Rev. Fr. Sinclair Oubre (at podium) gives the invocation. At left Merchant Marine, prepares to present the Honored is retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle. Seafarer Awards. T he SIU enjoyed some time in the spotlight Oct. 25 in New York City, as personnel from throughout the U.S. maritime industry gathered for the 55th Annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards, hosted by the United Seamen’s Service (USS). Receiving the AOTOS Awards were SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez; TOTE Group President and CEO Tim Nolan; and Fairwater CEO Daniel J. Thorogood. SIU crews from the G&H Towing boat George M and the USNS William R. Button (Crowley) received Honored Seafarer Awards for heroic actions on the job, as did SIU CIVMARS from the USNS Brunswick. A Special AOTOS Recognition Plaque was awarded to ILWU Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division for their heroic response to the Maui wildfires. The well-attended dinner brought together nearly 800 of the who’s who in maritime, plus special guest Elaine L. Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and longtime friend of the SIU. “This event underscores the strength and unity of our maritime community. We are proud to honor those who work tirelessly to advance our industry and protect our seafarers,” said USS President Edward Morgan. The cover of this year’s program features honorees Augie Tellez, Dan Thorogood, and Tim Nolan. The program began with a welcome and introduction from retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle and the presentation of the colors by the SUNY Color Guard. Following that, Reverend Fr. Sinclair Oubre (an active SIU member) led the invocation. Major Gen. Daniel H. Tulley, USAF, followed with remarks about the USTRANSCOM and commercial maritime industry partnership. Then, U.S. Maritime Administrator and retired Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, USN, took the stage to discuss opportunities for the maritime industry. She emphasized a focus on improving shipboard life, which would help attract and retain mariners over time and build a stronger more sustainable workforce. She went on to cite legislation in the works that would help strengthen the maritime industry. “The maritime industry … and maritime policy are indeed the focus of a tremendous amount of positive, bipartisan, and bicameral work and action on the bill in Congress,” said Phillips, referring to the Ships for America Act. “We thank the many Congress members and senators who are involved in this legislation and other activities and across a range of stakeholders. We know this assessment of the critical role and the understanding of that role that the maritime transportation system plays in the lives of all Americans. We now have an opportunity to carry this industry forward into the future to build our national security and to ensure our economic security. So collectively, let’s seize the day.” Chao, herself a 2019 AOTOS Award recipient, presented the Honored Seafarer Awards, which recognized the mariners’ acts of heroism and highlighted inspiring stories of bravery and courage. The honorees each received AOTOS Mariner Plaques for their achievements. Among the recipients were SIU boatmen Master Jordan Ward, Mate Stayton Sartor, Mate Trainee Tyler Walker, Chief Engineer Richard Zyvloski, and Wiper Hunter Legge. Tellez thanked his family and his mentors, while also challenging his industry peers and colleagues to work tirelessly to promote and grow the U.S. maritime industry. He described the SIU’s successful, ongoing recruiting efforts and noted the industry-wide manpower challenges that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military members overseas. SIU President David Heindel was this year’s dinner chairman. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU HELPS WELCOME NEW DREDGE VOTING CONTINUES IN SIU'S 2024 ELECTION ELECTION DAY PROVES FRUITFUL FOR SIU-BACKED CANDIDATES REP. DINGELL HONORED BY GREAT LAKES GROUP NMC: REJECTION OF INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS IMPORTANT NOTICE: UPDATED MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL AND MMC-RELATED DOCUMENTATION E-MAIL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS OSG INLAND CREWS RATIFY CONTRACT MARINERS, JONES ACT TANKERS COMMENDED FOR RELIEF EFFORTS UNION MEMBER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT SIU CREWS, EXEC. VP TELLEZ HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 12 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5eb00703e48ac93f7738be9c27d8ee7c.pdf 3b07b1cd0532eb6e7e33fc4ad85063a2 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG NOVEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 11 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Newly Reflagged ARC Endeavor Boosts SIU Jobs, U.S. Sealift SIU members are sailing aboard the ARC Endeavor, a recent addition to the Seafarers-crewed fleet. Operated by TOTE Services for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, the ship reflagged in Baltimore in late September. Steps are being taken to enter the vessel into the U.S. Maritime Security Program fleet – a vital component of the nation’s sealift capacity – next year. Page 3. Containership Construction Commences Philly Shipyard Building 3 More Vessels for Matson The first of three newbuilds for Seafarers-contracted Matson is officially under construction, following a recent steel-cutting ceremony at Philly Shipyard, a union facility. The Aloha Class vessels will replace older ships in Matson’s fleet. At left, a plasma cutter at Philly Shipyard melts through the first steel plate for the initial ship. Page 3. Seven SIU Bosuns Successfully Complete Recertification Course Seven Seafarers recently wrapped up the bosun recertification program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Pictured at the school (from left) are class members Adiener Alfaro, John Walsh, Alfie Cicat, Mario Ordonez, Julio Alvarez, Edward Tennyson and Kelvin Johnson. During the graduation ceremony, the bosuns reflected on their respective journeys. Page 9. SIU ELECTION INFO. • PAGE 4 // PAUL HALL CENTER CLASS PHOTOS • PAGES 18-19 �President’s Report International Solidarity H aving just returned from the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s 46th Global Congress, I am as mindful as ever about the critical need for the SIU to remain engaged with our fellow trade unionists around the world. Our union’s affiliation with the ITF is one of our most important connections, right up there with being part of the AFL-CIO. If you’re new to our industry or otherwise unfamiliar with the ITF, the federation is a London-based organization with affiliates from more than 150 countries, collectively representing millions of transportation workers. In simplest terms, the ITF – much like the AFL-CIO – gives us strength far beyond our own numbers, and helps us speak with an effective voice that’s too loud to ignore when we’re weighing in on particularly crucial issues. Very honestly, none of this was fully on my radar when I joined the SIU and began sailing many years ago. But eventually, I learned from two of the best: the late SIU President Mike Sacco, and the late SIU Executive Vice President John Fay. John passed away back in 2005, but for those who don’t know the history, he was a true trailblazer for U.S. involvement in international maritime affairs. John was active not only with the ITF but also the International Maritime Organization and the International Labor Organization starting in the mid-1970s. He was the first American ever to serve as chairman of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, a position he held from 1995 to 2002 – and one in which he helped make groundbreaking strides not only for the rights of U.S. mariners but for foreign seamen, too. Mike’s leadership helped sustain our involvement and our gains. Specifically regarding the ITF, I don’t think it’s possible to overstate the importance of the federation’s work. I wish we didn’t have the Covid 19 pandemic as a recent example to underscore that point, but I can’t think of a better illustration of how the ITF stands up for seafarers and gives them a voice. The pandemic was an extreme circumstance, but can you imagine how helpless the world’s seafarers would have been without the ITF and our affiliates? The ITF’s work is no less important during routine times. We secure millions of dollars a year – or more – in unpaid wages for crews around the world. We provide the security of a collective bargaining agreement for tens of thousands of mariners. We give them a voice in international forums, and we aggressively fight against the scourge of crew abandonment. Those are crucial responsibilities. During the recent ITF Congress, I was honored to be reelected as Chair of the Seafarers’ Section. Throughout the proceedings, the various delegates, officials and guests took clear-eyed looks at the challenges facing our industry, and we sharpened our strategies. One of the most significant considerations is that the global maritime industry faces massive changes related to new fuels. The ITF is helping make sure mariners’ voices are heard throughout what undoubtedly will be a decades-long process. One way we’ve taken positive steps on this front is the formation of what is called the Maritime Just Transition Task Force. Formed by unions, vessel owners and United Nations entities a few years ago, the group’s mission statement underscores that its objective is “to ensure that shipping’s response to the climate emergency puts seafarers and communities at the heart of the solution.” Obviously, that’s a big assignment, but we are up to the task. We’re also staying vigilant when it comes to unjust criminalization of mariners, substandard working and living conditions, and other forms of mistreatment. Navigating a positive way forward for seafarers was at the heart of plans confirmed at the gathering in Morrocco. International solidarity is foundational to our progress and our future success. Working together, we will get the job done. Looking Ahead We are wrapping up this edition a couple of weeks before Election Day, but I realize that some of our dedicated readers won’t see this column until after November 5. Since our union was chartered in 1938, the United States has seen 14 individuals serve as president – eight Republicans, and six Democrats. The SIU has worked with every single one of those administrations, and we’ll do the same with the next one, regardless of how this year’s votes turn out. As always, we’ll look for common ground on as many issues as possible, and where none exists, we’ll find other channels to promote and protect your job security. Kelly/Waltz U.S. Maritime Legislation Named ‘Ships for America Act’ A fter some delays, a new piece of pro-maritime legislation authored by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) and U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Florida) has been named and scheduled for introduction. The bipartisan bill, now titled the Ships for America Act, is planned to be submitted in November, sometime after Election Day. According to the summary of the bill: “This legislative proposal represents a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the U.S. Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for the U.S. maritime industry, making U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention.” As previously reported, the SIU has worked closely with congressional and industry allies in helping craft the legislation. Kelly and Waltz in late September participated in a joint, in-depth interview during a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) discussion titled “Rebuilding America’s Maritime Strength.” They underscored the severe economic Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 11 November 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG and security risks posed by a declining U.S. maritime industry. During the event, Kelly and Waltz emphasized that the United States fleet of oceangoing merchant vessels is not adequately equipped for a protracted conflict in the Pacific, where peer adversaries like China have highly sophisticated naval forces and nearly seventy times as many ships as the U.S. fleet. In May, Kelly, Waltz, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) released their Congressional Guidance for a National Maritime Strategy, a bipartisan report that provides a comprehensive vision for planning guidance, strategic objectives, and actionable steps to revitalize the nation’s maritime sector. The Ships for America Act is a direct result of this effort, incorporating key recommendations from the report to ensure the U.S. fleet can meet both economic and national security demands by incentivizing domestic shipbuilding, creating regulatory reforms, and providing financial support to U.S.-flagged vessels. “If you remember what happened in 2021 and 2022, when we had bottlenecks at our seaports … it raised the cost of everything for Americans,” said Kelly. “Most of the goods that come into our country, at least about 80 percent, come on ships. So, this is a huge vulnerability. And if China wanted to leverage their dominant role in global shipping to hurt our country, to hurt Americans, they could easily do that.” “[China] literally could turn off our entire economy by essentially choking off that shipping fleet,” said Waltz. “And, conversely, turn theirs into warships or into levers of geopolitical influence. It’s just completely unacceptable. And we have to stop admiring the problem and stop complaining about the problem. And I think, as Senator Kelly and I are trying to do, start chipping away at it and digging us out of this hole.” “If passed, the Ships for America Act will renew key sectors in our domestic industrial base and provide thousands of Americans with new job opportunities that don’t require a four-year degree,” Kelly explained. “If we’re successful, this is going to create a lot of great-paying jobs for Americans, and also revitalize our shipbuilding industry and shipbuilding communities across the country.” Kelly’s grandfather sailed as a merchant mariner during World War II; Kelly is a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate who also spent time at sea. During the recent interview, Kelly was asked if he favors repealing the Jones Act, specifically the construction-related components. He replied, “We do not need, and are not suggesting, we repeal the Jones Act. But what we do need to do is look for opportunities to collaborate with our allies and our partners across the globe. Some of the best shipbuilders in the world are in Japan and South Korea. And the congressman also mentioned India as being a very capable shipbuilder. We can collaborate with them. The current secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, has done a lot of work to encourage shipbuilders from those countries to invest in the United States, which could help our shipyards. Our hope, through our legislation, is that we can make the business case for investing in the United States easier through things like tax credits, loan guarantees, and other incentives and partnerships. And that could get our allies making investments here. We need the capability here.” The bill also includes substantial components aimed at mariner recruiting and retention. Among other topics, those sections address methods for modernizing Coast Guard credentialing; modifying requirements for sea-time and training requirements for unlicensed mariners in the deck department; launching an official recruiting campaign under the purview of the Maritime Administration; and further facilitating entry into the maritime workforce by U.S. military veterans. NOVEMBER 2024 �ARC Endeavor Reflags Under Stars and Stripes New Ship Among Most Militarily Useful Vessels in Commercial Fleet The newly reflagged vessel signals new jobs for Seafarers. (Full ship photo by Huw Gibby, via MarineTraffic) SIU members are sailing aboard the newly reflagged ARC Endeavor, which entered the U.S. registry Sept. 27 in Baltimore. “On behalf of the entire union, I credit ARC for their ongoing commitment to our industry,” stated SIU President David Heindel. “I am as confident as always that SIU members will do excellent work aboard the newly reflagged vessel.” Operated by TOTE Services for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, the ARC Endeavor is the tenth U.S.-flag roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel in ARC’s fleet. The reflag was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard. “ARC has consistently invested in new tonnage and this latest Ro-Ro is the ninth ship we have brought into the American fleet since 2016. ARC Endeavor further strengthens ARC’s position as a leading logistics company and the largest U.S.flag Ro-Ro carrier,” said ARC President and CEO Eric Ebeling. “We are proud that this investment will also enable us to grow our talented team, hiring more captains, mates, engineers, mariners and more to crew these critical vessels. And, a thank you to Captain Pat Burkett and the entire Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region team for the exceptional support during the reflag.” The ARC Endeavor is the fifth ship in the company’s fleet that is categorized as a Large Car Truck Carrier (LCTC). Buit in 2011 in South Korea and formerly sailing as the Tugela, the vessel measures 754 feet in length with a 21-foot-high stern opening and a stern ramp rated for cargo weighing up to 320 tons. In terms of car-equivalent units, the ARC Endeavor can carry more than 7,500 vehicles at once. American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier Group Senior Vice President Chris Heibel said, “The M/V ARC Endeavor will be among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, aviation assets (including CH 47 Chinooks and V 22 Ospreys), and other high and heavy project cargoes.” Willie Barrere, president of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers, said, “Congratulations to ARC on another addition to their superb fleet of vessels. AMO appreciates our outstanding working relationship with ARC and its service to our nation’s armed forces, and we look forward to continuing our partnership and growing together in the future.” ARC is the largest U.S.-flag Ro-Ro operator and is actively supporting America’s national defense Construction Starts on New Matson Ship New tonnage for the SIU is on the horizon, following an early October communication from Seafarers-contracted Matson. The company announced the start of construction on the first of three new “Aloha Class” containerships eventually destined for Matson’s Hawaii and China-Long Beach Express (CLX) services. After a small ceremony at Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania, the cutting of steel plates began, initiating the work to build the ships for delivery to Matson in 2026 and 2027. “This is great news for our industry, our union, and indeed our country. This union-built, unioncrewed ship will enhance the U.S. Merchant Marine and will benefit our nation for many years to come,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. The SIU-crewed Daniel K. Inouye is part of Matson’s Aloha Class of vessels. NOVEMBER 2024 The three new Jones Act-compliant vessels, representing an investment of approximately $1 billion, will be built to match the size and speed of Matson’s two existing Aloha Class ships, the Seafarers-crewed Daniel K. Inouye and Kamina Hila, which were also built by Philly Shipyard and entered service in 2018 and 2019, respectively, as the largest containerships ever constructed in the U.S. Like their sisterships, the new vessels will be equipped with dual fuel engines designed to operate on either conventional marine fuels or liquefied natural gas (LNG). They also will boast other “green ship technology” features, such as a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, and freshwater ballast systems. While the earlier ships required some modification to operate with LNG, the new ships will be delivered LNG-ready. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026 with subsequent deliveries in 2027. “Our existing Aloha Class ships are among the fastest, most efficient vessels in the Matson fleet,” said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. “And like their sisterships, these three new vessels will help Matson achieve its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal while also through the Maritime Security Program and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement. Among the first SIU members to sail aboard the ARC Endeavor were Bosun Vladimir Baez, ABs Ningning Li and Saif Obad, STOSs John Davis and Brandon Haffner, Oilers Peter Espinosa, Rubenia Flores and James Tolan, Steward/Baker Marquisha Simmons, Chief Cook Tahisha Watson, and SA Nelson Sanabria Gonzalez. providing additional capacity and speed benefitting our Hawaii service as well as the CLX.” Matson has set corporate goals to achieve a 40 percent reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) fleet emissions by 2030 and net-zero Scope 1 GHG emissions by 2050, the company reported. “With a carrying capacity of 3,600 TEU, the 854foot Aloha Class vessels are designed to operate at speeds in excess of 23 knots in support of Matson’s service hallmark – fast and reliable delivery of goods,” the company noted. The three new Aloha Class ships will replace three vessels currently deployed in Matson’s Hawaii and CLX services. Philly Shipyard – a union facility – is a leading U.S. commercial shipyard constructing vessels for operation in the domestic Jones Act trade lanes. Prior to Matson’s first two Aloha Class ships, the shipyard delivered four newly built Jones Act containerships for Matson between 2003 and 2006. “Today we celebrate not only the beginning of production, but also the return of Matson to Philly Shipyard for our third project together,” said Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard’s president and CEO. “We are thrilled to build these next vessels which are expected to help Matson achieve its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions goal, an initiative well-aligned with our commitment to people and planet.” Matson plans to name the three new containerships Makua, Malama, and Makena. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 3 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Voting for 2024 Union Election Began Nov. 1 Voting started Nov. 1 for the election of officers for the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. SIU members will be able to cast secret ballots at union halls, on certain ships (that are within reasonable respective driving distances to hiring halls), or by mail through Dec. 31, 2024. Seafarers eligible to vote in this election to determine union officials for the 2025-2029 term are full-book members in good standing. This eligibility criteria is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution. The ballot lists the names of all qualified candidates as determined by the credentials committee, a group made up of six rank-and-file Seafarers who reviewed the nominating petitions of all SIU members seeking office in this district-wide election. A sample of this ballot was published in last month’s LOG and mailed to eligible members in October. The credentials committee report, which was prepared Aug. 16 and submitted to the membership at the September monthly meetings, indicated 27 candidates had qualified to run for 25 positions. (The committee’s report was published in the September 2024 Seafarers LOG.) Subsequently, the union determined that 27 candidates were qualified. This finding was approved by rank-and-file voting at the September membership meetings. The 25 posts for which Seafarers will cast their ballots are president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents. 2024 SIU Election Absentee Voting Info Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled to begin on Nov. 1. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2024 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2024. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2024. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2024 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2025. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG There are also a number of proposed constitutional amendments that can be found on the reverse side of the ballot; eligible members should vote yes or no on each proposed amendment. A rank-and-file constitutional committee approved placing these proposed amendments on the ballot, as did other Seafarers during the July membership meetings. 20 Polling Places The election is being conducted by mail ballot as provided by the union’s constitution. Secret ballots, accompanied by envelopes marked “Ballot” and postage-paid envelopes printed with the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be available to full-book members in good standing at 20 hiring halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on this page.) Significant efforts also will be made to bring ballots to SIU-crewed ships and at crew gathering locations whenever reasonably viable, as was done during the 2020 election. Eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots and envelopes marked “Ballot” and mailing envelopes at these halls between 9 a.m. and noon, Mondays through Saturdays, except legal holidays, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. Each member must present his or her book to the port agent or the agent’s designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked “Ballot” and the mailing envelope. When the Seafarer receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be marked with the word “Voted” and the date. If a member does not present his or her book, or if there is a question in regard to his or her eligibility to vote, the Seafarer will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word “Challenged.” His or her book will be stamped with the words “Voted Challenge” and the date. Full-book members in good standing who prefer to vote by absentee ballot should direct a request for the ballot to the union’s secretary-treasurer at SIU headquarters: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Such requests must be received at headquarters by 12 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2024. Secret Ballots Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes, he or she marks the ballot for the candidates of his or her choice and puts it in the envelope marked “Ballot.” This envelope is sealed by the member and then dispatched in the mail (or given to the port agent or patrolman if voting aboard ship, though members also can opt to mail it themselves). These steps ensure the integrity of the secret ballot process. The union’s constitution, in Article XIII, details the procedures for voting in union elections. All ballots will be counted by the rank-and-file committee consisting of two members elected from each of the union’s constitutional ports. These committee members will be elected in December. They will convene in early January 2025. Notice on Unopposed Candidates One part of the article of the SIU Constitution covering rules for elections concerns the election of candidates who are unopposed for the office in question. The section states that those candidates who are unopposed for any office or job shall be considered elected to that office or job and that the tallying committee shall not have to count the votes for any such candidate. The entire section, contained in Article XIII, Section 5 of the SIU Constitution, reads as follows: “A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee.” Voting Locations Elections will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9 a.m. to noon (local time), Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Nov. 1, 2024 and shall continue through Dec. 31, 2024. Voting Locations ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame Street, Suite 1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 FT. LAUDERDALE 1221 South Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 103B, 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36605 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 PHILADELPHIA 2604 South Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 PINEY POINT Paul Hall Center, 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 PUERTO RICO 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills, San Juan, PR 00920 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 TACOMA 3411 South Union St., Tacoma, WA 98409 WILMINGTON 510 North Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 NOVEMBER 2024 �SIU Supports ILA Job Action Following a three-day work stoppage, members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) returned to work Oct. 4 and also headed back to the bargaining table. According to a joint statement by both parties, issued on Oct. 3: “The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025 to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues. Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease and all work covered by the Master Contract will resume.” The SIU pledged to honor the strike, and did so. In communications sent to Seafarers, the union vowed to address any crew-change issues on a case-by-case basis, without crossing any picket lines; and also to make sure that SIU members receive any extra pay that is contractually stipulated in the event of restriction to ship. The Maritime Trades Department (MTD) also offered support. In a statement issued shortly before the strike, the MTD noted that the organization “unequivocally stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the International Longshoremen’s Association as their contract nears expiration. Much has already been written and aired about how a potential job action would affect the flow of commerce. By contrast, there hasn’t been nearly enough focus on the basic fairness sought by the ILA and (thus far) denied by USMX. Rank-and-file ILA members have made many sacrifices, particularly in recent years, and they deserve a collective bargaining agreement that reflects their importance to our nation’s ports and to the U.S. economy.” The MTD statement concluded, “Strikes are always, without exception, an absolute last resort. That is the case today for the ILA, and it is one more reason why the MTD has their backs. It’s time for management to deliver a contract with fair wages, reasonable approaches to automation, and job security that has been earned over many years.” SIU President David Heindel also serves as MTD president. Following the joint announcement that ILA members were returning to work, Vice President Kamala Harris noted, “This step indicates progress toward a strong contract and represents the power of collective bargaining.” ITF Updates Flag-of-Convenience Campaign SIU’s Heindel Re-Elected to Key Post During Federation’s World Congress SIU officials helped map out vital strategies for the world’s seafarers during the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) 46th Global Congress, which took place Oct. 13-19 in Marrakech, Morocco. During the gathering, SIU President David Heindel was re-elected as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. Among the SIU personnel joining Heindel for the conference were Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, and ITF Inspectors Ricky Esopa, Shwe Aung and Jordan Esopa. The SIU is a longtime ITF affiliate. In one of the most noteworthy developments from the conference, the federation updated its flags-of-convenience (FOC) campaign via a document named the Marrakech Policy. The ITF described the policy as a “major step forward with new standards for international seafarers’ rights and working conditions,” and noted that it “now forms the governing framework for the global union’s campaigning work on FOCs.” According to the ITF, the policy is the culmination of five years’ work by union representatives from ITF maritime affiliates to examine, plan and develop a new strategy in line Attendees converge in Morocco for the ITF World Congress. NOVEMBER 2024 with the shifting reality faced by mariners since 2010 – when the preceding Mexico City Policy was adopted at the ITF’s 42nd Congress in Mexico City. The Marrakech Policy identifies the minimum conditions the ITF and its affiliated unions will accept on FOC merchant ships, “incorporating the new understanding of the critical importance of global supply chains that emerged out of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the central role for shipping and seafarers in combating climate change through a just transition. The Marrakech Policy will now form the baseline for the ITF’s Collective Bargaining Agreements, which set the wages and working conditions for crews on FOC vessels, irrespective of nationality.” Heindel, who also co-chairs the ITF Fair Practices Committee, said, “There is a lot of focus in shipping on the need for sustainability, and we warmly welcome this. But shipping can never be truly sustainable if it does not respect the labor rights of the seafarers without whom shipping and global trade can’t function. As we have done for so many years, the ITF will continue to fight for a better future for seafarers on FOC ships, and we won’t rest until we’ve secured it – and I’m proud that the new Marrakech Policy now sets the framework for this crucial work.” In a separate statement, President Joe Biden said, “I want to thank the union workers, the carriers, and the port operators for acting patriotically to reopen our ports and ensure the availability of critical supplies for Hurricane Helene recovery and rebuilding. Collective bargaining works, and it is critical to building a stronger economy from the middle out and the bottom up.” The ILA hadn’t gone on strike since 1977. ILA members and supporters picket outside of the Red Hook Container Terminal in New York on Oct. 3. (Photo by Michael Nigro/Pacific Press via ZUMA Press Wire) The policy also highlights the importance of cooperation and solidarity between dockers and mariners that ensures seafarers are not forced to do dockers’ work and protects dockers from the erosion of their jurisdiction over their work. ITF Dockers’ Section Chair and Co-Chair of the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee, Paddy Crumlin, emphasized the importance of these considerations. “For dockers, the inclusion of the NonSeafarers’ Work Clause in the CBAs isn’t just about job security, it’s about safety – both for dockers and for seafarers,” he said. “Companies are trying to cut corners, making seafarers do lashing, putting them at serious risk. We’ve fought against this before, and we’ll continue to fight against any shipowner who puts seafarers’ lives in danger.” The ITF’s campaign against FOCs is governed by the Fair Practices Committee – a joint committee made up of docker and seafarer unions. Earlier during the congress, officials and delegates from the Seafarers’ Section identified additional ways to safeguard mariners and improve their working conditions. Much of the dialogue and planning focused on the use of new fuels in maritime. “We will continue to build a future in which seafarers are recognized, valued, respected, protected,” said Heindel. “Let there be no doubt that the ITF and all its affiliated unions will always stand shoulder to shoulder with unjustly treated seafarers, wherever they may be and whatever they may be facing.” The handling of potentially dangerous new fuels is already being addressed by the ITF in collaboration with industry and international organization partners – a mutually beneficial effort enhanced through joint work during the pandemic. A key example of this effort is the Maritime Just Transition Task Force, which brings together the ITF, the International Chamber of Shipping, the United Nations Global Compact, the International Labor Organization, and the International Maritime Organization. When the group met last year in Dubai, it launched the “Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonization” project to begin providing the skills an estimated 800,000 mariners worldwide will need to acquire, including for work involving potentially dangerous fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen. Comprehensive information about the ITF World Congress and the federation’s various campaigns is available online at itfglobal.org. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD OCEAN GRAND – The deck gang on the Patriot ship earned kudos for their recent work on the hatches, as reflected in these photos. Pictured are Bosun Larry Mann, AB Teddy Swift, AB Terrill Tyler, and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Nicholas Howard. BOOKS RECEIVED IN MICHIGAN ‒ Both of these snapshots were taken at the Algonac hall. In the photo above, left, AB Adam Laliberte (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured with Admin. Asst. Rachel Tuttle. In the remaining photo, GUDE Saleh Saeed displays his newly acquired B-seniority book. CONGRATS IN GARDEN STATE – QEE Alberto Magsucang (left) receives his full book at the Jersey City hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Ozzy Ramos. ABOARD ISLA BELLA – These snapshots were taken during an Oct. 4 servicing of the TOTE ship. Pictured from left in the larger group photo are AB Jarrett Andrews, QEE Hector Ginel, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, SA Tyvesha Dixon, Recertified Steward Richard Jones, AB Dalrick Fleming, Oiler Richard Vega, ABM Prymus Buckholtz and Recertified Bosun Tavell Love. In the remaining photo are AB Jan “Mo” Jalloh and Port Agent Ashley Nelson. ABOARD MATSON KODIAK – AB Anthony Antonio is in the solo snapshot. From left to right in the other one are Recertified Steward Greg Lynch and Chief Cook Matthew Carroll (deftly demonstrating a surefire way to be featured in the LOG and on our socials). ABOARD MAERSK IOWA – Pictured from left aboard the Maersk Line, Limited ship are AB/Watch Stander John Paul and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Ezekiel Smart Jr. BRIGHTENING HOLIDAYS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES – SIU personnel recently toured the Santa’s Castle facility in the Pacific Northwest. The union is gearing up to support this year’s project as Santa’s Castle celebrates its 30th year. Pictured from left in the group photo are SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Patrolman Dennison Forsman, Safety Director Danielle Woodward, Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe and VP Anita Vargo. Santa’s Castle generates donations of toys and other presents for U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 NOVEMBER 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD PATRIOT ‒ Among those pictured aboard the TOTE ship in Baltimore are Paul Hall Center Apprentices Brandon Mitchell, Junrong Xie, and Torin Holly, AB Samuel Davis, OS Loretta Gailyard, Bosun Paulin Augustin, and Safety Director Jose Argueta. WELCOME ASHORE IN WILMINGTON ‒ AB Lloyd La Beach (right), pictured at the hall with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman, receives his first pension check. Brother La Beach started sailing with the SIU in 1978, and spent considerable time in both the inland and deep sea divisions during his 46-year career. ABOARD MATSON ANCHORAGE ‒ Pictured from left are QMED David Smart and Recertified Bosun Shawn Strand. TAKING THE OATH IN PUERTO RICO ‒ Two Seafarers recently received their respective B books at the hiring hall in San Juan. AB Jovanny Otero is at left in photo above, right, with office assistant Mary Gomez. Chief Cook Rafael Tavera is second from right in the other photo, with his wife, Andrea Tavera (second from left); Safety Director Ricky Rivera (far right) and Gomez. TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSWOMAN ‒ SIU Port Agent Warren Asp (right) chats with pro-maritime U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) at a brief coffee meeting Oct. 3. “We discussed all things maritime and thanked her for her support,” Asp noted. RECRUITING IN LONE STAR STATE ‒ Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes recently participated in a “Maritime Expo & Career Fair” hosted by Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is at right in the posed photo, with former Seafarer Mike Keyshawn, who credited the union with helping him launch a rewarding maritime career. In the other photo, guests check out an SIU-crewed G&H Towing tug. ABOARD FISHER ‒ Pictured from left in the group photo aboard the TOTE-operated vessel are Bosun Mukhtar Yahia, AB Samuel Schwimmer, and Safety Director Danielle Woodward. NOVEMBER 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU MILESTONES IN CALIFORNIA ‒ AB George W. Washington (right) FOR A GREAT CAUSE – The SIU is teaming up with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) in Puerto Rico for a toy drive benefiting local schoolchildren. Participation at the hiring hall in San Juan is off to a great start, as reflected in these recent photos. SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS ‒ The Seafarers-crewed Cape Hudson (Patriot) recently took part in a key multinational military exercise: Super Garuda Shield 2024. The vessel is pictured at the Port of Banyuwangi, Indonesia, as military vehicles are staged near it. The U.S. Department of Defense described Super Garuda Shield as “one of the largest multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific region” and noted that it “continues to solidify the U.S.-Indonesia Major Defense Partnership Defense Cooperation Agreement and advances cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.” (Navy photo by Grady T. Fontana) WITH SEAFARERS IN TACOMA ‒ Members of the Matson shore gang gather for a photo in the Pacific Northwest. Coast Guard Announces Temporary Changes For STCW Deck Rating Endorsements Editor’s note: The Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) distributed the following bulletin on Oct. 10. Both the announcement and the related policy letter are linked on the SIU website and on the agency’s website. For eligible Seafarers, these changes essentially mean that it should be possible to complete all coursework and testing necessary to become an AB in eight weeks. In part, that is because the new policy offers credit for sea time accumulated as an OS that previously would not have counted towards upgrading to AB (if the sea time was earned prior to the individual mariner successfully completing a Coast Guard-approved Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch course, abbreviated as RFPNW). Questions may be directed to the NMC (contact information follows) or the admissions office at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (admissions@seafarers.org). On October 8, 2024, the Coast Guard Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC) published CG-MMC Policy Letter 04-24, Temporary Changes in Service Requirements for STCW Deck Rating Endorsements. This policy letter addresses the impact of the temporary reduction in sea service requirements for Able Seaman (AB), enacted in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, on the service requirements for STCW deck ratings. The change in sea service requirements for national AB endorsements impacts the qualification process for STCW deck rating endorsements. The reduction in the service requirements to obtain national endorsements results in a longer period of additional service to qualify for the STCW endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck (AS-D). It does not change the service for the STCW endorsements. This policy letter allows for service toward Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch (RFPNW) and AS-D to accrue concurrently. This policy letter is effective upon publication. The concurrent credit toward RFPNW and AS-D will be applied to all applications that have not reached final agency action. The NMC will apply these new criteria without requiring a new or amended application. A new application will be required if the MMC has already been issued or if the application has reached final agency action. This policy letter is available on the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Policy Letter webpage. Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357 with any questions or feedback. 8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 • SEAFARERS LOG receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Wilmington hall with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. Washington also recently attained his AB-Unlimited rating. Well-Earned Retirement Longtime Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski recently called it a career, following more than a quartercentury of service at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Union and school officials thanked Hetmanski during a well-attended retirement luncheon in Piney Point; this photo was taken immediately afterward. NOVEMBER 2024 �and my lovely wife, Rona, for putting up with all the times that I wasn't home for birthdays and holidays while she was navigating our family to the right course,” he said. Lastly, he thanked “all the old timers and my old bosuns” who helped him become a better sailor and a better person. Recertified Bosuns Express Gratitude for Transformative SIU Careers Pictured from left at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in early October are Recertified Bosuns John Walsh, Adiener Alfaro, Kelvin Johnson, Mario Ordonez, Julio Cesar Alvarez, Alfie Cicat, and Edward Tennyson. A fter completing a two-week course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, seven bosuns achieved a major milestone in their educational journeys with the SIU. Adiener Alfaro, Julio Cesar Alvarez, Alfie Cicat, Kelvin Johnson, Mario Ordonez, Edward Tennyson, and John Walsh concluded the bosun recertification course in early October, reaching the highest level of vocational training in the deck department. The bosuns spent the duration of this course learning additional ins and outs of the maritime industry, receiving classroom instruction, undergoing additional training aimed at bolstering their shipboard work and leadership, and meeting with representatives from several departments within the union and the Seafarers Plans. The bosuns on Oct. 7 continued the tradition of sharing their graduation speeches at the PHC’s monthly membership meeting, attended by apprentices, upgraders, union officials and guests. The following sections highlight the bosuns’ respective graduation speeches. Adiener Alfaro Alfaro, who sails from San Juan, Puerto Rico, kicked off the remarks. In November 2001, Alfaro, having grown tired of working a series of low-paying jobs, visited Puerto Rico’s hiring hall (then located in Santurce). That moment marked a change in his life’s trajectory. The same year, he shipped out as an OS with Crowley. Alfaro’s career change not only increased his pay and the quality of his and his family’s life, but it also allowed him to travel the world. “The SIU truly represents the American dream for those willing to commit to the industry by working hard and upgrading here at Piney Point every year,” Alfaro said. His speech also contained a brief explanation of the motives of opponents to the U.S. maritime industry, who do not support the Jones Act or other pro-U.S.-flag programs. “Our local government is constantly pushed to bypass and undermine our cabotage laws to allow non-U.S.-flag ships to navigate domestic waters, especially during emergencies and disasters,” Alfaro said. “SIU staff in Puerto Rico is constantly working towards promoting our industry by teaching the government about all aspects of the industry and its benefits – not only on the mainland, but also in Puerto Rico, Guam and Hawaii. This industry provides excellent union-wage jobs with great benefits, health care, and pension. It also provides an express transportation line between Puerto Rico and the mainland for commercial shipping and addresses natural disasters as we have seen many times.” Alfaro thanked the union’s officials and staff members for fighting to protect not only the SIU but the industry as a whole. He added that even though the pay and benefits are good, “our U.S. maritime industry and the SIU are not only about making money with benefits and pension, but also about national security in peace and war. “Being an SIU member means job security, benefits, excellent affordable health care, vacation pay, excellent pension, and lots of quality time home between jobs,” he continued. “None of NOVEMBER 2024 this is possible without having the best-qualified and prepared administration.” Julio Cesar Alvarez Alvarez has been sailing with the SIU for more than 20 years and says it would have been even longer had he known about the union when he was 18. “The SIU changed my life. If it weren’t for the SIU I probably would have been in jail or dead, because of my undisciplined lifestyle,” he said. “The SIU showed me a prosperous lifestyle where I can make money and have enough time off to spend with my loved ones, take care of my financial future and one of these days be able to retire with dignity.” He assured all those who were new union members that they made a good decision that would change their lives. Alvarez emphasized the importance of teamwork and how satisfying it is to work alongside union brothers and sisters who share similar values. He continued with more words of wisdom for the apprentices: “A piece of advice, take care of each other. Don't get comfortable with staying in the same job. Upgrade and increase your wages. It will make you feel good, and you will always be prosperous. If you play it right you will be more than okay. You will have a good life.” Alvarez reminded those listening to continue supporting the Jones Act, which “keeps us American sailors working and thriving,” and to contribute to SPAD the union’s voluntary political action fund, which also helps the union advocate for the wellbeing of its members in the political sphere. He thanked his wife, Vicky, and for her support. He also thanked his children Bryan Alvarez and Christian Marty, who are both SIU members, and his other children Kevin and Bryan Marty, who have had to “put up with my absence sometimes.” He expressed gratitude for those at his home hall in Port Everglades, Florida, and at the Puerto Rico hall, the latter of whom offered support when it become known that Bryan Alvarez is facing a health challenge. Alfie Cicat Cicat was born and raised on the island of Anda in the Philippines. He began his career with SIU in his early twenties, and said it has truly changed his life by allowing him to help his family and provide financial security for himself. He has family and friends who are mariners, too. Cicat advised the trainees to listen to their instructors and ask questions to make sure that they know their job well by the time they board the ship. “Again, ask your supervisors questions on board, learn how to work together, and have fun. If you take it seriously and work hard, you will succeed,” Cicat said. He also urged his fellow union members to continue being involved with SPAD, which helps the union maintain support for the industry, and to continue upgrading at the PHC: “It will help you widen your skills for your future if you stay in this business.” Cicat went on to thank all the instructors and staff for their help at the school, as well as his family. “I want to thank my mom my dad, kids, Kelvin Johnson Kelvin Johnson of Lifeboat class 455 was fourth to approach the podium. “Like all of you, I learned the basics of how to be the best merchant seaman whenever I board a ship,” he said. “I wanted to go on board a ship being the best, completing all my tasks, and being a team player.” He urged the rising class of apprentices to take seize the many opportunities they will have to upgrade and enhance their skills. “I took advantage of upgrading as much as possible. It will pay off for you in the long run by making you more money and having good benefits, just as it did for me,” he noted. Johnson also highlighted the importance of participating in SPAD before ending his remarks with thanks to “all who made it possible for me to be accepted into the bosun recertification class.” Mario Ordonez Ordonez grew up in his native Honduras. Since 1989, he has lived in the United States. In 1999, Ordonez first walked through the doors of the hiring hall in Brookly, New York, with his cousin and became an SIU member. A quarter-century later, he took the podium in the PHC as a graduating recertified bosun. “Being part of this union has made me the man I am today because I have been able to provide for my family and to have the lifestyle I have today,” said Ordonez. “It has been a long journey that takes a lot of hard work. I want to thank my family for their support and for being so understanding of my absences through birthdays, graduations, and holidays and all the special events that I could not attend.” Ordonez rounded out his speech with a reminder to continue supporting the Jones Act and an expression of gratitude to SIU officials and school personnel “for the great job they have done to keep us strong as a union with the support of SPAD.” His advice for up-and-coming trainees was to stay focused on their goals, keep upgrading and never give up. Edward Tennyson Tennyson began his life at sea working with a coastal tug and barge in Miami. “At the time I was working two weeks on, and two weeks off, but I could barely pay my bills,” he said. When he joined the SIU in 1997, his finances took a turn for the better. His hard work has since allowed him to buy a house and provide additional support for his family. “To all the SIU apprentices, go out there and take this opportunity seriously,” said Tennyson. “Keep upgrading and enhancing skills and keep contributing to SPAD because it helps keep the Jones Act going strong.” He closed with a message of thanks to the union’s officials and to PHC instructors and staff. John Walsh Walsh, who joined the union in the mid-1990s after serving in the U.S. Navy, concluded the graduation ceremony. He told the apprentices that the future of maritime starts with them. “This union has the finest training facility and teachers in the maritime industry,” Walsh said. “You all have a great opportunity to provide a good future for yourself and your families. Please take advantage of all that is being offered to you.” He commended the ongoing, decades-long joint efforts by the union and the school to remain current with new courses and technology as the industry continues evolving. He also encouraged everyone in the auditorium to spread the word about the SIU and to “take pride in yourselves and our union, invest in your 401ks, contribute to SPAD, and support the Jones Act.” Walsh dedicated the final statements of gratitude in his speech to his family and friends, and his “brothers and sisters in the union who supported me through the years.” SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9 SEAFARERS LOG • 9 �political action A MATTER OF SURVIVAL FOR MARITIME As the late SIU President Paul Hall famously put it, “Politics is porkchops.” Meaty, substantial, and a frequent centerpiece of our union’s activity – politics affects the livelihoods of Seafarers in many ways. That’s why the SIU is always working to ensure that American mariners stay top of mind for lawmakers. Our consistent efforts to remain politically active make all the difference in successfully navigating the heavily regulated U.S. maritime industry. The Seafarers Political Activities Donation – better known as SPAD, our voluntary political action fund for which union member participation is highly encouraged – is a crucial component of the SIU’s political strength. Other grassroots activities carry great weight, too, including precinct walks/door-knocking, phone banking, and more. This infographic details several government entities with varying levels of oversight on the maritime industry, along with the agencies and programs under their respective purviews. Maritime’s reach is broad, which is why we stress the importance of political action and how imperative it is to elect and keep pro-maritime individuals in office. EXECUTIVE BRANCH Department of Agriculture Administers funding for Food for Peace cargoes subject to cargo preference Department of Homeland Security U.S. Coast Guard Transportation Security Administration U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve LNG Facility Environmental Impact Statements Department of Transportation Maritime Administration Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Department of Defense United States Transportation Command Military Sealift Command Surface Deployment and Distribution Command U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Defense Logistics Agency LEGISLATIVE BRANCH House of Representatives 435 voting members, 5 non-voting delegates 10 committees with oversight of maritime issues Committees to watch: Agriculture, Appropriations, Armed Services, Budget, Energy & Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Natural Resources, Transportation & Infrastructure, Ways & Means Senate 100 voting members 9 committees with oversight of maritime issues Committees to watch: Agriculture, Appropriations, Armed Services, Commerce-Science-Transportation, Energy & Natural Resources, Environment & Public Works, Finance, Foreign Relations, Homeland Security INDEPENDENT AGENCIES Agency for International Development in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, arranges overseas carriage of P.L. 480 cargoes Export-Import Bank of the United States Assists in the financing of U.S. exports and triggers applicable U.S.-flag transportation requirements Architectural and Transportation Compliance Board Transportation accessibility for the disabled Federal Maritime Commission Regulates scheduled U.S. liner service; Assesses unfair foreign trade practices Environmental Protection Agency Vessel air emissions; prosecution of marine pollution incidents (with Department of Justice); Vessel fluid discharge management 10 • SEAFARERS LOG National Transportation Safety Board Investigates maritime accidents and issues subsequent safety recommendations SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2024 10 NOVEMBER �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from September 14 - October 14, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of October 15, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 15 2 5 10 4 4 2 16 26 17 1 8 22 9 4 1 6 0 16 29 10 1 3 7 0 1 0 16 26 5 2 2 10 2 1 1 5 3 3 4 1 1 0 2 2 5 1 6 5 4 0 5 7 1 0 0 2 0 2 3 8 2 4 12 3 7 8 24 22 16 0 4 10 5 3 0 8 0 15 16 6 3 2 6 0 3 1 8 17 5 0 1 11 0 2 2 4 2 2 3 1 0 1 1 1 3 0 3 8 5 0 2 4 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 4 3 4 3 0 2 1 16 19 5 0 2 9 1 0 1 4 4 5 7 27 2 4 31 4 7 5 43 47 28 4 9 37 14 2 1 6 3 22 57 13 0 2 11 1 5 1 32 34 12 2 4 10 5 2 2 6 3 5 10 2 2 0 5 2 7 1 11 3 2 1 5 11 2 0 0 1 0 4 4 TOTAL 197 102 47 167 78 34 90 353 160 63 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 2 0 4 8 2 3 3 5 17 5 2 4 14 3 1 1 4 1 9 8 96 2 0 4 5 0 2 2 8 8 5 4 1 17 1 0 2 2 1 3 4 71 0 0 3 1 1 2 0 3 2 0 0 1 6 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 24 1 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 8 3 1 2 3 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 33 4 2 2 13 2 3 9 11 25 13 3 1 22 6 2 1 3 4 9 18 153 3 0 4 8 0 2 4 8 19 5 3 1 16 1 0 2 0 2 8 8 94 0 0 1 4 1 2 2 5 5 0 0 1 9 4 0 0 2 0 2 5 43 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 2 0 1 2 3 2 3 9 17 6 1 4 7 6 2 1 3 1 8 18 96 1 2 1 2 0 4 1 5 27 0 1 0 9 3 0 4 6 0 1 11 78 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 5 1 0 0 4 0 1 3 3 0 0 1 22 2 0 0 8 2 2 5 3 9 5 0 2 12 1 2 1 1 0 4 14 73 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 8 2 0 1 3 1 0 0 2 0 2 2 28 5 1 1 11 2 4 6 20 25 9 2 5 24 15 1 4 7 2 10 25 179 0 3 1 5 2 3 2 6 36 2 1 3 15 7 0 9 8 0 8 15 126 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 4 3 1 0 0 7 0 1 2 3 0 0 1 26 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 10 1 0 6 0 0 1 16 23 13 1 1 5 5 0 2 0 0 9 13 13 1 4 8 2 5 6 18 51 15 2 2 22 11 0 13 0 0 4 17 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 2 1 2 0 0 1 11 23 9 0 0 3 4 0 3 0 0 5 6 2 0 3 2 0 0 3 5 23 9 0 1 10 5 0 6 0 0 2 6 2 1 5 3 0 0 0 2 4 3 0 0 2 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 14 1 0 9 0 3 5 27 38 25 0 2 10 10 0 2 0 0 10 13 22 2 3 15 2 8 9 32 84 24 4 1 50 11 0 13 2 0 9 25 TOTAL 8 106 194 9 73 77 29 17 169 316 GRAND TOTAL 357 287 316 251 142 180 702 549 448 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 4 0 3 5 1 1 1 4 11 8 1 4 7 2 2 1 3 0 6 3 67 1 0 2 3 1 1 0 7 11 3 2 0 12 0 0 3 2 0 2 2 52 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 Steward Department November & December Membership Meetings Piney Point Monday: Nov. 4 , Dec. 2 Algonac Friday: Nov. 8, Dec. 6 Baltimore Thursday: Nov. 7, Dec. 5 Guam Thursday: Nov. 21, Dec. 19 Honolulu Houston Friday: Nov. 15, Dec. 13 Tuesday: Nov. 12, Monday: Dec. 9 Jacksonville Thursday: Nov. 7, Dec. 5 Joliet Thursday: Nov. 14, Dec. 12 Mobile Wednesday: Nov. 13, Dec. 11 New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Tuesday: Nov. 12, Dec. 10 Tuesday: Nov. 5, Dec. 3 Friday: Nov. 8, Dec. 6 Oakland Thursday: Nov. 14, Dec. 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: Nov. 6, Dec. 4 Port Everglades Thursday: Nov. 14, Dec. 12 San Juan Thursday: Nov. 7, Dec. 5 St. Louis Friday: Nov. 15, Dec. 13 Tacoma Friday: Nov. 22, Dec. 20 Wilmington Monday: Nov. 18, Dec. 16 Houston change due to holiday observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. NOVEMBER 2024 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 16 1 1 2 5 0 1 1 3 0 3 7 48 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 1 0 1 3 17 Entry Department 397 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 11 SEAFARERS LOG • 11 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by students in the advanced galley operations course at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are some things you enjoy about the winter holidays? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Raymond Forse Chief Cook Jessica Davis Chief Cook If you’re not working, it’s great to be with your family. But if you are working, the holiday pay is fantastic! The snow – it’s so peaceful and calm. I’m from Tennessee; we get a lot of snow, and I like the colder weather anyway. Steven Lopez Chief Cook Chadon Williams Chief Cook I’m a Christmas person, especially coming from Puerto Rico. I love the atmosphere, I love the food, I love the Christmas spirit of the people, I love the music. How everybody comes together. I like the decorations of the winter holidays, and I like the movies – specifically “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Andrea Sharpe Chief Cook Jasmin Franklin Chief Cook For me, it’s about baking – all of the smells in the kitchen. The butter, the cinnamon, the sugar, the pumpkin spices. It’s about everything coming out of the kitchen, feeding people with love at the holidays. I don’t like winter; I like the fall better. I love being in my hoodies and sweats and boots and scarves. I’m from Cleveland, so when the winter hits, it’s crazy. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Pictured aboard the Cove Liberty (Cove Shipping) in 1984 are Floyd Acord, Patrick Amo, Jerry Westphal, Sal Lagare, and Errol Nicholson. 12 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG NOVEMBER 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA SANTIAGO AMAYA Brother Santiago Amaya, 63, started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1989 when he shipped on the Independence. Brother Amaya was a steward department member. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the Overseas Houston. Brother Amaya is a Houston resident. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. RICHARD GRAY PAUL MUELLERSMAN Brother Richard Gray, 72, embarked on his SIU career in 1992 when he shipped on the Cape Carthage. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Gray’s final vessel was the Jack Lummus. He makes his home in Freedom, New Hampshire. Brother Paul Muellersman, 67, became a member of the union in 1988. He first shipped on the USNS Bartlett and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Muellersman’s final vessel was the Dewayne T. Williams. He lives in Fredericktown, Missouri. SAMUEL ANSAH KEVIN HALL Brother Samuel Ansah, 68, joined the union in 2002, initially sailing aboard the Little Hales. He worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the Golden State. Brother Ansah resides in North Charleston, South Carolina. Brother Kevin Hall, 56, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1989. An engine department member, he first sailed on the Independence. Brother Hall upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Louisiana and settled in Humble, Texas. ANDRE BERNARD Brother Andre Bernard, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1990. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Bernard’s first vessel was the USNS Desteiguer; his last, the Global Sentinel. He makes his home in Kennewick, Washington. EDWIN COLEMAN Brother Edwin Coleman, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2006, initially sailing aboard the USNS Soderman. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and shipped most recently shipped as a storekeeper on the USNS Henson. Brother Coleman calls Suffolk, Virginia, home. DANIEL CRAWFORD Brother Daniel Crawford, 65, became a member of the union in 1979 when he shipped on the Cove Trader. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Crawford concluded his career aboard the Horizon Discovery. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. BELARMINO DAROSA FRANCIS OTOO-JOHNSON Brother Francis Otoo-Johnson, 69, signed on with the SIU in 2002 when he shipped on the Atlantic Forest. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. Brother Otoo-Johnson most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Montana. He resides in Humble, Texas. RONALD TARANTINO Brother Ronald Tarantino, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1980, initially sailing on the Gemini. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Tarantino’s final vessel was the Colorado Express. He makes his home in La Porte, Texas. PATRICIA HAUSNER Sister Paticia Hausner, 65, joined the union in 2000, initially sailing aboard the Global Mariner. She sailed primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Sister Hausner last sailed on the USNS Denebola. She makes her home in Milton, Florida. KIM TYE GERALD KELLY Brother Gerald Kelly, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1989 when he shipped on the Independence. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Kelly’s final vessel was the Baldomero Lopez. He lives in Aurora, Colorado. GREAT LAKES DAVID KENNEDY Brother David Kennedy, 65, became an SIU member in 2001. A deck department member, he first sailed on the Keystone Texas. Brother Kennedy upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently worked on the Acadia Trader and resides in Grand Haven, Michigan. RICARDO FREDERICK Brother Ricardo Frederick, 65, signed on with the union in 2001. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Frederick’s first vessel was the Keystone Texas; his last, the American Spirit. He calls South Windsor, Connecticut, home. LEOPOLDO MALOLOS Brother Belarmino Darosa, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2001. He first sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix and worked in the deck department. Brother Darosa upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Hartford and is a resident of Central Falls, Rhode Island. Brother Leopoldo Malolos, 68, embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2006 when he shipped on the Pride of Aloha. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Malolos last sailed on the Pride of America. He lives in Kapolei, Hawaii. JOHN FALLON ABDELHAK MOUTMIR Brother John Fallon, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1983, initially working with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. A steward department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Fallon’s final vessel was the Magnolia State. He resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Brother Abdelhak Moutmir, 68, joined the union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Cape Hudson. He worked in all three departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Moutmir’s final vessel was the Maersk Seletar. He makes his home in New York. NOVEMBER 2024 Brother Kim Tye, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1994 when he sailed on the Sealift Arabian Sea. He upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the engine department. Brother Tye most recently shipped aboard the Ocean Grand. He is a resident of Lesage, West Virginia. Notice to Medicare Pensioners Eligible For Health Benefits from SHBP If you are a pensioner receiving Medicare and receiving health benefits through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), you are receiving your prescription drug coverage from Retiree RxCare. This coverage is called Medicare Part D. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan pays for this coverage for you. Retiree RxCare recently sent you a letter and a notice, dated October 2, 2024. We want to reassure you that your prescription coverage remains in place, and there is no change in your coverage. There is no need for you to take any action at this time. If you have any questions, please contact the Plan at (800) 252-4674, option 3. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA PEDRO ALICEA Pensioner Pedro Alicea, 90, died July 26. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1977. Brother Alicea first shipped on the Charleston and was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Producer, before retiring in 2000. Brother Alicea resided in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. JAMES BALL Pensioner James Ball, 84, passed away July 25. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 and first worked with Michigan Tankers Inc. A member of the steward department, Brother Ball concluded his career aboard the Grand Canyon State. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in Sheridan, Oregon. HAROLD CALDEIRA Pensioner Harold Caldeira, 88, died July 22. He became a member of the union in 1988 when he sailed aboard the Producer. Brother Caldeira worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Newark Bay and retired in 2000. Brother Caldeira lived in Las Vegas. DOYLE CORNELIUS Pensioner Doyle Cornelius, 84, passed away August 28. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973. A steward department member, Brother Cornelius first shipped on the Santa Mariana. His final vessel was the Liberty Grace. Brother Cornelius went on pension in 2004 and lived in Reno, Nevada. EARNEST DILLARD Brother Earnest Dillard, 49, died August 18. He signed on with the SIU in 1998 when he sailed aboard the Maersk Tennessee. Brother Dillard was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the Sulphur Enterprise and lived in Mobile, Alabama. FEDERICO GIRAY Pensioner Federico Giray, 77, passed away July 9. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1986. Brother Giray first shipped on the Independence. An engine department member, his final vessel was the Horizon Enterprise. Brother Giray became a pensioner in 2012 and made his home in Honolulu. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. JIM HASSAN LAWRENCE WINFIELD Pensioner Jim Hassan, 77, died August 16. Sailing first aboard the Charleston, he donned the SIU colors in 1977. Brother Hassan worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Maersk Missouri in 2003. He became a pensioner the following year and resided in Wantagh, New York. Pensioner Lawrence Winfield, 73, passed away August 7. Brother Winfield embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1968, initially sailing on the Oberlin Victory. He worked in the steward department. Brother Winfield’s final vessel was the Maersk Chesapeake. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and resided in Portsmouth, Virginia. RAY JOHNS Pensioner Ray Johns, 66, passed away July 4. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1997. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Allegiance. Brother Johns most recently sailed on the Seabulk Challenge. He became a pensioner earlier this year and was a resident of Wilmington, Delaware. LEON JOHNSON Pensioner Leon Johnson, 82, died July 1. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1988, initially sailing aboard the USNS Bartlett. Brother Johnson worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Wright in 2003. He began collecting his pension in 2013 and lived in Southfield, Michigan. RAY MANN Pensioner Ray Mann, 87, died July 19. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1967. Brother Mann first shipped on the Rambam. He worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Spirit of Texas. Brother Mann retired in 1991 and called Hitchcock, Texas, home. GREAT LAKES JAMES ANDRZEJEWSKI Pensioner James Andrzejewski, 83, died August 5. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 and first worked with Inland Lakes Management. Brother Andrzejewski sailed in the deck department. He became a pensioner in 1997 after concluding his career on the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Andrzejewski made his home in Alpena, Michigan. LEE BLAHNIK Brother Lee Blahnik, 71, passed away August 20. He donned the SIU colors in 1971 and initially worked with Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Blahnik last sailed with Luedtke Engineering Company. He resided in Frankfort, Michigan. ALI HADDAD Pensioner Ali Haddad, 92, died December 26. Brother Haddad signed on with the SIU in 1964. He first sailed aboard the Hastings and shipped in all three departments. Brother Haddad concluded his career aboard the EM Ford and retired in 1996. He lived in Dearborn, Michigan. JOSE MARTINEZ CLINTON KIRCHOFF Brother Jose Martinez, 64, passed away July 4. A steward department member, he signed on with the SIU in 2000. Brother Martinez first worked on the Bernard F. Fisher. He last shipped aboard the Resolve in 2022. Brother Martinez made his home in Bronx, New York. Pensioner Clinton Kirchoff, 93, passed away August 27. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1959. Brother Kirchoff first worked with Inland Lakes Management. He last shipped aboard the JAW Iglehart in 1976. Brother Kirchoff went on pension in 1996 and made his home in Alpena, Michigan. EFREN MATIAS Pensioner Efren Matias, 71, died August 30. He became a member of the union in 2001 and initially sailed aboard the USNS Sisler. Brother Matias worked in the steward department and last sailed on the USNS Watson. He retired in 2021 and was a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. STANLEY SPORNA Pensioner Stanley Sporna, 70, died July 17. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1976. Brother Sporna first sailed aboard the Jefferson Davis. He was an engine department member and last shipped on the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Sporna went on pension in 2017 and lived in Mobile, Alabama. 14 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS LOG • MOHAMED NASSIR Pensioner Mohamed Nassir, 86, died July 30. He became a member of the union in 1970, first sailing aboard the Hennepin. Brother Nassir was a member of the engine department. He last shipped on the St. Mary’s Challenger before retiring in 2004. Brother Nassir was a resident of Coldwater, Michigan. THOMAS SKOWRONEK Pensioner Thomas Skowronek, 76, died July 6. He signed on with the union in 1968 when he shipped with Inland Lakes Management. Brother Skowronek worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the St. Clair and went on pension in 2012. Brother Skowronek lived in Alpena, Michigan. NOVEMBER 2024 �INLAND ERNEST GINGLES Pensioner Ernest Gingles, 85, passed away July 28. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968. A deck department member, Brother Gingles was first employed by Dixie Carriers. He last worked with Moran Towing of Texas in 2003 before going on pension the following year. Brother Gingles called Temple, Texas, home. EDWARD HENDRIX Brother Edward Hendrix, 69, died August 29. He embarked on his career with the union in 1974 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Hendrix initially worked with Allied Transportation. He last sailed with Mariner Towing and resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. JAMES HOWE Pensioner James Howe, 82, passed away August 7. He joined the SIU in 1987. Brother Howe worked in the deck department. He was employed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Howe made his home in Savannah, Georgia. CONSTANTIN IORDACHE Pensioner Constantin Iordache, 72, died March 13. He joined the union in 1992. Brother Iordache was a deck department member and sailed with Moran Towing of Philadelphia for most of his SIU career. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Philadelphia. ANDREW KELLY Pensioner Andrew Kelly, 69, passed away August 21. He began sailing with the SIU in 1976 when he was employed with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Kelly worked in the deck department and was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He started collecting his pension in 2011 and called Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, home. BERRY MEEKINS Pensioner Berry Meekins, 82, died August 12. An engine department member, he joined the union in 1990. Brother Meekins was employed with Allied Transportation for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2007 and resided in Washington, North Carolina. KENNETH MOORE RAYMOND MAREE Pensioner Kenneth Moore, 65, passed away July 31. He donned the union colors in 1982, initially sailing with Hvide Marine. Brother Moore shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He most recently sailed on the Zeus and retired earlier this year. Brother Moore was a resident of Willis, Texas. Pensioner Raymond Maree, 90, passed away July 9. Brother Maree sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Green Ridge. He went on pension in 1996 and settled in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. FREDERICK MUNDT Pensioner Frederick Mundt, 100, died August 10. Brother Mundt first sailed in 1943. He shipped in the deck department, initially aboard the John L. Stoddard. Brother Mundt last sailed aboard the Marine Chemist and began collecting his pension in 1990. He was a resident of Orange Park, Florida. ROBERT STELLY Pensioner Robert Stelly, 84, died July 1. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1963 and worked in the deck department. Brother Stelly was employed with Hvide Marine for most of his career. He became a pensioner in 2002 and settled in Lufkin, Texas. MIECZYSLAW PEKALSKI Pensioner Mieczyslaw Pekalski, 67, passed away July 7. Brother Pekalski worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise. He became a pensioner in 2022 and settled in Podansko, Poland. ANTONIO PEREZ ROBERT WEINHARDT Pensioner Antonio Perez, 84, died August 10. Brother Perez worked in the deck department. He retired in 1987 after concluding his career aboard the Chesapeake. Brother Perez resided in Alicante, Spain. Pensioner Robert Weinhardt, 66, passed away July 13. A deck department member, he joined the SIU in 1996. Brother Weinhardt was employed by Crowley for his entire career. He began collecting his pension in 2016 and made his home in Pitman, New Jersey. SHELDON PRIVIN Pensioner Sheldon Privin, 89, passed away August 2. Brother Privin sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Alliance Norfolk and retired in 2013. Brother Privin was a resident of Deerfield Beach, Florida. NMU CLARENCE PUMPHREY CRUZ DE JESUS Pensioner Cruz De Jesus, 82, died August 4. Brother De Jesus sailed as a deck department member. He last shipped on the Yorktown Express and began collecting his pension in 2004. Brother De Jesus made his home in Pasadena, Texas. BILLY DUCHARME Pensioner Billy Ducharme, 88, passed away July 12. Brother Ducharme worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Jean Lykes in 1997. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Louisville, Kentucky. GILBERTO GOMEZ Pensioner Gilberto Gomez, 98, died July 11. He retired in 1981 after concluding his career aboard the Doctor Lykes. Brother Gomez resided in League City, Texas. YIP KAM Pensioner Yip Kam, 103, passed away August 16. Brother Kam began sailing in 1943, first aboard the El Coston. A steward department member, his final vessel was the United States. Brother Kam went on pension in 1968 and made his home in Brooklyn, New York. FRANCISCO KING Pensioner Francisco King, 85, died July 24. Brother King worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Philadelphia and became a pensioner in 2006. Brother King lived in Brooklyn, New York. 15 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 NOVEMBER 2024 Pensioner Clarence Pumphrey, 98, died August 16. Brother Pumphrey began sailing in 1945. He first shipped on the Petersburg and worked in the steward department. Brother Pumphrey was last employed by Keystone Tankers. He became a pensioner in 1985 and lived in Philadelphia. JOSE RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Jose Rodriguez, 88, passed away July 23. Brother Rodriguez sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Green Valley. He went on pension in 1998 and settled in Villa Carolina, Puerto Rico. MAURO SOSA Pensioner Mauro Sosa, 75, died July 13. He was a steward department member and first sailed on the M.E. Lombardi. Brother Sosa last sailed on the Marjorie Lykes. He retired in 2001 and was a resident of Tucson, Arizona. GERMAN TORRES Pensioner German Torres, 84, passed away May 26. Brother Torres sailed in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Export Freedom and retired in 1988. Brother Torres lived in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. MICHAEL ZICHELLA Pensioner Michael Zichella, 82, died July 7. He first shipped on the Gulf Pride and worked in the steward department. Brother Zichella’s final vessel was the Overseas New York. He began collecting his pension in 2000 and lived in Crestone, Colorado. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. LOUISIANA (Seabulk Crew Management), July 6 – Chairman Albert Mensah, Secretary Shabrielle K n i g ht , E duca t i o n a l D i re c to r Christopher Kirchhofer, Steward Delegate Yolanda Martinez. Crew discussed importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Secretary offered her assistance to anyone that needs help. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed vision and medical benefits. Crew was thanked for their hard work and contributions that made significant impact. OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), July 7 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jumaane Allen, Deck Delegate Lawrence Hernandez, Engine Delegate John Raquipiso. Members were reminded to stay hydrated while working in the heat. Crew discussed old business including requests to for fans and unlimited Wi-Fi. Chairman encouraged crew to recruit family members to join the union. He urged members to leave clean rooms for oncoming reliefs. Educational director advised crew to renew documents one year in advance and to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. STARZ TV cable network channels are now available. New carpet installed in rooms. OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), July 14 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jumaane Allen, Deck Delegate Lawrence Hernandez. Crew reviewed requests for unlimited Wi-Fi and for increases in boot reimbursement from $125 to $200. Chairman asked for patience while waiting on reliefs. Educational director reiterated importance of renewing documents well in advance and encouraged members to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new printer in crew lounge, unlimited internet on crew compuer and new TVs for rooms. Crew would like increases in pay, life insurance and eyeglass allowances. OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), July 20 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jumaane Allen, Deck Delegate Lawrence Hernandez, Engine Delegate John Raquipiso. Chairman urged crew to stay hydrated. He asked for everyone to continue working safely and to be aware of their surroundings. Educational director advised crew to keep documents current in order to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center on time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for various items such as new clothes dryers, large work shirts, cases of bottled water, TVs and refrigerators in DEU rooms. Crew requested raises to match cost-of-living prices. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime Corp), July 21 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Yacoub Shack, Deck Delegate Luis Mena, Steward Delegate Sarah Gross. Chairman advised crew to renew documents early and to go to the Paul Hall Center to upgrade. He encouraged members to recruit friends and family to join the SIU. Chairman discussed 401K benefits and direct deposit option for vacation checks. Ship is clean and well maintained, per secretary report. Treasurer reviewed ship funds and encouraged members to approach captain with purchase ideas. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested memory foam mattress. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), August 3 – Chairman Nathaniel Sherrill, Secretary George Egbert, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate Laura Bess, Steward Delegate Wilson Palacios Arriola. Educational director recommended members upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new refrigerators, towels and linens and asked for increases in food budget and vacation days. Members would like two routers per deck to help with internet access. OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), August 4 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jumaane Allen, Educational Director Michael Robinson, Deck Delegate Lawrence Hernandez, Engine Delegate Garland Scott, Steward Delegate Jasmine Mable. New dryer received and printer fixed. Chairman thanked steward department for doing an amazing job and asked members to remain patient while waiting for reliefs. Educational director reiterated the importance of keeping documents current and taking advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to keep crew computer unlocked. Crew requested higher wages and increased health insurance benefits as well as allowances for emergency flights. PACIFIC COLLECTOR (TOTE Services), August 4 – Chairman Kenneth Steiner, Secretary Terrelyn Wallace, Educational Director Trevor Cohn, Deck Delegate Mohamed Aboubaker, Engine Delegate Davon Brown. Washing machine installation has begun and ship is now equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi. Crew is working well together, per chairman. Food order has been made. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the Paul Hall Center. Ship has 401K paperwork available to members. Captain has offered help to anyone that might need assistance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested cable TV in all rooms. Members discussed new contract and wage increase. Crew would like to add one day per month into the contract and for increased pension and dental insurance. QMED asked for penalty pay for fabrication welding work. Members would like to have chiropractor benefit again as well as work boot reimbursement after 90 days. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies 16 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS LOG are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 NOVEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Latest Course Dates Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck November 4 November 22 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook November 4 December 9 December 6 February 14 ServSafe Management December 2 December 6 Advanced Galley Ops November 18 December 13 SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation November 18 December 2 December 6 November 18 December 2 December 6 Government Vessels November 4 December 9 November 8 December 13 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. NOVEMBER 2024 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17 SEAFARERS LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #912 – Pictured above: Maximilian Bates, Robert Bergstedt Jr., Brian Bolden Jr., Daqwaun Cleveland, Jordan Cruz, Eric Davidson, Andre Dixon Jr., Yetiani Fernandez, Erik Galasso, Kilby Graham Jr., Adam Hassebrock, Kevin Hopkins, David Jackson, Azya Johnson, Jeremy Marte, Desaun Murray, Scott Nygaard, Joseph Paulin, Chad Peters and Ryan Whiter. ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated September 20: Jessica Davis, Raymond Forse, Jasmin Franklin, Steven Lopez Ferrer, Andrea Sharpe and Chadon Williams. ADV. REFER CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Graduated September 6: Alex-Stephen Amarra, Justin Bodnar, Edgar Dionio, Cale Irons, Tony King Jr., Melody Mitchell, Lamont Robinson and Jimmie Williams Jr. Instructor Chris Morgan is at the far left. BASIC SAFETY – Graduated September 6: Joseph Nader and Brandon Walker. GALLEY FAM. – Graduated September 20: Azya Johnson and Desaun Murray. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated September 13 (not all are pictured): Cedrick Burton Jr., Rasheed Groden, Sadie Johnson, Jamal Michel, Abel Palacios, Dochua Polanco-Nieves, Brian Rojas Perez, Kenya Scott, Lawanda Sloan and Kaishona Stimphil. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 13 (above, not all are pictured): Abdul-Ghaffar Abu-Bakr, Ahmed Almusab, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Rodelo Ayaton, Carleous Brown Jr., Tekki Carter, James Davies, Mark Dennison, Edgar Dionio, Javontae Douglas, Derick Dy, Troy Fleming, Tanish King, Montel MacKey, Jony Morales Martinez, Joseph Nader, Jessica Neil, Brandon Walker and Eddie Wells Jr. 18 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS LOG NOVEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 27 (above, not all are pictured): Jasmine Brockington, Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda, Sherlyen Gedeon, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston Mejia-Johnson, Javion Riley-Medlock, Deandre Ryan, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton. Instructor Daniel Reed is at far left. GALLEY OPS – Graduated September 20: Zainab Dexter and Susan Kennedy. JR. ENGINEER PLANT MAINTENANCE – Graduated September 20: Charles Bishop, Wilfredo Calix Maximo, Preston Eiland, Erl Encina, Michael Lane, Johnny Matthews III, Alton Simpson, Christopher Skinner, Dennis Smith Jr. and Michael Zabielski. Instructor Chris Morgan is at far right. MSC SUPPLY CONFIG MGMT – Graduated September 13 (not all are pictured): Stacy Davis, Tammy Gammage, Walter Lewis Jr., Kion Miller and Ali Yahia. Victor Diaz, Matthew Lehnen and Casper Wilson. VESSEL OPS – Graduated September 20: Maximilian Bates, Robert Bergstedt Jr., Brian Bolden Jr., Daqwuan Cleveland, Eric Davidson, Andre Dixon Jr., Yetiani Fernandez, Erik Galasso, Kilby Graham Jr., Adam Hassebrock, Kevin Hopkins, David Jackson, Jeremy Marte, Scott Nygaard, Joseph Paulin, Chad Peters and Bryan Whiter. RFPNW – Graduated September 13: Iman Afifi, Tyler Brown, Alex Cancel, Jamison Coronel, Darien Davis, Edwin Edjeani, Garrett Giella, Cody Gore, James Jackson III, Wesley Jones, Ike Okparaeke, Dakota Sletten, James Smiley, Andrew Smith and Zachary Wilson. NOVEMBER 2024 RFPEW – Graduated September 20: Tito Butler Jr., Korgan Chalker, Terrance Clark Jr., PUMPMAN – Graduated September 20 (above, not all are pictured): Rahsaan Alexander, Kevin Brown, Marvin Fabrizius, James Grant, Carlos Gutierrez, Anibal Lopes, Alex Oliva and Jessica Valentin. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �NOVEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 11 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO USTRANSCOM Welcomes New Commander Air Force Gen. Randall Reed assumed leadership of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) from Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost during an Oct. 4 ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. During the gathering, Reed stressed that USTRANSCOM is the leading warfighting entity in the Defense Department, from delivering aid to combat power. “Make no mistake,” Reed said, “the work we must do now to deter growing threats is serious and demands a sense of urgency. Nevertheless, we will never shy from the contested environment.” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III presided over the event and praised the command for all it has done and continues to do to bolster freedom and security globally. “When crisis strikes,” Austin said, “… the ability to move comes first [and] when America calls, TRANSCOM moves out. You know, we’ve asked a lot of you over the past three years. You have delivered. And you have made history.” “Now, this kind of success doesn’t just happen,” he continued. “It’s the direct result of the skill and dedication of the men and women of this command and [the leadership] of General Jackie Van Ovost.” During Van Ovost’s tenure at USTRANSCOM, she led a total force team of more than 120,000 military, civilians, and contractors and three service component commands and one joint subordinate command that together fulfill USTRANSCOM’s joint mobility mission by air, sea, and land. Throughout that time, she was an outspoken advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine and proved consistently supportive of the SIU. She regularly emphasized the nation’s dependence on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine along with her commitment to back the industry. Since January 2022, USTRANSCOM has Gen. Randall Reed (foreground, second from right), the new U.S. Transportation Command commander, and Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (left), outgoing commander, salute the colors during his change of command ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. (Photo by Brien Vorhees) delivered more than 3 million pieces of materiel to Ukraine, including ammunition, air defense systems, armored fighting vehicles, and more. Later that same year, the president appointed USTRANSCOM as the Defense Department’s single manager for global fuel management and delivery, ensuring the joint force is fueled for a large-scale conflict. On any given day, USTRANSCOM has more than 100 railcars, 30 ships, and 1,500 trucks delivering cargo, according to the agency. Additionally, every two minutes (on average), the combatant command has planes taking off or landing worldwide – hauling supplies, refueling aircraft, or moving patients. “Wherever you see American forces,” Van Ovost said, “TRANSCOM not only puts them there but provides the continuous sustainment required to maintain operations. Over the past three years, I challenged [the USTRANSCOM team] to improve readiness, build and empower teammates, defend and improve the cyber domain, and drive towards ‘decision advantage.’ You delivered that and so much more.” Reed said he is “inspired” by the command’s work and, as the former Air Mobility Command deputy commander, he has experience as a USTRANSCOM provider and customer. Reed is the 15th commander of USTRANSCOM, one of 11 combatant commands in the Department of Defense. USTRANSCOM is a unified functional combatant command which provides support to the ten other U.S. combatant commands, the military services, defense agencies and other government organizations. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989. During Reed’s career, the general held a variety of joint, headquarters, and base-level positions, including assignments in strategic airlift, special operations air refueling, and joint logistics spanning Operation Desert Storm to Operation Allies Refuge. New Contract with Crowley Towing and Transportation Ratified A new contract with Crowley Towing & Transportation has been ratified by the membership, and contains wage increases and additional leave time, all while maintaining the existing level of medical coverage. The following excerpts are from a letter to the membership written by SIU Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, who led the negotiations: “After months of dedicated negotiations, the Union and Crowley Towing & Transportation have reached a tentative agreement. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and unwavering commitment of our negotiating committee, including Capt. Norman Skipper, Chief Mate Nate Leachman, Engineer Craig Perry, and AB Ronald Boatwright. Their efforts have been instrumental in reaching this milestone and they endorse this contract." The new contract includes wage increases every year, enhanced leave time benefits and expanded bereavement leave, while maintaining the previous level of all other benefits, including pension contributions. Russo concluded, "And the best part, no economic concessions were made. We fought hard to enhance your contract without compromising your financial well-being or removing language from your contract.” From left to right: Cris Serrano, Labor Relations Advisor (Crowley); Mate Nate Leachman; Patrolman JB Niday; Dan Lowry, Director of Labor Relations (Crowley); Port Agent Ashley Nelson; Captain Norman Skipper; Port Captain Ryan Stirewalt (Crowley); Andrew Gauthier, Operations Manager (Crowley); and Chief Engineer Craig Perry. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2024 LOG Description An account of the resource KELLY/WALZ U.S. MARITIME LEGISLATION NAMED 'SHIPS FOR AMERICA ACT' ARC ENDEAVOR REFLAGS UNDER STARS AND STRIPES CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON NEW MATSON SHIP VOTING FOR 2024 UNION ELECTION BEGAN NOV 1 SIU SUPPORTS ILA JOB ACTION ITF UPDATES FLAG-OF-CONVENIENCE CAMPAIGN COAST GUARD ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY CHANGES FOR STCW DECK RATING ENDORSEMENTS RECERTIFIED BOSUNS EXPRESS GRATITUDE FOR TRANSFORMATIVE SIU CAREERS USTRANSCOM WELCOMES NEW COMMANDER NEW CONTRACT WITH CROWLEY TOWING AND TRANSPORTATION RATIFIED Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 86, NO. 12 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5c38707e606209f90380780dd739c8fc.pdf bbe57d39f17fe2184f902bd876d8ff6b PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG SEPTEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 9 Seafarers to the Rescue! SIU members recently provided timely assistance to people in need, during separate incidents on the water. In mid-July, Seafarers aboard the Garden State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) supplied food and water for 27 Cuban migrants whose makeshift boat had lost power and was falling apart near Key West, Florida. The SIU and AMO members on the Garden State (pictured above) secured and stayed with the distressed craft until U.S. Coast Guard personnel arrived. Just a few days later, SIU members employed by G&H Towing rescued four individuals whose tugboat had overturned after a collision with the Liberian-flag vessel Yangze 7 in the Houston Ship Channel. Those Seafarers – pictured from left aboard their boat, the George M – are Mate Tyler Walker, Wiper Hunter Legge, Chief Engineer Richard “Trey” Zyvoloski, Mate Stayton Sartor, and Capt. Jordan Ward. Tragically, one of the boatmen from the sunken tug perished. Coverage of the Garden State operation appears on page 4, while the George M article is on page 8. R �President’s Report Brotherhood of the Sea O n behalf of our entire executive board, I extend thanks and appreciation for the tremendous work done by Seafarers during two recent lifesaving efforts on the job. One involved the SIU-crewed Garden State rendering aid to 27 Cuban migrants who were in danger off the Florida coast. The other featured the Seafarers-crewed tug George M picking up four boatmen from a different vessel that had been struck by a ship in Houston. Tragically, one of the crew members from the stricken tug perished in the accident. I trust you will read those respective stories elsewhere in this edition. In the meantime, I can’t say enough about the professionalism, composure and selflessness demonstrated by all of the SIU brothers and sisters who handled these operations. You rose to the occasion and made us all proud. Congratulations on jobs well done, and on upholding the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Sound Rationale For anyone who missed last month’s LOG, my message primarily aimed to “lower the temperature” in our political discussions, regardless of one’s preferred candidates. While that notion may almost seem quaint just a few weeks later, I do appreciate the feedback received from members, pensioners and even some of our operators. Your responses reinforced my belief that on some level, we’ll all be grateful when Election Day is in the rearview mirror. With that said, I’d be remiss in not touching on some of the basic rationale for the union’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz (a former union member). The Biden-Harris administration has supported workers’ rights and the maritime industry from their earliest days in the White House. This includes ironclad backing of the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program, and cargo preference laws. We have enjoyed unprecedented access to the current administration and would strongly anticipate a similar, if not a greater level of interaction if Kamala Harris becomes the president. Additionally, the Biden-Harris National Labor Relations Board has issued a whole host of pro-labor/pro-worker decisions throughout its tenure. It is a night-and-day difference from board members appointed by the current administration compared to the previous one. Major Maritime Bill Imminent Comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry is expected to be introduced in Congress in the very near future. The SIU has been working closely with other representatives from throughout the industry to provide useful input on the draft legislation, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Florida), and Rep. John Garamendi (D-California). During a National Maritime Day address earlier this year in the nation’s capital, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) describes his vision for a maritime revitalization bill. Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 9 September 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Despite the former president’s public disavowals of Project 2025, most of its authors served in his first administration, and many are prime candidates to come back for a second one – and, therefore, to be in a position to push its anti-maritime, anti-worker components. In a worst-case scenario (which isn’t out of the question), Project 2025 could eliminate trade unions (and your contracts and benefits). The document calls for repeal or reform of the Jones Act, one of several misguided offerings regarding maritime. It would be too risky to have the drafters and major contributors that close to the Oval Office. My bottom line on Project 2025 is that it defies common sense to think none of it would come to fruition, and if someone is basically telling you they’re thinking of putting you out of business, you should take them seriously. Also as mentioned last month, I have no interest in trying to tell anyone how to vote. But it is part of my job to identify candidates who I believe will work in your best interests (at every level of government). To me, the choice is clear in this year’s presidential race. If you agree, talk to your families, friends and neighbors about the issues of importance and ask them to support the Harris/ Walz ticket. Truly Inspirational Last but not least, I congratulate the newest class of recertified stewards, who graduated in early August in Piney Point. There is never any shortage of incentive in this job, but hearing the graduation speeches always adds fuel to the motivational fire. There are no better ambassadors for our union than the rank-and-file members who know the SIU (and our affiliated school) the best. Their diverse backgrounds all converge in a collaborative, ongoing success story that traces its roots to our founding in 1938. In all the decades since then, so many Seafarers have found their calling in this union and this industry. Whether they’re legacies or trailblazers, “lifers” or in their second act, they contribute to and embody our collective success. The graduation remarks reinforced the life-changing career opportunities available through the SIU. Let’s continue working together to keep those pathways open. A very recent draft version of the untitled bill spanned 267 pages. Highlights included expanding cargo preference, new stipend programs, tax incentives, greater focus on workforce development and retention, and more. Kelly, a former mariner (in addition to his military service), addressed many of these components during his National Maritime Day speech earlier this year in the nation’s capital. Speaking at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters (with a large SIU contingent on hand), Kelly mentioned that he graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy in 1986, and that his grandfather sailed as a mariner in the Atlantic during World War II. “The U.S. Merchant Marine and our maritime industry are incredibly important to me,” he stated. “We need to seriously and urgently reorient and rebuild our maritime industry…. I am working on and developing legislation to do exactly that.” The senator acknowledged that, when he and other legislators began the effort to craft the aforementioned bill, he was surprised by the breadth and complexity of challenges facing the industry. “Take, for example, our U.S.-flagged international fleet,” he said. “When I graduated from Kings Point in 1986, there were about 400 or so U.S.-flagged oceangoing ships. Today, that number has fallen to about 80 ships operating in international commerce flying the U.S. flag. By the way, China has nearly 5,500. “The reason for this change can almost entirely be attributed to policy decisions,” Kelly continued. “They were decisions made by prior administrations and prior congresses.” After describing the cost differences between operating an American-flag ship in international commerce compared to a foreign-flag vessel, Kelly stated, “If we want our merchant fleet to compete, we need to make some changes, and that means Congress needs to look at financial incentives for private companies to consider shipping cargo on U.S.-flag vessels. We can do this. We can do it through tax credits and other financial tools. We need the American government to make sure taxpayer dollars aren’t being used to ship cargo on foreign vessels, including those made or operated by China. We should restore the cargo preference requirements and agency reimbursements with which Congress undid in 2012.” A decorated U.S. Navy combat veteran, Kelly said that “because maritime security is a critical component of our national security, we need to reform our bedrock maritime security programs to increase the base stipend for the Maritime Security Program, the Cable Security Fleet and the Tanker Security Program. And we should make the common-sense changes of clarifying that shipping companies should not pay taxes on this stipend. I also believe that this means that we need to consider regulatory reforms like looking for efficiencies to improve the way the Coast Guard licenses and regulates vessels and evaluate whether there are ways for carriers and maritime labor to modernize workplace liability protections. And at the same time, we need to examine how the duties and taxes on foreign-flag vessels that come to American ports can more closely mirror what our vessels are required to pay by adversaries like China. I believe that these efforts can bend the cost curve… However, that’s just one piece of this equation. To truly reclaim our maritime industrial base and our heritage as a seafaring nation, we need to revitalize and rebuild our shipbuilding sector as well.” The senator explained how domestic yards are quite capable, but struggle to compete against foreign yards that receive billions of dollars in annual subsidies. He then proposed several potential solutions, including tax credits. Turning to the topic of shipboard manpower, Kelly called for “significant investments in the institutions that produce hundreds of qualified American mariners every year…. At the same time, we also need to do a better job of training qualified able-bodied seamen, and we can do this through supporting the union schools and also expanding the existing MARAD centers of excellence.” The training centers aren’t enough, he added. “We need to make sure that American workers realize that working at sea or working in an American shipyard is a good job and that it can be a good-paying job,” he said. “This starts with raising awareness for these careers. It also might require added incentives for students, like public service loan forgiveness or additional tax benefits for mariners who go to sea.” He concluded, “Rebuilding our domestic maritime industry will supercharge our economy and create great paying jobs while also enhancing our military readiness and allowing us to more strategically compete with China. I need all of your help to make sure that we can turn these concepts into concrete legislation and then we’ve got to work together to get this across the finish line.” SEPTEMBER 2024 �Bunker Barge Signals New Work for Seafarers The Progress can transport 3.17 million gallons. (Photo courtesy Crowley) S IU-contracted Crowley on July 31 announced that it had accepted delivery of the LNG bunker barge Progress, the largest U.S. Jones Act-compliant vessel of its kind, after construction was completed at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. In a news release, Crowley noted, “The Progress will expand access to cleaner energy for ship operators at the Port of Savannah, Georgia, upon final commissioning there…. Shell NA LNG, LLC, (Shell) signed a long-term agreement with Crowley to operate the barge, providing another fueling location to ships using liquefied natural gas.” “This is another milestone for Crowley and a welcome addition to the Seafarers-crewed fleet,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Mike Russo. “As always, we are excited about the new jobs, and I know that SIU members will rise to the occasion.” “The Progress LNG bunker barge sets a new standard for quality and capability to serve the energy needs of the shipping industry,” said James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Shipping. “LNG offers a safe and reliable solution for ocean carriers that advances the transition to lower emissions. We congratulate the people whose dedication and hard work in designing and building this worldclass vessel allowed us to reach this milestone for the U.S. industry and our customers.” Designed by Crowley’s engineering services group, the 416-foot-long barge has a capacity of 3.17 million gallons and features “a transformative design, enabling efficient and dependable supply of LNG to fuel ships,” the company reported. “Progress’ technologies include capability developed by Shell and Crowley’s engineering services group to flexibly deliver LNG to various types of LNG containment systems.” LNG is the lowest carbon fuel currently available to shipping at scale, emitting up to 23% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (well-to-wake) compared to very/ultra-low sulfur fuel oil. SIU, Rest of Labor Movement Enthusiastically Support Harris-Walz in White House Run This year’s presidential election took an unprecedented turn when President Biden – a longtime friend of the SIU and ardent supporter of workers’ rights and the U.S. maritime industry – decided not to seek re-election. In the days and weeks that followed, the SIU, the AFL-CIO, and virtually the rest of the entire labor movement rallied in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and, subsequently, former union member Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after he was chosen as her running mate. The SIU Executive Board on July 30 unanimously voted to endorse Harris. The board later updated its endorsement to indicate unhesitating support for Walz. After the initial endorsement, SIU President David Heindel said, “Our union has worked with Vice President Harris for many years, dating back to her time as San Francisco District Attorney and continuing right up to today. Throughout her career, she has been a true champion of working families and a solid supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. I am extremely confident that she is the best candidate for our industry and for the labor movement.” The board pointed out that Vice President Harris currently is a key partner in what is arguably the most pro-labor, pro-maritime administration in modern times. She played a vital role in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure while investing in good-paying union jobs. Her leadership has helped bring back manufacturing jobs to America; saved the pensions of more than a million union members and retirees; lowered prescription drug costs; and boosted workers’ rights to choose union representation. She is an outspoken advocate of organized labor’s top legislative priority, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. SEPTEMBER 2024 Trustees Approve Doubling Credit for Covered Employment Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) have announced an improvement that should make it easier for SIU members to maintain eligibility for benefits. Effective January 1, 2024 (this year), the trustees modified the SHBP’s regulations so that Seafarers receive full credit towards covered employment whenever they are taking required courses at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Specifically, whereas members participating in a qualified upgrading course at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School previously received employment credits for half of the course’s length, they now will receive full credit for each day of the class. In effect, the trustees doubled the credit. The specific amendment pertains to “Article 1., Definitions, Paragraph 7, Covered Employment, subparagraph e.” The newly approved entry reads as follows: “All days that an employee is participating, either remotely or in person, in a qualified upgrading course at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship; provided that such course is successfully completed and provided that the employee met the School’s eligibility requirements immediately prior to beginning the course.” (The words “all days” replaced “one half of the time.”) During her service as a United States Senator, Harris also strongly supported the PRO Act; introduced legislation to extend overtime rights and guarantee new minimum-wage rights to agricultural workers; sponsored a bill to ensure the rights of domestic workers; walked a union picket line, and much more. “As a United States Senator, I’ve been proud to stand with you in support of policies that ensure that our maritime industry remains strong, and that American workers have access to these good-paying jobs,” Harris said in an address to SIU officials. Heindel concluded, “We are not in the business of trying to tell our members how to vote, but I fully believe that any honest review of Vice President Harris’ career would clearly show that she has supported our key issues at every step along the way. She is pro-maritime, pro-union and pro-worker, and she will do a great job as the next Commander in Chief.” Following a late-July vote of the AFL-CIO Executive Council (Heindel serves on the group), which represents 60 unions and 12.5 million workers, the federation unanimously endorsed Harris for president. “From day one, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a true partner in leading the most pro-labor administration in history,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “At every step in her distinguished career in public office, she’s proven herself a principled and tenacious fighter for working people and a visionary leader we can count on. From taking on Wall Street and corporate greed to leading efforts to expand affordable child care and support vulnerable workers, she’s shown time and again that she’s on our side. With Kamala Harris in the White House, together we’ll continue to build on the powerful legacy of the Biden-Harris administration to create good union jobs, grow the labor movement and make our economy work for all of us.” On Aug. 6, following Harris’ section of Walz, Shuler said, “By selecting Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, Kamala Harris chose a principled fighter and labor champion who will stand up for working people and strengthen this historic ticket. We know that Gov. Walz will be a strong partner in the Harris White House, fighting every day to improve the lives of workers in communities across America. Gov. Walz isn’t only an ally to the labor movement, but also our union brother with a deep commitment to a pro-worker agenda. The labor movement stands united behind the Harris–Walz ticket, and we are ready to help lead the effort to defeat Donald Trump, JD Vance, and their anti-worker Project 2025 agenda in November.” Walz is a former public school teacher and union member. He has delivered on a comprehensive, pro-union legislative package and created the gold standard for state governments aiming to do right by workers. He has enacted some of the most pro-worker packages of legislation of any state in the country, including laws to guarantee paid family and medical leave and mandate paid sick days; prohibit noncompete clauses; bar employers from holding anti-union captive audience meetings; strengthen protections for meatpacking workers and Amazon warehouse employees; strengthen the collective bargaining power of teachers’ unions, including allowing bargaining over educator-to-student classroom ratios; and create a statewide council to improve conditions for nursing home workers, among numerous other accomplishments both as governor and when he served in the U.S. House of Representatives. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �Garden State Crew Assists Migrants Near Dry Tortugas SIU and AMO members aboard the Garden State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) recently rendered crucial aid to 27 Cuban migrants near the isle of Dry Tortugas in Florida. The Garden State on July 16 received a distress call regarding the migrants, whose makeshift raft was failing. The Alexis M, a fishing vessel coming from Key West, initially contacted the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) concerning the vessel in distress, but Coast Guard personnel couldn’t establish consistent communication with the migrants. The agency then reached out to the Garden State to ask for assistance. Seafarers on the Intrepid ship included Bosun Derrick Alexander Jr., ABs Willie Grimes, Larelle Reid Jr., Calos Colon, Muhammad Khalid, and La'Terri Kohn, QEP Michael Banks, QE4 Troy Hubbard Jr., Oiler Nicholas Sweeney, Steward/Baker Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez, Chief Cook Stacy Fuller, SA Victoria Butler, and Paul Hall Center Apprentice James Randall III. When the Garden State pulled alongside the distressed migrant craft, mariners saw that it contained 23 men and four women – and that it was slowly collapsing. The raft apparently consisted of wood and Styrofoam. Multilingual Seafarers Quinones-Rodriguez and Colon translated for the migrants and relayed information between them and the Coast Guard. They learned that the raft’s motor had failed three days ago and that the migrants had been navigating the ocean using wooden paddles since, and that they had no food or water left. The Garden State crew proved instrumental in relaying information to USCG Sector Key West. The crew was then called on to provide assistance as the USCG made an effort to get assets to the rescue site, which was estimated to take about three or four hours. After a few attempts, the Garden State maneuvered close enough with the fracturing migrant vessel. Chief Mate Shamus McDaniel along with support from the ship’s deck department helped bring the boat safely aside the Garden State. Captain Chris Menezes quickly ordered the accommodation ladder to be made ready in case the boat continued to fall apart. Fortunately, the vessel stabilized at approximately 0906 when the Garden State was alongside with lee made in order to prevent further collapse. The Garden State crew shared water, cool rags, hydration packets, bananas and strawberries with the migrants. One migrant seemingly fainted from dehydration/ heat exhaustion, but his breathing remained stable. After relaying this information to the Coast Guard, the crew decided it was safest to continue to keep them safely alongside until the USCG reached their location. At about 1024 USCG personnel arrived on scene followed by United States Customs and Border Protection agents. The migrants were transferred to USCG small boats and were taken from the area. By 1112, the Garden State was dismissed and continued on its voyage. According to Captain Menzes’s report of the incident, the Garden State crew did a wonderful job assisting the migrant vessel. “[The migrants] may have drifted for an unknown amount of time in the open ocean on a deteriorating raft without food or water if not for the assistance of the Garden State,” he said. “All departments all had a big hand in getting these people to safety. Well done by all.” 4 • SEAFARERS LOG These photos show various stages of the humanitarian outreach by the Garden State and the subsequent arrival of Coast Guard personnel. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 SEPTEMBER 2024 �The most recent class of Recertified Stewards (from left to right): Delia Peters, Cayetano Toledor, Jesus Pacheco, Johnson Ashun, Emanuel Spain and Lamont Faulks. (Faulks was unable to attend the graduation ceremony due to a family emergency.) Six Recertified Stewards Reach the Mountaintop Seafarers comprising the most recent class of recertified stewards have proven their skills, while also learning more about the inner workings of the industry during the two-week course. Reaching the highest level of vocational training in their department in a graduation ceremony conducted on August 5 were Johnson Ashun, Lamont Faulks, Jesus Pacheco, Delia Peters, Emanuel Spain and Cayetano Toledo. The newly minted recertified stewards passed an all-encompassing training course, including leadership and social responsibilities, computer technology, various Coast Guard requirement updates, baking skills and other department-specific workshops on nutrition, sanitation and more. Most of the class took place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. The curriculum also included a day at the union’s headquarters, located in Camp Springs, Maryland. The following quotes were provided by the graduates, both in written form and as speeches given to fellow members, union officials, apprentices, Paul Hall Center staff and others in attendance at the August membership meeting in Piney Point. Johnson Ashun Ashun, who joined the union in 2004, recounted his journey to reaching recertified status. Sailing out of Wilmington, California, he spoke about his family ties to the union, citing his uncles and brothers as his primary motivation to begin his career at sea. “At the beginning of my career, I joined the NMU (which later merged into the SIU),” he said. “I was so fortunate to work with a company called Alaska Tanker for many years, and it was a blessing. I have enjoyed being a merchant mariner, and my family is so proud of me. Everything I have, came from this union.” He then shared a story from his sailing career, detailing a close call with pirates in the Strait of Malacca: “We had an alarm ring out on the ship. We all ran down to the emergency station and the captain told us to be alert, and that there was a pirate attack on the ship. It was nighttime, so we slowly came to realize they were not attacking our ship, but another vessel that was a couple of ships in front of us. But we were an American ship, so there were Navy ships protecting us. We didn't even know if we would wake up in the morning, but the whole time we were protected because we were American Merchant Mariners.” Lamont Faulks Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, Faulks started sailing in 2006. Due to a family emergency, he was unable to give his speech during the ceremony, but in his prepared remarks, he relayed the following messages: “I was introduced to shipping through a family friend when I was 20 years old. It was the best decision of my life. Through sailing with the SIU I was able see the world, and make good money doing it.” He also acknowledged some of the people whom he credited with helping him achieve his goals, writing, “I would like to thank all of the officials on the (executive) SEPTEMBER 2024 board. I would also like to thank the instructors, and everyone in the Norfolk hall. I would like to remind the trainees to stay focused and never give up. Don't forget to upgrade. Don't forget it is important to donate to SPAD, and support the Jones Act.” Jesus Pacheco Pacheco, who sails from San Juan, Puerto Rico, stated, “Today is a very special day in my life. In 2008, I was unemployed, jumping from one low-paying job to another. Then in March of 2009, I visited the SIU Hall in Santurce, and two months later I became a trainee here at Piney Point.” He continued, “Since that moment, my life took a 180-degree turn for the better. This school gave me the necessary tools that I needed to succeed in life and to become a part of this great family called the Seafarers International Union. Within two years, I became a chief cook, and since then I've been traveling all over the world. This job gave me a solid source of income, and with that I have made real estate investments, which is an accomplishment that I never dreamed possible before becoming an SIU member.” He concluded, “Every day, U.S. mariners go to work to ensure that Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland have dependable domestic shipping, supplying our country with goods and supplies that enrich our lives. Being an SIU member means job security, excellent benefits, vacation pay, time off between jobs and a great pension. This is all made possible by our headquarters personnel and executive board members. They work hard creating and maintaining our collective bargaining contracts, ensuring that our families will remain safe and strong in today's modern world. We must continue to support them, because they support us. Today I am proud to say that I am SIU for life.” Delia Peters Sailing out of the Port of Houston, Peters described herself as a “proud graduate of Class 798.” She spoke about her journey to the SIU, as well as her experiences during her career. “I consider myself to be very lucky, and grateful to all the people who I have met along the way,” she said. “I had wonderful mentors in Ms. Edna Torris, Mr. Jeffrey Badua, the galley department here who showed me the importance of taste and presentation. Also, the administration, especially Ms. Priscilla (Labanowski) and Ms. Amber (Johnson).” She also credited the late SIU President Michael Sacco: “I cannot forget my own personal experience with the great Mike Sacco, especially seeing him at Sunday Mass when I was upgrading. He always prioritized his faith. I always felt too shy to speak directly to him, but I would smile and say ‘Peace be with you’ when I was seated behind him. I know he would be proud of what we have become as members of the union. To his family, you are so lucky to have a father like him. He left a legacy that will live on. I have so much respect for his leadership during hard times like Covid and war. To the current union officials, thank you all, most especially to our new president, David Heindel.” Peters said to the apprentices, “Stay focused on your goals and keep upgrading! You can go from steward assistant to chief steward in two years. After you gain experience, show your leadership to be recommended for recertified steward to get priority, preferences and permanent status. The school and the union give us the tools to succeed; your success is in your own hands!” Emanuel Spain Spain is the latest in a long line of family members to ascend the ranks within the SIU: “Have you heard the saying, ‘The family that works together stays together’? That's true with my family. There are five generations, and all are proud members of the SIU. Five generations from grandfathers, uncles, sons and nephews.” He sails from the Port of Norfolk, and began his union career after six years in the Navy and nearly a decade in hospitality. “This school is truly a blessing,” he continued. “I urge everyone to keep upgrading, as hard work pays off. There is no shortcut to success. Don't be afraid to upgrade and move up or go to the next level so that you can help your family faster.” He finished by saying, “To the trainees here, my advice, please do not buy a BMW on your first check. Save up money for your maintenance, try to put it in your pension plan or 401K. The more you sail, the more savings you earn, and when the time comes to retire, you won't worry about your finances.” Cayetano Toledo Sailing from the Port of Piney Point, Toledo began his SIU career in 1995. He thanked the many people who helped him sharpen his skills: “A lot of this could not been possible without the guidance and kindness of the instructors. I would like to express sincere thanks to Chef John Dobson, Chef John Hetmanski, Chef Ed White, Chef RJ and Chef Paul.” He then thanked the most important person in his life: “I would also like to acknowledge my wife, who has been a vital part of this journey. She has always been on my side and always my inspiration to keep going. Now she is also in the same profession and she has a much better understanding and appreciation of this industry and the career that we are fortunate to choose. “Being a part of the union brought me so much joy and prosperity,” he added. “I have been an inspiration to my family, (in particular) my brothers and niece and nephew for them to follow the same path. Our dream goals as a family for a better, fulfilling life have been achieved because of the opportunities that this career brings.” He then offered advice to the trainees, saying, “Be patient! All the sacrifices that you are encountering now are worth it, and make sure you keep upgrading. Stay humble and look out for your brothers and sisters.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Credentials Approved for Candidates to Union Offices REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE ON CANDIDATES FOR 2024 ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR TERM 2025-2028 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES, AND INLAND WATERS We, the undersigned members of the Credentials Committee, were duly elected at a Special Meeting held at the Port of Piney Point on August 14, 2024. We have examined the credentials of candidates for elective office or job in the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes, and Inland Waters for the years 2025-2028, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1, and submit the following report. Your Committee qualified or disqualified those members who submitted for office based upon the Union Constitution, particularly those provisions contained in Articles XII and XIII. The applicable constitutional provisions are as follows: ARTICLE XII Qualifications for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Port Agents, and Other Elective Jobs Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a candidate for, and hold, any office or the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent provided: (a) He has at least three (3) years of seatime in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. In computing time, time spent in the employ of the Union, its subsidiaries, and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction, shall count the same as seatime. Union records, Welfare Plan records and/or company records can be used to determine eligibility; and (b) He has been a full book member in continuous good standing in the Union for at least three (3) years immediately prior to his nomination; and (c) He has at least one hundred (100) days of seatime, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag vessel or vessels covered by contract with this Union or one hundred (100) days of employment with, or in any office or job of, the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction or a combination of these, between January 1 and the time of nomination in the election year, except if such seatime is wholly aboard such merchant vessels operating solely upon the Great Lakes or, if such seatime is wholly aboard tugboats, towboats or dredges and contractual employment thereon is for fixed days with equal amount of days off, he shall have at least sixty-five (65) days of such seatime instead of the foregoing one hundred (100) days; and (d) He is a citizen of the United States of America; and (e) He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union’s Pension Fund, if any, or from a Union-Management Fund, to which Fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union; unless such individual commenced receiving a pension benefit from any such fund by virtue of having reached the age of 70½. (f) He has not sailed in a licensed capacity aboard an American flag merchant vessel or vessels within twenty-four (24) consecutive months immediately prior to the opening of nominations. Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall be full book members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for, and holders of, elective offices and jobs, whether elected or appointed in accordance with this Constitution, shall maintain full book memberships in good standing. at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed, and dated by the proposed nominee: I HEREBY CERTIFY that during the past thirteen (13) years I have not been convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from a conviction for robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit such crimes. In addition, I certify that I support the Constitution of the United States of America, its institutions and form of government.” Dated Signature of Member Book No._________ Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with the safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter’s request. In order to ascertain the meaning of the term “member in good standing” which is used in Article XII, Subsection 1(b), the Committee referred to Article XXIV, Section 9 of our Constitution which reads as follows: Section 9. The term “member in good standing” shall mean a member whose monetary obligations to the Union are not in arrears for thirty (30) days or more, or who is not under suspension or expulsion effective in accordance with this Constitution. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the term “member” shall mean a member in good standing. Your Committee sought guidance from the Union’s General Counsel through the Secretary-Treasurer as to whether this section would apply to a member who is unable to pay dues because of employment aboard an American flag merchant vessel as stated in Article III, Section 3(e). Your Committee was advised that, in keeping with past practice and constitutional interpretation, the same thirty (30) day grace period should be applied in these situations. Accordingly, when a member who is working on foreign articles leaves the vessel, the dues for the applicable quarter must be paid within thirty (30) days from the date of discharge in order to maintain good standing. Your Committee also referred to Article XXIV, Section 13 for the definition of the term “seatime”. This section reads as follows: Section 13. The term “seatime” shall include employment upon any navigable waters, days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union or time spent in the employ of the Union or one of the Union’s direct affiliates as an elected or appointed representative. We also noted in Article XXIV, Section 14, the meaning of the term "in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels." This portion of the Constitution reads as follows: Section 14. The term “in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels” shall include persons employed in an unlicensed or licensed capacity aboard dredges, tugboats, towboats, and similar vessels used to tow, propel, or push barges or other conveyances or assist merchant vessels in docking or undocking, or persons otherwise employed in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. After full and careful deliberations, the Committee made its decisions and sent appropriate notification to candidates. The ultimate decisions of this Committee are later set forth. In arriving at these ultimate decisions, the Committee was most concerned with carrying out a stated principle of our Union which is that "every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected or appointed, to hold office in this Union." In connection with the foregoing, we have also consulted with the Secretary-Treasurer who, under our Constitution, has the obligation to ensure appropriate election procedures as legally required (Article XIII, Section 7). Our Secretary-Treasurer has further consulted with the Union's Counsel as to the law applicable in Union nominations and elections. The following is a complete listing of all members who submitted their credentials to the Committee. Their names and the office or job for which they submitted such credentials are listed in the order in which this Committee feels they should be placed on the general ballot, that is, in alphabetical order under the office or job for which they run, and that the Ports, following the Headquarters offices, beginning with Piney Point, be arranged on the ballot geographically, as has been done in the past. After each member’s name and book number is his/her qualification or disqualification, followed by the reason for that decision. ARTICLE XIII Election for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer 6 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 SEPTEMBER 2024 �Credentials Approved for Candidates to Union Offices PRESIDENT David W. Heindel, H-1443 Qualified Credentials in order EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Augustin Tellez, T-764 Qualified Credentials in order SECRETARY-TREASURER Michael D. Murphy, M-2483 Qualified Credentials in order Thomas Orzechowski, Jr, O-601 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT George Tricker, T-919 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST Joseph T. Soresi, S-2658 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Dean E. Corgey, C-5727 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Nicholas J. Marrone, M-2308 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES, AND INLAND WATERS Bryan D. Powell, P-1987 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Joe Vincenzo, V-518 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT Patrick A. Vandegrift, V-488 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST Amancio Crespo, C-2127 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Kris A. Hopkins, H-1658 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Christian Westbrook, W-5787 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS Michael Russo, R-5772 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Samuel Spain, S-2773 Qualified Credentials in order PINEY POINT PORT AGENT Mark von Siegel, V-612 Qualified Credentials in order NEW JERSEY PORT AGENT Raymond Henderson, H-1907 Qualified Credentials in order PHILADELPHIA PORT AGENT Joseph T. Baselice, B-2795 Qualified Credentials in order BALTIMORE PORT AGENT John Paul Hoskins, H-1630 Qualified Credentials in order HOUSTON PORT AGENT Joe Zavala, Z-5049 Qualified Credentials in order OAKLAND PORT AGENT Kathy Chester, C-1906 Qualified Credentials in order Hazel P. Galbiso, G-1458 Qualified Credentials in order ST. LOUIS PORT AGENT Chad Partridge, P-2057 Qualified Credentials in order DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT Todd R. Brdak, B-2684 Qualified Credentials in order In compliance with Article XIII, Section 2(b) of our Constitution, and in an attempt to give every nominee every consideration and to try to prevent any disqualifications by this Committee, Cayetano Toledo, of the Credentials Committee, remained at the entrance of the Headquarters building of the Union until midnight of Thursday, August 15, 2024, to receive any credentials that might have been delivered by hand after the closing of business hours by the Union. All credentials received as of August 15, 2024, have been furnished to the Committee in good order. All credentials have been examined in strict accordance with the Constitution. Any defect in the credentials disposed of by the Committee has been the sole responsibility of the sender and no person adversely affected by such defect has denied this to the Committee. Dated: August 16, 2024 MOBILE PORT AGENT Jimmy White, W-1600 Qualified Credentials in order Cayetano Toledo Chairman Marilou Toledo Jessica Valentin Damon Zschoche SIU Exec. VP Among AOTOS Honorees SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez is a recipient of the 2024 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award, the United Seamen’s Service (USS) announced in early August. The other AOTOS honorees are TOTE Group President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Nolan, and Fairwater Chief Executive Officer Daniel J. Thorogood. The annual awards dinner is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25 in New York City. It will include special recognition for ILWU Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division for their response to the catastrophic wildfires that hit Maui in August 2023. U.S. mariners also will be honored for heroism and bravery during the prior calendar year. NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT George W. Owen, O-695 Qualified Credentials in order “For more than 50 years, USS has presented the AOTOS Award, widely regarded as the most prestigious accolade in the maritime sector, to individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of seafarers and the U.S. maritime industry,” the host organization said in a news release. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle once again is chairing the committee that oversees the event. He noted, “We are proud to announce our three very deserving AOTOS Award honorees, all of whom have made significant contributions to the maritime industry. As the leader of TOTE, Tim Nolan is playing a critical role in the Jones Act trade with TOTE Maritime Alaska and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico. For nearly 50 Christian Cruz Mark Kim Cordova years, Augie Tellez has been an active leader with SIU and has been dedicated to protecting the wellbeing of seafarers throughout his entire career. Dan Thorogood is committed to ensuring Fairwater operates at the highest standards and prioritizes safety for seafarers, employees, cargo and the environment. These industry leaders have shown an unwavering commitment to advancing the maritime industry and protecting our seafarers’ best interests.” Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military members overseas. SIU President David Heindel is this year’s dinner chairman. Contracts VP Announces Several Key Developments SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker had no shortage of newsworthy items to share in his August report to the membership – and they spelled good news for Seafarers. In chronological order, Tricker reported the following developments: - A new, 12-month bridge agreement was reached in late July between the union and its contracted operators who have vessels in the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Effective July 27, 2024, all FOS and ROS wages and wage-related items were boosted by the same significant amount. This includes an increase in vacation benefits while in ROS status. Additionally, all crew SEPTEMBER 2024 members shall receive FOS wages and benefits when a vessel is in a shipyard/repair facility, including transit to and from the facility. - All SIU jobs will remain intact with current contract terms and conditions as Crowley and SEACOR Holdings jointly announced the successful formation of Fairwater Holdings LLC. Fairwater integrates Crowley’s and SEACOR’s petroleum and chemical transportation vessels, capabilities and personnel to provide Jones Act shipping solutions. The combined fleet consists of 31 vessels, including various types of tankers and articulated tug-barges. In the weeks leading up to the formal announcement in early August, the company had contacted mariners who will be employed by Fairwater to help ensure a smooth transition and to reassure them that their respective collective bargaining agreements will remain unchanged. - The union reached a new, four-year contract with Transoceanic Cable Ship Company, effective July 1, 2024. The pact increases wages and overtime pay, among other gains. - Effective Aug. 3, 2024, Seafarers employed aboard the Overseas Mykonos (OSG Ship Management) received a contractually scheduled four percent increase to all wages and wage-related items. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7 SEAFARERS LOG • 7 �SIU Boatmen Rescue 4 Under enormous and abrupt pressure to render aid to fellow boatmen, the SIU crew of the tugboat George M delivered. SIU members aboard the G&H Towing/Bay Houston vessel rescued four people from a collision between the 55-foot towboat Miss Peggy and the 653foot Liberian-flag merchant vessel Yangze 7 in the Houston ship channel on July 19. A fifth crew member aboard the Miss Peggy did not survive the impact of the two vessels. Master Jordan Ward, Mate Stayton Sartor, Mate Trainee Tyler Walker, Chief Engineer Richard Zyvloski, and Wiper Hunter Legge were the SIU members on the George M whose good Samaritan efforts saved the four members of the Miss Peggy crew. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey stated, “The immediate and efficient response by the SIU crew was nothing short of exemplary. They did a great job under emergency circumstances, and they deserve accolades. I know I speak for our entire organization when I say that we couldn’t be more proud of them.” Dive teams, the Coast Guard, and other authorities conducted a search-and-rescue in the area for roughly 32 hours to find the missing fifth crew member, deckhand Aquarius Lowman. Since the weekend of the incident, his remains have been recovered and the impacted boat has also been raised to the surface. Before the accident occurred, the George M crew had just completed a nearby docking job on a busy but otherwise normal day. The tug was headed away from the port when crew members observed the Yangze 7 closing in on the Miss Peggy as they both moved inbound. Sartor, who was steering at the time, slowed the George M down to observe the situation and witnessed the two vessels colliding. He immediately alerted the rest of the SIU crew so they could redirect their vessel to respond. Walker, who was keeping watch, also saw the two ships passing dangerously closely to each other. “I was up in the wheelhouse observing and I look over and saw that push boat kind of off the bow of that ship,” he recalled. “We were pretty much broadside them, so we couldn't tell with our depth perception if he was exactly in front of them or not, but it looked a little closer than normal. We're used to close-quarters situations all the time on the channel, so you know, you kind of get an eye for it and this one – it just seemed a little closer than normal.” When the crew aboard the Yangze 7 apparently didn’t seem phased by being in such close quarters, Walker breathed a sigh of relief, only to realize that he could no longer see the tug from the other side. Immediately, he alerted Ward that the two ships collided and the crew aboard the George M sprang into action. “The guys acted quickly,” Ward said. “The tug sank; initially three guys hit the water. I ran up to the wheelhouse and took over.” As ships nearby dropped their anchors, the George M crew prepared to assist the Miss Peggy crew. In less than a minute, Sartor turned the tug around and met the sinking boat at the scene, as the other crewmates deployed the man-overboard retrieval system and communicated with local authorities and nearby traffic. The SIU boatmen wore personal protective gear and used life rings to initially bring aboard three collision survivors (none wearing life vests). Because the accident happened during midday with sunny weather conditions, it made the shipwreck survivors easier to locate, even without their vests. A fourth survivor floated to the surface in his life vest, coughing blood and in need of medical attention due to being submerged underwater for an extended period of time. Walker was ready to assist in any way that he could, and commended Ward’s levelheaded approach to handling the rescue. “When we have an incident, there's a list of procedures that the captain has to follow to take care of everything,” Walker said. “I was back on deck checking on the guys and I ran upstairs and try to help Jordan out. He was doing what he could and there was a lot of stuff going on. He was able to communicate clearly with everybody. By the time we got back to the dock, we had firefighters and emergency people already waiting on us.” According to G&H Towing, the rescue “was carried out with the utmost professionalism and the master, Jordan Ward, commended mate Sartor’s radio communication and presence with involved parties and nearby traffic. All crew members were commended on their unified efforts and the deployment and use of emergency equipment and effective response procedures.” The company salutes each boatman for “their The sinking Miss Peggy. speedy and effective response, professionalism, situational awareness, assessment, insight, and for the support, sensitivity, and treatment offered to the victims rescued.” Sartor said, “I’ve been working at G&H for threeand-a-half years now and this is really my first time seeing anything that bad. It was a good thing that we had a good, maneuverable boat, that everyone knew what to do, and that we had that Dacon frame (rescue ladder) to help them get back on board.” Walker noted that after the things had calmed down, the George M crew considered what they would do if something like what they had just seen, happened to their boat. “We started thinking, ‘Okay, what would we do if this boat tipped over?’ I think all the doors on the Miss Peggy were closed, so it didn’t start to sink immediately, but once those guys started opening up those doors to get out, that's when it sunk,” Walker said. “All the watertight doors need to be closed when you're under way in order to maintain reserve buoyancy.” Even though they routinely check every month, the crew made sure to recheck their watertight doors and escape hatches after completing the rescue. Ward couldn’t be prouder of his crew’s efforts in this rescue. “My guys were great,” he said. “In all honesty, those two guys (Walker and Sartor) are pretty young, but they’re superstars. They grew up on boats. We’re all local, we all came up around here, we’re all aware, just to recognize a situation like that and get the boat around as fast as possible to get the guys out of the water…. Anything could have happened. Those guys did a really good job.” Important Notice: Updated Merchant Mariner Credential and MMC-related Documentation E-mail Submission Instructions Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following notice on Aug. 12. The bulletin is available on the SIU website; printed copies have been posted at the hiring halls. The National Maritime Center (NMC) has established a centralized e-mail inbox for the submission of certain merchant mariner credential (MMC) applications to streamline the MMC application submission process and better manage the receipt and initial processing of incoming MMC applications. Regional exam centers (RECs) will continue to receive and process MMC applications for Local Limited, Restricted, and First Class Pilot MMCs. Please continue to e-mail, mail, or hand- deliver these applications to the local REC responsible for the routes requested. E-mail is the preferred method for submission of these applications. The e-mail and physical address for each of the RECs is available on the NMC’s Regional Exam Centers webpage. Please note that sending First Class Pilot/Local Limited applications directly to the NMC may result in delays in processing your application. The NMC is centralizing the submission of all other MMC applications. The preferred method of application submission is e-mail. If you are applying for anything other than a Local Limited, Restricted, or First Class Pilot credential, please e-mail your ap- plication to MMCApplications@uscg.mil. Processing times at the NMC vary based on e-mail volume. Sending information via e-mail to the incorrect e-mail address or sending the same information to several e-mail addresses not only causes delays in processing for other mariners but will significantly delay the processing of your information. MMC and medical certificate applications and information are processed separately and should not be sent to the same e-mail address. For more detailed guidelines on submitting medical certificate applications and information, visit the NMC’s Medical Certificate webpage. You can help us improve our processing times by sending MMC applications as indicated above AND by adhering to the guidelines below when sending any other information electronically: • Subject lines for MMC related e-mails should include: the mariner’s last name, mariner’s first name, and mariner’s reference number (if available). • Attachments should be in PDF format, named in the following format: Mariner Last Name_Mariner First Name_ Mariner Reference Number (if available). For example: Smith_John_1234567. • Only submit documentation in PDF format attached to the e-mail. Other formats (including links to PDFs) will not be accepted and your application 8 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 8 • SEAFARERS LOG • and/or documentation will not be returned. • Drug test results are part of your MMC application and should NOT be sent with your Medical application (CG 719K or K/E). • E-mail documentation/information in response to an awaiting information letter related to an MMC application to: MMC-Awaiting-Info@uscg.mil. • E-mail general questions and requests for status updates to: IASKNMC@uscg.mil. • Do not send the same documentation and/or information to more than one e-mail address. • Send all required documentation with your application. • Mariners who do not have an active MMC application in process at the NMC or an REC should hold all documentation until they submit their next MMC application. Documents received without an open MMC application are not processed and will not be returned. Be advised that the NMC West Virginia does not accept walk-ins or in-person delivery of applications. RECs do accept in-person delivery of applications with an appointment. Should you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). SEPTEMBER 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 15 - August 14, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of August 15, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 15 1 3 23 3 6 8 41 28 21 2 6 19 9 5 0 8 17 5 18 7 1 5 5 1 7 2 19 24 9 1 1 14 3 1 2 4 8 3 8 1 1 0 4 1 3 0 9 6 3 0 4 9 2 0 1 1 3 1 1 13 1 3 17 2 8 3 24 26 13 3 8 13 6 5 0 6 9 3 24 7 2 3 6 1 6 1 14 23 2 1 1 14 1 0 2 1 6 2 6 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 9 4 6 0 1 8 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 7 1 2 3 1 4 3 14 13 8 0 3 8 1 1 0 2 4 2 11 19 2 1 34 3 7 14 58 37 39 3 8 27 18 1 1 10 29 2 44 7 2 3 14 1 7 1 28 32 11 1 3 16 3 1 2 5 8 0 8 3 1 0 5 1 3 1 9 6 4 0 3 10 3 0 1 0 3 1 5 TOTAL 238 125 50 187 99 37 88 357 153 59 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 3 2 1 7 1 4 5 10 17 16 1 2 10 3 3 1 3 6 3 14 112 1 0 1 5 1 1 1 10 12 4 0 2 7 2 0 3 1 8 0 4 63 2 0 2 1 0 2 1 2 3 0 0 0 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 24 4 1 1 1 1 0 0 7 8 3 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 2 36 5 1 0 15 1 4 5 17 22 15 1 3 13 8 3 2 5 13 4 16 153 0 0 2 6 0 3 3 13 18 7 0 0 9 4 1 2 0 13 0 6 87 1 0 0 2 1 1 2 6 2 0 0 0 12 3 1 0 0 0 0 4 35 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 5 1 1 4 1 3 11 13 18 6 1 2 16 11 2 4 1 6 1 16 123 1 0 1 2 1 2 1 10 12 5 1 2 12 3 0 6 5 5 1 5 75 0 1 3 0 0 2 0 3 3 1 0 0 4 1 0 3 1 2 1 3 28 0 0 1 3 0 1 4 12 15 5 0 1 8 9 3 1 1 7 1 17 89 0 0 2 2 0 1 2 5 9 2 2 0 5 3 0 1 1 3 0 5 43 6 1 0 9 1 4 11 21 33 7 2 3 21 14 1 5 8 11 1 33 192 0 1 0 4 2 4 3 9 18 4 1 4 11 9 1 5 5 7 1 7 96 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 4 4 1 0 0 6 2 0 2 1 0 1 2 29 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 14 3 4 3 1 1 3 14 34 19 0 0 9 5 1 0 2 12 1 4 11 0 5 8 1 5 5 21 47 15 1 2 25 14 1 14 1 8 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 1 2 3 1 2 1 13 25 6 0 0 9 3 0 0 1 6 0 5 2 0 4 3 1 2 2 8 28 5 0 1 17 5 1 6 0 4 1 5 3 1 0 3 1 1 0 3 13 4 0 0 3 2 0 5 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 15 3 2 6 0 7 5 30 48 21 0 0 9 8 1 1 2 10 0 13 18 0 2 16 0 10 11 23 81 18 1 2 36 17 0 9 1 4 0 12 TOTAL 16 130 190 10 81 95 42 18 181 261 GRAND TOTAL 489 393 292 374 290 174 209 720 517 384 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 3 1 4 1 0 2 4 9 17 9 0 4 9 2 2 2 7 4 0 8 88 4 0 1 3 1 2 3 5 9 3 0 3 5 3 0 0 2 3 0 1 48 2 1 2 0 1 2 1 1 3 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 21 Steward Department September & October Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Tuesday: Sept. 3, Monday: Oct. 7 Friday: Sept. 6, Oct. 11 Thursday: Sept. 5, Oct. 10 Thursday: Sept. 19, Oct. 24 Friday: Sept. 13, Oct. 18 Monday: Sept. 9, Tuesday: Oct. 15 Thursday: Sept. 5, Oct. 10 Thursday: Sept. 12, Oct. 17 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Wednesday: Sept. 11, Oct. 16 Tuesday: Sept. 10, Oct. 15 Tuesday: Sept. 3, Oct. 8 Friday: Sept. 6, Oct. 11 Oakland Thursday: Sept. 12, Oct. 17 Philadelphia Wednesday: Sept. 4, Oct. 9 Port Everglades Thursday: Sept. 12, Oct. 17 San Juan Thursday: Sept. 5, Oct. 10 St. Louis Friday: Sept. 13, Oct. 18 Tacoma Friday: Sept. 20, Oct. 25 Wilmington Monday: Sept. 16, Oct. 21 Piney Point and Houston changes due to holiday observances Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 1 0 1 3 0 2 3 6 12 2 0 0 12 2 0 3 8 1 1 5 62 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 1 0 5 1 0 0 1 2 0 2 21 Entry Department 9 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEPTEMBER 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS ALGOL – These four photos were taken during the most recent voyage of the Ocean Duchess vessel. Pictured from left in the group photo are Chief Steward Kim Holliman, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, and Chief Cook Keyanna Williams. AB Jeremy Smoot is in the third photo from left. ABOARD ARC INTEGRITY ‒ Pictured from left aboard the TOTE vessel MEMORABLE MOMENT ‒ AB Art Galaura receives his A-seniority book at the Joliet hall. in Baltimore are Chief Cook Marcial Avila Solano, SA Rogelio Sadang, OS Ernest Ross Jr., Bosun Shatina Wright, Engine UA Rickie Abrams, Jr., and Engine UA Troy Lawrence. FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN – STOS Jose Gonzalez Del Valle (right) receives his B-seniority book in Puerto Rico. He’s pictured with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. SUPPORTING THEIR COMMUNITY ‒ In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, Houston-area Seafarers have pitched in with cleanup efforts throughout the area. Pictured during a recent volunteer outreach are (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman Kelly Krick, State Senator Molly Cook, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy, Patrolman J.B. Niday, SA Oger Bermudez, Patrolman Kirk Pegan, and Oiler Francisco Martinez. ABOARD OS MYKONOS ‒ Seafarers are pictured aboard the Overseas Ship Mgt. vessel in Hawaii. Standing, from left, are OS/Apprentice Steven Pham, Chief Cook Alondra Polanco, GUDE De’Shawn Jordan, Bosun Juan Ruiz Manaiza, SA Shavonne Freeman, GUDE Salmon Alhobabi, QEP Neil Tupas. Kneeling, also from left, are AB Manuel Delgado and Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo Hernandez. SIDE BY SIDE WITH NAVY PERSONNEL – Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa (right in the Seafaring Selfies) reports another successful crane-training session with U.S. Navy personnel aboard the SIU-crewed Cape Intrepid (Ocean Duchess). 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN SUNSHINE STATE ‒ Recertified Steward George Monseur (left) picks up his first pension check outside the Jacksonville hall; Patrolman Eddie Pittman is at right. Monseur joined the union in 1989 (and, for anyone wondering, that’s his bike). ABOARD GREEN OCEAN ‒ Pictured aboard the Waterman ship in Jacksonville are (above, right) Bosun Nathaniel Guevara and (from left in other photo) SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo and STOS Travis Houston. Photo credits to SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. ABOARD JANET MARIE ‒ Pictured from left during a recent servicing aboard the Sunrise Operations ship are ABs Victor Frazier, Andrei Tretyak and Zaid Said. ABOARD MAERSK DENVER ‒ During his off time, Recertified Bosun James Walker brings in a short-bill spear fish aboard the vessel in early August. REMEMBERING AN SIU BROTHER ‒ Seafarers got together at the Wilmington hall after the July membership meeting to celebrate the life of Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr., who unexpectedly passed away July 4. Pictured at the hall are Jesse’s family (parents, son, brother, and niece) along with union personnel. (Editor’s note: The August LOG contains an article about Jesse, available both in print and online.) BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – These snapshots were taken during the July and August membership meetings (two photos apiece). In the group photo at bottom left, taking the oath at the hiring hall are (from left) SA Albernisha Jones (B seniority), AB Levon Prophet (A seniority), Chief Cook Ashley Fabor (A) and Chief Cook Greg Eady (A). Eady is also pictured in the top right photo, with his wife, Ervina, who was there for the milestone. Pictured from left in the other large group photo are Oiler Terrex Houston (A), SA Marissa Armstead (B), AB Aungelique Hordge (A), and QMED Eric Jackson (A). Patrolman Eddie Pittman is at the podium. The remaining photo includes Armstead (left) and Safety Director Adam Bucalo. SEPTEMBER 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 11 LOG • 11 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – Hitting the recruiting trail recently in Kansas City are (from left) Ryan Covert and Lauren Liles of the SIU, Todd Wright from AMO and Jennifer Umali from MSC. The occasion was the American School Counselor Association Conference. ABOARD PRIDE OF AMERICA ‒ Union members (from left) Jeananne Bowers and Christopher Orr are pictured aboard the only U.S.-flag deep-sea cruise ship. Operated by NCL America, the ship sails to the Hawaiian Islands. CONGRATS IN HOUSTON ‒ AB Jose Castillo Lino (left) receives his full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday. WELCOME ADDITION ‒ Chief Cook Ricardo Ramos (left) wanted to share this smile-inducing photo of his wife, Grace Nuñez, and their brand new baby, Camila Sofia Ramos. They’re pictured at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. MILESTONE IN CHARM CITY ‒ Bosun’s Mate/Splicer-Joiner Wende Sadang (left) receives his A-seniority book at the Baltimore hall. He’s pictured with Safety Director Jose Argueta. ABOARD GREEN COVE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Waterman vessel in Boston are Chief Steward Lenford Royes, Recertified Bosun Joseph French, and SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos. ABOARD GEORGE II – Pictured from left in the group photo are SA Rickey Roberson, Chief Cook Brandy Clemons and Recertified Steward Sedell Mitchell-Reynolds. The remaining photos show some of the menu items from a recent indoor BBQ aboard the Sunrise Operations vessel. Thanks to vessel master Capt. Mark Tuck for submitting the photos, which were taken by his wife, Colleen. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEPTEMBER 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA LUVERTIS ALFORD Brother Luvertis Alford, 65, joined the union in 2001 and initially sailed aboard the Midnight Sun. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Alford last shipped on the Pacific Collector and makes his home in Spanaway, Washington. PATRICK BUCKLEY Brother Patrick Buckley, 67, started sailing with the SIU in 1979 and first worked with American Barge Lines. He shipped in both the steward and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Buckley most recently shipped on the Pacific Tracker. He resides in Milton, Vermont. WILLIAM CHITTICK Brother William Chittick, 62, became a member of the union in 2001 and sailed in the deck department. He was first employed by Penn Maritime and worked in the deck department. Brother Chittick’s final vessel was the Ocean Reliance. He lives in Portland, Maine. ROMEO CRUDA Brother Romeo Cruda, 69, started sailing with the union in 2006, initially shipping on the Pride of America. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Cruda most recently sailed aboard the Alliance Fairfax and lives in Pearland, Texas. TESFAYE GEBREGZIABHER Brother Tesfaye Gebregziabher, 71, signed on with the SIU in 1993. He first sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix and worked in the engine department. Brother Gebregziabher upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Maersk Kansas and is a Houston resident. REYNALDO GONZALES Brother Reynaldo Gonzales, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Gonzales concluded his career aboard the Edward A. Carter Jr. and settled in Middleburg, Florida. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. CARLTON GRIFFIN TODD PEDEN Brother Carlton Griffin, 65, signed on with the union in 1978. He first sailed aboard the Santa Maria and worked in the steward department. Brother Griffin upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. He last sailed on the Green Point and is a resident of Tucson, Arizona. Brother Todd Peden, 69, became an SIU member in 1977. He was initially employed with CSX lines and worked in the deck department. Brother Peden upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center and last sailed aboard the Chemical Pioneer. He makes his home in Inverness, Florida. RENE GUITY RANDELL PORTER Brother Rene Guity, 71, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1992, initially sailing on the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Guity’s final vessel was the Magnolia State. He is a Miami resident. Brother Randell Porter, 51, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1992 when he shipped on the USNS Capella. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Porter’s final vessel was the Sunshine State. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida. LOUINS JOHNSON ALBERT RIOLLANO Brother Louins Johnson, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1990. He first sailed aboard the OMI Hudson and worked in the steward department. Brother Johnson upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the Pennsylvania and lives in Westwego, Louisiana. Brother Albert Riollano, 61, started sailing with the union in 2002, initially shipping on the Dodge Island. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Riollano concluded his career aboard the Maersk Kinloss and lives in New York City. DERRICK MARTIN FRANCISCO VALLE Brother Derrick Martin, 71, signed on with the SIU in 2010. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Martin’s first vessel was the National Glory; his last, the Cornhusker State. He calls Norfolk, Virginia, home. Brother Francisco Valle, 62, joined the union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the engine department. Brother Valle’s final vessel was the Horizon Spirit. He lives in Richmond, Virginia. INLAND PIOTR MLYMARCZYK Brother Piotr Mlymarczyk, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Gus W. Darnell. Brother Mlymarczyk upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Matson Tacoma and lives in Burien, Washington. REYNALDO NUQUI Brother Reynaldo Nuqui, 71, joined the union in 2002 and first sailed aboard the Black Eagle. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Nuqui last shipped on the Maersk Chicago. He resides in Fresh Meadows, New York. MARK BOLDIG Brother Mark Boldig, 68, joined the SIU in 1983. A deck department member, he worked with Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. Brother Boldig resides in Fayetteville, North Carolina. RONALD JARVIS Brother Ronald Jarvis, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2007. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Jarvis was employed with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He lives in Columbia, North Carolina. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL GRAMER RANDOLPH PATTERSON SCOTT KRAJNIAK Brother Michael Gramer, 61, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1981 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Gramer most recently shipped aboard the Pacific Tracker. He lives in Federal Way, Washington. Brother Randolph Patterson, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2000 when he sailed aboard the USNS Pollux. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in the engine department. Brother Patterson most recently shipped on the Harry Martin. He resides in Norfolk, Virginia. Brother Scott Krajniak, 57, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 and first worked aboard the Nicolet. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Krajniak most recently sailed on the Burns Harbor and makes his home in Hawks, Michigan. SEPTEMBER 2024 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 13 • OCTOBER LOG • 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by steward department upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are some things you like about this school? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Lekesha Stevenson Steward/Baker Nichol Corley Chief Cook I like the fact that it’s diverse. Everybody’s cool with each other and we really get along and help each other. I love the fact that they help you out and educate you on a lot of cooking. This is my first time here and I really love it. Lyaunna Bolden Chief Cook Sam Alston Chief Cook The free room and board, and getting time to practice cooking. This is my second time at the school. I got to learn how to cook gravy. The instructors were great and the accommodations were phenomenal. Ruby Jackson Chief Cook Jesus Fernandez Chief Cook I like the educational part. It’s taught me a lot. I’ve been cooking for many years but I’ve learned the right way to do things. The opportunity to upgrade, and how caring the crew is. Everyone wants to see you win; you always get a second chance, and they make it fair for everyone. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 OS Edward Blaha (left) and Messman Armando Frissora take a break aboard the Emerson Steamship vessel Cecil N. Bean in 1952. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEPTEMBER 2024 �Final Departures DEEP SEA CARL DAVIS Pensioner Carl Davis, 70, passed away May 28. He began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1991. A deck department member, Brother Davis first shipped on the Constellation. His final vessel was the Maersk Chicago. Brother Davis went on pension in 2018 and lived in League City, Texas. JACK HART Pensioner Jack Hart, 62, died May 13. He became a member of the union in 1981 and initially sailed aboard the Producer. Brother Hart worked in the steward department and last sailed on the Overseas Chinook. He retired in 2021 and was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. CARTEZ HORTON Brother Cartez Horton, 50, passed away April 21. He signed on with the SIU in 1991 when he sailed on the Anders. Brother Horton sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Global Sentinel in 2005. He resided in Mobile, Alabama. KONSTANTINOS KATSALIS Pensioner Konstantinos Katsalis, 86, died May 24. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1969, initially sailing aboard the Seatrain New York. Brother Katsalis worked in the engine department and last shipped on the Nuevo San Juan. He went on pension in 1996 and settled in Athens, Greece. JOSE LOUREIRO Pensioner Jose Loureiro, 67, passed away May 31. He joined the Seafarers in 1991 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Loureiro’s first vessel was the Overseas Alaska; his last, the Alaskan Explorer. A frequent upgrader, he retired in 2022 and made his home in San Diego. ARTHUR MOORE Pensioner Arthur Moore, 80, died May 29. He started sailing with the SIU in 1992. A deck department member, Brother Moore initially shipped on the Producer. He concluded his career aboard the Baldomero Lopez and began collecting his pension in 2011. Brother Moore resided in Mountain Grove, Missouri. SUNDAY NWANKWO Brother Sunday Nwankwo, 64, has passed away. He signed on with the union in 2001 and first worked aboard the Allegiance. A deck department member, Brother Nwankwo most recently shipped on the Evergreen State. He lived in Hawthorne, California. SEPTEMBER 2024 In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. MANUEL OLIVEIRA JUAN BONILLA Pensioner Manuel Oliveira, 90, died May 20. He joined the SIU in 1992 and first sailed aboard the Sealift Antarctic. A deck department member, Brother Oliveira concluded his career aboard the Endurance. He retired in 1999 and settled in San Diego. Pensioner Juan Bonilla, 87, has passed away. Brother Bonilla sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Mormac Sky and went on pension in 2003. Brother Bonilla lived in Honduras. MICHAEL PSOINOS KERRY BUSH Brother Michael Psoinos, 40, has passed away. He began sailing with the union in 2018 when he worked on the Achievement. Brother Psoinos was a deck department member and most recently sailed aboard the Corsica. He lived in Plant City, Florida. Pensioner Kerry Bush, 83, died April 12. Brother Bush shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Navigator and began collecting his pension in 2006. Brother Bush resided in Galveston, Texas. EMMANUEL ZEPHYR ANDRES CASTILLO Pensioner Emmanuel Zephyr, 75, died May 13. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2001 and first sailed aboard the USNS Roy M. Wheat. Brother Zephyr was a steward department member and last shipped on the Maersk Memphis. He became a pensioner in 2017 and made his home in Newport, Tennessee. Pensioner Andres Castillo, 93, passed away June 2. Brother Castillo worked in both the deck and engine departments. He became a pensioner in 2007 after sailing on his final vessel, the Yorktown Express. Brother Castillo lived in Galveston, Texas. JEON MING WANG GEORGE COONEY Pensioner Jeon Ming Wang, 97, passed away July 3. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1988. An engine department member, Brother Wang worked aboard the Independence for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 1998 and settled in Pearl City, Hawaii. Pensioner George Cooney, 94, passed away January 27. Brother Cooney sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Brooklyn. He began collecting his pension in 1994 and called Laurel, Montana, home. LUIS GARCIA INLAND WALTER HAWKINS Brother Walter Hawkins, 76, died May 24. He began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1982. Brother Hawkins was a deck department member. He was employed by JK McCammon for the duration of his career. Brother Hawkins resided in Kingsport, Tennessee. HUBERT JOSEPH Pensioner Hubert Joseph, 68, passed away June 3. He embarked on his SIU career in 2000 and initially sailed on the Ascension. Brother Joseph shipped in the deck department and concluded his career working with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Santurce, Puerto Rico. GLEN STRICKLAND Pensioner Glen Strickland, 77, died May 27. He started sailing with the union in 1968 when he worked with Hvide Marine. Brother Strickland was a deck department member. He last worked for Western Towing Company and began collecting his pension in 2009. Brother Strickland made his home in Kirbyville, Texas. NMU NED AUSTIN Pensioner Ned Austin, 96, passed away January 28. Brother Austin was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Antiguan Pass and retired in 1989. Brother Austin lived in the Burnsville, North Carolina. Pensioner Luis Garcia, 96, died May 24. A steward department member, he concluded his career aboard the American Hawaii. Brother Garcia retired in 1987 and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. PHILLIP HINES Pensioner Phillip Hines, 72, passed away May 5. Brother Hines was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Taylor and became a pensioner in 2006. Brother Hines resided in Renton, Washington. VALVART LEAVY Pensioner Valvart Leavy, 91, died May 11. He worked in the deck department. Brother Leavy’s final vessel was the Green Valley. He went on pension in 2000 and made his home in Arverne, New York. FLOYD MCFIELD Pensioner Floyd McField, 93, died March 14. He was a member of the engine department and last sailed on the Kittanning. Brother McField retired in 1996 and was a resident of New Orleans. JAMES NEWELL Pensioner James Newell, 90, passed away May 14. Brother Newell worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Tampa Bay before becoming a pensioner in 1989. Brother Newell made his home in Huntsville, Alabama. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), May 12 – Chairman Carlos Gibbons, Secretary Hussain Nagi Ali, Educational Director Ralph Garner, Deck Delegate Dennis Avila, Engine Delegate Keith McIntosh, Steward Delegate Andrea Hargrove. Chairman encouraged everyone to read the Seafarers LOG. He reminded members to visit the union website for valuable information regarding updating documents as well as pension and medical benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like to see increases in pension and vacation pay and better Wi-Fi connectivity. Crew requested new TVs, mattresses, blankets, towels and sheets. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), June 16 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Austin Blake, Deck Delegate Stephen Belden, Engine Delegate Tracy Mitchell, Steward Delegate Osmar Ramos. Chairman reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew and commended them for a job well done. Secretary thanked members for being good shipmates and asked them to leave dirty linen in laundry room before departing ship. Educational director encouraged members to up- grade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for new sheets, pillows and new drinking glasses. OVERSEAS MYKONOS (Overseas Ship Management), June 17 – Chairman Juan Ruiz Manaiza, Secretary Jason Beckford, Educational Director Neil Tupas, Engine Delegate Salman Alhobabi, Steward Delegate Shavonne Freeman. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to keep documents up to date. Fishing gear and supplies to be purchased through ship fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed interests in increasing vacation to 20 for 30. Back doors should not be used at night while watch stand is sleeping. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management, LLC), July 1 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Anthony Jacobson, Educational Director Latiffe Brooks, Deck Delegate Yafet Antah, Engine Delegate Michael Lane, Steward Delegate Ma Marilynda Nance. Secretary reminded members to submit MMC and medical certificate applications early. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities of- fered at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed their gratitude for increased SHBP vision benefit and thanked galley gang for good meals. New microwave has been ordered. Crew motioned to add penalty time to contract for grinding garbage and to align vessel contract with Standard Tanker Agreement rather than the standalone contract. Specifically, crew asked for the contract to include the option to claim cash in lieu of day off, as well as an increase in vacation pay. Next port: Pascagoula, Mississippi. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), July 7– Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Nathaniel Rivera, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. Chairman reminded members to renew credentials and medical certificates early. Secretary thanked crew for good housekeeping and reminded everyone to follow sanitary practices during meal service. Educational director reviewed upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, including the one-day revalidation course. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members motioned to change rate of extra meal compensation from $1 to $5 per person and to change the rate from $5 to $10 per day when extra riders are staying on board ship. Relief crew requested an extra set of coveralls. Members would like physicals to be required once per year, increases in vacation to 20 for 30, penalty pay to DEU for cleaning grease traps and SA pay scale to be on par with entry level positions in all other departments. Members motioned to change normal retirement age to 62 and to reduce days of employment to qualify for vacation application. Crew suggested additional courses to be offered at the Piney Point school, including mandatory training on social and emotional intelligence. Next port: Long Beach, California. PATRIOT (TOTE Services), July 8 – Chairman Paulin Augustin, Secretary Bruce Johnson, Deck Delegate Chandler Dixon, Steward Delegate Joseph Yamson. Members discussed various ideas to modify collective bargaining agreement. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new sheets, pillows, blankets, towels, washcloths and new treadmill. Next port: Baltimore. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEPTEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck September 23 November 4 Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES October 11 November 22 Basic Training Revalidation September 23 September 27 October 28 November 18 December 2 December 6 September 23 September 27 October 28 November 18 December 2 December 6 Combined Basic/Adv. FF October 7 October 11 Medical Care Provider September 30 October 4 Government Vessels September 9 September 30 October 7 November 4 December 9 September 13 October 4 October 11 November 8 December 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL September 30 October 7 October 21 October 4 October 11 October 25 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG September 16 September 23 September 30 September 20 September 27 October 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Junior Engineer September 9 November 1 Pumpman September 16 September 20 RFPEW September 23 October 18 Welding September 23 October 28 October 11 November 15 FOWT September 23 October 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook September 23 November 4 October 25 December 6 ServSafe Management September 16 October 28 December 2 September 20 November 1 December 6 Advanced Galley Ops November 18 December 13 Chief Steward October 7 November 1 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. SEPTEMBER 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #910 – Graduated June 21 (above, not all are pictured): Amir Buie, Edward Carbaugh, Lamonica Daniels, Mohamed Diallo, Mario Fletcher, Jock Litzinger, Richard Mejia, James Mihay, James Morris, Tony Noble, Jamison Parris, Travon Pinnekins, Derek Pohlad, Isaiah Riascos, Malachi Riggs, Sangoutit Saliphan, Jonathan Schmitt, William Simpson, JonThomas Stewart, Wolsey Thomas Jr. and Catyria Wilson. ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated July 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Gilma David, Jordan Harris, Brian Kluth Jr., Nadine Nomed-Ryf, Ricardo Petilo and Lekesha Stevenson. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated Aug 2: Brian Kluth Jr. RFPNW – Graduated July 19: Russell Cacho Sabio. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated July 5 (above, not all are pictured): Samone Alston, Lyaunna Bolden, Nichol Corley, Jesus Fernandez, Shawnda Hall, Ruby Jackson, Rosalinda Lorenzo, Diana Perez, Gina Settle, Costadeano Tsantilas and Frederick Wilson. ABLE SEAFARER (DECK) – Graduated July 26 (above, not all are pictured): Christian Alvarado, Jamari Chavis, Ne'shawn Christopher, Abdiel Cintron Crespo, Michael Cruz Diaz, Nailah Cundiff, Austin Gonzalez, Colontae Hargrove, Jordan Jeffries, Denzel Johnson, Lamar Johnson, Samuel Lambert, Jeremiah Mills, Cody Miranda, Valerie O'Reilly, Andrew Pecheux, Brian Ransom Jr., Abdul-Qadir Shahid, Ubaydulwakeel Shambley, Derek Smaw Jr., Hector Torres-Rodriguez, Christian Westcott, Kenneth Wilson and Dylan Wright. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEPTEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos FOWT – Graduated August 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Luel Berhanu, Abubakar Bockarie, Jermie Francis, Curtis Gilliard, Dajah Gosha, Izadean Hafid, Sierjohn Jove, Jon Kavanagh, Kamaria LaPread, Jylnn LeCounte, Eduardo Lopez Guity, Mario Martin, Sara Mesa, Amar Ogletree, Josh Rivera, Tre Scott, Donald Slue and Ian Tarwater. Instructor Patrick Coppola is at the front left. GOV'T VESSELS – Graduated July 26 (above, not all are pictured): David Alvarez, Amelia Brown, Norrell Casey, Nichol Corley, Michael Elmore Jr., Shanitta Felton, Andrew Macleod, Christian Mercado Nunez, Reinaldo Rivera Rivera and Kaishona Stimphil. JUNIOR ENGINEER (BASIC ELECTRICITY) – Graduated August 2 (above, not all are pictured): Abdul-Ghaffar Abu-Bakr, Saif Al Tamimi, Rohmy Butler, Maria Escobar, Michael Gaylord, King Haber, Ivan Kondakov, Isacc Lesh, David Seymore, Shawn Smith, Calvin Taylor and Kevin Willis. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at far right. RFPNW – Graduated July 19 (above, not all are pictured): Nathan Angst, Kaleb Brock, Max Cronley, Torin Holly II, Nicholas Howard, Nathan Laverdure, Matthew Lee, Mayson Lyndes, Brandon Mitchell, Adam Nasser, Autum Pough, Ezekiel Smart Jr., Taye Stapleton, Tevin Toliver, Darryl Williams Jr. and Raymond Winter. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated July 5: Dedrick Carpenter Jr., Walter Figueroa, Dennis Freeman Jr., Jasper Hayward, Diamond Jackson, Kenyatta Mabine, Alexis Martinez, Marcos Medina-Vargas, Frederick Rivers III, Simeon Roberts, Andrew Tingle and Emma Wang. RFPEW – Graduated July 26 (above, not all are pictured): Edwin Abueg Jr., Ismael Andriamasy, Jason Binosa, Raenell Brewster, Shawn Byers, Theodore Cash Jr., Paul Green, Gideon Korley, Kevin McCann, Corey Porter, Gabriel Rodriguez III, Braden White and Mario Yancey. SEPTEMBER 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �SEPTEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 9 SEAFARERS LOG Hands-On Training a Piney Point Staple for 57 Years Cataloguing all of the changes that have taken place throughout the years at the SIU’s affiliated school in southern Maryland would be quite an undertaking. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) opened 57 years ago this month – with no formal classrooms. Those were located in a barge at the Piney Point, Maryland, facility. Today, the school is state-of-the-art in every way. It features modern simulators and classrooms, a fully operational training vessel, and other high-tech equipment that’s utilized by apprentices as well as upgraders from all three shipboard departments (deck, engine, and steward). The PHC also boasts a well-equipped marine firefighting school located on a nearby satellite campus. One thing that hasn’t changed during the PHC’s history is its emphasis on practical training. Although the school started small, hands-on instruction has been a prominent part of the mix from day one. That’s still the case today, as practical training is featured in most of the 70-plus U.S. Coast Guard-approved curriculums offered in Piney Point. The photos on this page depict students taking various classes at the PHC in 2024. For more information about the school, visit the SIU website (www.seafarers.org) and/or MyMaritimeCareer.org. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2024 Description An account of the resource MAJOR MARITIME BILL IMMINENT BUNKER BARGE SIGNALS NEW WORK FOR SEAFARERS TRUSTEES APPROVE DOUBLING CREDIT FOR COVERED EMPLOYMENT SIU, REST OF LABOR MOVEMENT ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORT HARRIS-WALZ IN WHITE HOUSE RUN GARDEN STATE CREW ASSISTS MIGRANTS NEAR DRY TORTUGAS SIX RECERTIFIED STEWARDS REACH THE MOUNTAINTOP CREDENTIALS APPROVED FOR CANDIDATES TO UNION OFFICES SIU EXEC. VP AMONG AOTOS HONOREES CONTRACTS VP ANNOUNCES SEVERAL KEY DEVELOPMENTS SIU BOATMEN RESCUE 4 IMPORTANT NOTICE: UPDATED MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL AND MMC-RELATED DOCUMENTATION E-MAIL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS HANDS-ON TRAINING A PINEY POINT STAPLE FOR 57 YEARS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 9 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/30ea6b4214cb0dc9fef85376ca3230ca.pdf 36452c74bd030bd31c444ebef00a34c0 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG AUGUST 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 8 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Team ‘Did a Beautiful Job’ Seafarers Step Up for Paint Tacoma Philanthropy Union members in the Pacific Northwest recently upheld their long tradition of supporting a community outreach program known as Paint Tacoma Beautiful. The annual project assists area homeowners with painting and minor repairs. Some of the SIU volunteers are pictured in the group selfie, starting in front, from left: Port Agent Warren Asp, Chief Steward Andrew Miller, Safety Director Danielle Woodward, and homeowner Clarita Ragsdale. Pictured in back (also from left) are Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed, AB Samuel Schwimmer, Recertified Steward Michael Gramer and AB Leonard Soriano. Gramer is also pictured above, right. Ragsdale stated, “The team that came to volunteer did a beautiful job. They were so kind and polite.” Back page. Crowley Makes History with ‘eWolf’ Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime recently christened the country’s first all-electric harbor tugboat: the eWolf (below). Pictured at the San Diego ceremony in the group photo (right) are (from left) SIU VP Joe Vincenzo, Crowley Maritime Chairman/CEO Tom Crowley, and SIU VP Nick Marrone. Page 3. (Tug photo courtesy Crowley Maritime) UPDATES FROM NMC • PAGE 5 // SIU ELECTION INFO • PAGE 6 �President’s Report We Must Stand Together R ight off the bat, I am asking everyone in our SIU family who’s reading this column to stick with it to the end. I already had planned to write about our nation’s upcoming presidential election, but, after the tragic shooting in western Pennsylvania and then President Biden’s decision to not seek re-election, there’s nowhere else to start anyway. At least a couple of weeks will have elapsed from the time I’m putting together this message and when we actually go to press and post the August LOG online, but these points won’t expire. It goes without saying that I mourn the loss of life and loathe the violence that took place at the David Heindel rally for the former President. There is nothing whatsoever that’s good about it, and I hope it will lead to all of us “lowering the temperature” in our political discussions, as is currently being talked about by politicians and reporters. That’d be some long overdue progress, but at far, far too great a cost. Even closer to home, I want Seafarers to know that when we say the SIU supports those who support maritime, regardless of political party, we mean it. And we’ve got almost 90 years of history backing up that claim, at every level of government. There are exceptions, but for the most part, we do not struggle to find common ground regarding the maritime industry no matter who’s in the White House. That’s not to say we don’t have to keep working to sustain and boost the industry, but maritime is largely a bipartisan issue. Take, for example, the bipartisan effort by Senators Kelly and Rubio, Representatives Waltz and Garamendi, which provides a comprehensive vision for planning guidance, strategic objectives, and actionable steps to revitalize the nation’s maritime sector. (The same cannot always be said about common ground on the trade union/workers’ rights side of the coin, but that’s a topic for another day.) On a personal note, I have family members who strongly support the prior White House occupant, while I (as a private citizen) have been equally committed to the current officeholder. We have had some animated discussions over the years, including some colorful language every now and then. But we focus on the issues, and we don’t let political differences ruin our relationships. That is my hope for our union and indeed our country. We are not enemies. We are Americans who largely share the same goals but sometimes have different ideas about how to pursue them. With equal candor, I will not try to tell you how you should vote, but want you to know that in my 50 years with the SIU, I have never seen a more pro-maritime, pro-union administration than that of President Biden and Vice President Harris. (As I think about that number, I really wish I could say I joined the SIU when I was 2.) This is not the time for me to catalogue all of the current administration’s accomplishments related to maritime and labor, but they are substantial. And that’s why I support them – not because there’s a “D” identifying their party, but because they have stood with us. As we look ahead, keep in mind that our country has some important similarities to crews working aboard a vessel. We have officers and unlicensed ratings of both sexes. We have city dwellers and country folks. We have Democrats, Republicans, independents and others. But what’s most important is we have a team on each and every vessel trained and dedicated to keeping the ship afloat, the cargo secured and the mariners safe. The Seafarers and the other men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine can provide a healthy and successful example of how all Americans can work together to keep our ship of state afloat and moving forward. In closing, I encourage you to be passionate about supporting your candidates of choice, up and down the ballot. Get the facts and then back the people you think will be best for your job, your industry, your country. But please – please – remember that this isn’t good versus evil or us versus them. We are all in this together, and when November 5 passes, we’ll all need to continue working together to chart the best course. Bipartisan Backing for Maritime Evident in U.S. House Roundtable A recent maritime roundtable hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives underscored both the urgency of boosting the industry and the solid bipartisan support that exists for the U.S. Merchant Marine and domestic shipbuilding. SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman represented the union at the July 9 event, which lasted roughly two hours. Other panelists included American Waterways Operators President and CEO Jennifer Carpenter; USA Maritime Chair Christian Johnsen; Shipbuilders Council of America President Matt Paxton; Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development President Jim Patti; and Rear Admiral (Ret.) James A. Watson IV, author of the book “Zero Point Four: How U.S. Leadership In Maritime Will Secure America’s Future” (the book was published earlier this year). Numerous congressional representatives from both major political parties spoke during the meeting, titled “Reinvigorating the U.S.-Flag Fleet and Shipbuilding Industry.” The roundtable was convened by the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Florida). In his opening remarks, Webster recalled the vital roles of U.S. shipbuilders and mariners during World War II. “However, the maritime industry both domestically and internationally has changed dramatically Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 8 August 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG since that time,” he said. “The closure and consolidation of shipyards across the country has left us only a handful of domestic facilities capable of producing large oceangoing vessels, while China has grown their shipbuilding capacity exponentially in the last two decades through deep government support…. As the number of United States-flagged vessels has declined, so too have the mariners needed to crew our ships. In 2017, the Maritime Administration estimated that we faced a shortfall of about 1,800 qualified licensed and unlicensed mariners to crew our sealift vessels for a prolonged period. Looking back at our history, it is vital that we find a way now to strengthen our maritime industry and ensure it can deliver the assets and trained mariners we need both in times of peace and war.” Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-California) and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member Rick Larsen (D-Washington) also voiced support for maritime. Larsen stated, “The U.S. maritime industry generates over $150 billion in annual economic output. It sustains more than 650,000 good-paying jobs. I am proud to support the industry and its contribution to national and economic security. Unfortunately, certain sectors of the industry have experienced a decline in recent years due to unfair and heavily subsidized foreign competition…. “American shipyards and mariners are incredibly capable, and they deserve a level playing field,” Larsen continued. “To provide this, we must ensure full funding for the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program, expand and ensure full compliance with cargo preference requirements and defeat baseless attacks on the Jones Act. Further, we have to consider new ways to support the American maritime industry. Ultimately, ships will not be built and operated unless there is cargo to carry.” Carbajal said, “We all know how valuable the maritime industry is to the economy and our national security. ” He then emphasized his support for the Jones Act before adding, “We all have a stake in maintaining and growing a vibrant, diverse, and globally competitive U.S. maritime industry.” Schoeneman urged those attending the discussion to make more forceful strides in constructing a comprehensive Merchant Marine Act of 2025. “We’re going to have to make a lot of decisions and talk about a lot of things in this room that we have steered away from for the last 20 years because they’ve been politically difficult to talk about,” he said. “That means taxes, that means appropriations, that means lots of money going to ships and shipyards and mariners. It means new ideas that we haven’t talked about in 50, 60 years…. We’ve got to talk about all of these issues because we are not going to fix what’s broken in our industry with half-measures.” U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) said he appreciated Schoeneman’s candor and eagerness to address the pressing maritime matters head-on, and expressed his support with moving forward with the group’s proposed solutions. Several participants voiced concerns about potential U.S. reliance on foreign-flagged vessels to support essential operations such as military deployments. They offered a wide range of suggestions for growing the American-flag fleet and the shipboard manpower pool. Paxton addressed the market volatility of the shipbuilding industry and suggested that continuing to enforce the Jones act, passing proposed budgets, and clarifying applicable laws will boost market surety. Carpenter, said, “I’m here advocating for the Jones Act as the foundation of our national maritime security strategy. But I also want to really be clear: The Jones Act is necessary but it is not sufficient to solve the problems we’re talking about here, because the Jones Act is about domestic transportation. The Jones Act is about making sure that we control our supply chain – and God help us if we lose the ability to move cargo between U.S. ports.” Johnsen encouraged the use of tax incentives for “shipping American, rather than instating mandates that force entities to do so.” Schoeneman agreed that there should be incentives, but added that cargo preference laws and potential mandates could also work to achieve these ends. Patti emphasized assuring younger people of the stability and importance of the maritime industry so they can envision becoming a part of it, and so they’re accurately able to view maritime as a viable career option. “They need to have some greater assurance that there’s not only going to be an industry, but there’s a future for them,” Patti said. The full hearing is linked on the subcommittee’s website and on the SIU website. AUGUST 2024 �Historic Ceremony Signals New SIU Jobs The new boat is designed to perform two ship assist jobs “with minimal to no charging required,” according to the company. (Photo Crowley Vice Chairwoman Christine Crowley (second from left) does the honors at the christening ceremony. (Photo courtesy courtesy Crowley) Crowley) Built by Master Boat Builders in Coden, Alabama, member of the California Air Resources Board (CARB); ith SIU members and officials in attendance, Seafarers-contracted Crowley on the 82-foot vessel delivers 70 tons of bollard pull – and Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava of San June 25 formally christened the eWolf – stronger than its conventional predecessor, Crowley Diego. Crowley Vice Chairwoman Christine Crowley the first all-electric ship assist harbor tugboat in reported. The tug, which has a 40-foot beam and can served as the sponsor to give the blessing and conduct sail at 12 knots, also “features a fully integrated elec- the christening on San Diego Bay. The boat entered the United States. The well-attended ceremony took place in San trical package for battery energy storage by ABB with commercial service the same week. “Crowley’s first-of-its-kind electric tugboat is a advanced technology for mariner safety. eWolf is supDiego. “The entire event was first class,” said SIU Vice ported by a new microgrid shoreside charging station game changer. It checks all the boxes by providing President West Coast Nick Marrone, who attended the that enables the tug to operate at full performance environmental, economic, and operational benefits gathering along with SIU Vice President Government daily on electricity,” the company said in a news for our communities and maritime industry,” said Urtasun, the port chairman. “This is truly a story of release. Services Joe Vincenzo. The boat “was sized and designed to complete teamwork and collaboration.” Marrone added, “There was a great presentation “CARB is proud to partner on this historic effort about the construction of this vessel and the efforts two ship assist jobs in the harbor with minimal to no that will reduce air and climate pollution. Impacted that were made to ensure compatibility. This is a first charging required,” the company added. Crowley Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley said at portside communities, like Barrio Logan and National for us and it’s the first tugboat I’ve ever seen without a smokestack on it. They do have extra diesel generators the ceremony, “The eWolf is a historic milestone in the City, breathe more diesel pollution than 90% of Calmaritime industry and Crowley’s legacy, and under- ifornia communities and children experience up to on board in case extra power is needed.” Vincenzo stated, “Of the many thanks and acknowl- scores our company’s commitment to serve as global five times more asthma hospitalizations,” said Takvoedgments given, none were more well deserved than sustainability leaders and innovators. The all-electric rian, CARB board member. “The eWolf will contribute the recognition given to the SIU members who were tugboat is the most technologically advanced vessel significantly to creating a healthy environment for all present and who worked tirelessly and closely with of its kind, and eWolf will help our customers and communities.” “SDAPCD is proud to have provided funding for project managers to bring this first-in-class workboat communities reach their decarbonization goals while in to service. Their dedication to leveling up to the delivering capabilities that strengthen our vital supply the eWolf project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transitioning from traditional diesel-powered vesrequirements of this cutting-edge, green technology chain.” He continued, “We congratulate the people whose sels to electric propulsion systems,” said La Mesa and their professionalism set a new standard and make us all proud. We wish them and their families tireless dedication brought the eWolf to fruition with Councilmember Shu. “The eWolf exemplifies how well and we applaud Crowley for the vision, tenac- our partners at the federal, state and local govern- collaboration between government and private partity and leadership that was necessary to make eWolf ment, setting a new standard not just in America, but ners can drive meaningful change, contributing significantly to a cleaner, healthier environment for not only a reality but also the shared success that it globally.” During the event, Crowley welcomed Gustav Hein, everyone.” already is.” Crowley chose the eWolf’s name in a nod to a tugSIU members from the eWolf who attended the Director of the Mid-Pacific Gateway Region for the ceremony included Captains Joey Gordon, Anthony U.S. Maritime Administration; Frank Urtasun, Port of boat in the company’s initial fleet, the Sea Wolf, which Fisher and Chris Collins, along with Engineers Peter San Diego Chairman; Jack Shu, San Diego County Air operated more than a century ago in California. V. DeMaria (father) and Peter P. DeMaria (son), and AB Pollution Control District Governing Board Chair and a City of La Mesa Councilmember; Diane Takvorian, Nico Pasquerella. W Seafarers Celebrate with Great Lakes Towing SIU members and officials joined in welcoming the christening of the new Great Lakes Towing tugboat Minnesota. The event, which also marked the formal observance of the company’s 125 years in business, took place July 11 in Cleveland. Pictured in the larger group photo, in front of the tug, are (from left) AB/Deckhand Chris Swenk, AB/Deckhand Kevin Bem, SIU VP Bryan Powell, AB/Deckhand Russ Lempke, SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak and UIW VP Monte Burgett. In the remaining photo, Powell and Brdak join Great Lakes Towing President Joe Starck (center). AUGUST 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �SIU President Offers ‘Heartfelt Gratitude and Admiration’ for Mariners Honoring Your Commitment on the Day of the Seafarer Editor’s note: SIU President David Heindel wrote the following message, which is posted on the SIU website. In addition to his duties with the SIU, Heindel also serves as Chair of the Seafarers’ Section at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The SIU is an ITF affiliate. Dear Sisters and Brothers, June 25 has been designated as a day when the world recognizes the invaluable contributions you make to humanity. On this Day of the Seafarer, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Today, we celebrate you – our modern-day heroes who navigate the vast oceans, ensuring the smooth flow of global trade, commerce, and national and economic security. Your resilience, professionalism, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Each voyage you undertake not only supports the U.S. and global economies but also bridges communities and cultures, bringing the world closer together. Despite the challenges and long periods away from loved ones, you carry out your duties with remarkable commitment and skill. We acknowledge the unique difficulties you face, from adverse weather conditions to the ongoing challenges posed by conflicts in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and elsewhere. Yet, through it all, you demonstrate exceptional strength and unity. Your spirit of camaraderie and perseverance inspires us all. Today, we want to remind you that your efforts are deeply appreciated and valued. You are the backbone of international trade, and without you, our world would not function as smoothly as it does. Thank you for your incredible contributions and for keeping the world moving forward. We are profoundly grateful for your service and dedication. Wishing you fair winds and following seas, David Heindel David Heindel New SIU Contracts Boost Wages, Include Other Gains for Members The union has recently finalized two new three-year agreements, which were then ratified by the membership. Each of the pacts includes wage increases and maintains or increases benefits. Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning As reported by SIU Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, members in the Houston area recently ratified a new three-year agreement with Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning Inc. The contract, which covers Intrepid’s fleet of ATB's, includes wage increases throughout the length of the agreement, while maintaining existing benefit levels, including the 2-for-1 pension contributions and the highest level of medical coverage, Core-Plus. Notably, the union added Juneteenth as a holiday in the contract, and also ensured extra pay during any training courses a member might take at the union’s affiliated maritime school in Piney Point, Maryland. Additionally, this new contract implemented a Seafarers Money Purchase Plan (SMPP) increase in the second and third year covered by the agreement, all without taking any cuts to the previous contract. The contract was negotiated by SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, Russo, Port Agent Joe Zavala and Patrolman J.B. Niday. The delegates were Captain August "Gus" Cramer, Engineer Christopher Scherhaufer, Mate Lindsey Austin and Unlicensed Delegate Shane Cawley. Argent Marine The SIU recently secured a new three-year contract with Argent Marine, which went into effect on July 1. The agreement, negotiated by SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, includes wage increases all three years, and increases contributions made to the Seafarers Vacation Plan starting on July 1, 2025. The contract covers three vessels: the SLNC York, SLNC Severn, and the replacement for the SLNC Magothy. AB Tankerman Luis Martinez (left) and Chief Mate Timothy Swinehart pose for a photo with their favorite publication during the contract ratification. SIU Family Member Wins Union Plus Scholarship ATB Courage 4 • SEAFARERS LOG Union Plus recently awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 209 students representing 42 unions, including one winner from the Seafarers International Union. This year’s group of scholarship recipients includes university, college, and trade or technical school students from 33 states, the District of Columbia, and one Canadian province. The SIU winner is Rafael Valentin Firme of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Firme, whose father, ACU Roberto Firme, started sailing with the SIU in 1989, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. “This year’s Union Plus Scholarship award winners are as inspirational as ever,” Union Plus President Mitch Stevens said. “We sincerely appreciate them sharing their incredible personal accomplishments and plans with us. We wish them all continued success, and we are proud to support their education.” Applications already are being accepted for the 2025 scholarship program. More information is available on the Union Plus website (unionplus.org). SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 AUGUST 2024 �Wilmington Patrolman Sunga Passes Away The SIU is mourning the unexpected passing of Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr., who died on July 4, at age 36. He passed away in his sleep, apparently from natural causes. Sunga, who was known by those close to him as “JayR,” resided in Baldwin Park, California, and was based at the hiring hall in Wilmington. He is survived by his 8-year-old son, Noah; his parents, Reyma and Jessy Sunga Sr. (an instructor at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland); and his siblings Mark and Tiffany. Sunga graduated from Sierra Vista High School. He later completed the apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 2008 and subsequently sailed on the USNS Impeccable. He worked on several vessels year after year, mainly sailing as an AB and occasionally a GUDE. He sailed out of Wilmington for his entire career, until he was hired as a patrolman for the port in 2019. “Having Jesse on our team was an honor. His dedication, kindness, and positive spirit toward our membership was truly inspiring to all of us. He made a significant impact not only on our organization but also on everyone he encountered,” SIU President David Heindel said of Sunga. “He was a hardworking, faithful employee. His presence and his work contributions were essential to our operations here at the port,” said SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. “He was a pleasant and wonderful person. The patience and kindness he demonstrated towards the membership and to his coworkers across the country was remarkable. We will always remember him and keep him in our thoughts. Everyone here at the port sends his family our sincerest condolences.” Jeff Turkus, retired Wilmington port agent (who oversaw and mentored Sunga as a patrolman), had only good things to say about his colleague. “All of the shippers and crew knew him because he sailed for a long time before he became a patrolman. He was a good person and a hard worker. Everyone liked him,” Turkus said. Gerret Jarman, current Wilmington port agent, worked with Sunga since he arrived on the West Coast a few years ago. Their first experience working together was in 2011, when both sailed aboard the same vessel. “He was a good shipmate,” Jarman recalled. “He always had a positive attitude, was reliable, and was a genuinely kind person. As a patrolman, he would always go above and beyond for members.” After news of his passing spread, many of the members he knew sent their condolences. The SIU’s main Facebook page in particular was flooded with hundreds of messages expressing sadness, support and respect. “The outpouring of love and support from members has been great to see,” Jarman said. Wilmington Safety Director Gordon Godel worked alongside Sunga for the past six years, including time spent servicing vessels and recruiting. Godel remembers him as “a good, family-oriented guy. He took a job as a patrolman because he wanted to be home with his family,” he said. Godel fondly recalled many conversations with Sunga about their families and especially their kids. A doting father, Sunga often would share his growing son’s milestone moments. As Jarman recalled, “If Jesse had something going on with his son, he’d share photos with the work group chat.” Sunga’s visitation and funeral service were scheduled to take place in late July, after this edition went to press, at Forest Lawn Covina Hills Memory Chapel in Covina, California. A memorial gathering also was planned for the Wilmington hall on the day of the monthly membership meeting. A GoFundMe fundraiser in Sunga’s honor has been organized to support his family, cover funeral expenses and provide financial support for his young son. Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. (right) and his son, Noah, take a selfie during a family day at Noah’s school earlier this year. Jesse Sunga Jr. Pictured at the Wilmington hall in 2022 are (from left) Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr., Recertified Bosun Amed Mihakel (receiving his first pension check), and Port Agent Gerret Jarman. NMC Issues Notices Regarding Credentials, Medical Certificates Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) recently issued the following two, separate notices. Both notifications are posted on the agency’s website and on the SIU website. Updated Merchant Mariner Credentials On March 1, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard began issuing Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) in a new single-sheet format. This new mariner credential replaced the legacy passport-style red book and associated endorsement labels. Based on processing observations and customer feedback, the stock used for the new MMC is being upgraded to one that is significantly more tear resistant. All other appearance and security features remain the same. The new MMC remains formatted on 8.5” x 11” waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic stock and is far more durable than the previous paper licenses or passport-style books issued in years past. To learn more about the new MMC, visit the National Maritime Center (NMC) website. The updated MMC document will be issued for all approved applications, to include credential endorsements, beginning July 8, 2024. To validate a new MMC, use the Coast Guard’s credential verification tool at MMLD Credential Verification (uscg.mil). For a document search, select “MMC” as the document type and enter the document number. On the new MMC, the document number can be found on the red cover section beneath the corresponding barcode and will have the prefix “Z”. AUGUST 2024 If you have any questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg. mil or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Merchant Mariner Medical Certificate Application Backlog The National Maritime Center (NMC) is currently experiencing a backlog of medical certificate applications. The NMC recommends you submit your application 90 days in advance of your current medical certificate’s expiration. NMC processing times are currently close to 30 days for COMPLETE applications but may be longer for incomplete applications. Processing times at the NMC have grown due to large e-mail volume. Sending multiple e-mails for individual pages of the application or sending the same information multiple times only causes delays in processing for other mariners and will significantly delay the processing of your information. For example, during the week of 10-14 June, 2024, approximately 25 percent of all e-mails processed were duplicate medical certificate applications (CG-719K). You can help us improve processing times by adhering to the following guidelines: - Review your application to ensure it is COMPLETE prior to submission. Please review our website to avoid common medical certificate application errors. - Check your medical certificate expiration date and apply 90 days before it expires. - E-mail medical certificate applications (CG-719K or K/E) directly to MEDAIP@uscg.mil. (Other submission options include sending to an REC, fax or U.S. mail, but these options are not processed as quickly as direct submission to MEDAIP@uscg.mil.) - Enter the e-mail subject line in the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_MARINER REFERENCE NUMBER. - Name your PDF file in the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_REFERENCE NUMBER. - Medical certificate applications (CG-719K) should be submitted as one PDF. - JPEG and other formats are not accepted. - Do not send drug test results with your medical certificate applications (CG-719K). Drug testing results should be sent with your MMC application to MMCApplications@uscg.mil. - If necessary, e-mail medical-related documentation other than medical certificate applications (i.e., additional information) to NMCMedicalClerks@uscg. mil. As a reminder, only COMPLETE medical applications are accepted for processing. Incomplete applications are returned to the mariner for correction and must be resubmitted, which delays the processing of your medical certificate application. Please note that it is the individual mariner’s responsibility to submit his or her USCG physical to MEDAIP@uscg.mil on their own behalf, with any required supporting documentation. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Report of the Constitutional Committee We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at a Special Meeting held in Piney Point on June 24, 2024, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied proposed Constitutional Amendments contained in Resolutions submitted by our Executive Board. With the exception of one minor proposed amendment, these Resolutions, containing the proposed amendments, prior to their submission to us, were adopted by a majority vote of the membership. The provisions of these Resolutions, including their “WHEREAS” clauses, are contained in this report so that all members have available to them their full text for review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendations. Whereas, the Executive Board of this Union met on January 31, 2024 for the purpose of discussing potential amendments to the constitution of this Union; and Whereas, after lengthy discussions, the Board members unanimously decided that since the constitution of this union has not been amended since 2013 and, that over the last ten years, there have been many changes in the industry, the labor movement, and this union which, in their opinion, warrant constitutional amendments, The Executive Board resolved to present the following potential amendments to the membership for their action. 1. To make our union’s constitution more inclusive, amend all places in the document where the current word used is linked to one gender such as “he” to “he or she”. 2. In a further effort to make the constitution more current and inclusive, replace the words “crimps and finks” with “manning agents” and add additional classifications to the existing list in the statement of principles against which discrimination will not be tolerated. The list would be amended to include: sexual orientation, national origin, disability and age. 3. Amend Article III, section 3 (e) to make it easier for members to stay in good standing if they are unable to timely pay dues while on an American flag vessel anywhere in the world and Amend Article III by adding a section 3 (f) to indicate that any member on check-off through an employer or the Seafarers Vacation Plan would automatically be in good standing. 4. Amend Article III, Section 1 to make it clear that probationary members enjoy certain rights of membership but not all the rights enjoyed by full book members. Your committee believes and is recommending that there is no need to amend this section of the constitution as the Union’s consistent practice has always been that probationary book members have the right to express themselves at membership meetings but do not have the right to vote at such meetings with the exception of contract ratifications. 5. Amend Article V, Section 1 (a). As there has not been an increase in dues since 2006, and to enable the union to continue servicing the membership at the level they have come to expect, raise the dues $25/ quarter effective the second quarter of 2025 and then raise it an additional $25/quarter on January 1, 2027. 6. Amend Article V, Section 2 for the same reasons as the proposed dues increase by raising the initiation fee paid by new members joining after January 1, 2025, by $500 and amend Article V section 2 to increase the service fee for the issuance of a full book by $15.00 7. Amend Article VI, Section 4 to make it easier for members to have their rights restored after retiring their books by paying one-quarter dues each year that the book is in retirement during the quarter when their book was retired. 8. Amend Article VIII. In a further effort to expand services for the Union’s membership and to help ensure that the union’s diversity and educational goals are met, add two new Vice President positions: a Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and a Vice President of Training and Education along with corresponding assistant Vice President positions and allow the new officers to serve as delegates to the union’s parent organization in accordance with the constitutional guidelines. 9. Amend Article X, Section 1 (j) to change the word “shall” to “may” in the constitutional section pertaining to the filling of union officer and representative positions by providing the president with sufficient time to properly fill a vacant office. 10. Amend Article X, Sections 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12 to make the titles of three existing Vice Presidents’ positions more in line with their actual work and the territory they serve by placing the Caribbean region under the Gulf Coast; remove the words “Southern Region and inland waters” from the territory of the Great Lakes Vice President and remove the words “fishing industries” from the responsibilities of the Government Services Vice President. 11. Amend Article X, Section 12. In keeping with current times, formally allow the executive board to hold meetings virtually to save costs when it is efficient to do so. 12. Amend Article XIII, Section 1 (g) to help individuals who wish to run for union office and are on a vessel during the period of nominations by allowing them to use an email address and to allow the credentials committee the right to reach out via email or expedited mail if it needs to reach a member with any questions. 13. Amend Article XIII, Section 2 (c) to clarify that any appeals to an action of the credentials committee need to be filed in time for such appeal to be acted upon by the membership at the regular membership meeting following the committee’s election and prior to the issuance of its report. 14. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). In a further effort to engage the membership in union elections and proceedings, expand the voting period by one month to provide more time for members to vote (October through December) which would also entail moving the nominating period and the election and service of the credentials committee back one month to July of the election year. 15. Amend Article XII, Section 1 (c) by including vessels in ROS status among the types of vessels for which sixty-five (65) days of seatime is required rather than one hundred (100) days of seatime between January 1 and the time of nomination during an election year. This was suggested due to the possibility of starting the voting period in October which would entail moving the nominating period back by one month. Your committee acknowledges that this particular proposed amendment was not presented to the membership during the June membership meetings; however, we are recommending that it be included with all the other proposed amendments to help ensure that members who work on ROS vessels who wish to run for union office will be able to do so, assuming they satisfy all other eligibility requirements. 16. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). In accordance with the wishes of the membership as expressed at membership meetings, make permanent the provision to allow ballots to be brought to vessels, subject to guidelines set by the executive board. 17. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). Considering the proposal to expand the voting period by a month and bringing ballots to vessels, remove Saturday voting at union halls. 18. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (e) to make it easier for members to vote absentee if incapacitated by illness or injury. 19. Amend Article XIII, Section 4 (b) to increase the tallying committee from 20 to 28 members due to the addition of four new constitutional ports and raise the committee’s quorum from 10 to 14 members. 20. Again, due to the addition of four new constitutional ports, increase the number of elected port agents by 4: 1 for Norfolk, 1 for Jacksonville, 1 for Long Beach, and 1 for Tacoma. 21. Amend Article XXIII to add the four new constitutional ports to the regular membership meeting schedule and move the date when the Algonac meeting is held to the Thursday in the week following its current meeting date. 22. Amend Article XVII. In keeping with current times, codify the Union’s ability to use social media to communicate with its members. 23. Allow the constitution to be amended to take care of non-substantive housekeeping, grammatical and spelling errors throughout the document; such as changing the word “contract” to “collective bargaining agreement”, changing the words “under an incapacity” to “incapacitated”, changing “in behalf” to “on behalf”, etc. Be it resolved that, if approved by a majority vote of the membership, the foregoing proposed amendments, with the exception of number 4, be placed on the ballot along with the election of officers for use during the upcoming election. We further recommend, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report containing the proposed Resolutions and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, August 2024 issue, so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts and actions taken as of this time. In addition, we recommend that copies of such LOG issue, to the extent possible, be made available to the membership at all Union offices and Halls during the months of November and December 2024. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members, and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolutions will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. DATE: June 26, 2024 Fraternally submitted, Constitutional Committee 2024 SIU Election Absentee Voting Info Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting 6 • SEAFARERS LOG an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2024 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2024. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2024. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2024 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2025. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 AUGUST 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 14 - July 15, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 16, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 16 1 2 20 3 6 7 23 21 16 2 7 13 14 5 2 7 18 0 21 11 3 1 8 2 5 1 22 21 5 1 4 11 1 3 4 3 6 1 7 2 3 2 4 1 2 1 12 7 4 1 3 8 0 0 1 2 1 1 3 14 1 3 14 3 4 5 12 16 12 2 7 9 6 3 1 3 12 0 15 7 2 0 7 2 1 1 15 14 4 1 3 10 1 3 3 4 7 3 4 1 3 2 2 2 2 0 7 8 1 0 2 5 1 0 1 3 0 0 2 10 3 3 9 0 0 1 14 15 4 3 3 2 5 1 3 2 4 0 4 20 2 2 32 2 10 11 50 46 35 3 11 24 17 2 1 12 26 0 48 11 4 1 17 2 7 2 32 35 4 2 3 22 2 0 3 2 8 1 11 2 0 0 3 2 4 1 11 6 6 2 2 12 2 0 0 0 3 1 5 TOTAL 204 120 58 142 92 42 86 354 169 62 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 6 0 4 5 1 0 5 14 16 6 0 4 9 3 1 1 5 6 1 6 93 3 0 1 3 0 1 1 11 18 10 1 1 13 1 0 2 0 5 1 2 74 3 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 0 0 7 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 27 1 0 2 4 0 1 0 4 6 3 2 2 7 0 1 0 4 3 0 1 41 6 1 4 13 0 3 8 19 27 11 0 5 13 8 2 2 10 13 2 14 161 4 0 1 6 0 6 4 12 18 9 0 2 11 1 1 2 1 7 0 4 89 1 1 0 2 1 1 2 7 5 1 0 0 8 3 2 0 0 0 1 4 39 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 6 0 1 6 1 4 1 8 19 6 0 1 11 13 1 0 8 10 1 28 125 0 4 0 3 2 5 3 3 18 1 0 1 16 4 2 2 3 3 2 7 79 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 3 4 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 18 1 0 1 5 2 3 4 5 11 7 0 1 8 6 0 1 2 7 2 10 76 0 1 0 3 0 3 2 4 11 3 0 0 10 3 0 1 2 3 0 8 54 5 0 0 9 0 3 9 24 34 8 1 2 18 19 3 2 8 13 1 30 189 0 1 0 6 1 7 4 7 27 2 0 2 16 8 1 1 7 4 2 10 106 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 4 5 2 2 0 9 2 0 0 3 2 0 1 36 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 5 0 4 1 22 23 10 0 0 9 3 1 2 0 3 0 13 15 0 4 10 0 3 5 19 62 7 0 1 24 7 0 7 0 5 0 13 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 1 4 0 3 0 4 22 9 1 1 6 2 2 2 0 6 0 11 3 0 1 9 0 1 2 11 51 8 1 1 27 2 0 6 0 2 1 8 3 0 1 2 0 1 0 3 4 1 2 1 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 7 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 8 2 0 7 0 7 2 30 42 19 1 0 13 4 0 1 1 12 0 13 18 0 4 11 0 7 10 23 97 22 0 2 39 10 0 1 1 5 0 13 TOTAL 10 101 182 6 78 134 26 18 162 263 GRAND TOTAL 432 374 285 304 279 211 207 722 526 400 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 2 0 3 4 1 1 5 7 15 2 1 0 12 4 2 0 4 6 0 11 80 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 6 11 4 1 1 14 1 0 1 0 5 1 2 52 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 6 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 16 Steward Department August & September Membership Meetings Piney Point Monday: Aug. 5, Tuesday: Sept. 3 Algonac Baltimore Guam Friday: Aug. 9, Sept. 6 Thursday: Aug. 8, Sept. 5 Thursday: Aug. 22, Sept. 19 Honolulu Friday: Aug. 16, Sept. 13 Houston Monday: Aug. 12, Sept. 9 Jacksonville Joliet Thursday: Aug. 8, Sept. 5 Thursday: Aug. 15, Sept. 12 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: Aug. 14, Sept. 11 Tuesday: Aug. 13, Sept. 10 Tuesday: Aug. 6, Sept. 3 Norfolk Friday: Aug. 9, Sept. 6 Oakland Thursday: Aug. 15, Sept. 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: Aug. 7, Sept. 4 Port Everglades Thursday: Aug. 15, Sept. 12 San Juan Thursday: Aug. 8, Sept. 5 St. Louis Friday: Aug. 16, Sept. 13 Tacoma Friday: Aug. 23, Sept. 20 Wilmington Monday: Aug. 19, Sept. 16 Piney Point change due to holiday observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. AUGUST 2024 1 3 0 1 2 3 1 1 10 0 0 0 15 3 1 3 5 3 0 5 57 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 8 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 19 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7 SEAFARERS LOG • 7 �Annual Funding Notice For MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2023 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 666. Of this number, 285 were current employees, 248 were retired and receiving benefits, and 133 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2023, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. 8 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 8 • SEAFARERS LOG • Margaret Bowen 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 301-899-0675, For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. AUGUST 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ARC DEFENDER – Pictured from left aboard the TOTE ship in Baltimore are Safety Director Jose Argueta, OS Fausto Aranda, Bosun Jandro Ebulfredo Avila Noralez, and Steward/Baker Daniel Miller. ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Many thanks to Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman for this photo from the Ocean Duchess vessel (and for the IDs). Pictured up top, from left, are AB Johncarlo Garibaldi, AB Jeremy Smoot, SA Jaylin Griffin, SA Mohsen Abdullah, Oiler Jovita Carino, OS Salih Abdelrahim, 3M Ben Rush, AB Ibrahim Abubaker, OS Shamar Rhoden and QMED DW Jared Johnson. On the stairs, from top to bottom: AB Andre Nero, AB Edward Copeland. On the lower deck, from left: 3AE Edward Jones, CC Keyanna Williams, Chief Steward Kim Holliman, 2AE John Melcher, QMED Kevin Brown, Captain Raymond Davis, Chief Engineer Matt Kwiatkowski, 1AE Josh Davenport, 2AE Marcelino Cayabyab, 3AE Edward Thompson, Wiper Jameshia Roache, QMED DW Alex Canada, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, 3M Gavino Octaviano, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman and 2M Jessica Kanehl. Photo was taken recently in Beaumont, Texas. PACIFIC NORTHWEST SERVICING – The SIU-crewed USNS Curtiss (Crowley) is pictured in Vancouver, Washington, where Patrolman Dennison Forsman met with the crew. BACKING PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSMAN ‒ Seafarers turn out for a recent event supporting U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Washington). Pictured from left are retired Recertified Steward Tommy Belvin, Steward/Baker Clark Williams, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl, Steward/Baker Todd Gallagher, and Recertified Steward Erwin Renon. SOLIDARITY IN FLORIDA – The SIU took part in the state AFL-CIO COPE Convention in Miami in June. Pictured at the meeting are (from left) SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Remond, and SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. REMEMBERING CHET WHEELER – The cremains of the late SIU Asst. VP Government Services Chester “Chet” Wheeler were scattered by his family during the SS Jeremiah O’Brien’s annual memorial cruise on the West Coast. Several of Chet’s family members attended, including his wife, Rebecca; his son (and former SIU member) Adam Hanson; granddaughters Alexandrea and Annalynn; and sister Deborah Novachick. SIU Patrolwoman Kathy Chester attended on behalf of the union. 9 SEAFARERS AUGUST 2024 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SHIPMATES ONCE AGAIN – This Seafaring Selfie proves that what goes around, comes around. Recertified Bosun James Blitch (right) was Bosun Kyle Silva’s (left) bosun on the Horizon Producer. Recently, Blitch came out of retirement to sail with Silva as his AB aboard the Maersk Kansas. ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – These snapshots are from a recent, very well-received cookout aboard the Matson vessel. Steward department members included Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi (above, right), Chief Cook Andrea Sharpe (above, left), and ACU Nasser Alarqban. MILESTONE IN JERSEY CITY ‒ QMED Mohammed Gir (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos. WELCOME ASHORE IN SUNSHINE STATE – Recertified Bosun Michael Eaton (left) picks up ABOARD MAERSK ATLANTA – Pictured from left aboard the vessel in New Jersey are Recertified Steward Glenn Williams, Chief Cook Osmar Ramos, and SA Marlon Quevedo Aquino. his first pension check at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall, culminating an SIU career that began in 1984. Congratulating him is SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. COAST GUARD CONGRATS ‒ SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and ITF Inspector Barbara Shipley (right) congratulate Capt. Peggy Britton on becoming the commander of Coast Guard Sector Virginia. The change-ofcommand ceremony took place in Portsmouth, Virginia, near Norfolk. READY TO SHIP OUT – Bosun Raul Colon ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (behind table in photo above, right) and Patrolman James Bast (right in remaining photo) promote the union during a transportation career fair in Rahway, New Jersey. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 (center) is pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left) and Safety Director Ricky Rivera. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 AUGUST 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WITH SIU CIVMARS ‒ Pictured at left are crew members aboard the USNS William McLean, while at right, OS Deondre Granby Epps is ready to move cargo on the USNS Arctic. Thanks to SIU Asst. VP Sam Spain for both photos. FAMILY MILESTONE ‒ Captain (and SIU hawsepiper) Christopher Kalinowski (left) and his son, AB Christian Kalinowski (center) are pictured at the Baltimore hall just before sailing together on the Maersk Denver. Congratulating them on the occasion is Safety Director Jose Argueta. CONGRATS IN PINEY ‒ Chief Cook Brittany Steward (right) receives her full book at the hiring hall in Piney Point, Maryland. Congratulating her is SIU Port Agent Chad Partridge. OUTREACH IN LONE STAR STATE ‒ “Sea Sunday” was observed at all the masses at St. Francis Catholic Church in Orange, Texas, on July 14. Attendees also had a chance to stop at a table featuring information about training opportunities at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center; Texas A&M; and the USMMA. In this snapshot, SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre welcomes future mariner Skyler Ezell. ABOARD TAINO – Safety Director Ricky Rivera recently conducted a safety meeting with members aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship in San Juan. Pictured after the meeting (and showing their respective books as an indication of eagerness to participate in the upcoming union election) are (from left) ABM Erick Toledo, ABM Victor Cortes, Bosun Joel Gonzalez, Rivera, Electrician Carlos Parrilla, Chief Cook Jonathan Perez, and Steward/Baker Jacob Parrilla. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – These snapshots are from the Independence Day feast on the Patriot-operated vessel. The smaller of the posed group photos includes (from left) Chief Cook Robert Greenwood, Recertified Steward Dennis Dizon, and SA Ebrahim Al Saqladis. AUGUST 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 11 LOG • 11 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. KEVIN GATLING DWANE LANDRY Brother Kevin Gatling, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1986 when he shipped on the Anders. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Gatling’s final vessel was the Green Lake. He makes his home in Seattle. Brother Dwane Landry, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1983 when he shipped on the Producer. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Landry’s final vessel was the Dewayne T Williams. He resides in Fairburn, Georgia. WINDEL GENTLE ROY RHODES Brother Windel Gentle, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Chilbar. Brother Gentle upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last shipped on the Maersk Seletar. He is a Boston resident. Brother Roy Rhodes, 62, started sailing with the union in 1987, initially shipping with Red Circle Transport. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Maersk Tennessee. Brother Rhodes lives in Houma, Louisiana. ERNEST CARLOS RENATO GOVICO Brother Ernest Carlos, 65, became a member of the union in 2002 when he sailed aboard the Cape Taylor. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Carlos’s last vessel was the Santorini. He lives in Englewood, New Jersey. Brother Renato Govico, 64, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1991 and first worked aboard the Independence. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and shipped in the deck department. Brother Govico most recently sailed on the Overseas Boston and makes his home in Waipahu, Hawaii. Brother Sean Richard, 64, joined the union in 1992 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother Richard’s final vessel was the Cape Kennedy. He makes his home in New Orleans. WILLIAM DUKES RAY JOHNS Brother William Dukes, 69, signed on with the SIU in 1999. He first sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix and worked in the deck department. Brother Dukes upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Presque Isle and is a resident of Wellston, Michigan. Brother Ray Johns, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Allegiance. Brother Johns upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Seabulk Challenge and lives in Wilmington, Delaware. MICHAEL EATON LOUIS JOHNSON Brother Michael Eaton, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1984 and first sailed aboard the Gemini. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Eaton most recently shipped aboard the Innovation and settled in Meritt Island, Florida. Brother Louis Johnson, 65, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Cape Horn. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Johnson last shipped on the Cape Kennedy. He resides in New Orleans. AMBROSE GABRIEL DANIEL KAYSER Brother Ambrose Gabriel, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1980 when he sailed on the Mariner. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gabriel concluded his career aboard the American Pride and lives in New Orleans. Brother Daniel Kayser, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Bayamon. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in the deck department. Brother Kayser concluded his career aboard the Gemini. He resides in Baguio City, Philippines. AHMED ABOLELA Brother Ahmed Abolela, 65, joined the union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Green Point. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Abolela most recently shipped on the Bay State and makes his home in Spring, Texas. GABRIEL BELLO Brother Gabriel Bello, 67, started sailing with the SIU in 1999 and first worked on the Independence. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bello last sailed on the Cape Henry. He resides in Waipahu, Hawaii. GENE GALLOSA Brother Gene Gallosa, 67, signed on with the union in 2012, initially sailing aboard the Pride of America. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point School on multiple occasions. Brother Gallosa most recently shipped on the Stephen W. Pless and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. MARIO LACAYO Brother Mario Lacayo, 65, became an SIU member in 1995. He was a steward department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lacayo’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the American Liberty. He makes his home in Houston. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAN RICHARD GERALD SHIRLEY Brother Gerald Shirley, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1981 when he sailed on the Newark. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Shirley’s final vessel was the Tacoma. He resides in Renton, Washington. CHARLES SIMMONS Brother Charles Simmons, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1986. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the USNS Assurance. Brother Simmons upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Liberty Star and settled in Drury, Missouri. JOHN SMILARI Brother John Smilari, 65, started sailing with the union in 1977, initially working aboard Marlin Steamship’s Mary. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Smilari last shipped on the Overseas Harriette and makes his home in Kalispell, Montana. PETER SOLIS Brother Peter Solis, 65, joined the SIU in 2007 and first shipped on the Cleveland. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Solis most recently shipped on the USNS Mary Sears. He resides in National City, California. AUGUST 2024 �PATRICIA SULLIVAN BRUCE CRAM JAMES RANEY Sister Patricia Sullivan, 66, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 2005. A steward department member, she first sailed aboard the Freedom. Sister Sullivan upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and concluded her career working with Keystone Ocean Services. She calls Longmont, Colorado, home. Brother Bruce Cram, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1976. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Cram worked with G&H Towing for most of his career. He makes his home in Friendswood, Texas. Brother James Raney, 56, became a member of the union in 2002. He first sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and shipped in the deck department. Brother Raney upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed with G&H Towing and calls Cypress, Texas, home. CHARLES DONLEY LAWRENCE SARVER Brother Charles Donley, 57, joined the SIU in 1992, first sailing aboard the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Donley sailed as a chief engineer and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed aboard the Rocketship and resides in Panama City, Florida. Brother Lawrence Sarver, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 1988. He sailed in the deck department and worked with OLS Transport Inc for his entire career. Brother Sarver settled in Chillicothe, Illinois. JULIUS UDAN Brother Julius Udan, 59, became a member of the union in 1985. He initially sailed on the USNS Triumph and worked in the deck department. Brother Udan upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Enterprise and lives in Waipahu, Hawaii. LUIS VASQUEZ Brother Luis Vasquez, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the USNS Pathfinder. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Vasquez concluded his career aboard the National Glory. He resides in Salem, Massachusetts. RENE VAZQUEZ GOMEZ Brother Rene Vazquez Gomez, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979. He first sailed aboard the Long Lines and was an engine department member. Brother Vazquez Gomez upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and last shipped aboard the Harry Martin. Brother Vazquez Gomez lives in Palm Coast, Florida. INLAND JEAN TOUGAS JEFFERY HEBERT Brother Jeffery Hebert, 53, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and was initially employed with Hvide Marine. Brother Hebert concluded his career aboard a Seabulk Towing vessel. He lives in Jasper, Texas. DAVID HENSON Brother David Henson, 37, signed on with the union in 2005 when he worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage. He sailed in the deck department and continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Henson makes his home in Covington, Louisiana. MARK HOSEY Brother Mark Hosey, 72, signed on with the SIU in 2012. He sailed in the steward department, first aboard the Alpena. Brother Hosey continued to work on the same vessel for the duration of his career. He resides in Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin. Brother Jean Tougas, 63, started his career with the SIU in 2004, working with Ameristar Casino. He was an engine department member and continued his employment with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Tougas lives in Stuart, Florida. CHARLES TROUTWINE Brother Charles Troutwine, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988 when he shipped with Bay Tankers Inc. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Troutwine last worked on the Dodge Island. He resides in Slidell, Louisiana. KEENAN WIX Brother Keenan Wix, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1987. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Wix worked with G&H Towing for his entire career. He is a resident of Georgetown, Texas. Houston Hall Weathers Beryl PETER BONDARENKO Brother Peter Bondarenko, 67, signed on with the union in 2003. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. Brother Bondarenko shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He resides in Palm Coast, Florida. DAVID CARRIERE Brother David Carriere, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1985, initially working with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Carriere was a deck department member. He continued his employment with the same company for his entire career. Brother Carriere is a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana. AUGUST 2024 The hiring hall in Houston mostly got through Hurricane Beryl unscathed, save for a couple of down trees, a bent fence and a few days without power. Pitching in to get the hall reopened on July 12 are (from left) GUDE Teodocio Ruiz, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman Kelly Krick, ITF Inspector Shwe Aung, Patrolman Kirk Pegan (don’t worry, the saw is off) and Port Agent Joe Zavala. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 13 • OCTOBER LOG • 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: How did you get into seafaring, and why have you stayed sailing? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Noah Hepburn Chief Cook Dennis Freeman Wiper My father currently sails with the SIU, so I followed in his footsteps. The SIU has provided a lot for me, such as the ability to travel, cook, and save plenty of money. It’s these things which I value that makes sailing a worthwhile sacrifice. My uncle told me about the union. He is a Longshoreman, and I hadn’t heard about this side of the industry. I really like what I’ve seen and done so far, and look forward to the future. Tyler Morin Wiper Andrew Tingle OS I found out about the SIU from a conversation in a bar. I was planning on going back into the military, and I met a merchant marine who told me I could serve my country in a way that’s a lot safer, and with much better benefits. He was right! I joined because of all the places you get to see during the travel. I stayed sailing with the SIU because I make good money and earn time off – real time off. The benefits and retirement plans are great, too. Walter Figueroa Wiper Kevin Brown QMED I found out about the SIU from a construction foreman in Puerto Rico, and it has since become a part of my life and my family’s life. I’ve stayed sailing because it’s helped me provide a good life for me and my family. I love travelling, and figured, why not get paid to see the world? I like working with my hands, and the flexible work hours and time with my family make it all worthwhile. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Electrician Marcus Johnson, who sailed with the SIU for 33 years, is pictured aboard Waterman’s Stonewall Jackson in 1980. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 AUGUST 2024 �Final Departures DEEP SEA SILVESTRE ABLAZA Pensioner Silvestre Ablaza, 92, passed away May 2. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1964 when he shipped on the Alcoa Voyager. Brother Ablaza was a deck department member. He became a pensioner in 1997 and made his home in Bossier City, Louisiana. MUSAID ABDULLA Pensioner Musaid Abdulla, 76, died March 18. Sailing first aboard the Steel Direct, he donned the SIU colors in 1969. Brother Abdulla worked in the steward department and last shipped on the Comet in 2013. He went on pension the following year and settled in Fresno, California. MIGUEL CASTRO Pensioner Miguel Castro, 82, passed away May 5. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1990 and sailed in all three departments. Brother Castro’s first vessel was the Stephen W. Pless. He last sailed on the Eugene A. Obregon and retired in 2015. Brother Castro lived in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana. CHARLES FINCHER Pensioner Charles Fincher, 87, died April 2. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Chicago. Brother Fincher worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Long Lines in 2003. He began collecting his pension in 2006 and resided in Hawaii. AL ISMAEL Pensioner Al Ismael, 83, passed away April 27. He joined the union in 1966 and first shipped aboard the Pecos. Brother Ismael worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Thompson Pass and became a pensioner in 1994. Brother Ismael lived in Detroit. NELSON POE Pensioner Nelson Poe, 75, died April 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991. Brother Poe first shipped on the Sealift Caribbean. He worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Wright. Brother Poe retired in 2013 and called Petersburg, West Virginia, home. MAHMOUD SELIM Pensioner Mahmoud Selim, 75, passed away February 18. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1989. Brother Selim first worked on the Falcon Princess. He last shipped aboard the Cyprine and went on pension in 2013. Brother Selim made his home in Mount Vernon, New York. AUGUST 2024 In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. INLAND GEORGE SHAW Pensioner George Shaw, 78, died October 12. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1989. Brother Shaw first sailed aboard the USNS Assertive. He was a deck department member and last shipped on the John Paul Bobo. Brother Shaw went on pension in 2010 and lived in Pensacola, Florida. FRED CAFFEE Pensioner Fred Caffee, 72, died March 31. He joined the SIU in 1980 when he worked with Mariner Towing. Brother Caffee was a member of the deck department. He continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Caffee began collecting his pension in 2013. He resided in Greensburg, Indiana. BRAD STEPHENSON Brother Brad Stephenson, 67, passed away March 24. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. Brother Stephenson worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the Chemical Pioneer. He resided in Edgewater, Florida. DOUGLAS CRAWFORD NORBERTO VERA DENNIS MCDONALD Pensioner Douglas Crawford, 66, passed away May 4. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1981 when he worked with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Crawford was a deck department member. He most recently sailed with OSG Ship Management before retiring earlier this year. Brother Crawford lived in Westerly, Rhode Island. Pensioner Norberto Vera, 78, died April 30. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1988. Brother Vera first shipped on the Overseas Arctic and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the St. Louis Express, before retiring in 2018. Brother Vera was a Houston resident. Pensioner Dennis McDonald, 91, died May 1. He began sailing with the SIU in 1966. Brother McDonald worked in the engine department and was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He started collecting his pension in 1996 and called Village Mills, Texas, home. ELMER MILLER THARVON WALKER Pensioner Tharvon Walker, 83, passed away May 1. He joined the Seafarers in 1973 and first worked on the A&J Dr May. Brother Walker sailed in all three departments. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Altair and became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Walker made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GREAT LAKES THOMAS CHABOT Pensioner Thomas Chabot, 69, died May 11. He donned the SIU colors in 1973 and initially sailed aboard the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Chabot shipped in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Charles E. Wilson in 1997. He went on pension in 2020 and resided in Lachine, Michigan. ROBERT SAID Pensioner Robert Said, 77, passed away February 25. He signed on with the union in 1989 when he shipped aboard the Southdown Challenger. Brother Said worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Alpena and went on pension in 2011. Brother Said lived in Coldwater, Michigan. Pensioner Elmer Miller, 98, passed away April 22. He donned the union colors in 1961. Brother Miller shipped in the deck department and worked with Moran Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. He retired in 1987 and was a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. LYN SEARS Pensioner Lyn Sears, 85, died April 27. He joined the SIU in 1959 when he sailed on the Arizpa. Brother Sears sailed in the engine department. He was last employed with G&H Towing and became a pensioner in 1997. Brother Sears made his home in Victoria, Texas. NMU JOSEPH FRISINO Pensioner Joseph Frisino, 70, passed away January 25. Brother Frisino worked in the deck department and last sailed with Woods Hole Shipping. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Holyoke, Massachusetts. LAWRENCE PAUL Pensioner Lawrence Paul, 89, died April 26. Brother Paul shipped as a steward department member. He last sailed on the Sue Lykes and became a pensioner in 1996. Brother Paul was a New Orleans resident. Westbank Riverboat Services until 2010. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), January 28 – Chairman Ricardo Guevara, Secretary Graeme Dy, Educational Director Tyria Mills, Deck Delegate Jonathan Eitz. Chairman discussed rules pertaining to entry-level mariners and some regulations that apply to sea time for C-books. Secretary reported eventfree voyage. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed Wi-Fi connectivity. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), April 2 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Jack McElveen, Deck Delegate Yafet Antah, Engine Delegate William Aebi, Steward Delegate Joshua Lee. Chairman advised crew to take care of physicals for the NMC and the union. Members asked for contract to be reviewed. Secretary explained the benefits of having a second cook on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is calling for the contract to be revised overall, including medical and dental benefits. Members asked for an increase to food budget and for vacation pay to match working time. They discussed possible safety concerns related to going ashore to procure items in between stores. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), May 31 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez, Educational Director Alexander Capellan Almonte, Engine Delegate Anjwar Brooks, Steward Delegate Stacy Fuller. Chairman reminded crew to check their documents for expiration. Secretary and educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Crew requested TVs for apprentices. They extended a vote of thanks to galley gang. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company, LLC), June 10 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Dequan Rivera, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. All issues, clarifications and concerns have been resolved, per chairman. Crew expressed their condolences for the passing of Vice President Nicholas Celona and the passing of Recertified Bosun Carlos Loureiro. Chairman discussed the July 1 wage increase and advised crew to update their shipping documents. Secretary thanked everyone for good housekeeping. He gave crew a friendly reminder to follow the ship’s posted meal hours and to follow sanitary practices when going through the meal line and dining area. Educational director recommended members upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew motioned to increase steward department’s extra-meal compensation and to boost per-day compensation when an extra person is aboard. Some members said their rooms were too cold and reported issues with trying to adjust the temperature. Crew requested new pillows, more company-issued coveralls that include extra-small and petite-size options, penalty-pay for DEU for cleaning grease traps and 20 for 30 vacation. Members would like retirement age to be 62 and to decrease to 30 days of employment to qualify for vacation (rather than 80). They asked for steward assistant pay scale to be on par with entry-level positions in deck and engine departments. Crew gave special thanks to steward department for providing excellent, well-balanced meals and good service. Next port: Port Angeles, Washington. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC), June 16– Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director David Watkins, Deck Delegate David Weeks, Engine Delegate Bryan Wells, Steward Delegate Barbara McDonald. Chairman praised crew for doing a good job on staying safe. Secretary encouraged members to stay on top of documents. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested $300 allowance for safety shoe reimbursement, two-hour overtime minimum for call-outs, increased vacation benefits and a minimum of 60 days for relief. Members would like the ability to get jobs over the phone. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship Company), July 10 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Jessica Dunney, Educational Director Mohamad Kammoun. Chairman reviewed highlights from new contract and advised members to take care of medical certificate along with physical. Secretary reminded crew to check dryer lint traps as often as reasonably possible. Educational director encouraged members to keep upgrading their skills at the Piney Point school and to make sure all shipping documents up to date. Crew would like to see improvements to common areas such as the lounge by adding new furniture, new entertainment console, etc. to boost morale. Members thanked steward department for July 4th BBQ. Next port: Panama. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 AUGUST 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck September 23 November 4 October 11 November 22 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 Basic Training Revalidation August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 November 18 December 2 December 6 August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 November 18 December 2 December 6 Combined Basic/Adv. FF October 7 October 11 Medical Care Provider September 30 October 4 Government Vessels September 9 September 30 October 7 November 4 December 9 September 13 October 4 October 11 November 8 December 13 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL August 19 August 26 September 30 October 7 October 21 August 23 August 30 October 4 October 11 October 25 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG August 12 September 2 September 16 September 23 September 30 August 16 September 6 September 20 September 27 October 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Adv. Refer Containers August 26 September 6 Junior Engineer September 9 November 1 Machinist August 26 September 13 Pumpman September 16 September 20 RFPEW August 26 September 23 September 20 October 18 Welding August 19 September 23 October 28 September 6 October 11 November 15 FOWT September 23 October 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook August 19 September 23 November 4 September 20 October 25 December 6 ServSafe Management August 12 September 16 October 28 December 2 August 16 September 20 November 1 December 6 Advanced Galley Ops August 26 November 18 September 20 December 13 Chief Steward October 7 November 1 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. AUGUST 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #909 – Graduated May 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathan Angst, Kaleb Brock, Shawn Byers, Max Cronley, Torin Holly II, Nicholas Howard, Nathan Laverdure, Matthew Lee, Mayson Lyndes, Kevin McCann, Brandon Mitchell, Adam Nasser, Autum Pough, Malachi Riggs, Gabriel Rodriguez III, Robert Sims, Ezekiel Smart Jr., Taye Stapleton, Tevin Toliver, Braden White, Darryl Williams Jr., Raymond Winter and Junrong Xie. BASIC SAFETY (UPGRADERS) – Graduated June 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyle Bergeron, Jamal Michel and Katrial Williams. MARINE ELECTRICIAN – Graduated May 24: Alberto Alvarez-Gonzalez, Anson Johny, Anias Stanford and Daryl Thomas Jr. Instructors Jack Andrews (left) and Roy Graham (right) are also above. RFPEW (PHASE 3) – Graduated May 31 (above, not all are pictured): Darwin Alvarez- RFPNW (PHASE 1) – Graduated May 24: Eric Amy, Monica Burney, Armando Contreras, Lopez, Ricky Anderson, Isaiah Balicha, David Chatoff, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Joshua Higdon, Tyler Morin, Jyheir Thompson and Xavion Young-Key. Julian Cortes Aviles, William Folzenlogen, Armontre Manning, Steven Pham, Sandy Quezada and Alexander Sandoval. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated June 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Floyd Bellamy Jr., Aevon Branch, Thomas Cyrus Jr., Dominic Freeman, Alfred Hoggard Jr., Laura Hollar, Jackie Jones III, Shakaylah Miller, Antwon Norris, Navonte Pritchard, Jaden Radcliff, Munasser Sallan, Laterrah Slater, Alex Temetang Dongmo, Gregory Tooles, Sierra Wallace, Adrian Williams and Toinette Williams. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 AUGUST 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos ABLE SEAFARER DECK – Graduated May 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Coleman Brewer, Jacob Burns, Richard Calderon, Stephen Chatten, Tevon Edwards, Ayman Elahi Jr., Isaiah Godette, Chase Greenawalt, Darlenzo Hines Jr., Tajh Horton, Ransom Lani Butac Kauwe, Caleb Miller, Tyrell Mitchell, Alex Needham, Jovanny Otero Negron, Blake Seele, Jack Selberg and James Walker (Not all are pictured). Instructor Michael Coulbourne is at the front left. RFPNW (PHASE 3) – Graduated May 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Brent, Eden Dulin, Madison Kruer, Clint Langford Jr., Onyx Lyons, Juan Murray, Dominic Pena and Orlando Quirantes. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated May 31 (above, not all are pictured): Lawrence Akromah, Harlan Alonzo, Jamal Boyette, Dedrick Carpenter Jr., Laura Davies, Walter Figueroa, Dennis Freeman Jr., Diamond Jackson, Tony King Jr., A'lize Lassiter, Kenyatta Mabine, Alexis Martinez, Marcos Medina-Vargas, Mario Odom Jr., Denise Parker, Anthony Ramos Villafane, Frederick Rivers III, Simeon Roberts, Yacoub Shack, Anias Stanford, Andrew Tingle, Francisco Valle and Emma Wang. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated June 7 (above, not all are pictured): Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Ricky Anderson, Isaiah Balicha, Brandon Brent, Darryl Brown Jr., Kevin Brown, Larry Calixto, David Chatoff, Brandy Clemons, Eden Dulin, Wilbur Edwards, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Joshua Higdon, Madison Kruer, Clint Langford Jr., Onyx Lyons, Tyler Morin, Juan Murray, Dominic Pena, Alex Temetang Dongmo, Jyheir Thompson and Xavion Young-Key. Robert Jones III. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated June 7: Naila Kling (left) and Jackie TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated June 14 (above, not all are pictured): Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Ricky Anderson, Isaiah Balicha, Brandon Brent, David Chatoff, Eden Dulin, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Joshua Higdon, Madison Kruer, Clint Langford Jr., Onyx Lyons, Tyler Morin, Juan Murray, Dominic Pena, Jyheir Thompson and Xavion Young-Key. AUGUST 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �AUGUST 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 8 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers ‘Paint Tacoma Beautiful’ F Members put the finishing touches on this year’s project. or the seventeenth year, volunteers from the SIU teamed up recently to lend their time and talents to “Paint Tacoma Beautiful,” an outreach mission dedicated to repainting and repairing the exteriors of homes belonging to low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners within the city’s limits. This year’s SIU group included AB Len Soriano, Chief Steward Andrew Miller, Recertified Steward Michael Gramer, QMED Brandon Tanton, AB Eugene Edwards, AB Sam Schwimmer, Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor, Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed, Port Agent Warren Asp, Patrolman Dennison Forsman and Safety Director Danielle Woodward (for a total of 11 volunteers). “I am continuously impressed with this membership. It is so easy to find members on the beach willing to spend their brief time at home to come and volunteer their efforts [with this organization],” said Asp. Since the organization’s inception in 1985, Paint Tacoma Beautiful volunteers throughout the area have helped to improve more than 2,200 homes in the greater Pierce County, Washington region. Alissa Humbert, volunteer specialist for Associated Ministries, the organization behind Paint Tacoma Beautiful, says that the purpose of the program is to help build community. “It brings volunteers and homeowners together. It’s all about city beautification. The most important part is that it helps people regain equity in their home. It keeps our city safe, and it brings people a lot of pride to be a part of this project,” she said. “This [program] creates affordable housing by keeping people in their houses. Homeowners insurance, keeping them in their home.... It’s an important job to do,” said Humbert. “As long as homeowners need our help we’ll be there.” This past June, the SIU volunteers for Paint Tacoma Beautiful helped to revitalize Clarita Ragsdale’s residence, revamping the exterior of her AB Eugene Edwards home with a vibrant shade of blue. Ragsdale was pleased with her renovation, sharing many compliments for the Seafarer volunteer squad. “Everything was good. The team that came to volunteer did a beautiful job. They were so kind and polite,” she said. “My neighbor likes the new color, too.” She was pleasantly surprised that one of the volunteers, who has a wife with Filipino heritage, used the proper Tagalog honorific, “Ate” (pronounced AH-teh) to refer to her, which made her feel more at ease with the crew. “Clarita was a nice lady, and she really appreciated our work. She made us a pot of tasty Filipino-style beans and corn bread and freshly baked banana bread,” said Gramer. Originally, Ragsdale’s house was white, but she decided on her new color after noticing a particularly radiant shade of blue painted on a nearby school building. After seeing an ad for the volunteer organization on TV, she decided to apply. Her experience mimics that of many interested homeowners in the area who receive services from the program. “People can apply for the program all year long, whether they would like to volunteer or be the person who will receive services,” said Jessie Thompson, community programs manager for Associated Ministries. “However, the paint season runs depending on the weather. Generally, it lasts from April to September or October but can be cut short or extend past those months if the weather allows.” The SIU’s team accomplished quite a bit throughout the course of the renovation. Including prep and cleanup, the SIU personnel completed approximately 106 work hours pressure washing, priming and painting the exterior of Ms. Ragsdale’s home. “It was a big job, but through teamwork we Chief Steward Andrew Miller (right), Recertified Steward Michael Gramer ABs Samuel Schwimmer (left) and Leonard Soriano finished painting in three days. I enjoyed it – got in some exercise too!” Gramer said. “We have a lot of novice volunteers, people who may not have ever painted before. It’s more about the heart behind it. If you have the time and you can commit to a project whether it’s one day or multiple days, we’ll take anyone. Volunteers run this program, basically, so if they want to help, we’ll take ’em,” said Humbert. According to a recap from Asp, “QMED Brandon Tanton did the lion’s share of pressure washing the home. Then the rest stepped in and knocked the job out in short order. Two members in particular, AB Samuel Schwimmer and AB Leonard Soriano, were the ‘go to’ guys that tackled the harder areas. This was Sam’s first year involved, while Len is a seasoned veteran and knows this project well. With that said though, the phrase ‘many hands make light work’ rings true. Everyone’s efforts were greatly appreciated, and the homeowner was truly happy with her home.” One other positive outcome of this experience happened by coincidence. Gramer struck up a conversation with Ms. Ragsdale’s son, who is looking to start a new career, about the kind of work he does with the SIU. “I had a chat with her son explaining who and what the Seafarers are,” Gramer said. “Perhaps he will share that with friends and neighbors.” Taking time out for this kind of philanthropic work was a pleasant experience for everyone involved. Gramer was proud to spend some of his time ashore helping to brighten up and refresh the home of someone that needed it: “I felt very accomplished when we finished working. It's nice to be able to do something for someone who can't or who needs help doing something.” “I could not have been more pleased with how this project went. There are no signs of slowing down and hopefully we’ll be at it again in 2025,” said Asp. Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor QMED Brandon Tanton � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2024 Description An account of the resource CROWLEY MAKES HISTORY WITH EWOLF BIPARTISAN BACKING FOR MARITIME EVIDENT IN US HOUSE ROUNDTABLE HISTORIC CEREMONY SIGNALS NEW SIU JOBS SEAFARERS CELEBRATE WITH GREAT LAKES TOWING SIU PRESIDENT OFFERS 'HEARTFELT GRATITUDE AND ADMIRATION' FOR MARINERS NEW SIU CONTRACTS BOOST WAGES INCLUDE OTHER GAINS FOR MEMBERS SIU FAMILY MEMBER WINS UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP WILMINGTON PATROLMAN SUNGA PASSES AWAY NMC ISSUES NOTICES REGARDING CREDENTIALS, MEDICAL CERTIFICATES REPORT OF THE CONSITUTIONAL COMMITTEE 2024 SIU ELECTION ABSENTEE VOTING INFO ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN HOUSTON HALL WEATHERS BERYL SEAFARERS 'PAINT TACOMA BEAUTFIUL' Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 86 , NO. 8 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7b5511e187c0b9a01c79efe2e86b66b9.pdf d34773b182e314a40f74bfdc02f5ae27 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JULY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 7 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Celebrates National Maritime Day The union had a strong presence in the nation’s capital and elsewhere across the country for this year’s National Maritime Day observances. Above, SIU officials, Paul Hall Center apprentices, featured speakers and honored guests are pictured at Department of Transportation headquarters immediately following the agency’s annual ceremony on May 22. SIU President David Heindel (far left, front) was one of the speakers. Pages 12-14. Apprentices Participate in Memorial Day Observance The SIU and its affiliated school were invited to represent the U.S. Merchant Marine during the traditional Memorial Day gathering at Arlington (Virginia) National Cemetery. Four apprentices carried flags for the event; President Biden gave the keynote address. Pictured outside the amphitheater are (from left) Apprentices Eliot Randall, Avery Sneed, Evan Smith and Luis Sanchez. Page 24 (back page). VP Celona Passes Away The union is mourning the unexpected passing of SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona (above), a lifelong Seafarer. He died June 8, at age 65. Page 4. SIU ELECTION INFO. • PAGE 6 // SHBP SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED • PAGE 7 �President’s Report Honoring Our Mariners T hree recent ceremonies underscored both the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine and our historic dependability. I’m proud to say that the SIU played a role in each of these stirring occasions – two in the U.S., the other overseas. In chronological order, the first of the events took place May 22 – National Maritime Day – at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in our nation’s capital. I had the honor of sharing the stage with other speakers including Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, TRANSCOM commanding officer General Jacqueline Van Ovost, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, and Deputy Administrator Tamekia Flack. DOT David Heindel Secretary Pete Buttigieg also spoke via a recorded video. There were other National Maritime Day ceremonies across the country and elsewhere – each important in its own right – but I think it’s fair to say the DOT gathering usually holds special significance. This year’s iteration was an especially good day for our union and our affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC). Just prior to the ceremony, our new recruiting video was shown to the audience. During the event itself, PHC apprentices played formal roles; they and their classmates (23 apprentices altogether) repeatedly were recognized by the various speakers. The speeches themselves were anything but run-of-the-mill. Senator Kelly, a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate, spelled out a detailed strategy for boosting every component of American maritime (more on that below). General Van Ovost emphasized that the U.S. Merchant Marine is nothing short of indispensable for national security. Others covered our role in World War II; current challenges navigating the Red Sea; tangible support for the industry from the Biden administration; and more. Again, these weren’t platitudes. Collectively, the comments explained how the U.S. Merchant Marine has been an important part of our nation since the very beginning, and how we’re still crucial for national, economic and homeland security. Less than a week after National Maritime Day, PHC apprentices took part in the annual Memorial Day observance at Arlington (Virginia) National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington. They stood for the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II – mariners who are recognized as veterans. They carried the respective flags of the United States; the U.S. Merchant Marine; the SIU; and the State of Maryland. Calling our participation at Arlington an honor would be an understatement. It’s a duly humbling and extremely worthwhile experience. The fact that President Biden, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown were the featured speakers – and Vice President Harris was in attendance – says a lot about the event’s significance. Last but not least, the SIU co-sponsored a new memorial unveiled in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. With U.S. Merchant Marine World War II veterans in attendance, the monument was christened June 5 at Utah Beach – one part of an elaborate observance that again saw President Biden in attendance. Our older members already know this, but for those just joining the union, please be aware that SIU members were there in force at the original D-Day, carrying troops and materiel. As always, we delivered (but it took our country 40 years to deliver them veterans’ status). These moments should not be taken for granted. They arrived not because the calendar had slots for them, but rather because of the sacrifices of past generations, the commitment of today’s Seafarers, and our resolve to ensure that the United States very much remains a maritime nation. Key Legislation Around press time, we anticipated the introduction of the most comprehensive maritime revitalization legislation in decades. This bipartisan bill offers great promise to every segment of the industry. The SIU has been active in its crafting – merely the latest example of why we must always remain politically active. There’s never really a sure timeline for these sorts of bills, particularly during an election year, but maritime labor is hopeful. Keep an eye on our website for updates before the next issue of the LOG is published. Meanwhile, I thank all Seafarers who are pitching in for pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates this year, whether that’s via SPAD or block-walking, phone-banking or other outreach. Those efforts have never been more important. Remembering Our SIU Brother If you haven’t already done so, please take the time to read our coverage of SIU Vice President Nicholas Celona’s recent passing (page 4). Nick truly was one of a kind, and in all my years with this union, I never met anyone who loved the SIU more than he did. Nick was a true patriot and his enthusiasm for life was unsurpassed. He will be missed. Executive Board Promotes Vincenzo, Spain The SIU Executive Board has unanimously approved Joe Vincenzo as the union’s vice president for the Government Services Division, and Sam Spain as the assistant vice president for that sector. The board convened June 12 in Piney Point, Maryland. These moves happened in the aftermath of the untimely passing of SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona (see article, page 4). “Both Joe and Sam have my complete confidence,” said SIU President David Heindel. “They have long, solid records of outstanding service to the membership and they are the right people for these jobs.” Vincenzo is a U.S. Army veteran who first sailed with the SIU in 1991 as an engine-department member. He last sailed in 2003 as a QMED aboard the USNS 1st Lt Jack Lummus. Vincenzo has since served the union in various capacities including patrolman from 2003 to 2007 and Tacoma port agent from 2007 through 2019. He became the assistant vice president of the Government Services Division in 2019 and had remained Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 7 July 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG in that slot, representing civilian mariners in the federal sector including the Military Sealift Command, NOAA, the Army Corp of Engineers and the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Additionally, Vincenzo served as the UIW Alaska Region Representative, representing seafood process workers and fisheries observers. He also served as president of the South Puget Sound Port Council for four years. He said the highlight of his 30-plus years with the SIU was his service to the SS Jeremiah O’Brien in the capacity of oiler during the 50-year commemoration of D-Day, when the historic ship led the parade of vessels back to the beaches of Normandy in 1994. In 2007, Vincenzo spearheaded Tacoma’s philanthropic outreach partnering first with the United States Marine Corps and Toys for Tots and then with Joint Base Lewis McChord-based Santa’s Castle, a 501(c)(3) benefitting lower enlisted military personnel. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts. Vincenzo stated, “It is an honor and privilege to serve this great union of ours and its members in my new capacity as vice president of Government Services. I’m grateful for this opportunity to continue to work with a dedicated team of trade unionists, all of us, towards improved conditions of employment and work-life balance on behalf of our mariners.” He continued, “My time in the government sector began almost as soon as I came ashore in 2003, servicing NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers and MSC equipment and working with then-Vice President Kermett Mangram and his team. Early on, I participated in a number of arbitrations that centered on substandard habitability and I was able to be of service on a number of weighty issues ranging from health and safety to, again, habitability. I was also assigned to work with then-Fleet Representative Kate Hunt on the NOAA collective bargaining agreement, which needed a major overhaul. Later, as assistant vice president to then-Vice President Kate Hunt, I worked closely with SIU VP Joe Vincenzo SIU Asst. VP Sam Spain her and representatives from our sister unions on resolving the unprecedented issues that we all faced during the pandemic years, not least of which was the ‘Gangways Up’ order that restricted mariners to their various ships for the better part of one year.” He concluded, “As vice president, I will continue the work of my predecessors including our late, beloved brother and friend, Nicholas Celona by seeking out every opportunity to partner with various government agencies wherever and whenever possible to advance the interests of our mariners’ lives at sea.” Spain joined the SIU in 1990. He sailed for a dozen years, most recently as a chief steward, before coming ashore to work as a union representative. Spain has always been based in Norfolk, Virginia, and will remain so. “I took up the challenge of being a union representative because I knew I wanted to make a difference for the SIU and for unlicensed merchant seamen,” Spain said. “I’ve looked to continue giving CIVMARS the same high level of representation as past officials and that is certainly my plan moving forward. We also always want to build on the relationship between the SIU and the Military Sealift Command.” JULY 2024 �New Tonnage Enters APL Fleet The President John Quincy Adams is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. (Photo by @masahumi higa) S IU members are sailing aboard the newbuild President John Quincy Adams, the latest addition to the APL Marine Services fleet. The union represents steward-department crew members aboard the 836-foot-long containership, which is enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The Adams is a replacement vessel for the President Truman. It’s also the first of what are expected to be at least seven new ships the company is rotating into its fleet to replace older tonnage. Most or all of those newbuilds are expected to begin sailing by the end of this year. The MSP was launched in 1996 as part of the Maritime Security Act signed by President Bill Clinton. Ever since then, the program has maintained bipartisan support. It fortifies the military’s sealift capability in times of war or emergency by providing the Department of Defense access to the current number of 60 U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed commercial vessels. Furthermore, this capability provided by the MSP comes at a significantly lower cost to taxpayers than creating a permanent fleet of reserve government vessels to match it. The MSP also does not jeopardize the country’s readiness by depending on foreign vessels, crews and shipping companies. The initial SIU steward department members sailing aboard the vessel included (from left) Recertified Steward John Huyett, Chief Cook Reynaldo Ricarte and ACU Abdullah Alasfor. Members Ratify Landmark Contract Seafarers employed by Penn Maritime recently approved a three-year contract featuring substantial wage increases and other gains. Of particular note, these members (more than 200) now are participants in the Seafarers Pension Plan. Penn was acquired by Kirby in 2012. Pictured from left in the larger group photo are Delegate John Harvard, SIU VP Joseph Soresi, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, SIU VP Dean Corgey, Delegate Michael Lyons and SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala. The other photo includes Zavala and Second Mate Marina Bartels. SIU Jobs Secure in OSG Transaction SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) recently announced an agreement to be acquired by Saltchuk Resources. The transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals, but the union already has taken steps ensuring that all SIU shipboard jobs will be maintained. Saltchuk is the parent company of several organizations including SIU-contracted TOTE. “It will be business as usual for us,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “We are pleased to have reached an agreement that reflects our leading Jones Act business, longstanding customer relationships, and the value created by the OSG team over the past several years,” said Douglas D. Wheat, chairman of the OSG Board of Directors. JULY 2024 “Following Saltchuk’s indication of interest to buy the company at the end of January, the Board of Directors, with the assistance of external financial and legal advisors, undertook a review of the company’s financial and strategic alternatives, including remaining a publicly held company. As part of that review, the board conducted a comprehensive process in which it engaged with Saltchuk and approached and engaged with other potential transaction counterparties. Informed by its review and that process, the board firmly believes Saltchuk’s increased offer represents compelling value to, and is in the best interest of, our shareholders not affiliated with Saltchuk.” “We are excited to enter into this new chapter together with Saltchuk, which has been a significant shareholder of OSG over the past several years and has a close understanding of our business,” said OSG President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Norton. “Saltchuk’s operating companies have distinguished themselves in their respective segments, and this transaction partners us with an organization that shares our values and focus on customers. We are thrilled to soon join the Saltchuk family of companies.” Following the close of the transaction, OSG will operate as a standalone business unit within Saltchuk, becoming a member of its family of diversified freight transportation, marine service, and energy distribution companies. SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �SIU Vice President Celona Passes Away U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (center) was an SIU ally long before taking her current office. She served as California’s attorney general when this 2013 snapshot was taken at the annual Thanks- Pictured from left at a change-of-command ceremony in 2023 in Norfolk, Virginia, are then-SIU giving gathering hosted by the union in Oakland. Then-SIU Asst. VP Nicholas Celona is at right; SIU Representative Sam Spain, USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Alan Frosch (spouse of Gen. Van Ovost), SIU VP Nicholas Celona and SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo. VP Nick Marrone is at left. W hen it came to his union and his country, lifelong Seafarer Nicholas Celona unfailingly demonstrated a genuine enthusiasm that was impossible to miss. Perpetually upbeat and motivated, Celona graduated from Paul Hall Center Trainee Class 229 in 1977, and he never left the union. He sailed until the early 1980s and then came ashore to work in various roles, most recently as the vice president of the SIU Government Services Division since 2021. Celona unexpectedly passed away June 8 at his home in suburban New Orleans, from natural causes. He was 65. Vice President Kamala Harris sent a condolence letter to Celona’s family that was read at his memorial service June 18 in New Orleans. Harris and Celona were longtime colleagues and friends, going back to her days as an elected official first for the city of San Francisco and later for the state of California. The letter reads in part, “Throughout his life, Mr. Celona was a dedicated community leader. I am grateful for his advocacy and commitment to our Nation’s merchant mariners through his work at the Seafarers International Union. As we enter a new era in the American labor movement, we stand on the shoulders of leaders like Mr. Celona – and we will continue to uphold his legacy to ensure that unions are strong and that workers’ voices and dignity are always respected.” Vice President Harris added, “I am particularly thankful for Mr. Celona’s friendship. His joyous spirit and generosity were gifts to those whose lives he touched, and he will be remembered for the light he brought to this world.” SIU President David Heindel stated, “Back in the early 1980s, Nick and I had the privilege of working together in the port of New Orleans, a time during which we forged a lifelong friendship. Nick was a rare individual, brimming with a huge heart and an unwavering love for life. His infectious enthusiasm and unadulterated bravado left an indelible mark on everyone he met. As we remember Nick, we celebrate SIU VP Nicholas Celona (right) and SIU VP George Tricker are pictured in mid-May in Piney Point, Maryland. (The background is a photo backdrop.) not only a dedicated seafarer but also a beloved father and friend who enriched our lives in countless ways. My deepest sympathies to his wife, Denise, and daughters Jennifer and Danielle.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said, “Nick was a true SIU brother – always positive and upbeat. He was a great motivator and organizer wherever he dropped anchor, and he was loyal to the core. He was so proud of his family, and also was proud that he finally became a member of the SIU Executive Board. He will be sorely missed.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker described Celona as “a true patriot. If you ever wanted to assemble an all-star team for a foxhole, Nick would be a first-rounder. Only his staunch support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and his undying affection for the SIU can rival his devotion to the flag. He was a character in every sense and will be missed and remembered always.” Joe Vincenzo, who succeeded Celona as vice president of the Government Services Division, stated, “We lost a friend and a colleague – what an inspiration he was to us all. Anyone who knew him knew that he loved life and he loved SIU. Nick was all heart, street smart and could read the room and his audience as well or better than anyone. He had a way of making you feel appreciated. He will be missed.” American Maritime Officers President Willie Barrere said, “Many AMO hawsepipers got to know Nick during their years sailing with the SIU, some from the very beginning of their careers. For all of us who have worked shoreside, Nick was a driving force and steadfast presence at many of the events and meetings that brought the U.S. seagoing labor community together to advance the cause of American mariners professionally and politically. He was a leader we had the pleasure of knowing and a man we mourn in his passing.” When he became an SIU vice president in 2021, Celona said, “My goals are to promote, protect and defend the U.S. Merchant Marine and the SIU Government Services Division, which in turn will help ensure our national security. We have to make sure that supplies get through to our troops.” Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Celona (who never lost the accent) graduated from Lafayette High School in 1976 and soon thereafter found a home with the SIU. After completing the trainee program, he sailed in the engine department until 1982, upgrading several times along the way (most recently to chief electrician). He sailed on vessels operated by Sea-Land, Maritime Overseas, Delta Line, American Hawaii Cruises, Bay Tankers and others. Celona worked as a patrolman in New Orleans from 1983-88 and was involved in multiple inland beefs. He spent 1989 serving as the port agent in Piney Point before what turned out to be a long-term move to the West Coast. Celona was the union’s San Francisco port agent from 1990-94; he became an assistant vice president in 1994. Among other activities, he served as a delegate on the San Francisco-Alameda Labor Council, secretary-treasurer of the local port council, and a governor-appointed member of the board of directors of the Cow Palace (a popular, multi-purpose arena in Daly City, California). Always politically active, Celona organized the union’s annual Thanksgiving gatherings in San Francisco and Oakland, which ran for 29 straight years before temporarily being derailed due to the pandemic. Those feasts evolved into a Who’s Who of politics, with regular appearances from Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, John Garamendi, Eric Swalwell, Jackie Spier and many others. Based on his extensive work with the military, Celona in 2002 was sworn in as an honorary U.S. Marine, a rarity. Celona (standing second from right) deeply respected the armed forces and included them in the long-running, annual Thanksgiving gatherings in San Francisco and Oakland. This photo is from the 2022 celebration and includes members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard along with SIU personnel. Celona came ashore to work for the union in the early 1980s. 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JULY 2024 �Members Ratify American Steamship Contract SIU members on the Great Lakes have overwhelmingly ratified a new 10-year contract between the union and American Steamship Company (ASC). Highlights of the new agreement include: - A $2,500 ratification bonus paid to all employees working for the company at the time the contract was ratified; - A 6% across-the-board wage increase (with a 2% increase retroactively effective March 11, 2024, and another 4% increase retroactively effective April 15, 2024), and significant wage increases effective each subsequent year of the agreement which includes an annual cost-of-living escalator tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI); - Enhancements to the Seafarers Vacation Plan benefit with one additional day added in 2025 and one more additional day added in 2027; - Increases to Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) benefit contributions over the life of the agreement, effective in 2025, 2027, and 2030; - Maintains Core-Plus (top level) coverage for health and pension benefits under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan; - An enhanced and modernized grievance procedure. Chief Cook Holly Norick Burns Harbor Pictured aboard the Indiana Harbor are (from left) Bosun Jeremy Shenett, Patrolman Tyson Little, Patrolman Jason Brown, Wheelsman Seddik Ali, UIW VP Monte Burgett, AB Kassim Ghaleb, Conveyorman Deiab Mohamed, and AB/Wheelsman Zarko Vrbljanac. SIU Vice President Great Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell stated, “This is a good contract, providing respectable wage increases and other enhancements for the crew members working for ASC. It provides long-term stability and predictability, and it should help attract and retain qualified mariners.” OS/Gateman Karrington Copeland Burns Harbor Chief Cook Nasser Abdulla American Spirit SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski added, “Congratulations and a job well done by the Great Lakes negotiating team. It’s great to see the contracts moving forward and that they provide enhanced wages, vacation, SMPPP as well as keeping the top-tier medical coverage.” AB/Wheelsman Raymond Hotchkiss, SIU Algonac Patrolman Jason Brown American Spirit Pictured from left are SIU Patrolmen Monte Burgett and Tyson Little, and Wheelsman Abdulmoghni Said. SIU Officials Participate in Key Maritime Conference ITF Updates FOC List MARAD last September announced its selection SIU Vice President Bryan Powell and SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman recently took part in a of the CNA “to conduct a study for the purpose of high-level conference at the Center for Naval Analy- informing a new national maritime strategy. CNA is ses (CNA) aimed at implementing a national maritime an independent, nonprofit Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the strategy. The gathering, co-sponsored by the Secretary of the Department of the Navy with expertise in researchNavy and the Maritime Administration (MARAD), took ing sealift needs for national security. This new place May 15-17 in Arlington, Virginia, just outside the national maritime strategy will be designed to posination’s capital. Participants included key maritime tion the U.S. maritime industry as a global leader for stakeholders from labor, government and indus- decades to come. Over the next year, CNA will engage with numerous try. They teamed public and private up to enhance a stakeholders in the collective undermaritime commustanding of what nity to complete the host organizathe study.” tions described as The agency “complex maritime further noted, domain issues,” “The National with a goal of ultiDefense Authorimately “offering zation Act of 2023 recommendations required MARAD on how to employ to select an FFRDC tools of maritime to identify the statecraft in a prikey elements and oritized fashion objectives it needs to create a more to develop a U.S. favorable domestic Pictured at the conference are (from left) AMO President Willie Barrere, SIU VP and international Bryan Powell, Transportation Institute VP Sara Fuentes, SIU Political Director Brian maritime strategy that will revitalize maritime environ- Schoeneman and AMO VP Jeff Richards. the U.S. merchant ment for advancing marine and our maritime industrial base to meet our America’s maritime power.” At various times during the conference, partici- Nation’s economic and national security needs. The pants heard from guest speakers; worked together study is not a strategy, but rather a tool that can be in breakout groups; and participated in open-session used to provide a comprehensive approach to identifying and prioritizing the elements for a strategy.” discussions. Two ship registries strongly associated with “dark fleet” transportation – Gabon and Eswatini – are the latest additions to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) flags of convenience (FOC) list. The additions are accompanied by the removal of Tonga from the 76-year-old list, bringing the total number of FOCs to 43, the ITF said in a recent announcement. The SIU is an ITF affiliate. “It’s a toxic industry – registering ships in countries where there is no regulation, no oversight and no accountability. It allows for exploitation and the abandonment of seafarers. The aim is to provide a shortcut for shipowners to generate money without necessarily complying with best practice risk mitigation and due diligence through regulatory accountability,” said ITF President Paddy Crumlin. According to the ITF, 50 percent of the world fleet is registered in FOC states. The top three contributors – Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands – alone account for more than 40 percent of the international fleet SIU President David Heindel, who also serves as the ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair, said, “The whole flags of convenience system is complex on purpose. The reasons for registering ships under flags of convenience is to avoid tax, avoid safety regulations, and circumvent labor standards and human rights. A genuine link between the ship and its registry is so important to be able to identify who is the real owner. Flag registers should not be allowed to operate as businesses using lower standards than traditional national registers. Until that’s stopped, seafarers’ rights will continue to be abused with impunity.” JULY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �Report of the Constitutional Committee We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at a Special Meeting held in Piney Point on June 24, 2024, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied proposed Constitutional Amendments contained in Resolutions submitted by our Executive Board. With the exception of one minor proposed amendment, these Resolutions, containing the proposed amendments, prior to their submission to us, were adopted by a majority vote of the membership. The provisions of these Resolutions, including their “WHEREAS” clauses, are contained in this report so that all members have available to them their full text for review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendations. Whereas, the Executive Board of this Union met on January 31, 2024 for the purpose of discussing potential amendments to the constitution of this Union; and Whereas, after lengthy discussions, the Board members unanimously decided that since the constitution of this union has not been amended since 2013 and, that over the last ten years, there have been many changes in the industry, the labor movement, and this union which, in their opinion, warrant constitutional amendments, The Executive Board resolved to present the following potential amendments to the membership for their action. 1. To make our union’s constitution more inclusive, amend all places in the document where the current word used is linked to one gender such as “he” to “he or she”. 2. In a further effort to make the constitution more current and inclusive, replace the words “crimps and finks” with “manning agents” and add additional classifications to the existing list in the statement of principles against which discrimination will not be tolerated. The list would be amended to include: sexual orientation, national origin, disability and age. 3. Amend Article III, section 3 (e) to make it easier for members to stay in good standing if they are unable to timely pay dues while on an American flag vessel anywhere in the world and Amend Article III by adding a section 3 (f) to indicate that any member on check-off through an employer or the Seafarers Vacation Plan would automatically be in good standing. 4. Amend Article III, Section 1 to make it clear that probationary members enjoy certain rights of membership but not all the rights enjoyed by full book members. Your committee believes and is recommending that there is no need to amend this section of the constitution as the Union’s consistent practice has always been that probationary book members have the right to express themselves at membership meetings but do not have the right to vote at such meetings with the exception of contract ratifications. 5. Amend Article V, Section 1 (a). As there has not been an increase in dues since 2006, and to enable the union to continue servicing the membership at the level they have come to expect, raise the dues $25/ quarter effective the second quarter of 2025 and then raise it an additional $25/quarter on January 1, 2027. 6. Amend Article V, Section 2 for the same reasons as the proposed dues increase by raising the initiation fee paid by new members joining after January 1, 2025, by $500 and amend Article V section 2 to increase the service fee for the issuance of a full book by $15.00 7. Amend Article VI, Section 4 to make it easier for members to have their rights restored after retiring their books by paying one-quarter dues each year that the book is in retirement during the quarter when their book was retired. 8. Amend Article VIII. In a further effort to expand services for the Union’s membership and to help ensure that the union’s diversity and educational goals are met, add two new Vice President positions: a Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and a Vice President of Training and Education along with corresponding assistant Vice President positions and allow the new officers to serve as delegates to the union’s parent organization in accordance with the constitutional guidelines. 9. Amend Article X, Section 1 (j) to change the word “shall” to “may” in the constitutional section pertaining to the filling of union officer and representative positions by providing the president with sufficient time to properly fill a vacant office. 10. Amend Article X, Sections 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12 to make the titles of three existing Vice Presidents’ positions more in line with their actual work and the territory they serve by placing the Caribbean region under the Gulf Coast; remove the words “Southern Region and inland waters” from the territory of the Great Lakes Vice President and remove the words “fishing industries” from the responsibilities of the Government Services Vice President. 11. Amend Article X, Section 12. In keeping with current times, formally allow the executive board to hold meetings virtually to save costs when it is efficient to do so. 12. Amend Article XIII, Section 1 (g) to help individuals who wish to run for union office and are on a vessel during the period of nominations by allowing them to use an email address and to allow the credentials committee the right to reach out via email or expedited mail if it needs to reach a member with any questions. 13. Amend Article XIII, Section 2 (c) to clarify that any appeals to an action of the credentials committee need to be filed in time for such appeal to be acted upon by the membership at the regular membership meeting following the committee’s election and prior to the issuance of its report. 14. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). In a further effort to engage the membership in union elections and proceedings, expand the voting period by one month to provide more time for members to vote (October through December) which would also entail moving the nominating period and the election and service of the credentials committee back one month to July of the election year. 15. Amend Article XII, Section 1 (c) by including vessels in ROS status among the types of vessels for which sixty-five (65) days of seatime is required rather than one hundred (100) days of seatime between January 1 and the time of nomination during an election year. This was suggested due to the possibility of starting the voting period in October which would entail moving the nominating period back by one month. Your committee acknowledges that this particular proposed amendment was not presented to the membership during the June membership meetings; however, we are recommending that it be included with all the other proposed amendments to help ensure that members who work on ROS vessels who wish to run for union office will be able to do so, assuming they satisfy all other eligibility requirements. 16. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). In accordance with the wishes of the membership as expressed at membership meetings, make permanent the provision to allow ballots to be brought to vessels, subject to guidelines set by the executive board. 17. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). Considering the proposal to expand the voting period by a month and bringing ballots to vessels, remove Saturday voting at union halls. 18. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (e) to make it easier for members to vote absentee if incapacitated by illness or injury. 19. Amend Article XIII, Section 4 (b) to increase the tallying committee from 20 to 28 members due to the addition of four new constitutional ports and raise the committee’s quorum from 10 to 14 members. 20. Again, due to the addition of four new constitutional ports, increase the number of elected port agents by 4: 1 for Norfolk, 1 for Jacksonville, 1 for Long Beach, and 1 for Tacoma. 21. Amend Article XXIII to add the four new constitutional ports to the regular membership meeting schedule and move the date when the Algonac meeting is held to the Thursday in the week following its current meeting date. 22. Amend Article XVII. In keeping with current times, codify the Union’s ability to use social media to communicate with its members. 23. Allow the constitution to be amended to take care of non-substantive housekeeping, grammatical and spelling errors throughout the document; such as changing the word “contract” to “collective bargaining agreement”, changing the words “under an incapacity” to “incapacitated”, changing “in behalf” to “on behalf”, etc. Be it resolved that, if approved by a majority vote of the membership, the foregoing proposed amendments, with the exception of number 4, be placed on the ballot along with the election of officers for use during the upcoming election. We further recommend, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report containing the proposed Resolutions and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, August 2024 issue, so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts and actions taken as of this time. In addition, we recommend that copies of such LOG issue, to the extent possible, be made available to the membership at all Union offices and Halls during the months of November and December 2024. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members, and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolutions will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. DATE: June 25, 2024 Fraternally submitted, Constitutional Committee 2024 SIU Election Absentee Voting Info Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2024 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2024. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2024. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2024 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2025. JULY 2024 �SHBP Scholarship Winners Awarded Total of $120,000 for Academic Pursuits One Seafarer and five SIU dependents/relatives have been awarded scholarships from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) to pursue further education. Teachers from educational institutions across the country, both active and retired, were selected to serve on the SHBP Scholarship Committee, which convened in May. Together they chose Chief Steward Ashley Nguyen as the Seafarer winner. She will receive a $20,000 award ($5,000 for each of four years). The committee also selected Amelia Gohs, JJ Nicole Malunes, Troy Madrio, Teresito Reyes Jr., and Zaid Saleh as the Seafarer dependent winners. Each of these students will receive $20,000 total. The following profiles detail the ambitions and achievements of this year’s Charlie Logan Scholarship recipients. Ashley Nguyen SIU Connection: Nguyen is a Chief Steward who joined the union in 2016. Bio: Nguyen lives in California. She joined SIU as an apprentice and is now sailing as a chief steward. Her story with SIU began after earning her college degree, but working jobs that didn’t satisfy her or effectively utilize her diploma. Nguyen’s educational aspirations will allow her to work with individuals, couples, and families, with the aim of making a difference in their lives through therapy. She plans to use her degree alongside her own life experience managing anxiety to help normalize discussions about mental health in her community. Education: Nguyen graduated from California State University in 2010, where she studied Human Development with a concentration in counseling. She has applied to the University of Nevada Las Vegas, National University, and Touro University, where she plans to start a program in marriage and family therapy. Quotable: “Since graduating, I always said if I could redo school I would. I didn’t have the confidence then to put my degree to use. Now, as a more grown, confident adult, I changed my negative self-talk. I can redo school and I want to, which is why I am applying for the SIU scholarship program.… The SIU scholarship will give me a second chance at allowing me to do what I am truly passionate about, helping others who have struggled.” Amelia Gohs SIU Connection: Gohs is the daughter of Recertified Bosun Paul Gohs. Bio: Inspired by her family’s own medical history and her experience navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gohs aims to use her scholarship to become a driving force for encouraging people to incorporate preventative care methods into their lifestyles. The definition of a well-rounded high school student, Gohs participated in several team sports, joined the robotics club, held positions as secretary of the National Honor Society Caritas Chapter, and served three consecutive terms as vice president and later president of her student council. She also worked at A&W and at McDonald’s, where she honed her strong work ethic. Education: Gohs recently graduated from All Saints Catholic High School as salutatorian with a GPA of 4.18. During her high school years, she also completed three credits at Delta College as part of a dual enrollment program. She has applied to Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, and Saginaw JULY 2024 Valley State University, the latter of which she plans to attend to pursue her degree in Public Health. Quotable: “The community and web of friends I’ve grown with over the years has done so much for me, and the kindness of both friends and strangers alike is something I strive to give back. That is why I plan to attend Saginaw Valley State University and major in public health – so that I may one day benefit those around me, as to improve the quality of life for those in my community. Large-scale health issues can be hindered at the beginning, as long as there are those behind the scenes who are willing and wanting to prevent them. The opportunity for me to incorporate that idea into an actual career is a dream that I want to chase down and catch.” JJ Nicole Malunes SIU Connection: Malunes is the daughter of Bosun Arsenio Malunes Jr. Bio: After reading the “Percy Jackson” series as a young child, Malunes saw great parallels to Greek god Poseidon and her seafaring dad, “since both were fathers who left for extended periods of time to traverse the oceans.” Still, she shared her major milestones with him while he was away via her motion-detecting doorbell camera. Malunes’ interest in criminology/forensic psychology developed through watching Criminal Minds and true crime documentaries when she was a high school freshman during the onset of the COVID19 pandemic. Initially, she aspired to become a forensic anthropologist with the FBI, but after reading the biography of someone in that line of work, she instead decided that she could still satisfy her curiosities about the human brain by pursuing neuroscience. Education: Malunes graduated from Mayfair High School. She has applied to the University of California, California State University of Long Beach, and University of California Los Angeles. Quotable: “I have always idolized my father as Poseidon – undeniably strong, unwaveringly brave, endlessly inspiring – but I have only just begun to see myself in Percy Jackson: steadfastly loyal, passionately determined, wholeheartedly resilient; the son of Poseidon. Like the ocean itself, the potential for my future cannot be confined; it is limitless.” Troy Madrio SIU Connection: Madrio is the son of AB Roy A. Madrio. Bio: Madrio’s fascination with space and astronomy was piqued at a young age. Galvanized by a high school astronomy course that left him wanting more, he began independently studying astrophysics. Soon after, he became a regular volunteer at his school’s McCarthy Observatory, and founded his school’s Astronomy Club. He also has a passion for music. A “jack-of-allbrass,” he knows how to play the euphonium, the trombone, the French horn, and the tuba. Madrio intends to further explore the universe’s deepest mysteries at Cornell University for undergraduate study and eventually earn his masters and Ph.D. in order to become a researcher and professor. Education: Madrio graduated from New Milford High School. He has applied to Cornell University, Princeton University, Harvard University, and Columbia University. He plans to attend the former and double major in Astrophysical Sciences and Mathematical Computer Science. Quotable: “I explored the wave-particle duality of photons, the never-ending war between dark energy and gravity, the flavors of quarks, nuclear chromodynamics, stellar evolution, cosmology, Hawking radiation, and the time-dilating domain of relativity. The nuance and complexity of astrophysics never seemed to end, and I realized that I wanted nothing more than to explore this fractal of science for the rest of my life.” Teresito Reyes Jr. SIU Connection: Reyes Jr. is the son of Chief Cook Teresito Reyes Sr. Bio: Reyes Jr. describes himself as a timid, shy boy who was always encouraged by his mother to “dream big and aim high.” Emigrating to Hawaii from the Philippines at age 12 inspired him to break out of his shell and immerse himself wholeheartedly into a new culture and environment. When he moved again to California, he continued to cultivate a sense of belonging with his classmates and with a community of those who shared his Filipino heritage. During high school, Reyes Jr. played tennis, participated in art club, book club, and theater. He volunteered at FILCOM, the Filipino Community Center assisting with COVID vaccinations and testing and also served as a Health Academy Ambassador. Education: Reyes Jr. attended Governor Farrington Wallace High School for ninth and tenth grades, and Murrieta Valley High School for the remainder of his high school career. He participated in the IB Diploma program at Murrieta Valley. He plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College and study nursing. Quotable: “I learned that as a leader, it matters not what one does for attention, but rather for the selfless benefit of others. Looking back, I’ve learned that experience, discipline, and an adventurous attitude will greatly benefit my passions as I dream big and aim high.” Zaid Saleh SIU Connection: Saleh is the son of SA Fahd Saleh. Bio: Saleh’s longstanding interest in cars and machines, persisting from his childhood, has led him to pursue a career in engineering post-high school. His academic studies and excellent performance in mathematics and physics have demonstrated his talent for the subjects as well as his strong problem-solving skills. Not only has Saleh graduated a year ahead of schedule, but he did so while also participating on soccer and basketball teams. His counselor denotes his goal-driven nature in her recommendation letter, saying that since he had been a freshman in high school, he had been planning his early graduation. Education: Saleh attended Homestead High School and is graduating after his junior year. He plans to study mechanical engineering at Purdue University. Quotable: “I am determined to make a positive impact through my work in mechanical engineering and I believe that receiving this scholarship will enable me to further my education and contribute innovative solutions in the field.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ON THE JOB IN SUNSHINE STATE – Longtime friends and SIU Bosuns Munassar Ahmed (left) and Greg Jackson are pictured in Jacksonville, Florida. STOPPING BY OAKLAND HALL – Recertified Bosun Antuan Webb (second from right) is pictured recently with his three sons, plus SIU VP Nick Marrone (second from left) and Port Agent Duane Akers. A-BOOK IN CALIFORNIA – AB Michael Adote (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Wilmington hall with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. ABOARD CAPE SHIPS ‒ These snapshots are from the May 9 servicing of the ROS Crowley vessels Cape Cortes (formerly the Freedom) and Cape Arundel (formerly the Honor) in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The IDs are from left in each photo, starting with the photo at far left: SB Demarius Jones, SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White, Bosun Deontre Blount; Chief Cook Natasha Staton and Jones; SB Perry Martin and Chief Cook Deirick Coltrane; BREC Dave Coleman, White, ABM Jahn Boman, OS Armonie Lowe. ABOARD AMERICAN FREEDOM – Pictured on the Intrepid ship are (from left) Recertified Bosun Joshua Mensah and SIU Tacoma Patrolman Dennison Forsman. FULL BOOK IN GUAM – AB Angel Reyes (right) picks up his book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSMAN – SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (left) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pennsylvania) at a recent fundraiser coinciding with a Phillies game. Boyle is a solid backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine. JULY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SOLIDARITY IN TEXAS – Safety ABOARD CAPE SABLE – Pictured from left aboard the Crowley ship in late May are SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey, AB Vincent Williams, STOS Denzel Johnson, Bosun Leander Garrett and AB Jonathan Jones. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Recertified Steward Dennis Skretta (left) receives his first pension check from SIU Port Agent Warren Asp at the hiring hall. Skretta started sailing with the SIU in 1978. Director Kevin Sykes recently attended the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists convention in Houston. He’s at right, with CBTU President Terry Melvin. BOOKS GALORE IN VIRGINIA – GUDE Tykeem Blowe-Warren (second from left in photo above, left) and GVA Lonnell Bell (second from right) receive their respective full books at the May membership meeting in Norfolk. They are pictured with SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (right) and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left). In the remaining photo, OMU Kevin Snowden (right) also obtains his full book. SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls is at left. ABOARD MAERSK MONTANA – Pictured from left aboard the ship are Bosun James Gregory, SIU Norfolk Patrolman Josh Rawls, and AB Cheryl Lee. THANKING LEGISLATOR – SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice (left) is pictured with promaritime U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) during a gathering in Cherry Hill. Baselice thanked the congressman for his consistent backing of the U.S. Merchant Marine. JULY 2024 MILESTONE IN HOUSTON – Chief Steward Claudia Mauricio-Brice (center) receives her A-seniority book at the Houston hall. She’s pictured with her husband, Jesus Montero (left), and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday. WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Seafarer Peter Bondarenko (right), pictured at the hall with SIU Patrolman Brian Guiry, receives his first pension check. He most recently worked as a lead hull technician at Crowley. SOLIDARITY IN SAN JUAN ‒ The SIU had a strong turnout for International Workers Day/May Day in Puerto Rico on May 1. Heavy rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the thousands of attendees, who gathered to express support for workers’ rights. The SIU contingent included Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, STOS Abdiel Clinton, QMED Edwin Morales, and Steward/Baker Billy Joel Burgos-Burgos. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Pictured from left in each photo, starting at far left: Chief Cook Isis Vasquez obtains her full book from SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo; the assistant VP stands with Bosun Jorge Soler, proudly holding his A-seniority book that’s stamped “Certified to Sail Bosun”; Crespo, Steward/Baker Jesus Pacheco receiving his A-seniority book, Safety Director Ricky Rivera; and Chief Cook Victor Valentin receives his full book from Rivera. ABOARD POTOMAC EXPRESS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid vessel in mid-May are Paul Hall Center Apprentice Caleb Rawls, SIU Norfolk Patrolman Josh Rawls (no relation), SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey, Bosun Renaudo Pierce, and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Christopher Holmes. AN SIU FAMILY ‒ Pictured from left at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall are QEE Randy J. Slue, his brother Wiper Donald Slue (holding his newly acquired union book), and QEE Randy D. Slue (better known as Dad). The elder Randy expressed his appreciation for the union and the opportunities it has given him and his sons who are following in his path. ABOARD WEST VIRGINIA ‒ Seafarers are pictured on the Seabulk ship in the Pacific Northwest. From left: Steward/ Baker Armon Bailey, AB Dwuan Reed, SA Francisco Amada, Pumpman Scott Fuller, AB Marlon Ozaraga, Chief Cook Gil Serrano and AB Juberto Perez. FULL BOOK IN CHARM CITY ‒ QMED Mohamad ABOARD ATB – Pictured in Florida on the TOTE ATB Tortuga/Clean Everglades are (left to right, starting with photo at far left) AB Joseph Wattam, AB Justin Zlotucha, and First Asst. Engineer Jay Benyard. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Kammoun (center) obtains his book. He’s pictured at the Baltimore hall with SIU Port Agent John Hoskins (left) and Safety Director Jose Argueta. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 JULY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Deck department members are pictured on the Ocean Duchess ship in San Francisco prior to sailing. From left: AB Andre Nero, AB Jeremy Smoot, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, AB Ibrahim Abubaker, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, AB Ed Copeland, AB Johncarlo Garibaldi, OS Abdelrahim Salih, Capt. Raymond Davis, OS Shamar Rhoden and OS Christian Jones. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Capt. Bruce Cram (center), who sailed with G&H Towing for 47 years, receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Patrolmen J.B. Niday (left) and Kirk Pegan. “This one is special to me because I trained under Capt. Cram as a new mate while at G&H,” Niday noted. REMEMBERING BOSUN BRANTLEY ‒ Mariners on the USNS Brittin (Pasha) attend a recent shipboard ceremony to honor the memory of Bosun Greyson Brantley, who passed away in January at age 54. They are pictured above with a floral wreath and his commemorative plaque. The remaining photo includes the shipboard plaque made to honor Brantley’s legacy and many years of service aboard the vessel. SIU New Orleans Patrolman George Owen, Brantley’s stepbrother, stated, “Grey would’ve been good at anything he would’ve done, but he was excellent at what he did. He was a sailor’s sailor. He had the ingenuity to come up with ways to solve problems and thought of things other bosuns didn’t.” Brantley began sailing with the SIU in 1988, at age 19. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – The turnout proved massive at a recent career fair in Essex County, New Jersey. Pictured at the SIU/Paul Hall Center table (above, right) are Port Agent Ray Henderson (left) and Patrolman James Bast. ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – The two photos directly above were taken during a recent servicing aboard the SubCom vessel in Baltimore. The larger group photo includes steward department members along with Safety Director Jose Argueta (left) and Patrolman Shane Sterry (right). Bosun Devin Hoerr is in the center of the other photo, with Argueta (right) and Sterry (left). JULY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 11 11 �SIU Observes National Maritime Day F rom coast to coast and in the U.S. territory of Guam, the SIU played a typically active role in this year’s National Maritime Day observances. Those respective ceremonies took place in Washington, D.C.; Houston; Port Arthur, Texas; Galveston, Texas; Norfolk, Virginia; and Guam. The union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) handled particularly noteworthy roles in this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters in the nation’s capital. SIU President David Heindel was a featured speaker at the May 22 gathering; PHC Apprentice Eliot Randall carried a ceremonial wreath, while fellow Apprentice Luis Sanchez rang the traditional “eight bells.” The union and the PHC had a strong turnout. In addition to the aforementioned individuals, attendees among the crowd of 200 or so included SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Political Director Brian Schoeneman, Trainee Commandant John Romer, and 21 other apprentices. The theme for this year’s event was “Navigating the Future: Safety First!” The featured speakers, in order of appearance, were Deputy Maritime Administrator Tamekia Flack; Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips; DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg (via a recorded video); Heindel; Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command; U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro; and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona). All of the speakers emphasized the critical importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine to America’s national, economic and homeland security. Near the end of the ceremony, World War II mariner Allen Johnson, who first shipped out at age 17, received several awards and medals for his service. He briefly addressed the crowd and also offered some remarks in a recently recorded video. During Heindel’s remarks, the SIU president thanked the administration, Congress, and military leaders for backing the U.S. maritime industry. Focusing on the theme, he stated, “Safety is always and must remain ‘Job 1,’ and for the SIU that starts in Attendees await the start of the Department of Transportation National Maritime Day ceremony at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Piney Point and at every one of our hiring halls, and days. And in all the years since then, one thing hasn’t continues through to every voyage and every ship- changed and never will: Give us the ships, give us the board safety drill, and is reinforced when a Seafarer cargo, and we’ll deliver.” Immediately before the ceremony, attendees returns to upgrade his or her rating or license. We also have our sights set on new fuels and new tech- watched the PHC’s new recruiting video, shown on nology that are on the horizon and which promise the in-house monitors. The event also included salutes to the late SIU to bring changes to shipboard life. We are actively working with the United Nations bodies as well as President Michael Sacco, who passed away late last others to help ensure that shipping’s response to the year. Flack saluted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s centuclimate emergency puts mariners and communities at the heart of the solution, always with an emphasis ries-old record of service to the nation, and expressed confidence in the industry’s ongoing reliability. on safety training, handling and operations.” “If history is any indicator of our future, we can be He later said that “we in the SIU are ever-mindful” of the sacrifices of World War II mariners (includ- assured that even when things get tough – and they ing the more than 1,235 SIU members who lost their will get tough – our national leadership, our marilives in the war effort), and that he sees a passion in time industry and our U.S. Merchant Mariners will today’s rank-and-file membership when it comes to answer the call to duty,” she said. Phillips said the merchant marine “must be mainupholding their role as part of America’s fourth arm tained, not merely as an instrument for commercial of defense. “They know that in times of crisis, our troops de- expansion but as a weapon for protection – the propend on them to deliver the material needed,” Hein- tection of American life and property…. Our maritime del said. “They will not let anything stop them from sector is a cornerstone of America’s economy and security, responsible for the safe transport of billions fulfilling that most-critical mission.” He concluded, “The U.S. Merchant Marine has of tons of cargo annually across our waterways and been a key part of this nation since America’s earliest carrying our DOD and other government and com- SIU President David Heindel addresses the crowd in the nation’s capital. Paul Hall Center Apprentices (from left) Luis Sanchez and Eliot Randall played Deputy Maritime Administrator Tamekia Flack unformal roles in the DOT event (sounding “eight bells” and carrying a memorial derscores the historic reliability and sacrifice of the wreath, respectively). nation’s mariners. Gen. Van Ovost greets Paul Hall Center apprentices after the DOT ceremony. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • U.S. Rep. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) presents a detailed plan to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine. JULY 2024 �Four of the DOT featured speakers are pictured before the ceremony with World War II mariner Allen Johnson (center), who was honored during the formal gathering. From left are Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, U.S. Transportation Command commanding officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Johnson, U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, and SIU President David Heindel. (Photo courtesy DOT) mercial cargos internationally, entrusted to the very capable hands of American mariners.” During his video greeting, Buttigieg said mariners “are at the heart of America’s national security, our economic strength and our national character.” Van Ovost stated, “It is the dedication and expertise of our mariners that creates the backbone of our marine transportation system. So, thank you for your professionalism, your dedication and patriotism and service to our nation…. We are a maritime nation. We sailed the oceans to global prominence and it is imperative that we maintain our strength as a maritime nation today and into the future.” Del Toro noted, “Since the very beginning of the American Revolution, our U.S. Merchant Marine has been at the heart of our economic life and indispensable to not just our national security but our economic security in this country…. We must never forget that nearly 10,000 U.S. Merchant Mariners lost their lives in World War II – a higher casualty rate than any other service, including my own beloved Marine Corps.” Kelly, a former mariner whose father sailed in World War II, said, “As many of you know, the U.S. Merchant Marine and our maritime industry are incredibly important to me…. When I graduated from Kings Point in 1986, there were about 400 or so U.S.-flagged oceangoing ships. Today that number has fallen to about 80 ships operating in international commerce flying the U.S. flag. By the way, China has nearly 5,500. The reason for this change can almost entirely be attributed to policy decisions. They were decisions made by prior administrations and prior congresses.” He then explained the comprehensive, bipartisan maritime revitalization legislation he and others are crafting, with industry-wide input (including from the SIU). Additional photos from other National Maritime Day ceremonies on Page 14. Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education attend the National Maritime Day ceremony in the nation’s capital. (Photo courtesy DOT) Prior to the event in Washington, D.C., SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) chats with (from left) Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command, and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro. (Photo courtesy DOT) 13 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JULY 2024 SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (center, with hands folded) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (far right in the same row) help represent the union at the DOT commemoration. SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman is at far right directly behind Orzechowski. A Proclamation on National Maritime Day, 2024 From the White House: Our Nation’s merchant mariners embody the highest aspirations of our democracy, always answering our country’s call with commitment and courage. Today, we honor their service and sacrifice. Together, we recommit to meeting our sacred obligation to care for them and their families. Unbreaking and unbending in their devotion to duty, our merchant mariners have stood for our Nation’s freedom and liberty throughout history – from delivering critical goods and troops to the battlefields of World War II to responding to devastating natural disasters around the world and shipping the goods and military cargo that keep our Nation safe and prosperous. Today, our merchant mariners are continuing this legacy of service, delivering humanitarian aid to people in need and transporting military equipment around the world. At the same time, merchant mariners are engines of our economy. They facilitate international trade and strengthen our supply chains by transporting billions of dollars of goods across oceans, seas, and waterways to the hands of American businesses and consumers. Our merchant mariners have always met the moment – and my Administration will always have their backs. That is why we are ensuring that ships traveling between United States ports are American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed by enforcing the Jones Act. This will not only support American shipbuilding but will also support good union jobs. Meanwhile, we have made historic investments in our Nation’s infrastructure, including rebuilding our ports so that they are safer, cleaner, and easier and more affordable to move through. We also recognize that our merchant mariners are strongest when they reflect the full diversity of our Nation. My Budget proposes $191 million for the United States Merchant Marine Academy to educate and train the next generation of seagoing officers and maritime leaders. Additionally, my Administration established Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture Standards to prevent sexual assault and harassment and to support survivors. Today, as we honor all that merchant mariners have done for our Nation, we also recognize the mariners who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. We owe these fallen heroes a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay. But our Nation will never forget their legacy and that of every mariner who has dared all, risked all, and given all for our Nation. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2024, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to celebrate the United States Merchant Marine and maritime industry with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 13 LOG • 13 �Seafarers Celebrate National Maritime Day SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon (right) took part in a National Maritime Day ceremony in Guam. He’s pictured with Norma R. Pillman from the Military Sealift Command. Personnel from the Coast Guard and the Navy also participated in the event. Pictured from left at the ceremony in Galveston, Texas, are Jay Wedman of MEBA, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and Kathleen Friel of AMO. The SIU-crewed Bay Towing tug Aubrey joins in the festivities in Galveston, Texas. SIU Oakland Port Agent Duane Akers teamed up with personnel from The Pasha Group for a “Careers in Maritime” event May 22 at San Rafael (California) High School. They addressed a packed room of students; he and the other speakers already have been invited back next year. The Norfolk, Virginia, ceremony took place aboard the battleship Wisconsin. Pictured from left are USSMI GM Travis Hansen, Virginia Maritime Association Senior VP Will Fediw, ITF Inspector Bobbi Shipley, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, and Hampton Roads Shipping Association President Jeremy Bridges. Pictured at the National Maritime Day luncheon hosted by the Houston chapter of the Kings Point Alumni Association are (from left, SIU members unless otherwise noted) Capt. Brandon Connor, Mate Miles Hallberg, Mate Amanda Ringo, Capt. Mark Kazin, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala, SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, Second Mate Cameron Schroeder, Harris County Board of Pilot Commissioners Chairman Reginald McKamie, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, and chapter President David McNeal. The annual National Maritime Day observance in Port Arthur, Texas, took place at the Seamen’s Memorial Equatorial Sundial. Teaming up for the 2024 iteration were the Stella Maris Diocese of Beaumont, the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center, the Port of Port Arthur, the Propeller Club Ports of the Sabine and Neches, and the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States. SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre (pictured at the podium) led the proceedings and asked CMDR Karima Hantal of the U.S. Coast Guard to read President Biden’s Maritime Day Proclamation. The crew of the pilot boat Port Arthur later placed a wreath in the Sabine Neches Waterway. After the service, the port sponsored a luncheon featuring remarks by Shelby Avant from MARAD. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERJULY 2023 14 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 15 - June 16, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 17, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 11 1 2 21 5 5 8 28 29 22 2 5 22 8 3 1 4 9 0 23 5 1 0 12 1 5 2 21 26 4 2 2 15 1 1 2 3 5 2 6 1 0 0 5 1 6 0 6 8 1 2 1 9 2 0 0 1 1 0 2 8 2 1 16 3 5 5 16 18 10 2 0 18 6 3 1 3 16 1 20 4 1 0 7 0 2 1 13 17 6 2 2 8 1 2 2 1 6 0 4 1 0 0 6 0 4 0 5 6 0 3 1 7 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 7 1 0 14 0 3 3 16 16 7 3 0 12 6 0 3 3 10 0 13 26 3 3 33 5 13 9 42 46 34 6 12 26 12 2 1 13 22 2 38 8 3 1 15 3 7 3 28 33 7 3 2 19 3 2 2 2 10 4 14 1 0 0 4 3 5 1 9 7 3 2 1 9 3 0 0 2 5 0 6 TOTAL 209 116 46 154 79 37 117 348 169 61 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 4 7 1 4 1 11 18 8 1 1 13 5 4 1 7 13 1 14 119 1 0 2 4 0 4 4 4 14 4 0 2 9 3 1 1 2 5 0 1 61 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 5 5 0 1 1 8 2 2 0 2 0 0 4 35 2 0 3 4 0 5 1 3 16 3 1 2 3 3 0 0 1 5 0 8 60 4 1 6 11 0 4 8 15 31 9 1 1 17 6 5 2 7 14 1 21 164 1 1 1 3 1 5 4 8 10 6 0 4 12 1 1 2 1 4 0 5 70 0 2 1 2 1 0 1 7 3 1 0 1 9 2 2 0 1 2 0 2 37 1 0 0 2 1 2 0 5 14 4 0 1 7 3 1 2 5 5 0 6 59 8 0 0 12 1 3 13 21 31 10 1 4 19 13 2 3 2 11 1 20 175 4 0 0 5 1 1 5 7 22 2 0 1 17 8 0 2 10 7 0 11 103 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 5 8 3 2 0 10 1 0 0 3 2 0 3 41 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 9 6 1 1 7 3 0 4 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 2 8 5 1 9 0 4 2 18 54 19 3 2 12 2 1 3 1 16 1 19 11 0 2 10 0 6 9 25 95 27 2 3 48 6 0 1 2 5 1 13 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 6 0 3 4 1 3 2 9 10 5 0 2 9 3 0 0 5 9 1 10 82 1 1 2 4 0 2 1 3 15 2 2 0 7 4 0 3 2 7 1 1 58 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 4 0 1 0 4 3 0 1 1 2 0 4 25 Steward Department July & August Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Monday: July 8, August 5 Friday: July 12, August 9 Thursday: July 11, August 8 Thursday: July 25, August 22 Friday: July 19, August 16 Houston Monday: July 15, August 12 Jacksonville Thursday: July 11, August 8 Joliet Thursday: July 18, August 15 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: July 17, August 14 Tuesday: July 16, August 13 Tuesday: July 9, August 6 Norfolk Friday: July 12, August 9 Oakland Thursday: July 18, August 15 Philadelphia Port Everglades San Juan Wednesday: July 10, August 7 Thursday: July 18, August 15 Thursday: July 11, August 8 St. Louis Friday: July 19, August 16 Tacoma Friday: July 26, August 23 Wilmington Monday: July 22, August 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JULY 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 4 0 0 7 1 3 7 12 18 6 1 3 11 9 4 4 2 5 1 7 105 0 0 0 5 1 3 2 2 16 1 0 2 14 5 0 2 8 5 0 6 72 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 1 0 5 1 0 2 3 1 0 2 30 3 0 0 3 1 5 4 9 10 12 1 2 8 6 4 3 4 3 1 10 89 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 7 1 3 7 0 3 1 13 35 12 0 1 7 3 1 4 1 10 0 10 12 1 2 12 0 4 8 13 54 9 2 4 31 8 0 8 1 3 0 12 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 16 3 0 0 12 1 0 1 5 4 1 6 60 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 6 0 1 0 3 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 21 Entry Department 2 0 2 2 0 1 3 9 19 4 0 1 7 4 0 1 0 5 0 8 6 1 3 9 0 1 3 7 35 8 2 3 23 8 1 9 0 4 1 11 TOTAL 9 119 184 6 68 135 39 16 180 266 GRAND TOTAL 442 368 295 331 265 218 275 703 522 405 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast This month’s question was answered by students at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Where is your favorite place that you’ve traveled during your career as a Seafarer – or, where is somewhere that you’re looking forward to traveling to? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Tracy Gray Wiper Randy Madrid Chief Cook My favorite place that I’ve traveled is Rota, Spain. It’s beautiful; I loved the scenery and the weather. The food was great, and so were the people. I had never been anywhere before and this was my first trip. After that was Crete, Greece and Souda Bay. Both beautiful places. I enjoyed traveling to Belgium and Germany. They were both nice places with nice people. I also loved going to Yokohama, Japan. In Japan, I got to experience the bullet train and I took it to Tokyo. They had a lot of luxury stores and everything there. Gerald Hyman Recertified Steward Ammar Sailan Chief Steward Panama is a beautiful country to visit and there’s so much to see there. I’d also like to travel to Australia someday. I hear they have a very nice port and they treat Americans well. I’d like to see the safari there, too. That’s easy: Maldives. I went there on a cable ship. I also enjoyed visiting the port in Gibraltar, Spain, near Algeria. The area we visited had the best museums and lot of ancient history. There were castles, and things like that. Jyheir Thompson Apprentice Ayman Elahi OS I’d like to travel to Tokyo one day. It looks like a nice place to visit and I’ve never been before. I did travel to Brazil for one night, though. I really enjoyed the scenery there. One day I want to travel to Venice in Italy. I want to ride in a gondola, drink wine, and try the food there. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Pic from the Past NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 The SIU-crewed Lawrence Gianella heads to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, for the 2004 iteration of Operation Deep Freeze. SIU crews have supported the annual resupply mission for decades. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JULY 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA KAID ADAM Brother Kaid Adam, 62, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Adam upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently worked with Matson Navigation Company of Alaska and makes his home in Fircrest, Washington. MAGDY BALAT Brother Magdy Balat, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 2005 and first worked on the Green Ridge. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Balat last shipped on the Maersk Detroit. He resides in Brooklyn, New York. REY FARINAS Brother Rey Farinas, 67, joined the Union in 1989 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the engine department. Brother Farinas last shipped aboard the Alaskan Explorer and settled in Waipahu, Hawaii. EDWARD GALBIS Brother Edward Galbis, 71, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2002 when he sailed on the USNS Mt. Washington. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Galbis most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Gladiator. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia. WALTER GARCIA MARRERO Brother Walter Garcia Marrero, 65, signed on with the union in 1998. He first sailed aboard the USNS Pathfinder and worked in the engine department. Brother Garcia Marrero upgraded on several occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. He last shipped on the USNS Capella and is a Houston resident. DAVID GRAVES Brother David Graves, 68, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1990, initially sailing aboard the USNS Algol. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Graves’ final vessel was the Seakay Valor. He resides in Houston. JULY 2024 We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. GREAT LAKES JOHN GROOM Brother John Groom, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1991. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the engine department. Brother Groom upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the American Freedom and lives in Roy, Washington. MICHAEL FAUGHT Brother Michael Faught, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1978. He initially worked with Michigan Interstate Railway and was a steward department member. Brother Faught upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1981. He last shipped with Luedtke Engineering Company and lives in Manton, Michigan. IRENA JANSON NELS JOHNSON Sister Irena Janson, 69, began sailing with the Seafarers in 2002 and first worked aboard the Maersk Arizona. She upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Haul Center and shipped in the steward department. Sister Janson’s final vessel was the Pride. She makes her home in University Place, Washington. Brother Nels Johnson, 65, joined the SIU in 1977, first sailing aboard the Sharon. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Johnson last sailed aboard the American Spirit and settled in Arcadia, Michigan. PHILIP JOHNSON LLOYD LA BEACH Brother Philip Johnson, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978. He was a deck department member and initially sailed aboard the Loc Bay. Brother Johnson last shipped on the St. John. He makes his home in Erie, Pennsylvania. Brother Lloyd La Beach, 70, joined the union in 1978 and first sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother La Beach most recently shipped on the Pohang Pioneer. He resides El Paso, Texas. INLAND JOHN BERTRAND HARVEY OWENS Brother John Bertrand, 63, joined the SIU in 1986, first sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Bertrand was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed with OSG Ship Management and resides in Winnie, Texas. Brother Harvey Owens, 68, started his career with the SIU in 2008, initially sailing aboard the Resolve. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Owens last sailed aboard the Legend. He lives in La Grange, North Carolina. CHARLES BRANCH DENNIS SKRETTA Brother Charles Branch, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1980. He sailed in the deck department and was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Branch lives in League City, Texas. Brother Dennis Skretta, 68, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1978. He first worked on the Santa Mercedes and sailed in the steward department. Brother Skretta upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Horizon Anchorage and resides in Seattle. STEPHEN EICKHORN Brother Stephen Eickhorn, 71, became a member of the union in 2003. A deck department member, he sailed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Eickhorn calls Crystal Beach, Texas, home. GLENN SNOW Brother Glenn Snow, 69, became an SIU member in 1993. He was an engine department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Snow’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the USNS Pollux. He makes his home in Beaumont, Texas. JAMES RODGERS Brother James Rodgers, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1978. A deck department member, he first sailed with HVIDE Marine. Brother Rodgers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. He was last employed with OSG Ship Management and is a resident of Moorestown, New Jersey. AMANDA SUNCIN Sister Amanda Suncin, 71, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 1981 when she shipped on the Santa Mariana. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Sister Suncin’s final vessel was the Horizon Anchorage. She resides in Tacoma, Washington. JOSEPH RUBENS Brother Joseph Rubens, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1988 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. A deck department member, Brother Rubens was employed with the same company for the duration of his career. He lives in Huntington Beach, California. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA BRAD BRUNETTE Pensioner Brad Brunette, 63, passed away March 17. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Natalie. A deck department member, Brother Brunette last shipped aboard the Green Cove in 2012. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Miami Beach, Florida. GEORGE CARTER Brother George Carter, 64, died January 16. He joined the union in 1985 and initially sailed aboard the Aries. Brother Carter worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Liberty Sea in 1997. Brother Carter resided in Mobile, Alabama. MARVIN DAVIS Brother Marvin Davis, 63, passed away March 19. He started shipping with the SIU in 2001 when he sailed aboard the Courier. Brother Davis was a member of the steward department and most recently shipped on the Fisher. He was a Philadelphia resident. THOMAS GUTHRIE Pensioner Thomas Guthrie, 78, died March 31. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1991. Brother Guthrie first shipped on the USNS Capable and was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the USNS Assertive and retired in 2010. Brother Guthrie resided in Henderson, North Carolina. THOMAS KLEINE Brother Thomas Kleine, 64, passed away March 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1989 and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Kleine was a steward department member and last sailed aboard the Marjorie C. He called Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, home. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. Pensioner Juan Rivas, 67, died March 30. He donned the SIU colors in 1970. A deck department member, Brother Rivas first shipped with Michigan Tankers Inc. He last sailed aboard the Liberty Eagle and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Rivas lived in Highlands, Texas. VICTOR SOARES Pensioner Victor Soares, 71, passed away March 3. He signed on with the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Maersk Maryland. Brother Soares primarily sailed in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Maersk Montana before retiring in 2015. Brother Soares lived in Paivas, Portugal. ALVIN THOMPSON Pensioner Alvin Thompson, 75, died April 1. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he sailed on the Dewayne T. Williams. Brother Thompson was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the Pacific. He became a pensioner in 2014 and lived in San Antonio, Texas. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM TAYLOR Pensioner William Taylor, 90, passed away April 17. He signed on with the SIU in 1961 and was initially employed with Merritt Chapman and Scott. Brother Taylor last worked with Kiewit Eastern in 1984. He went on pension in 1995 and resided in Redwood, New York. AHMED MEFTAH Pensioner Ahmed Meftah, 81, died March 12. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1967 when he sailed aboard the Trans Western. Brother Meftah worked in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Santa Mariana and became a pensioner in 2008. Brother Meftah resided in San Francisco. LARRY REED Pensioner Larry Reed, 73, passed away April 7. He started sailing with the union in 1996, initially working aboard the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Reed sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the William Baugh in 2002. He began collecting his pension in 2015 and made his home in New Orleans. NMU JUAN RIVAS INLAND LARRY DEWITT Brother Larry Dewitt, 64, died April 28. He started sailing with the SIU in 1993. Brother Dewitt worked in the deck department and first shipped with HVIDE Marine. He was last employed by G&H Towing and lived in Vidor, Texas. EDWARD WHILDEN Pensioner Edward Whilden, 74, died March 18. A deck department member, he signed on with the union in 1971. Brother Whilden first worked with Mariner Towing. He concluded his career with OSG Ship Management and became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Whilden lived in Ocala, Florida. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 HOWARD BROUSSARD Pensioner Howard Broussard, 101, passed away December 27. Brother Broussard sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Shirley Lykes and became a pensioner in 1988. Brother Broussard lived in Beaumont, Texas. WILMA LANDRY Pensioner Wilma Landry, 94, died April 5. Sister Landry was a steward department member and last sailed aboard the Chesapeake Trader. She began collecting her pension in 1995 and lived in Inez, Texas. OSCAR LEWIS Pensioner Oscar Lewis, 96, passed away March 25. He worked in the steward department and last shipped on the Green Harbor. Brother Lewis went on pension in 1983 and settled in New Orleans. ANTONIO OLVEIRA Pensioner Antonio Olveira, 91, died October 19. Brother Olveira was a deck department member. He last sailed on the Mormac Sun and retired in 1988. Brother Olveira lived in La Coruna, Spain. ALEXANDER RADETICH Pensioner Alexander Radetich, 94, passed away April 8. Brother Radetich sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the Argonaut and retired in 1994. Brother Radetich was a resident of Fanwood, New Jersey. ARTHUR SILVA Pensioner Arthur Silva, 95, died March 29. A steward department member, Brother Silva last shipped aboard the Chesapeake. He retired in 2002 and made his home in East Providence, Rhode Island. NICHOLAS TAMASHIMA Pensioner Nicholas Tamashima, 85, passed away March 16. Brother Tamashima sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Cape Orlando before becoming a pensioner in 1998. Brother Tamashima lived in San Francisco. GILBERT VASQUEZ Pensioner Gilbert Vasquez, 79, died April 13. Brother Vasquez worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Cape Horn. He went on pension in 2005 and settled in Goodyear, Arizona. JULY 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. ENDUR ANCE (TOTE Services, LLC), January 27 – Chairman Robert Hoppenworth, Secretary Michael Miller, Deck Delegate Shawanna Haynes, Steward Delegate Kejuan Stewart. Chairman advised crew to watch expiration dates on documents and to renew credentials early when possible. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to be cautious and not to post information about the ship on the internet. Crew held a special moment of silence for SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco. Bosun reached out to engineers to fix broken dryer. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. ages and/or general lack of availability with internet connectivity and also expressed concern about lack of books and TV. Members reported issue with overflowing trash. New washer and dryer and new garbage disposal to be installed. MISSOURI EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), March 18 – Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Avis Hawkins, Educational Director Jetaime Mays, Deck Delegate Milton Eligio Estrada, Steward Delegate Sonia Pabon Barreto. Chairman expressed his appreciation for everyone’s hard work maintaining and improving the vessel. Educational director provided information to those who want to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Per steward delegate, SA is not receiving OT for cleaning extra rooms. Crew discussed out- GEORGE II (Sunrise Operations), April 28 – Chairman Glenn Christianson, Secretary Ian Schulder, Educational Director Elhassene Elkori, Steward Delegate Abrahem Elsawy. Chairman and secretary encouraged members to take LNG classes at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like the ability to file for vacation checks for any completed relief. TV service has been restored and crew is very happy with new Star Link Wi-Fi. INDEPENDENCE (TOTE Services, LLC), April 7 – Secretary Gerald Hyman, Educational Director Yves Nsuami, Deck Delegate Thami Boulabat. Chairman discussed merchant mariner credential renewals. Secretary encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested TVs in every room and new mattresses. Members asked for increases in vacation and pension benefits. US N S PAT H F I N D E R ( O ce a n Shipholdings Inc.), April 28 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Educational Director Isaac Nugen, Deck Delegate Antonio Donald. Per chairman, ship out of drydock and getting full crew on or around June 15. Current crew should be leaving their hotel and back on the ship by June 17. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade their skills often at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairs in crew mess are in the process of getting replaced and crew mess furniture is to be reupholstered. Educational director encouraged members to take breaks when they can and to stay on top of their documents. New dryer needed and refrigerators still needed in some rooms. Members requested new mattresses and for company to provide transportation to and from ship. Crew reviewed pay for restriction to ship and penalty pay for any work done during cargo watch. They asked for increases in vacation time and for two-hour callout when called for drug testing during off hours. Members also asked for reliefs to get tour of duty after 150 days. AMERICAN FREEDOM (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), May 12 – Chairman Joshua Mensah, Secretary Deitre Jackson, Educational Director Felix Garcia, Engine Delegate Ricardo Fuentes. Secretary urged members to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested refrigerators in all rooms and increases in retirement pay. SEABULK TEXAS (Seabulk Crew Management), June 1 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Ahmed Sennain, Deck Delegate Rolan Aguilar, Engine Delegate Santiago Ruiz, Steward Delegate Najeeb Ginah. Chairman asked crew to be patient while waiting for relief and reminded them to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. He thanked everyone for working safely every single day. Members were instructed to wear closed-toe shoes during meal hours. Educational director urged crew to renew documents a year in advance, to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center as often as possible and to save up money for retirement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested cost of living increases. SEAKAY VALOR (Keystone Shipping), May 26 – Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Marlon Brown, Educational Director Kenneth Spivey, Deck Delegate Wilfredo Velez-Mendez, Engine Delegate Andilisio Castillo Norales. Chairman praised the steward department for fresh, hot meals and thanked ABs for a job well done. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return JULY 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �World War II Mariners Honored in Normandy The heroism of U.S. Merchant Mariners in World War II has been recognized with a new memorial overseas. On June 5 – one day prior to the eightieth anniversary of D-Day – representatives from the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV), including some World War II mariners, helped unveil the new monument at Utah Beach in Normandy, France. The memorial, near the Lone Sailor monument and the Higgins Boat monument, honors the valor and sacrifice of U.S. Merchant Mariners whose actions supported military operations on June 6, 1944. On D-Day, the Allies’ armada and invasion forces landing in Normandy created the largest amphibious assault operation in the history of the world. The SIU and other maritime unions helped fund the new memorial; numerous SIU-crewed ships took part in the D-Day mission. In a related news release, the AMMV noted, “The Allies’ D-Day armada had about 7,000 ships, including 200 U.S. merchant ships that were operated by U.S. Merchant Mariners and U.S. Naval Armed Guard crews. The monument, enshrined on Utah Beach where U.S. troops landed, will display a quote from General Dwight D. Eisenhower, inscribed for all visitors to see. On 8 May 1945, Gen. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the European Theater, said: ‘Every man in this Allied command is quick to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage, and fortitude of the officers and men of the merchant marine. We count upon their efficiency and their utter devotion to duty as we do our own; they have never failed us yet and in all the struggles yet to come we know that they will never be deterred by any danger, hardship, or privation. When final victory is ours there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the merchant marine.’” Participants at the unveiling ceremony included, Dave Yoho, a U.S. Merchant Marine World War II veteran; Charles de Vallavieille, mayor of Sainte-Marie-duMont, Normandy, France; Capt. Dru DiMattia, president of the AMMV; and Rita Cosby, award-winning journalist, news anchor, and author. The plaque for the monument, showing Gen. Eisenhower’s quote in English and French and the USMM Atlantic War Zone service medal, was designed by Ian Watts of the AMMV. “The U.S. Merchant Mariners’ heroic dedication to supply troops, ammunition, goods, and vehicles during D-Day enabled the Allies’ remarkable success for the invasion of the Normandy beaches,” DiMattia stated. “Reinforcement and resupply by U.S. merchant ships in the weeks after D-Day allowed the Allies to push forward into France, which began the end of Nazi conquest, terror, and oppression in wartorn Europe. The American Merchant Marine Veterans salute the U.S. Merchant Marine and all members of the Allies’ invasion forces who struck a mighty blow for freedom on D-Day. The new monument unveiled on Utah Beach is a fitting tribute to U.S. Merchant Mariners’ service and sacrifices. May their achievements on D-Day and during all of World War II never be forgotten!” The new memorial at Utah Beach is pictured prior to its unveiling (above, left) and then afterward. The inscription honors the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II for their role in D-Day. New Contract Approved Seafarers at Crowley-Penn Terminals have unanimously ratified a new three-year contract. The pact features substantial annual wage increases, additional holidays and other gains. It also maintains top-level medical and pension benefits. Pictured from left at the facility in Eddystone, Pennsylvania are members Vernell Cornell, John Harvey, Chris Wiley, Dave Mendez and Dave Dicrecchio, SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice and members Devin Sem, Scott Musick and George Vazquez. DIA Report Details Effects of Houthi Attacks on Commercial Shipping The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in mid-June released a new report detailing how Houthi maritime attacks have affected international trade supported by an expansion of military capabilities with help from Iran. The report follows the DIA’s February report describing the Houthis’ use of Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct attacks in the Middle East. The Houthis have conducted dozens of attacks against commercial ships, and they have defied the United Nations and other international organizations that have called for an end to their maritime aggression, the DIA reported. In a related news release, the agency noted, “DIA assesses the Houthis continue to present a growing threat in the region, and their actions are detrimental to their goal to seek international legitimacy. The report details the harmful impacts of Houthi attacks on numerous countries, and major energy and shipping companies. These attacks have endangered crews, damaged regional security, impeded international humanitarian relief efforts, threatened freedom of navigation, and increased the cost and transit times for commercial shipping.” The agency added, “DIA has released the report as part of ongoing transparency efforts to enhance public understanding of the Defense Intelligence Agency’s mission and to provide insights into Department of Defense and national security issues.” The 12-page report is linked on the SIU website. Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) on June 20 reported that its forces “successfully destroyed four Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea, and two uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels." In a news release, USCENTCOM added, "It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S. forces, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.” Also on June 20, the agency separately noted that its personnel supporting the mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, re-anchored the temporary pier to the beach in Gaza. The temporary pier "had been relocated to avoid forecasted high seas and to ensure the structural integrity of the pier and safety of our service members. At no time during this event did U.S. troops enter Gaza." ARC Adds Starlink to Entire U.S.-Flag Fleet SIU-contracted American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) last month reported that the company “has added Starlink satellite internet technology to its entire American-flagged fleet to help mariners stay connected with loved ones while at sea.” “Our mariners are the most important asset we have,” said ARC President and CEO Eric Ebeling. “They put in long weeks at sea and make tremendous personal sacrifices in order to help our military partners move critical vehicles and materials to strategically important regions of the world. This new technology allows ARC’s crews to maintain contact with family and friends ashore while delivering for the American government.” “Wi-Fi has become a necessity for many mariners, rather than a luxury,” said a spokesperson for the SIU. “Improving seafarer quality of life is a priority and we are glad to see that ARC is making strides like adding Starlink to the ships they are working on.” Starlink, operated by SpaceX, leverages low-Earth orbit satellites to enable access to high-speed internet connections in remote areas, including aboard ships at sea. Adding this new ability “removes one of the main barriers to life at sea,” ARC noted. “It improves 20 •SEAFARERS 20 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 the quality of life for ARC’s mariners by enabling communication with loved ones, access to streamed movies, shows, and music, or downloadable e-books,” the company added in its news release. Starting in early 2023, ARC has been adding Starlink to its vessels one by one, finishing installation on its newest vessel, the M/V ARC Honor, in February of this year. In addition to supporting the wellness of mariners, the move to add Starlink across the entire ARC fleet will also improve security and communications aboard the vessels, the company stated. JULY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck September 23 November 4 October 11 November 22 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Adv. Refer Containers August 26 September 6 Junior Engineer September 9 November 1 Machinist August 26 September 13 Pumpman September 16 September 20 RFPEW July 29 August 26 September 23 August 23 September 20 October 18 Welding July 15 August 19 September 23 October 28 August 2 September 6 October 11 November 15 FOWT September 23 October 18 Basic Training Revalidation August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 Government Vessels August 5 September 9 September 30 October 7 August 9 September 13 October 4 October 11 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 Tanker Ship Familiarization - DL August 19 August 26 September 30 October 7 October 21 August 23 August 30 October 4 October 11 October 25 Tanker Ship Familiarization - LG August 12 September 2 September 23 September 30 August 16 September 6 September 27 October 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook July 15 August 19 September 23 August 16 September 20 October 25 ServSafe Management August 12 September 16 October 28 December 2 August 16 September 20 November 1 December 6 Advanced Galley Ops August 26 November 18 September 20 December 13 Chief Steward October 7 November 1 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. JULY 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #908 – Graduated April 26: Napoleon Butler, Brandon Cavitt, Shaun Chan, Frank Chen, Sean Colonnello, Jacob Elliott, Chidiadi Floyd, Josue Herrera Cruz, Tia Jackson, Kirill Massey, Kameran Mitchell, Jamaal Mixson Jr., Maxsim Ousmanov, Albert Proano, Eliot Randall, Chris Rodriguez, Luis Sanchez, Joshua Senquiz, Evan Smith, Avery Sneed, Walter Stockwell, Trevan Summitt and Luis Zayas Rios. ADV. REFER MAINTENANCE – Graduated May 17: Haeven Bautista, Christian Bryant, Aaron Ellis and Kyle Williamson. Instructor Mike Fay is at left. BASIC SHIPHANDLING – Graduated May 17: Carlton Banks, Joseph Bowen, Benigno Gonzales Jr., Jeffery Griffin, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4) – Graduated May 24 (above, both photos. Not all are pictured.): Harrold Gomez, Sarah Gross, Noah Hepburn, Sherman McClain Jr., Dan Monteclaro, Antwon Norris, Karrington Plummer Jr., Aaron Searcy, Asril Syarbaini, Armani Wells and Alexis Williams. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated May 17 (not all are pictured): Jose Borja, Mark Brooks, Pauline Crespo Guillen, Supattara Inthapanti, Ronda Jackson, Anthony Parks and Ammar Sailan. 22 22 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 DECK OPERATIONS – Graduated May 3: Monica Burney, Reyes Gonzalez Jr., Carl Griffin III, Jalon Jones, Justice Marques Da Silva, Henry Middleton III and Ty-rrell Washington. JULY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated May 17 (not all are pictured): Nathaniel Balos, Hector Caballero, Anthony Caesar, Theodore Cash Jr., Quinsha Davis, Jordon Degraffenreidt, Torrin Frazier, Tracy Gray, Amos Howard, Khadjah Jones, Dexter Manahan, Anton McClendon, Chauncey Mitchell, Abdul-Majed Muther, Anthoine Nichols, Ashlle Norwood, Harry Phillip, Franklin Rodgers Sr., Alexander Rodriguez, Younis Saleh, Samuel Schwimmer and Rochelle Walker. MACHINIST – Graduated May 17: Nicolas Brailsford, Jarvis Carter, Ricardo Escorcia, Damon WELDING – Graduated April 26: Jevon David, Michael Hickey, Craig Lash II, Matthew RFPEW (PHASE 1) – Graduated May 3 (not all are pictured): Jose Abreu Jr., Raymond RFPEW (PHASE 3) – Graduated May 3: Brize Agbayani, Justin Brown, Elon Dancy-Mosley, Johnson and Wilfredo Lopez. Instructor Patrick Coppola is at the far right. Barnhart II, Boaventura Barros III, Wilson Bernardez, Tariq Mamudu, Samuel Penn, Chantanique Reid, Cristian Salazar and Collyn Swopes. McManus and Timothy Resultan. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. Jonathan Graham, Naylor Griffin-Taylor, Giveric Henderson, Tavon Spence and Cedric Wallace Jr. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Above (not all are pictured): Mohsen Ahmed, Paris Belcher, Alfie Cicat, Kristara Colson, Deon Daniels, Terren Fields, Daniel Hanback, Jamar Harley, Norman Hook, Carlos Jones, Randy Madrid, Abdul-Majed Muther, Ashlle Norwood, Omar Ortega, Jose Outeiral, Ronaldo Quinones Perez, Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez, Jaden Radcliff, Jalen Shuman, Tanesha Terrell, James Wynegar III, Yahia Yahia and Jerald Young. JULY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 23 23 �JULY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 7 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Apprentices Raise Standard at Arlington Ceremony Pictured shortly before the ceremony are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, Paul Hall Center Apprentices Evan Smith, Avery Sneed, Luis Sanchez and Eliot Randall, and Paul Hall Center Trainee Commandant John Romer. Guests and participants gather for the 2024 Memorial Day ceremony in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser) T wo separate Memorial Day events in the nation’s capital included recognition for the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II. The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) had the honor of participating in this year’s Memorial Day observance May 27 at Arlington National Cemetery. Later that day, representatives from the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and then took part in the traditional parade in town. World War II mariner Dave Yoho served as a grand marshal. U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II are recognized as veterans; no fewer than 1,235 SIU members lost their lives in the war. Memorial Day is a federal holiday and is the nation’s primary annual occasion for honoring veterans who died in service to their country. For this year’s event at Arlington, remarks were delivered by Paul Hall Center apprentices display the respective flags of the SIU, the U.S. Merchant Marine, the State of Maryland and the United States. President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown. Vice President Kamala Harris also attended the solemn gathering. PHC Apprentices Eliot Randall, Luis Sanchez, Evan Smith, and Avery Sneed served as flag bearers. They carried the respective flags for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the SIU, the United States, and the State of Maryland. “I really enjoyed seeing the scope of all the soldiers who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Sanchez said. “It was an amazing experience I’ll never forget. It put into perspective how meaningful and respected Memorial Day is for the entire country.” Smith stated, “Being part of the Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery was an awesome and unique experience. Presenting the American Flag for a presidential speech is a privilege that only comes with being part of a prestigious Paul Hall Center apprentices carry flags at the start of the event. and historic organization like the SIU. Attending such a special ceremony in the beautiful Arlington cemetery surrounded by so many decorated individuals reminded me of the important place merchant mariners and the history of the merchant marine has played not only in times of peace but also times of war. I’m very grateful to the SIU for giving me an opportunity to honor fallen sailors and giving me a chance to make my own mark on maritime history.” Randall noted, “The Memorial Day event was an honor to be a part of with an incredible team. I got the pleasure of meeting people all over the board, from veterans, family members of those lost, to individuals simply there to educate. This was an event that I am grateful I had the opportunity to be incorporated in and to honor the lives lost and carry on the tradition.” AMMV President Dru DiMattia said, “The SIU has done it again! Great representation of our fallen mariners who never made it home.” From left, President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Karris, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, and Joint Task Force - National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington Commanding General Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp participate in a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This was part of the National Memorial Day Observance. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2024 Description An account of the resource EXECUTIVE BOARD PROMOTES VINCENZO, SPAIN NEW TONNAGE ENTERS APL FLEET MEMBERS RATIFY LANDMARK CONTRACT SIU JOBS SECURE IN OSG TRANSACTION SIU VICE PRESIDENT CELONA PASSES AWAY MEMBERS RATIFY AMERICAN STEAMSHIP CONTRACT SIU OFFICIALS PARTICIPATE IN KEY MARITIME CONFERENCE ITF UPDATES FOC LIST REPORT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE 2024 SIU ELECTION ABSENTEE VOTING INFO SHBP SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS AWARDED TOTAL OF $120,000 FOR ACADEMIC PURSUITS SIU OBSERVES NATIONAL MARITIME DAY WWII MARINERS HONORED IN NORMANDY DIA REPORT DETAILS EFFECTS OF HOUTHI ATTACKS ON COMMERCIAL SHIPPING ARC ADDS STARLINK TO ENTIRE U.S. -FLAG FLEET APPRENTICES RAISE STANDARD AT ARLINGTON CEREMONY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 86, NO. 7 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2e6c7f6cc791684001ac34b4418ba11a.pdf 43f132aa1f9ece22a43921a57051ef65 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JUNE 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 6 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Crescent Crews Ratify Contract 3-Year Pact Includes Substantial Gains SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing recently approved a new three-year contract featuring significant wage increases and other advancements. Voting took place in April; members ratified the new pact by a near-unanimous tally. Before negotiations, SIU officials met with rank-and-file members to gather suggestions. That was the occasion for this group photo in Savannah, Georgia, featuring (from left) Deckhand James Peterson, Wheelman Dustin Schaaf, Wheelman Brenton Edonfield, Deckhand Kyle Futrell, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and Delegate Chris Sikes. Page 24 (back page). Waterfront Classic Reels In Donations For Military Veterans, First Responders The 2024 iteration of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic proved successful in generating funds for the Boulder Crest Foundation, a nonprofit group that serves military veterans, first responders and their families. The annual event in Piney Point, Maryland – the brainchild of SIU VP Contracts George Tricker – also took place around productive meetings involving representatives from the union, the Paul Hall Center, SIU-contracted companies and other organizations. Above, some of the first of this year’s Waterfront Classic participants depart from a dock in Piney Point. Pages 11-13. MARITIME TRADES DEPT. COVERAGE • PAGES 3-5 // SIU ABSENTEE BALLOT PROCEDURES • PAGE 7 �President’s Report Heartfelt Congratulations T he SIU’s greatest strength has always been the professionalism and reliability of our rankand-file members, and those characteristics have been on display quite often lately. As you’ll see in this issue of the LOG, our members recently responded in fine fashion to a shipboard emergency; safely and compassionately rendered aid to refugees stranded at sea; and helped negotiate a truly outstanding contract with one of our largest inland companies. Aboard the USNS Bobo, SIU members teamed up with the ship’s officers to successfully extinguish an engine room fire while the vessel was underway. Most importantly, there were no David Heindel reported injuries. The ship itself remained operational enough to sail back to port. Without any prompting whatsoever, the ship’s bosun quickly credited the safety training received by him and others at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, as a key factor in successfully responding to the emergency. Brothers and sisters, that’s what I call a powerful endorsement. A week or so later, Seafarers on the Maersk Kinloss assisted a literal boatload of refugees who were stranded in the Atlantic, between Morocco and the Canary Islands. Times being what they are, our members proceeded cautiously but caringly. They provided aid to the 50 or so individuals – including children – who were inside the overloaded, inflatable craft until local coast guard personnel took over. They upheld the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Back here at home, rank-and-file delegates collaborated with union officials to secure a superb new contract with Crescent Towing. I encourage you to read the details and the quotes on the back page, but in the meantime, hats off to all concerned. Great contracts like this one don’t fall from the sky – they are earned. And I want to credit Crescent’s management, too, for stepping up and demonstrating that they value our Seafarers and their employees. I couldn’t be more proud of our members, and I extend my congratulations for your recent achievements. Keep up the great work. Meetings Underscore Solidarity One of the SIU’s most important affiliations is with the Maritime Trades Department, a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO. The MTD, with its 25 affiliate unions and 21 port maritime councils across the country and Canada, helps amplify our voice on critical issues. This is true at every level of government and in our communities at large. With that in mind, I was pleased to chair the recent MTD Executive Board meeting in D.C., in my role as MTD president. As reported in detail in the LOG and on our website, we heard from an array of noteworthy guest speakers, including a four-star general, the secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO and several others. As someone who’s spent many years working with other maritime unions from around the world (primarily through the International Transport Workers’ Federation), I was especially glad to welcome officials from two Singaporean unions. Their respective members were on the Dali when that ship infamously struck the Key Bridge in Baltimore earlier this year. I’m glad we had a chance to hear about what the mariners themselves have gone through. Their story has been overlooked, in my opinion. Collectively, the guest speakers reinforced a feeling of solidarity among the MTD, its affiliates, our partners in the military and our international brothers and sisters around the world. We share many of the same goals and it’s usually no exaggeration to say we’re all in this together. One of our guests, Dr. Sal Mercogliano, shared the interesting story of his largely unplanned rise to relative fame as a YouTube maritime spokesperson. He made some great points about how we can utilize social media to promote and grow our industry – and how we can also use it to make sure people understand the facts about maritime. Both the SIU and the MTD have “upped our game” on social media in recent years, and we’ll continue investing in the mediums. Weeks after the meetings, Sal posted a very worthwhile video explaining our nation’s sealift components, and cautioning against what may be a haphazard move to lay up some Army prepositioning ships. The situation is still fluid, but be assured that your union is actively working to protect your jobs and to maintain a dialogue about any plans for those vessels. MARAD Gathering Addresses Mariner Work-Life Balance Mariners, officials and industry leaders convened at the Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C. on April 16 to discuss potential work-life balance improvements for merchant mariners. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips opened the symposium with an overview, which was immediately followed by remarks from SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre. Phillips stated, “My goal as maritime administrator, consistent with our mission, is that maritime industry stakeholders create a collective sustainable balance between mariner work and life so that we can recruit and retain mariners to keep their valuable skills afloat.” Oubre’s address focused on the importance of the merchant marine and how central its duties are to the proper functioning of many industries that support our nation. He asserted that in order to improve worklife balance in this industry, merchant mariners need to be assured of the dignity of their station and of the work in general. “When people see and respect merchant mariners like airline crews, we will have an easier time Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 6 June 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG recruiting the next generation of merchant mariners for our ships, our boats, and our tugs,” Oubre said. He also emphasized the need for people to be able to envision themselves living a life at sea, which would strengthen recruiting efforts. “I acknowledge the good work that MARAD has already done in developing a high school curriculum and the development of a maritime high school, but I truly believe that to capture the imagination of our young people to become future mariners, it’s going to start earlier and it’s going to start in first and second grade when we read them ‘Scuffy the Tugboat’ books. In those early years when they read ‘Treasure Island’ and ‘2,000 Leagues Under the Sea’, it will open their imagination to life at sea,” he said. He stressed the importance of mentoring the next generation of merchant sailors as well as fostering affection for maritime careers, as “the love of being at sea has been the driving spirit of the merchant mariners for centuries.” According to Oubre, mitigating challenges such as the cumbersome renewal process for documents, medical cards, endorsements and training (among other suggestions) could help make the industry more attractive. Later, there were two panels dedicated to discussing new methods for enhancing mariner work-life balance, and a conversation with officials followed by breakout sessions. Those groups included representatives from the Coast Guard, maritime unions, SIU-contracted companies, the Military Sealift Command, MARAD and more. SIU Vice President George Tricker was among the attendees. The panelists touched on concerns like career progression, training, early exodus from sailing, and more. Fr. Sinclair Oubre NMC Extends Grace Period For Credential Renewals The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) in late April announced a substantial extension of the grace period for document renewal. Although identified as a temporary extension, the policy letter also “is effective immediately and will remain in effect indefinitely,” according to the NMC. The notification reads in part, “This policy letter will allow mariners to renew a merchant mariner credential (MMC) up to 6 years after its expiration without taking the complete original examination. All other credentialing requirements for renewal after expiration remain unchanged, and so in some circumstances an open book examination may be required in accordance with 46 CFR 10.227(e)(1). “Mariners who had previously applied for renewal of their MMC after the 1-year grace period had expired may re-apply for renewal if they are within the new, extended grace period,” the letter continues. “A new application will be necessary, including payment of required fees, per 46 CFR 10.219. If you have a current approval to test letter issued by the National Maritime Center (NMC) to re-instate an MMC expired beyond the 1-year administrative grace period but within 6 years, please contact the NMC at iasknmc@uscg.mil or (888) 427-5662.” Questions or feedback may be directed to MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357. The original policy letter is available on the SIU website. JUNE 2024 �2024 MTD Executive Board Meeting Maritime Trades Department Tackles Key Issues The venue and format were new, but the aim of the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board remained familiar when the group convened April 25 at AFL-CIO headquarters. Through a series of approved statements and input from guest speakers, the board focused on promoting all segments of American maritime while protecting the jobs of rank-and-file members of MTD affiliate unions, including the SIU. In years past, the board’s winter meeting often took place in Florida as a two-day gathering. This year’s session happened in the nation’s capital (a little later on the calendar) and wrapped up in a single day, as planned. SIU President David Heindel also serves as president of the MTD, a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO. The MTD includes 25 affiliates and 21 port maritime councils across the country that team up for grassroots action and community service. Heindel chaired the meeting and was assisted by MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements. In order of appearance, the board heard from the following speakers: AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond; Gwee Guo Duan, assistant general secretary of the Singapore Maritime Officers Union; Adam Tindall-Schlicht, administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; Michael Wessel, commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission; AFL-CIO Director of Advocacy Jody Calemine; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) Secretary-Treasurer Roland “Rex” Rexha; and popular YouTube personality Dr. Sal Mercogliano. U.S. Transportation Command commanding officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost addressed the board via a prerecorded video. The SIU had a strong presence at the meeting. In addition to Heindel, attendees included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice Presidents George Tricker, Joseph Soresi, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice Presidents Kris Hopkins and Amancio Crespo, and Port Agents Mario Torrey, John Hoskins and Hazel Galbiso. In his opening remarks, Heindel paid tribute to his predecessor, the late SIU/MTD President Michael Sacco, who passed away late last year. “Mike was many things, but when it came to business, he ultimately was a pragmatist,” Heindel stated. “He believed in getting the job done the right way, without taking shortcuts, and he kept us moving forward at all times.” Heindel also touched on progress made by various port councils; the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in assisting with humanitarian aid in Gaza; the shipping crisis in the Red Sea; the recent, tragic accident in Baltimore involving the Key Bridge; the trade petition spearheaded by the Steelworkers that involves both China and domestic shipbuilding; and more. Redmond welcomed board members and guests to the building. He thanked the MTD for its support AFL-CIO Director of Advocacy Jody Calemine discusses some of his goals for the federation. JUNE 2024 AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond (left) welcomes attendees. SIU/MTD President David Heindel is at right. MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland “Rex” Rexha (right) describes a big win for his union as MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements listens. of his and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler’s administration and emphasized the importance of this year’s elections. Duan – accompanied by Chen Chuanyi, executive secretary of the Singapore Organization of Seamen – updated the board on what mariners from the Dali (the ship that struck the Key Bridge) have been facing since the accident. Those two unions represent the officers and crew. Duan and Chuanyi met with them aboard the ship the day before the meeting; Duan was candid in describing how the mariners truly appreciate the international solidarity they’ve received, including from the MTD, but how they’re also experiencing a lot of stress. Tindall-Schlicht reviewed his organization’s latest activities, while Wessel provided details about the petition aimed at holding China accountable for unfair trading practices. In the afternoon session, Van Ovost (via video) emphasized the partnership between the military and the commercial maritime industry. Calemine, a lifelong union advocate, described the initial experiences in his new job (he recently replaced longtime stalwart Bill Samuel), while Rexha explained how his union emerged victorious after a 13-year battle to secure a new contract for mariners aboard Staten Island Ferry vessels. Mercogliano wrapped up the proceedings by sharing how he has grown his maritime-themed YouTube channel to reach a wide audience, and encouraged others to also utilize social media to promote their respective organizations and the industry as a whole. The meeting also included a detailed report from Clements on various port council activities – and the formal welcoming of the MTD’s newest affiliate, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. Additional meeting coverage is available on the SIU and MTD websites and on the next two pages SIU/MTD President David Heindel (right), through his decades of experience with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, already knew Singapore maritime union officials (from left) Gwee Guo Duan and Chen Chuanyi before welcoming them to the nation’s capital. SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �2024 MTD Executive Board Meeting Gen. Van Ovost Emphasizes Maritime’s Vital Importance The commanding officer of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) recently reiterated her ardent support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Addressing the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board via video on April 25, Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost also made it crystal clear that America’s national, economic and homeland security depend on maintaining a vibrant maritime industry. Her remarks, aired at the board’s meeting at AFLCIO headquarters, included a warm tribute to the late MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco, who passed away in late 2023. SIU President David Heindel also serves as president of the MTD. Gen. Van Ovost stated, “America’s economic prosperity is delivered on the oceans, and America’s national security is rooted in it. All of you in the Maritime Trades Department and your organizations and affiliates are key to maintaining our collective prosperity. Your unwavering commitment and unquestionable expertise in maritime trades, anchored by your professionalism and patriotism, are the reasons why we continue to prosper today in a free and open world. It’s these qualities that make you such an important part of the TRANSCOM team. We rest assured knowing that when we are called, our partners in the maritime industry will be right there along with us to ensure the defense of our nation.” The general pointed out that recent months have been especially active and high-profile for the maritime industry. “I hope that you pause to reflect on how important the work you’ve done this past year has been to our nation’s success,” Gen. Van Ovost said. “Throughout the year, you continue to play a massive part in our country’s commitment to support the people of Ukraine against Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion. Your efforts … have had immeasurable impacts on global peace and security. “And of course, there’s the Red Sea,” she continued. “Houthi attacks on merchant vessels following Hamas’ horrific attacks on Oct. 7 threaten freedom Attendees watch the TRANSCOM video at AFL-CIO headquarters. of navigation, global shipping and economic security. With nearly 12% of global trade transiting the Red Sea, any disruption has major impacts on all countries, affecting millions of people who rely on the food, medicine, fuel and other essential supplies carried through it…. Thank you for your contributions to balance threat mitigation with executing national requirements. It took a team effort. Your commitment to the longstanding partnership between the military and maritime industry is greatly appreciated. And I hope you take great pride knowing that through these events, you have honored your legacy and commitments to our nation, in peace and war.” Gen. Van Ovost pointed out that sealift is often “the most cost-effective and efficient mode of transporting goods and supplies,” and with that in mind, “we rely on a strong maritime industrial base ensuring access to modern vessels, shipyards, repair facilities and drydocks and skilled workers…. We must prioritize expanding the fleet of American-owned, American-flagged and American-crewed vessels through reflagging foreign ships and producing our own.” She then reinforced her support of the Jones Act, the Tanker Security Program and other foundational components of American maritime. Reflecting on President Sacco, who had retired in early 2023, Gen. Van Ovost said his passing “filled us all with immense sadness. Mike embodied what it means to serve, dedicating 65 years to the maritime industry and four years in our great Air Force (he was a veteran)…. We remember Mike as being a wonderful partner to TRANSCOM and we will miss him dearly. As we build upon Mike’s legacy, the partnership between our organizations has never been stronger.” Gen. Van Ovost concluded, “Our future is on the water. So thank you for your professionalism, dedication and patriotism in service to our nation. And a big thank you to President Heindel for his leadership and partnership. I’m grateful for your abilities to chart a course for the nation and the maritime workforce on which our national prosperity and defense depends. We are a maritime nation. America was at our birth, and we sailed the oceans to global prominence. And it’s imperative that we maintain our strength as a maritime nation today. Together, we deliver.” Popular YouTube Host Advocates for Maritime Careers Dr. Sal Mercogliano didn’t aim to become one of the most recognizable faces in American maritime – but now that he’s firmly established in that role, he wants people to know about career opportunities in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Mercogliano, a full-time college professor and department chair and former mariner, is best known to the public as the host of the popular YouTube channel “What’s Going on with Shipping” (approaching 300,000 subscribers as of late April). He addressed the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board April 25 in the nation’s capital. “I teach in a four-year college,” he told the board. “I’m supposed to be the liberal college professor who tells you that the college degree is the end-all, be-all, and I tell my students (on) day one, if you want a good, high-paying job, quit college right now and I can get you a job in a minute (in maritime) that will pay you six figures fairly quickly. Now, that comes with limitations sometimes, but you can go do that.” He later added, “I am an unabashed fan of the U.S. Merchant Marine. I am one of those people who thinks that we can still fix what we have. I’m a historian. I can tell you what we came back from in the 1920s and 1930s…. When I see somebody wanting to blame everything on the Jones Act, I can’t help but go after them and say that’s wrong.” MTD/SIU President David Heindel introduced Mercogliano and thanked him for posting accurate information about the maritime industry. “If knowledgeable people aren’t out there setting the record straight, the maritime industry will fall victim to the same misinformation and disinformation that plagues much of the media today,” Heindel said. Dr. Sal Mercogliano Mercogliano, who sailed for three years on his license, told the audience at AFL-CIO headquarters about his surging online growth in recent years. “It happened by complete accident,” said Mercogliano, 56, who works at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. He had run a YouTube channel for many years prior to 2021 but mainly used it to post videos of collegiate lectures. Then, he recorded and shared a segment about the Ever Given disaster in the Suez Canal. That proved to be the launching point for “What’s Going on with Shipping,” which now features a library of more 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 than 700 videos. Some of the individual offerings have garnered more than a million views, including one with more than three million. He said the channel’s success “shows a thirst out there for knowledge about the maritime industry.” (Mercogliano also said that his teenage son helps him not only with technical support but also with keeping the channel in perspective. When the elder Mercogliano mentioned his recent video that surged past three million views, the younger one “in a second, will pull up a video of a potato ship rotating around to Funkytown that has 35 million views. Immediately puts me back in my place.”) Mercogliano, who also teaches an online class for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and works as a volunteer firefighter, encouraged attendees to take advantage of social media’s reach. “One of the things that I’ve realized is that social media provides access to groups that are unfamiliar” with maritime, he said. “I want to convey to you how important I think social media is. We know how difficult it is to get people to come work for all your unions and do the jobs we want to do. One of the problems is just the lack of knowledge of the industries and the job opportunities that are out there.” He said he’d be happy to utilize his channel to assist the MTD and its affiliates, and encouraged everyone to be patient in building and growing their own respective social-media presences. “It’s not simple and it’s not easy,” he concluded. “It took me a long time. When I posted a six-minute video, it took me 30 years (to reach that level of subject knowledge and proficiency), not six minutes. So, don’t get discouraged. This is a great opportunity.” JUNE 2024 �2024 MTD Executive Board Meeting Commissioner Outlines Importance Of Regaining Shipbuilding Capacity As China continues pouring billions of dollars into its maritime industry each year, the United States has a difficult but viable path to start closing the chasm between the nations’ respective shipbuilding prowess. That was a key point delivered by Michael Wessel at the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) meeting on April 25 in Washington, D.C. Wessel serves on the U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission. In that capacity and others, he has worked with the MTD and its affiliates for nearly a half-century. “Your union leadership understands very well what it meant to allow China into the World Trade Organization and the devastating impact it had not only on workers’ interests around the globe, but human rights and national security,” Wessel told the board. “We have been working together over many years to try and address those challenges.” He continued, “China has made clear … that in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, it wants to dominate global commerce…. So, we have drafted the petition alongside MTD and others to try and address some of these challenges. You well know the breadth of these issues. It includes tens of billions of dollars of subsidies.” He described the imbalance between China’s shipyards and U.S. facilities, pointing out that in 2023, the U.S. built 10 oceangoing vessels compared to 1,000 produced in China. “As China’s shipyards continue to expand, last year they accounted for over 47% of the new builds (worldwide) and 55% of all orders,” Wessel said. He added that U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro recently said China has more than a dozen shipyards with more capacity apiece than all of the U.S. major yards combined. “And you’ve all heard about Chinese involvement in ship to shore cranes and how they are able to use not only surveillance but potentially denial of service Michael Wessel describes new U.S. efforts to boost domestic shipbuilding. opportunities to shut down cranes at all ports,” Wessel said. “And that’s a major security threat as well. In addition, just for the national security area, the last three dry docks purchased by the U.S. Navy to repair and maintain their ships were purchased from the Chinese. No ships in the Maritime Security Program or Transportation Security Program were built in U.S. yards, and the last three ships for the MSP are all built by Chinese shipbuilders.” In light of these considerations, the MTD and other labor organizations recently teamed up and filed a petition with the United States Trade Representative (USTR). After reviewing the filing, the USTR is initiating an investigation of acts, policies, and practices of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. “It’s close to a 5,000-page petition,” Wessel noted. “It outlines a broad range of Chinese policies and practices that undermine our national and economic security. But the real question is, what do we do about it? The remedy that is proposed in the petition is a fee per ton on Chinese-built vessels entering a U.S. port that will be tonnage- and age-based…. As time proceeds, those fees will go up to try and deter foreign shipping lines from utilizing the ships as we seek to expand U.S. capacity to build them. The revenue from such a fee would be used to support a U.S. commercial shipbuilding restoration fund, which would be available to the shipbuilders as well as to the supply base – and most importantly, to make sure that we are able to train the workers that are needed throughout this supply chain.” Other measures in the petition aim to encourage transporting liquefied natural gas on U.S. bottoms with U.S. mariners, and strengthen the Jones Act. Wessel noted President Biden’s strong support of the petition. Responding to the filing, Biden said, “As long as I am president, I’ll fight for U.S. workers and jobs.” Great Lakes Administrator Emphasizes Progress As a featured speaker at the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) meeting on April 25 in Washington, D.C., Adam Tindall-Schlicht spoke on the importance of maintaining, upgrading and preserving the lakes and inland waterways that make up the U.S. side of the Great Lakes system. Tindall-Schlicht serves as the eleventh Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. As described by the Department of Transportation, “Administrator Tindall-Schlicht oversees the federal corporation responsible for the operation and maintenance of the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montréal and Lake Erie.” Prior to that, he served as the Director of the Port Milwaukee from 2018 to 2022. He began by saying, “It is an honor to be with you today, with such a distinguished table representing our maritime industry community, and for the opportunity to express my gratitude for the leadership of this body. Both in my former role as Director of the Port of Milwaukee, and now as COA Administrator within the Biden-Harris administration, I've seen firsthand the dedication, the expertise and the invaluable partnerships that those at this table have helped form while we continue to contribute to the success and the shared endeavors of the maritime industry, and indeed within the Great Lakes region, of which I primarily serve.” He then talked about the complexities involved in the operation of the locks system, before adding, “Central to these achievements is our unwavering commitment to our workforce. With 134 dedicated government employees of the Seaway – the majority of whom are skilled maritime trade professionals – we ensure reliable and efficient cargo movement. We bolster high-quality jobs, on both sides of the border. And indeed, the Great Lakes Seaway system, for almost 70 JUNE 2024 years, has stood as a testament to the collective efforts of these heroes of our maritime industry.” Evoking the theme of a statement which would be adopted later in the day, he spoke about the next generation of mariners, saying, “As I look toward future generations of our industry, the GLS is very supportive of the recent executive order issued by President Biden Adam Tindall-Schlicht related to expanding the use of registered apprenticeships in the maritime industry particularly, and we continue to examine how the GLS itself can best support new professional development initiatives for our unionized employees.” He then highlighted a recent victory, pointing out, “To underscore the immense potential of waterways and of maritime activity, we are creating new economies, and certainly creating new opportunities for Great Lakes-based maritime workers. I also have to say that our collaboration with other government entities is working as well, including trusted bi-national partners, like again the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard, with whom we recently established a new cooperative vessel traffic service working group and agreement. The agreement exemplifies a commitment to enhancing workplace safety for our mariners lowering operating costs on board and on land, and achieving greater efficiencies in the movement of freight within the system.” Later, he spoke about recent improvements made to the GLS: “Of course, we must acknowledge and highlight President Biden's historic infrastructure bill, as these significant improvements continue to be allocated to port infrastructure development projects throughout the Great Lakes region that I oversee. Projects currently range from infrastructure improvements at port terminals, to renewable energy initiatives. All told, this work underscores the President's commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability, while creating new U.S. jobs again in the maritime sector.” He then listed the many recently completed or currently underway projects in the region. “As I look around, at those of you in this room, I know that we share optimism. We share careful determination. And we carry a sense of purpose as we do this work together,” he concluded. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �Maersk Kinloss Crew Assists Refugees Pictured from left aboard the Kinloss are (back row) ABW Victor Valencia, DEU Mauricio Vega, ABW Jose Calix, ABM Edwin Salada, QMED Anatoli Vetsinov, Electrician Chris Eason, Chief Engineer Michael Rugarber, First Engineer Joseph Jacovino III, Third Engineer Andrew Pellechia, Second Engineer Ronald Forte Jr., (front row) Capt. Vitaly Kuznetsoff, Second Mate Benedict Choi, ABM Mohamed Mosed, ABW Edgardo Martinez, Recertified Bosun Raffy Giray, SA Ramon Lino, and Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado. Not pictured are Third Mate Benjamin Engel (on watch) and Chief Mate Mitchell Chisholm (taking the photo). T he crew aboard the Maersk Kinloss recently assisted refugees who were marooned on an inflatable boat in the Atlantic Ocean, somewhere between Morocco and the Canary Islands. The successful outreach happened April 19, starting around 5:30 a.m., after the Kinloss had received a distress call regarding the stranded boat from Las Palmas Rescue Coordination Center (RCC), located in the Canary Islands. Recertified Bosun Raffy Giray said he’s grateful to have learned the skills necessary for this kind of assistance. “I want to thank the SIU for the training they provide for a situation like this,” Giray said. “I’m thankful that we were equipped and ready to provide help to others when they needed it most.” The overcrowded, 20-foot, inflatable boat held approximately 50 people, including several children. It was equipped with a failing outrig engine, but had no communication gear. According to a news report, an unidentified witness said a nearby fishing trawler first sent the distress signal on behalf of the boat. The Kinloss promptly diverted its course to assist the disabled boat, since they were about 15 nautical miles away when the call was received. The crew continued communications with the RCC while a rescue boat, Al Manar, was dispatched from Morocco, but it would be at least four hours until that ship’s arrival. Once on site, the Kinloss crew passed several lines to the smaller boat, the first of which was used to stabilize the inflatable craft alongside the vessel. “While waiting for the rescue boat to arrive, our crew provided blankets, water, fruits and sandwiches for the people inside the boat,” said Kinloss vessel master Capt. Vitaly Kuznetsoff. “Fortunately, the weather was calm, which made the operation that much better.” Due to security concerns, migrants were not allowed to board the Kinloss. Instead, the Kinloss crew stayed with them for several hours until the Al Manar arrived, according to another crew member. Shortly before noon, all of the boat’s occupants had been picked up by the Moroccan vessel. “Upon arrival of the SAR vessel … the passengers were successfully transferred from their boat to the Al Manar, and the Maersk Kinloss resumed her voyage,” Maersk spokesperson Kevin Doell said. “We commend the exceptional seamanship and unwavering duty of care demonstrated by the American officers and crew of the Maersk Kinloss during their timely assistance.” SIU members aboard the Kinloss during this mission included Bosun Giray, ABs Edgardo Martinez Espada, Edwin Salada, Mohamed Mosed, Victor Valencia, Mario Suazo and Jose Calix, QMED Anatoli Vetsinov, Electrician Christopher Eason, DEU Mauricio Vega, Wiper Akil Spruill, Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado, Chief Cook William Fortner and SA Ramon Lino. These photos show various stages of the mission, including the arrival of the rescue boat from Morrocco. 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2024 �Seafarers International House Honors 3 The SIU had a strong turnout for this year’s Setting the Course awards dinner, hosted by Seafarers International House. The annual event honors individuals from the maritime industry while generating support for thousands of mariners who call on U.S. northeastern ports each year. The 2024 honorees were Katie Higginbottom, head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Trust; TOTE Group President and CEO Tim Nolan; and Government Fleet Representative Randi Ciszewski from the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P). Higginbottom and Nolan received “Outstanding Friend of Seafarers” awards, while Ciszewski garnered the Special Recognition for Service to Seafarers honor. Seafarers International House is a New York-based port mission that was founded 151 years ago. In a postevent communication, the organization said, “Thank you to all who participated in making the 2024 Setting the Course reception a success…. With the help of many dedicated supporters and our esteemed honorees we exceeded our net goal and will continue to care for thousands of mariners in the ports of Albany, Baltimore, Duluth, New Haven, and New York and New Jersey and offer them affordable accommodations in New York City.” Showing support for the mission and the honorees are SIU personnel (seated, from left) Representative Jordan Esopa, Pictured from left are 2024 honorees Katie Higginbottom, Randi Ciszewski and VP Joseph Soresi, President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, VP George Tricker, (standing) PaTim Nolan. trolman Ozzy Ramos, Port Agent Ray Henderson, and Exec. VP Augie Tellez. Members Welcome Congresswoman Notice Trustees Announce Increased Benefit The Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are pleased to announce that they have increased the number of visits the Plan provides for physical, occupational, pulmonary, speech, and cognitive therapies to treat a non-catastrophic medical condition. Effective May 1, 2024, the Plan will increase this benefit from forty (40) to sixty (60) visits per year, for all of these therapies combined. This benefit applies to mariners and their dependents at the Core-Plus level, and to Pensioners who are not yet eligible for Medicare, but are eligible for health benefits from the Plan. Some examples of non-catastrophic medical conditions that this benefit applies to are autism, delayed development, or therapy needed after a broken bone or sprain. The Plan also provides a separate benefit for rehabilitation after a catastrophic medical condition, such as a stroke or a serious injury. This benefit is not changing. The Plan provides benefits for a total of forty (40) visits for physical, occupational, pulmonary, speech, and cognitive therapies to treat a catastrophic medical condition. The catastrophic benefit is available to mariners and their dependents at the Core-Plus level, and non-Medicare pensioners and their dependents. If you have any questions about this benefit, please contact the Plan at 800-252-4674. Seafarers met with a special guest at the April membership meeting in Tacoma, Washington: U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (center). She reiterated her support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. Pictured from left are Steward/Baker Matthew Conyac, SA Naila Kling, Strickland, Chief Cook Nadine Nomed-Ryf, and SA Rami Kassem. 2024 SIU Election Absentee Voting Info Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when request- JUNE 2024 ing an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2024 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2024. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2024. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2024 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2025. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WEST COAST CONNECTION – SIU Wilmington Port Agent B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – AB Abdulrab Said (left) picks up his book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Safety Director Jason Brown. ABOARD ARC INDEPENDENCE ‒ SIU Jersey City Patrolman Ozzy Ramos (left) meets with Seafarers aboard the TOTE vessel on April 16 in the port of Davisville, Rhode Island. Pictured from left (starting second from left) are Recertified Steward Gerald Hyman, Chief Cook Evelyn Cruz, SA Thomas Cyrus and Bosun Victor Eligio. PROMOTING MARITIME – SIU VP Bryan Powell (left) meets with U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) at the Senator’s office in Washington, D.C. Powell was on hand April 10 to help present an award from the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognizing the significant contributions she has made throughout her Congressional career protecting the Great Navigation System and supporting American jobs with investment in U.S.flagged Great Lakes shipping. Gerret Jarman (right) and Chief Cook Andrea Sharpe (second from left) recently teamed up for a recruiting visit to Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Sharpe provided in-depth information about the steward department; both Seafarers discussed the union and the solid viability of a career in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Labor Studies Instructor Louis Siegel is at left, while Culinary Instructor Edith Garnica is second from right. WIN FOR WORKERS – Retired Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan (right) celebrates with members of UAW Local 42 in Tennessee immediately following the union’s win at the VW plant in Chattanooga. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “The victory at Volkswagen’s plant in Tennessee marks a historic milestone for workers across the state and the broader South.” B-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – GUDE Anpeng Sun (second from left) receives his book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. (Sun is the son of Chief Steward Maili Wang.) SAILING FROM TEXAS – The SIU-crewed ARC Resolve (TOTE) is pictured in Galveston, courtesy of ace photographer/SIU pensioner John Cox. WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK – Steward/ Baker Douglas Flynn (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. Flynn joined the union in 1995. He’s pictured with an old shipmate: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. The two sailed together aboard the USNS Brittin. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ABOARD EL COQUI – Pictured from left on the Intrepid ship are Chief Cook Jesus Mendez, Safety Director Ricky Rivera and Steward/Baker Jesus Pacheco. JUNE 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GEORGE II – As reported in last month’s LOG, Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii recently christened the George II (formerly Horizon Reliance) following the ship’s retrofitting to run on liquefied natural gas. Pictured aboard the vessel are (group photo, from left) SA Ostin Harry, Chief Steward Ian Schluder, Chief Cook Abrahem Elsawy, (second from left) ABM Harold Harper and (remaining non-food photo) ABM Dominique Johnson. Some of the spoils of a recent shipboard cookout are shown in the other photo. MILESTONE IN SUNSHINE STATE – Chief Steward George Egbert (left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. WELCOME ASHORE (TIMES 2) IN HOUSTON – Two longtime members recently picked up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall. In photo above, left, Capt. C.R. “Junior” Branch (center), who spent his entire 27-year SIU career sailing with G&H Towing is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (right) and Patrolman J.B. Niday. Remaining photo includes Recertified Bosun David Graves (center), pictured with SIU Patrolmen Kirk Pegan (left) and J.B. Niday. Graves started sailing with the SIU in 1990. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) and Safety Director Adam Bucalo man a table at a career fair hosted by Better Together in partnership with Northside Community Involvement, Inc. The event took place at the Northside Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida. PULLING INTO PORT – The Liberty Eagle (Liberty Maritime) arrives in Longview, Washington, on April 23. Photo and subsequent servicing by SIU Patrolman Dennison Forsman. ABOARD CAPE SAN JUAN ‒ Pictured from left in the group photo are SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls, Steward/Baker Pavel Kremen, AB Raymond Jones, Bosun Mark Brownell, QEE Malcolm Haynes, and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. The Crowley-operated vessel was serviced April 30. JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Chief Cook Irena Jansome (right) receives her first pension check at the hiring hall. She started sailing with the SIU in 2002. At left is SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo. ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR – Pictured in the larger group photo on the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel are (front) DEU Nabil Said, (middle row) AB Bernardino Eda, QMED Lee Peterson, SA Hayel Omer, (back row) Chief Cook Kristine Lacey, Bosun Donny Castillo, DEU Nassr Shayef, QMED Anne Scott, and Recertified Steward Albert Sison. The other photo features the galley gang: Omer, Lacey, and Sison. ABOARD MAERSK KANSAS ‒ Bosun Kyle Silva (right) and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Malik Rainey are pictured near the end of their trip aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel. OUTREACH IN COMMONWEALTH ‒ The union and its affiliated school continue to invest in tomorrow’s workforce. Pictured during a recent career fair at Naval Station Norfolk (Virginia) are SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (right) and SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls. MEETING WITH SENATOR ‒ SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is pictured with pro-maritime U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) in Concord, California, at a luncheon hosted by Seafarers-contracted Patriot. They discussed the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine and how to continue promoting the industry. ABOARD USNS ALGOL ‒ Mariners from the USNS Algol and USNS CONGRATS IN SAN JUAN – AB Reisa Martinez (right) receives her A-seniority book. She’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Capella (Ocean Duchess) enjoy breakfast while sharing some sea stories in San Francisco. From left: Bosun Anthony Pace, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, Recertified Steward Danta Cruz, Third Engineer Marcelino Cayabyab, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, Third Mate Gavino Octaviano, AB Rolando Dinong. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 JUNE 2024 �All For A Great Cause Waterfront Classic Supports Veterans Organization O n May 16, as day broke and the sun lifted above the horizon in scenic Piney Point, Maryland, participants in the 9th Annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic emerged from the Paul Hall Center (PHC) and made their way to the docks, readying their rods for rockfish. This marks the second year that the fishing tournament/fundraising event has been reinstated following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the second year when proceeds from the event went toward the families of military veterans and first responders served by the Virginia-based Boulder Crest Foundation. The balmy 70-degree weather, complete with overcast skies and slight, strong winds, provided ideal conditions for the 131 fishers at the Classic. Fishing activity in the Potomac River was forecasted to be high from 7 a.m. until noon, coinciding with the time the boats left the pier. In record-breaking time, the 16 boats, many having caught their limit before noon, returned to shore with a total of 531 lbs. of fish caught. Due to emergency regulations put into place last year by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in order to protect spawning striped bass, the limit during the Waterfront Classic was one fish per person, per day. Fish caught and kept also had to be between 19 and 24 inches. Following the tournament, Waterfront Classic participants gathered to network as galley staff prepared several dishes with the rockfish that were caught that day. Preceding the dinner, which consisted of various iterations of the catch of the day, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker led the awards ceremony, commencing with acknowledgements from SIU President David Heindel. Guitar in hand, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey then performed an original song titled “Brotherhood of the Sea,” written to honor the late SIU President Mike Sacco, who passed away late last year. Maersk Line, Limited Vice President Ed Hanley spoke briefly about Boulder Crest before introducing Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation. Reid announced an upcoming initiative to broaden the scope of participation in the organization’s core principle of “post-traumatic growth” (PTG). “We’re launching a certification program for mental health professionals meant to democratize PTG so that people who are encountering traumatic circumstances outside of service first responders or veterans can also be trained in these practices,” Reid said. Following her remarks, participants who caught the largest fish from each boat received fish-shaped trophies. Weighing in at 5.5 lbs., the top catch of the day went to Dr. Phillip Steiner of Steiner Vision. SIU Pensioner Nick Grassia contributed a painting which was auctioned off for $450, which also served as another donation to the Boulder Crest Foundation. According to numerous attendees, this year’s Waterfront Classic was a good time for everyone involved, both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike. One such beginner, Angela Corgey, wife of Dean Corgey, also celebrated her birthday and received a cake during the awards ceremony. Another, Brenda Mossholder, the Accounting Systems Manager for American Roll On-Roll Off Carrier, said of her first Waterfront Classic experience, “The camaraderie that I’ve experienced in the past 24 hours, including the fishing tournament today was amazing,” she said. “The people are very serious and dedicated to what they’re doing in the industry, which I absolutely love.” Trophies were presented to the participant who caught the largest fish on each boat, and there were also some special recognition awards. SIU President David Heindel addresses the crowd during the award ceremony. SIU VP of Contracts and SWC Chairman George Tricker is at the far right. Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation, addresses the tournament participants during the award ceremony. SIU VP of Contracts and SWC Chairman George Tricker is at right. SIU VP of Contracts and SWC Chairman George Tricker (left) displays a painting made by SIU Pensioner Nick Grassia (right) to be auctioned off for charity. JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER LOG 2023• 11 11 SEAFARERS �2024 Seafarers Waterfront Classic: 131 Seafarers, The crew of the North Star included: SIU President David Heindel, Frank Boyland, Sherrell Hammond, Danielle Kosack, Ed Hanley, Dennis Houghton, Paul Giovino, Sadhana Duncan, JT Williams, Frank The crew of the Kitt II included: SIU AVP Chris Westbrook, Andrew White, Ben Morvant, Chelsea Williams, Dean Charbonnet and Paul Kakol. Heindel and Tamika Jones. The crew of the Shea-D-Lady included: SIU AVP Kris Hopkins, Robert Hicks, Joe Fischingar, Ken Hehir, The crew of the McKenzie Lee included: Ira Douglas, Spencer Bolander, Janet Reid, Casey Wallace, Ralph Diaz and Michael Vineyard. Kenny Hehir, Karen Hopkins, Liz Simon and Maggie Lushina. The crew of the Marica II included: SIU VP Dean Corgey, Kelly Witt, The crew of the Sea Fox included: SIU AVP Joe Vincenzo, Michaela Barker, Sue Campbell, Ed Hagan, Greg Fortune, Cindy Fortune, Tara James Witt, Mike Nigro, Lisa Nigro and Angela Corgey. Mathis and Julie Sole. The crew of the Fin Finder included: Ken Steiner, Fred Finger, Eric Mark, Andy Grasso, Brenda Moss- The crew of the Joyce Dixie included: SIU VP Joseph Soresi, Mike Stafford, Matthew Castrovinci, holder, Phillip Hajost, Dennis O'Neill, David Steiner, Phillip Steiner, Alexander Steiner, Cameron Steiner Carmela Castrovinci, Jonathan Benenson, Thomas Soresi, James Murphy, Travis Omps and Joe and Isabella Steiner. Lawson. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • JUNE 2024 �Veterans and First Responders Catch for a Cause The crew of the Gerry C included: SIU VP Pat Vandegrift, Todd Christiansen, Bob Rice, Chris Holmes, Eunice The crew of the Bay Quest included: Ed Washburn, Mark Lotruglio, Gary Brunick, Andrea Gianni, Cadorette-Young, Peter Strohla, Brian Murray, JP Marcantonio, Whitney Lanier, Chelse O'Connor and Will Ed Dos Santos, Juan Rodriguez, David Pacheco, Steve Sears and Bobby Wieler. Sutherland. The crew of the Heritage included: George Strawn, Trevor The crew of the Loose Knott included: SIU VP Nicholas The crew of the Lisa S included: Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, William Buck, Mike Kraljevic, Giacomo Albanese, Donald Brazole, Billy Celona, Amy Kennemer, John Peppe, Kari Coffelt and Campbell, Stephen Piazza, Jaiby Thomas, Dominick Brusca, Amanda Delphia, Hartnett, Brea Ellis and Kristy Clements. Ruthie Baker. Gretchen Theriot, Henly Ervin and David Sloane. The crew of the Red Osprey included: Ellen Silver, Michael Given, Cristol Given, Cathy Hand, Nadia The crew of the Three Sons included: Lauren Liles, Joe Atkinson, Lisa Atkinson, Julie Poggioli, Anthony Alioto and Bob Keiffer. Pecoraro, Jim Given, Diane Given. The crew of the All In included: Ryan Covert, Dave Carroll, Andy Hake, Kim Bornemann, Rich Laskey, From left to right: SIU AVP Kris Hopkins, tournament winner Dr. Phillip Steiner and Maersk Line, Claire Theisen, Trish Lucius, Ronnie Caswell and Kim Caswell. Limited's Vice President and COO Ed Hanley. 13 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023• 13 13 SEAFARERS �Piney Point Training Pays Off As Crew Responds to Bobo Fire No injuries were reported following a recent fire in the engine room of the SIU-crewed USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (Crowley). The ship was carrying supplies as part of the administration’s Gaza aid mission when the mishap took place April 11, two days after it had departed from Jacksonville, Florida. After crew members extinguished the fire, the ship still had partial power, and it returned to Florida a few days later. An investigation of the accident’s cause was ongoing at press time. Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson credited his fellow Seafarers and the ship’s officers for their teamwork. “Like I’ve been telling everyone, thanks to our Joseph Sacco Firefighting and Safety School – where I’ve done most of my firefighting training – it paid off,” Jackson said in reference to a satellite campus of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. The bosun said that when the ship’s general alarm sounded, “I knew if you hear a fire alarm go off in the middle of the night, it’s for real. I went down to my station and met the fast response team. We donned our gear…. There was a lot of smoke in the engine room, coming up through the ladder well.” The mariners followed their proper protocols and eventually extinguished the fire, which occurred in the port main engine. Jackson added that the ship’s cargo was discharged upon returning to Jacksonville. AB Brandon Shields, asked for his assessment of the crew’s response to the fire, answered, “I wouldn’t fight a fire with anyone else.” Pictured from left are First Assistant Engineer John Piehl, Chief Mate Marissa Strawbridge, and Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson, some of the first mariners to respond to the emergency. Among those promptly reacting to the alarm (many are pictured above) were QMED James Grant, Chief Engineer Bryan Hoffman, First Assistant Engineer Colin Clark, Second Assistant Engineer Dave Burkhardt, OS James Braithwaite, GUDE Samuel Hunter, OS Jackie Jones, AB Brandon Shields, AB Fredrick Barber, OS David Rojas, Third Mate Jeff Beasley, AB Marquis King, Third Mate Seamus Scott, and AB Samuel Albuquerque. The USNS Bobo is pictured in Jacksonville, Florida, prior to its most recent voyage. Seafarers Mobilize for Humanitarian Aid The SIU-crewed MV Roy P. Benavidez (Ocean Duchess) recently transported cargo for use in constructing a floating pier off the Gaza shore in support of Operation Neptune Solace. According to the Pentagon, “The temporary pier will assist the United States Agency for International Development in the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, which will increase the quantity and flow of humanitarian aid, including food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters.” These U.S. Army photos were taken in late April, location undisclosed. The deck of the Benavidez is prominently visible in the inset photo at right. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 JUNE 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 13 - May 13, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 14, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 21 3 1 24 3 8 4 22 30 20 3 10 14 7 1 1 9 16 1 28 9 3 1 11 2 1 2 17 21 7 2 3 10 5 0 2 1 9 1 10 2 2 0 3 2 2 1 4 4 3 0 1 12 1 0 1 1 2 0 1 15 1 2 14 3 3 2 21 23 13 4 5 8 5 1 1 2 8 0 18 6 1 3 10 2 3 0 20 18 3 1 6 13 3 2 0 1 3 0 3 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 3 1 1 1 7 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 6 1 2 10 0 1 0 10 15 7 0 4 5 2 1 0 2 4 0 3 24 4 2 29 3 15 10 36 35 31 4 6 23 13 4 2 12 32 3 49 9 3 2 8 1 6 3 20 24 13 4 2 13 5 4 2 1 9 3 14 1 0 1 7 2 5 1 10 7 2 1 1 10 3 0 0 1 7 1 7 TOTAL 226 117 42 149 98 25 73 337 146 67 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 2 2 5 7 1 2 6 6 21 8 0 2 11 3 0 3 3 8 1 9 100 1 1 2 4 0 4 2 6 11 6 1 4 14 1 0 5 1 6 1 2 72 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 4 1 0 0 9 2 0 1 1 4 0 0 29 3 1 2 3 0 1 1 8 7 5 1 2 6 1 0 2 0 3 1 2 49 4 1 5 10 0 4 11 16 31 12 1 2 14 4 1 2 7 11 1 15 152 3 3 1 2 1 4 1 8 13 8 2 3 9 3 0 3 1 5 1 6 77 1 1 1 3 0 1 0 5 4 1 0 0 7 5 0 1 1 4 0 1 36 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 4 10 1 0 1 10 2 0 1 6 2 0 5 47 8 0 0 10 1 4 10 20 26 17 1 3 21 15 3 4 5 12 1 30 191 5 1 0 3 0 5 3 11 24 5 0 0 14 6 0 2 8 7 1 10 105 1 0 0 2 1 0 1 5 6 2 1 0 8 0 0 1 1 2 0 2 33 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 4 1 5 7 2 2 2 4 7 4 2 0 12 2 0 1 1 2 3 5 66 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 4 13 5 0 3 10 0 0 3 1 2 1 4 54 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 18 Steward Department June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Monday: June 3, July 8 Friday: June 7, July 12 Thursday: June 6, July 11 Thursday: June 20, July 25 Friday: June 14, July 19 Houston Monday: June 10, July 15 Jacksonville Thursday: June 6, July 11 Joliet Thursday: June 13, July 18 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: June 12, July 17 Tuesday: June 11, July 16 Tuesday: June 4, July 9 Norfolk Friday: June 7, July 12 Oakland Thursday: June 13, July 18 Philadelphia Port Everglades Wednesday: June 5, July 10 Thursday: June 13, July 18 San Juan Thursday: June 6, July 11 St. Louis Friday: June 14, July 19 Tacoma Wilmington Friday: June 21, July 26 Monday: June 17, July 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JUNE 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 1 6 4 4 7 16 17 12 0 0 18 9 2 3 3 5 0 21 133 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 9 15 4 1 0 18 3 0 7 5 3 0 3 74 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 4 0 1 1 6 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 22 5 0 1 8 3 0 3 10 7 7 0 2 14 8 0 2 3 1 0 11 85 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 5 11 3 1 1 18 1 0 5 4 3 0 4 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 8 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 3 4 2 2 1 3 6 10 36 14 2 0 13 4 0 2 1 9 0 10 7 0 6 10 0 3 6 14 54 26 1 2 35 5 1 3 1 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 1 2 3 1 5 1 6 15 8 1 0 4 5 1 3 1 5 0 4 4 0 3 6 2 2 1 5 28 11 1 3 18 2 1 4 0 2 0 6 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 2 2 0 0 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 7 5 0 4 0 2 5 19 44 16 2 2 16 8 1 1 0 16 1 23 15 1 4 6 1 3 6 27 116 31 2 2 38 12 2 3 1 8 2 16 TOTAL 9 122 195 6 70 100 17 15 172 296 GRAND TOTAL 468 385 288 306 282 151 186 695 500 432 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was answered by members of the 2024 rank-and-file financial committee. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Raymond Alexander Chief Cook Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters I became a Seafarer for the opportunity to travel while making good money. I’m still here because I love it. The brotherhood and sisterhood keeps me going, and I’ve got 24 years and counting of great memories at sea. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Kenneth Kelly Chief Cook BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 I was just coming out of the Navy and saw a merchant ship and was intrigued. It looked like they made good money, not that it is all about the money…. This is the best decision I have made in my life. I have been sailing for 33 years. GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 Jerry Costello Recertified Bosun JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 I joined because I saw a bunch of free men in my neighborhood who were merchant seamen, and I followed in their footsteps. I’ve made a 42-year career out of it. I’m thankful for the opportunity the SIU has provided: good pay, a good career, and a life well-lived. I’ll continue to keep on going as long as possible. JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Lamont Faulks Steward-Baker I joined for a better life. Twenty-one years later, I’m still sailing. I found out about the Seafarers through a friend, and back then, I never would have thought I’d be working somewhere for this long. Exxl Ronquillo Recertified Steward I have a lot of family in the SIU. I had heard [mariners] travel a lot, which is one reason I joined. This career provides a great life for my family. I have been sailing since 1989. Donald Christian Electrician Because I like the travel. Since I’ve joined the union, I’ve circumnavigated the globe at least 29 times. I’ve sailed for 44 years; I started in 1979. Emanuel Spain Chief Steward It’s a family tradition. We’re four generations in: grandfather, uncle, brother, and I’ve got two sons that sail. Pic from the Past NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Though in some ways it seems hard to believe, the current hiring hall in Baltimore opened 24 years ago next month. This snapshot from summer 2000 shows workers putting some finishing touches on the exterior of the Essex Street building. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1616 • SEAFARERS LOG JUNE 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA TROY ANCAR Brother Troy Ancar, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1999 when he sailed on the Maersk Tennessee. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ancar’s final vessel was the Colorado Express. He resides in Richmond, Texas. SALAH ASSABAHI Brother Salah Assabahi, 66, joined the union in 1990. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Assabahi upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the Maersk Idaho and lives in the Bronx, New York. JAMES BATES Brother James Bates, 69, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing with Dravo Basic Materials. An engine department member, Brother Bates upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the USNS Pililaau and lives in Mobile, Alabama. JAMES CANADA Brother James Canada, 72, donned the SIU colors in 1990 when he sailed aboard the USNS Silas Bent. He was an engine department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Canada concluded his career aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He is a resident of Gwynn Oak, Maryland. MARK CANADA Brother Mark Canada, 66, started his career with the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Canada last shipped on the Empire State. He is a Honolulu resident. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. PHILIP CORL ANIBAL VEGA Brother Philip Corl, 68, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. A deck department member, he upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Corl’s first vessel was the Diligence; his last, the Horizon Spirit. He makes his home in Henderson, Nevada. Brother Anibal Vega, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1999, when he sailed on the Baltimore. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Vega lives in Carolina, Puerto Rico. MICHAEL DEMPSTER HOWARD VICK Brother Michael Dempster, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1992. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Long Lines. Brother Dempster upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Ocean Titan and settled in Henrico, Virginia. Brother Howard Vick, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 2004. He sailed in the engine department and first shipped on the Dodge Island. Brother Vick upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Howard O. Lorenzen and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. TERRY EVINS Brother Terry Evins, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996, initially working aboard the USNS Assertive. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Evins last shipped on the Howard O. Lorenzen. He lives in Portsmouth, Virginia. DOUGLAS FLYNN Brother Douglas Flynn, 62, joined the SIU in 1995. He first sailed aboard the Stephen W. Pless and worked in the steward department. Brother Flynn upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the Cape Wrath and is a resident of Hubert, North Carolina. VICTOR JIMENEZ Brother Victor Jimenez, 67, became a member of the union in 1991. He shipped in the steward department and first sailed on the Independence. Brother Jimenez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Ocean Freedom and settled in Palm Bay, Florida. INLAND WILLIAM GORDON Brother William Gordon, 67, joined the SIU in 2009. He sailed in the deck department and was employed with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for the duration of his career. Brother Gordon resides in Luna, New Mexico. STEVEN HAVER Brother Steven Haver, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2002. He first sailed aboard the Cleveland and worked in the engine department. Brother Haver upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in Goodrich, Michigan. WILLIAM HOWELL Brother William Howell, 66, signed on with the union in 1979, initially working with G&H Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Howell last sailed with OSG Ship Management. He is a Baltimore resident. ANDRES MANO Brother Andres Mano, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994, initially sailing aboard the Endurance. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Mano’s final vessel was the Green Bay. He lives in Long Beach, California. RALPH PRATER Brother Ralph Prater, 73, became a member of the union in 1975 when he worked with Dixie Carriers. Brother Prater worked in the deck department and concluded his career with National Marine Service. He calls Memphis, Tennessee, home. MARIO CLOTTER PEDRO VALDEZ CABRERA Brother Mario Clotter, 65, became a Seafarer in 2000. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Steven L. Bennett. Brother Clotter upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Chesapeake and is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. JAMES WELLMAN Brother Pedro Valdez Cabrera, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1998 when he worked on the Sulphur Enterprise. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Valdez Cabrera most recently shipped on the Independence and settled in Miami. Brother James Wellman, 72, began sailing with the SIU in 2010. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Wellman worked for Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He settled in Covington, Louisiana. JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 17 • OCTOBER LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA IVAN AGUILAR Pensioner Ivan Aguilar, 77, passed away March 7. He began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1988. A deck department member, he first shipped on the President Taylor. Brother Aguilar’s final vessel was the Eugene A. Obregon. He went on pension in 2011 and lived in Metairie, Louisiana. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. JAMES WOOD CHARLES RICHARD Pensioner James Wood, 79, died February 3. He joined the SIU in 1982 and first sailed aboard the Independence. A deck department member, Brother Wood concluded his career aboard the John Paul Bobo. He retired in 2009 and settled in Lake Placid, New York. Pensioner Charles Richard, 61, died February 17. Brother Richard signed on with the union in 1982. He shipped in the engine department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Richard began collecting his pension in 2012 and resided in Slidell, Louisiana. INLAND FRANKLIN FUTCH MICHAEL ANSOTIGUE Brother Franklin Futch, 64, died December 16. He became a member of the union in 2001 and initially sailed aboard the Keystone Texas. Brother Futch worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Benavidez in 2013. He was a resident of Savannah, Georgia. Pensioner Michael Ansotigue passed away January 31. He became a member of the union in 1979. He was first employed with Mariner Towing and worked in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Ansotigue last sailed with OSG Ship Management, before becoming a pensioner in 2008. He lived in Brandon, Florida. CARL HERRMANN Pensioner Carl Herrmann, 68, passed away February 12. He signed on with the SIU in 2001 when he sailed on the Overseas New York. Brother Herrmann sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the USNS Pililaau in 2015. He began collecting his pension earlier this year and resided in Honolulu. ANDREW MACK Pensioner Andrew Mack, 81, died February 28. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1977, initially sailing aboard the USNS Potomac. Brother Mack worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Cape Mohican. He went on pension in 1997 and called Chesapeake, Virginia, home. RODERICK OREE Brother Roderick Oree, 52, passed away March 18. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 and was a member of the steward department. Brother Oree’s first vessel was the Keystone Texas; his last, the Cape Douglas. He lived in Charleston, South Carolina. JOHN PLATTS CARLOS GONZALEZ Pensioner Carlos Gonzalez, 76, died March 6. He began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1972 when he sailed aboard the Steel Traveler. Brother Gonzales was a deck department member. He was last employed by Westbank Riverboat Services and retired in 2011. Brother Gonzalez resided in Marrero, Louisiana. JACK MATIEVICH Pensioner Jack Matievich, 64, passed away March 4. He embarked on his SIU career in 2005 and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Matievich worked for Starlight Marine Services for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Hypoluxo, Florida. DESIRE NIKOLIC Pensioner John Platts, 73, died March 2. He became an SIU member in 1968. A steward department member, he initially shipped with Marine Carriers Corporation. Brother Platts concluded his career aboard the Horizon Producer in 2003. He began collecting his pension in 2015 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner Desire Nikolic, 80, died February 22. He started shipping with the union in 1995 and worked in the engine department. Brother Nikolic’s first vessel was the Padre Island; his last, the Manhattan Island. He retired in 2013 and made his home in Durham, North Carolina. ROBERTO QUIMPO STEPHEN PRENDERGAST Brother Roberto Quimpo, 72, passed away January 25. He signed on with the union in 1989 and worked in the steward department. Brother Quimpo was employed by AMCV Cruise Operations for the duration of his career. He lived in Vallejo, California. Pensioner Stephen Prendergast, 70, passed away February 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1999 and was a member of the engine department. Brother Prendergast was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2023 and lived in Galveston, Texas. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 DENNIS ROBINSON Pensioner Dennis Robinson, 79, passed away March 11. He joined the union in 1966 and worked in the deck department. Brother Robinson was employed by the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. He retired in 2007 and settled in Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee. NMU EFRAIN COLLAZO Pensioner Efrain Collazo, 83, died March 5. He began sailing in 1963, initially aboard the Texaco Mississippi. Brother Collazo was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Enterprise and retired in 1995. Brother Collazo lived in the Bronx, New York. CHRISTOPHER DUNN Pensioner Christopher Dunn, 100, passed away February 10. He concluded his career aboard the Lash Pacifico in 1984. Brother Dunn went on pension the following year and lived in Flushing, New York. HARRY EBANKS Pensioner Harry Ebanks, 77, died February 7. Brother Ebanks shipped in the deck department and last sailed on the Green Wave. He began collecting his pension in 1991 and was a Miami resident. ISMAEL LOPEZ Pensioner Ismael Lopez, 89, passed away March 17. Brother Lopez was a steward department member. His final vessel was the Austral Rainbow and he became a pensioner in 1999. Brother Lopez lived in the Bronx, New York. JAMES ROBINSON Pensioner James Robinson, 92, died February 14. A deck department member, he concluded his career aboard the Maersk Ohio. Brother Robinson retired in 2011 and settled in East Orange, New Jersey. GERALD SPURLOCK Pensioner Gerald Spurlock, 88, passed away February 11. Brother Spurlock worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Chemical Pioneer before becoming a pensioner in 2000. Brother Spurlock made his home in Jasper, Texas. RICHARD TIGERT Pensioner Richard Tigert, 78, died February 29. He was a member of the engine department and last sailed on the John Lykes. Brother Tigert retired in 2000 and was a resident of Galveston, Texas. JUNE 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. OVERSEAS HOUSTON (Overseas Ship Management), January 14 – Chairman Toribio Valentin, Educational Director Fernando Ortega, Deck Delegate Carlos Aquino, Steward Delegate Wardell Paze. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested refrigerators for all members, new washer and dryer and new coffee machine. Members asked for unlimited internet access. OVERSEAS CHINOOK (Overseas Ship Management), February 25 – Chairman Raymond Johnson, Secretary Verleshia Robinson, Educational Director Brian Jackson. Chairman encouraged crew to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for clarification for pumpman job duties and discussed missing-man pay. Crew requested increases in vacation days and suggested increasing the food budget when additional crew is on board. LONESTAR STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 3 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secretary Cayetano Toledo, Educational Director Teon Shelton, Deck Delegate Donaldo Valencia, Steward Delegate Marlin Carey. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and encouraged them to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Steward department was commended for a job well done. New gym equipment has been received. Linen is to be sent ashore, per secretary. Crew was reminded to clean and sanitize gym equipment after each use and to renew all documents at least six months in advance. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increase in vacation benefits. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dontrell Riddick, Steward Delegate Paul Mena. Bosun discussed questions about overtime and went over procedures for handling trash. Secretary reiterated the importance of keeping galley clean. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun let everyone know that he is open and available to help crew members. Members asked for physicals to be required annually. TEXAS (Seabulk Crew Management), March 9 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Furman Watson, Engine Delegate Oscar Lacayo Ruiz, Steward Delegate Marco Guevara. Crew would like refrigerators and new mattresses for rooms. Chairman thanked steward department for good housekeeping and engine department for working safely. He asked for members’ patience when waiting for relief. Secretary reminded members to return all dishes to galley after each use. Educational director reminded crew to make sure documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for increases to food budget and to health insurance benefits. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc), April 4 – Chairman Angel Centeno, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Paul Ianni. Chairman discussed details of various benefits including medical coverage eligibility, prescriptions, pension pay and vision care. Secretary reiterated the importance of shipboard union meetings. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Members were advised to put safety first and apply for scholarships. Crew discussed travel reimbursement for various classes and asked about extra meal payments for each person on board beyond the regular crew. Members talked about tour of duty incentives, laptops in the crew library and missing-man pay. Orders recently placed for pillows, towels, wash clothes, blankets and fitted sheets. OREGON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 31 – Chairman Burkley Cooper, Secretary Grazyna Tomaszewska, Educational Director Eric Guzman, Deck Delegate Anito Rarugal, Engine Delegate MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), April 5 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Anthony Harrell, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Deck Delegate Younis Kaid, Engine Delegate Terry Taylor, Steward Delegate Stanford Drakes. Chairman provided crew with ship funds update. Educational director urged members to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new deep freezer for ice cream and new freezer for use by crew members. Carpets in crew rooms and lounge have been cleaned. Members were advised to leave clean rooms for onboarding crew and to complete paperwork well ahead of time. Crew asked for increase in reimbursement for travel to airport when departing ship and asked for clarification regarding days off. Members would like increases in vacation and retirement pay. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), April 29 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Mauricio Vega, Deck Delegate Edgardo Martinez Espada, Steward Delegate William Fortner. Chairman thanked steward department for providing good meals throughout trip. Secretary reminded everyone to check on credentials and keep them current. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested additional routers for B and C deck to get better internet signal, as well as new refrigerator and new speaker for karaoke machine. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return JUNE 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �The The Union Union Plus Plus Wireless Wireless Program Program WORKS WORKS FOR FOR ME ME “The “TheAT&T AT&TUnion UnionPlus Plusprogram programisis outstanding. outstanding.It’s It’sanother anotherway wayI Ican can take takeadvantage advantageof ofthe thebenefits benefitsof of being beingaaunion unionmember.” member.” See Seemore moreat at unionplus.org unionplus.org SIU-WR-1-17-24 SIU-WR-1-17-24 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck July 8 September 23 July 26 October 11 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Adv. Refer Containers August 26 September 6 Junior Engineer September 9 November 1 Machinist August 26 September 13 Pumpman September 16 September 20 RFPEW July 1 July 29 August 26 July 26 August 23 September 20 Welding July 15 August 19 September 23 August 2 September 6 October 11 FOWT July 8 September 23 August 2 October 18 Basic Training Revalidation August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 Government Vessels August 5 September 9 September 30 October 7 August 9 September 13 October 4 October 11 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 Tanker Ship Familiarization - DL July 1 August 19 August 26 September 30 July 5 August 23 August 30 October 4 Tanker Ship Familiarization - LG August 12 September 2 September 23 September 30 August 16 September 6 September 27 October 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook July 15 August 19 September 23 August 16 September 20 October 25 ServSafe Management July 8 August 12 September 16 October 28 July 12 August 16 September 20 November 1 Advanced Galley Ops July 1 August 26 July 26 September 20 Chief Steward July 15 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. JUNE 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #907 – Graduated March 29: Rickie Abrams Jr., Eric Amy, Elijah Chambliss, Paul Coen, Armando Contreras, Julian Cortes Aviles, William Folzenlogen, Tien Hoang, Monique Kennedy, Troy Lawrence Jr., Armontre Manning, Diego Montanez, Quinton Palmer, Steven Pham, Sandy Quezada, Stefan Ragler-Courtney, Alexander Sandoval and Johnny Wilkes. ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated April 12: Juan Baquera, Pauline Crespo-Guillen, Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Edgar Manlangit, Derick Morales Berly, Jose Outeiral and Yacoub Shack. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4) – Graduated April 12: Porfirio Avila Ruiz, Larry Genetiano, Anthony Hunter, Erris Jackson, Faith Wood and Lawrence Wright. BASIC SAFETY – Graduated April 19: Justin Hill (left) and Cornelio Villano Jr. FOWT – Graduated April 5 (not all are pictured): Rommel Centura, Jevon David, Torrie Florence, Anthony Harrell Jr., Christian Marty Barrera, Matthew McManus, Jose Palacios Arriola, Malik Perez, Raychell Pryor, Decontee Saypoh, Donald Slue and Mizukami Youn. GOVERNMENT VESSELS– Graduated April 26 (not all are pictured): Mohsen Ahmed, Mustafa Ahmed, Tykeem Blowe-Warren, Angel Cacho, Anthony Creer, Esraa Embaby, Bre'onnah Evans, Justin Hill, Alfred Hogan Jr., Edwin Lashley, James Lavoile Jr., Omar Ortega, Rolly Pascua, Keauni Pullett, Jarek Ramos Santos, Adam Saleh, Charles Sassone, Jalen Shuman, David Wakeman and John Wattam. 22 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 22 • SEAFARERS JUNE 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW – Graduated April 26 (not all are pictured): Andrew Brown, Nirel Escalante, Eliza Fitzgerald, Christopher Flood, Kenny Galeno, Nathan Goodhart, Victor Mak, Andrew Mentzer, Arkadiusz MochockiKlusik, Jacob Rhoney and Juan Velasquez Jr. PUMPMAN – Graduated April 26: Nicolas Brailsford, Jarvis Carter, Ricardo Escorcia, Damon MARINE REFER TECH – Graduated April 19: Alberto Alvarez-Gonzalez, Anson Johny, Juan Rochez, Anias Stanford and Daryl Thomas Jr. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right. TANK SHIP DL – Above (not all are pictured): Felsher Beasley Jr., Laura Bess, Roy Graham, Mohsen Hassain, Jan Jalloh, Ramadan Karar, Patrick Wheat II and Chandler Williams. TANK SHIP LG (UPGRADERS) – Graduated April 5: Jarrett Andrews Jr., Travis Lee, David Johnson, Wilfredo Lopez and Carlos Parrilla. Instructor Patrick Coppola is at the far left. Pacheco, Brandon Thomas and Lavon White Jr. TERRESTRIAL AND COASTAL NAVIGATION – Above: Joseph Bowen, Aurora Foster, Jeffery Griffin, Caliph Johnson II, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche. JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG23 • 23 �JUNE 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 6 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Crescent Crews Approve ‘Awesome’ Contract Before the union began contract negotiations with Crescent Towing in April, longtime SIU boatman Kevin McDermott – a veteran of several bargaining committees – helpfully cautioned the rank-and-file newcomers to this year’s group that “it won’t be easy and it might take a while.” McDermott chuckled at the memory, because it turned out the sessions were unusually brief and quite fruitful. They culminated in two new, virtually identical three-year agreements covering approximately 180 Seafarers employed by Crescent in New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia; and another 25 or so in Mobile, Alabama. SIU boatmen approved the two pacts by nearly unanimous votes that took place on the boats and near the company’s offices. Highlights of the new contracts include unprecedented wage gains, additional vacation days, an increased grocery allowance, and maintaining all benefits. Bargaining in New Orleans took place April 9-10, while the Mobile session happened April 17. The respective ratifications were finished quickly. Negotiating on behalf of the SIU were Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President Chris Westbrook, Port Agent Jimmy White, Port Agent Ashley Nelson, and Delegates McDermott, John Richardson, Eric Johnson, Chris Sikes, Kyle Tucker, Ricky Shumock and Davin Tucker. “This is an awesome feeling,” McDermott said. “When we presented the contract to the crews, everybody was shocked. These are the best raises I’ve seen in my 31 years here.” McDermott credited his fellow committee members as well as Crescent’s owner for the smooth negotiations. “The owner showed up and we also had one of the legends of the SIU, Dean Corgey, at the table with us,” Personnel from the union and the company are pictured following the New Orleans negotiations. From left: Crescent New Orleans Senior Operations Manager Benjamin Morvant, Crescent Savannah Senior Operations Manager Andrew White, SIU Savannah Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Chris Sikes, SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, SIU Engineer Delegate John Richardson, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Kevin McDermott, Crescent Senior Consultant Prentiss Willcutt, Crescent VP Edward Pinner, SIU Captain Delegate Eric Johnson, Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg. he said. “It was exciting. Chris went into beast mode, as usual, and we had it done in one-and-a-half days. Everything went smoothly and the results are just overwhelming and delightful. This is exciting.” Westbrook thanked the SIU committee – and also was quick to credit the company for agreeing to an appropriate contract. “The wage numbers tell you what Crescent thinks of their guys,” Westbrook said. “It’s very gratifying to see them step up and maintain their culture.” Westbrook added, “Crescent probably has the safest, longest-tenured employees in the industry. We made a strong case that you don’t get those kinds of employees unless they want to stick with you. You have to step up and take care of them, and Crescent This snapshot was taken a couple of weeks prior to negotiations, after SIU officials met with boatmen in Savannah, Georgia, to gather rank-and-file input. Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Deckhand James Peterson, Wheelman Dustin Schaaf, Wheelman Brenton Edonfield, Deckhand Kyle Futrell, Deckhand Benjamin Murphy, and Delegate Chris Sikes. Pictured after a vote in New Orleans are (from left) Deckhand Luke Lobue, Delegate Kevin McDermott, Delegate Eric Johnson, Wheelman Seth Reid, Engineer Robert Trahan, Delegate John Richardson, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and Capt. Vic DiGiorgio. rose to the occasion.” Richardson, who debuted as a bargainingcommittee member, stated, “Everything went great – better than we thought it would overall. The best part is the raises. Nobody’s ever seen those percentages.” Kyle Tucker, who has worked at Crescent for more than 30 years, said, “It’s a good contract. Everything went nice and easy; we weren’t there very long. The vacation time is a highlight, and also the increase in pay.” Crescent operates 16 boats in New Orleans, five in Savannah and three in Mobile, with four-person crews that generally adhere to a schedule of seven days on followed by seven days off. The boats are used for ship-docking operations. The Mobile bargaining committee included (from left) Crescent New Orleans Senior Operations Manager Benjamin Morvant, SIU Engineer Delegate Ricky Shumock, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Davin Tucker, Crescent Senior Consultant Prentiss Willcutt, SIU Captain Delegate Kyle Tucker, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, Crescent VP Edward Pinner, Crescent GM Travis Stringfellow, Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, and SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White. SIU officials Asst. VP Chris Westbrook and Port Agent Jimmy White meet with members in Mobile, Alabama. Pictured from left are White, Nick Turner, Ricky Shumock, Chris Walker, Westbrook, Jose Ojeda, Dan Buek, Gary Tucker, Josh Burns, Roy Saranthus Jr., Kyle Tucker and Cameron Cooper. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2024 Description An account of the resource MARAD GATHERING ADDRESSSES MARINER WORK-LIFE BALANCE NMC EXTENDS GRACE PERIOD FOR CREDENTIAL RENEWALS MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT TACKLES KEY ISSUES GEN. VAN OVOST EMPHASIZES MARITIME'S VITAL IMPORTANCE POPULAR YOUTUBE HOST ADVOCATES FOR MARITIME CAREERS COMMISSIONER OUTLINES IMPORTANCE OF REGAINING SHIPBUILDING CAPACITY GREAT LAKES ADMINISTRATOR EMPHASIZES PROGRESS MAERSK KINLOSS CREW ASSISTS REFUGEES SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL HOUSE HONORS 3 2024 ABSENTEE VOTING INFO ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE WATERFRONT CLASSIC SUPPORTS VETERANS ORGANIZATION PINEY POINT TRAINING PAYS OFF AS CREW RESPONDS TO BOBO FIRE SEAFARERS MOBILIZE FOR HUMANITARIAN AID CRESCENT CREWS APPROVE 'AWESOME CONTRACT' Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 86, NO. 6 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f7c388e934bcc4b00b633d031388066b.pdf cce0233c1eabdd9c4ad4fe7535692453 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 5 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO New Ship Joins Waterman Fleet The SIU recently helped welcome the M/V Green Ocean (background in photo above) into the Seafarers-crewed fleet. The roll-on/roll-off newbuild, operated by Waterman, is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Pictured in Baltimore following a late-March ceremony commemorating the ship are SIU members and officials including President David Heindel (far right), Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far left) and Port Agent John Hoskins (second from right). Page 24 (back page). SIU Delivers Pro-Maritime Message Annual ‘Sail-In’ Promotes Seafarers in Nation’s Capital Widely regarded as a vital day of grassroots action for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In for 2024 took place April 10 – and it featured a solid SIU contingent, as usual. Union personnel (members and officials) took part in dozens of meetings with senators, congressional representatives and staff members, always with the aim of promoting Seafarers, domestic shipbuilding and other crucial parts of the industry. Gathering for a snapshot before the all-day outreach are (from left) Chief Mate Lindsey Austin, President David Heindel, VP Bryan Powell, AB Jimmy Hargrove, Asst. VP Mike Russo, VP Nicholas Celona, Exec. VP Augie Tellez and Port Agent Todd Brdak. Coverage begins on page 3; President Heindel also touches on the event in his monthly column on page 2. PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT • PAGE 6 // WILMINGTON HALL HOSTS CONFERENCE • PAGE 10 �President’s Report Let’s Look Out for Each Other I recently read a joke about two crows who figured out they were looking at a scarecrow rather than a real person, based on one single condition: The dummy didn’t have a cell phone in his hand. Connectivity, of course, is an important part of everyday life. Whether it’s being used for work, for research on a personal project, for other forms of productivity or even just following along with a sports scoreboard, web and email access often feel essential. That’s why our union successfully bargained for widespread internet connectivity during our most recent standardcontract negotiations. As many of you know, I have spent almost my David Heindel entire life with the SIU, going back to my teenage years. I sometimes marvel at how much our industry and our union have changed in order to keep up with the times. And while I have no interest in trying to turn back the clock, I’m hopeful that the aforementioned connectivity, combined with dwindling port time and smaller crews, won’t take too much of a toll on the uniqueness of the shipboard work environment any more than it already has. As a rank-and-file member, I enjoyed the camaraderie that existed both aboard ship and at the hiring halls. Quite often, friendships would develop. At other times, the relationships were all business, and it also certainly wasn’t unheard-of for members to butt heads. But there was always a feeling that we had each other’s backs. We looked out for each other, both at sea and ashore. There was a very strong, if informal, mentoring system on many if not most vessels. A lot of the old salts – even if they sometimes seemed gruff on the outside – made a point of showing the ropes to the next generation. We still have those opportunities, and while it goes without saying that the focus in any workplace should start with safety and productivity, I encourage Thanking President Biden SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) meets with President Biden at a March 21 gathering in Houston. Biden, the most pro-union president in U.S. history, also is an ardent supporter of the Jones Act and the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. Corgey conveyed the union’s thanks for the president’s unwavering support. Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 5 our members to continue picking each other up. We’re a unique organization in a distinctive industry. From the nature of the work to the freedom in scheduling, and from the worldwide destinations to the regular opportunities for vocational upgrading, I’d say we’ve got a good thing going. Please continue treating your fellow Seafarers with respect, and if you have a chance to lend a helping hand, please do so. Both in the short and long runs, looking out for each other will only boost our strength while also making the jobs themselves more enjoyable. Promoting Maritime As reported elsewhere in this edition, the SIU was out in force last month at our annual Congressional Maritime Sail-In on Capitol Hill. Whatever else may change in our industry, one constant is that we absolutely must promote the U.S. Merchant Marine in Congress (which is the focus of the Sail-In). Your jobs depend on it. The most recent Sail-In was fairly typical but very successful. Those are long, worthwhile days of outreach, and I’m especially glad to note that rank-and-file Seafarers participated this year. We plan to continue that new tradition, hopefully with even larger numbers of SIU members. We’ve long said that our best promoters are Seafarers themselves, and that belief was reinforced last month. At press time, we were also gearing up for two other important happenings in our nation’s capital. First is the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meeting (scheduled for late April), followed a few weeks later by the National Maritime Day ceremony at Department of Transportation headquarters. Both of those gatherings signify additional chances to promote SIU members and continue building support for the U.S. Merchant Marine, domestic shipbuilding, and workers’ rights. Keep an eye on our website for coverage of both events, and of course we’ll include them in upcoming editions of the LOG. In the meantime, sisters and brothers, keep up the great work, and let’s continue to watch each other’s backs. Financial Committee Okays 2023 Records The SIU Constitution specifies that, once a year, a seven-person group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. That requirement was met this year in early April when seven SIU members reviewed and approved the union’s monetary records for 2023. The Seafarers were elected by fellow members during the union’s April meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Beginning the next day, they convened at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, to conduct the audit. That same week, the committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2023 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello (chairman), Steward-Baker Lamont Faulks, Chief Cook Raymond Alexander, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, Chief Cook Kenneth Kelly, Electrician Donald Christian, and Chief Steward Emanuel Spain. The members conducted their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. In addition to Orzechowski, the union’s legal counsel also convened with committee members in the event any of them had questions. May 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Pictured from left are (seated) Raymond Alexander, Emanuel Spain, Gerard Costello, (standing) Donald Christian, Lamont Faulks, Orzechowski, Exxl Ronquillo, and Kenneth Kelly. MAY 2024 �2024 Maritime Congressional Sail-In SIU to Congress: America Needs A Strong U.S. Merchant Marine Union Members, Officials Team Up for ‘Sail-In’ SIU members and officials on April 10 helped promote the U.S. Merchant Marine during a day-long series of meetings on Capitol Hill. Those gatherings were part of the yearly Maritime Congressional Sail-In, a grassroots bipartisan effort that has become an industry staple (during non-pandemic times). Representing the SIU were Chief Mate Lindsey Austin, AB Jimmy Hargrove, President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, George Tricker, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice President Mike Russo, Port Agents Ray Henderson and Todd Brdak, and Political Director Brian Schoeneman. While it’s hardly unique for any industry’s representatives to spend time advocating their respective causes in the nation’s capital, the Sail-In has been described as distinctive. That’s because it features small teams, each with representatives from different segments of the industry and from labor and management. The unified approach has made favorable impressions throughout the event’s dozen years. This year’s Sail-In included 122 individuals who work in the U.S. maritime industry. They were split into 29 groups; collectively, they had 126 meetings with members of Congress and their staffs. The experience proved worthwhile for the rankand-file Seafarers who participated, each for the first time. “It was an eye-opening and educational experience,” Hargrove stated. “To see this side of our industry was an honor. So much goes into the fight to defend the Jones Act and other crucial maritime laws and programs in Washington, and to be able to be a part of it and see a day in the life of the U.S. maritime industry in D.C. firsthand was an amazing experience.” Austin noted, “What I find most worthwhile about the Congressional Sail-In is the opportunity for the maritime industry to educate or remind our nation’s leaders of the importance of a well-supported U.S. merchant fleet. The strength of our merchant fleet is directly proportional to our national security.” She described the SIU’s year-round outreach as “such a positive investment that directly impacts our job security.” Austin added, “My main takeaway from this event is that it’s imperative for our union body, our sailors, to be involved and well-informed on the issues that impact our livelihood. We can all contribute, from recruiting new mariners to donating to SPAD (the union’s voluntary political action fund) to getting out to vote. We need to continue to advocate for what we have.” In addition to representatives from several maritime unions, the Sail-In included employees from U.S.-flag shipping companies, maritime academies, the Maritime Trades Department, Transportation Trades Department, and other advocacy groups. They explained the importance of U.S. mariners, the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program, cargo preference laws, domestic shipbuilding and more. In some cases, they asked for backing on specific current or upcoming legislation. Similarly, depending on the individual meeting host’s familiarity with the industry, the Sail-In groups tailored their messages accordingly. During a reception after the meetings, the coalition USA Maritime (the SIU is an affiliate) presented its inaugural Maritime Leadership Award to U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) for his longtime backing of U.S.-flag vessels operating in international trades. Chris Johnsen, chair of USA Maritime, stated, “The U.S.-flag deep sea fleet and its cadre of American mariners have no better friend and stronger supporter than Congressman Rob Wittman.” Additional photos on pages 4-5. MAY 2024 From left: MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha, SIU President David Heindel, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York), Maersk’s Aram Dosdourian, James Tobin of the USMMA. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (second from right) is pictured with staff members from the office off Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) along with fellow group members Erick Siahaan of MEBA, Chip Jaenichen of Liberty Maritime, and David Zimmerman of Hapag Lloyd USA. From right: SIU VP George Tricker, Legislative Assistant Kei Fujisawa from the office of U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Washington), John Kaskin of the Navy League, Gary Carpentier of PWN Environmental, Rich Berkowitz of the Transportation Institute. SIU VP Dean Corgey (right) and his group are pictured with a staff member from the office of U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas). SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �2024 Maritime Congressional Sail-In SIU VP Bryan Powell (right) and his group meet with a representative from the office of Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee). From right: SIU VP Nicholas Celona, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois), Art Mead of Crowley, Mark Vlaun of ARC. SIU member Lindsey Austin (second from left) and her team meet with representatives from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawaii) office. SIU member Jimmy Hargrove (second from left) and his group meet with a staff member from the office of U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Michigan). SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right) and his group meet with Legislative Assistant Emilio Contrares (second from left), from the office of U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Virginia). SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from right) and his group meet with Deputy Chief of Staff/Legislative Director Janet Rossi (far left) from the office of U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Arkansas). From right: SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Greg Doyle of APL, MM&P President Don Marcus, Ryan Pereyda of Patriot. From left: SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson, Gary Gilbert of the USMMA, U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann (R-Kansas), ASC President Kevin McMonagle, Transportation Institute VP Sara Fuentes 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 From left: APL VP Adam Peterson, Mark Ruge of K&L Gates, Louis Carrillo (staff member from the office of U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada), Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent Adm. Jerry Achenbach, SIU hawsepiper and Western Great Lakes Pilot Association President Capt. Chris Edyvean, Maritime Trades Department Executive Sec.-Treas. Mark Clements. MAY 2024 �2024 Maritime Congressional Sail-In From left: Maersk’s Aram Dosdourian, SIU President David Heindel, USMMA’s James Tobin, Jimmy Ballard of the office of U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri), MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) From right: SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman, Deputy Chief of Staff Reed Craddock of U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly’s (R-Missippi) office, Greg Doyle of APL, MM&P President Don Marcus, Ryan Pereyda of Patriot. SIU President David Heindel (second from right) makes a point during a meeting with U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York) (left). U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Florida), SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (left) (R-Virginia) accepts an award from USA Maritime Chairman Chris Johnsen. The congressman is a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. MAY 2024 From left: SIU President David Heindel, U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-New York), MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �SIU President Issues Pre-Balloting Report Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my PreBalloting Report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2025-2028 will commence on November 1, 2024 and continue through December 31, 2024. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective March 15, 2013, and such other voting procedures as our Secretary-Treasurer may direct. I have, in consultation with our Executive Board and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward meeting the everchanging demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our Constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2024 General Election of Officers for the term 2024–2027: • 1 President • 1 Executive Vice President • 1 Secretary-Treasurer • 1 Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement • • • • 1 Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters • 1 Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West Coast • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries • 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) Port Agent in the following ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Algonac, Oakland, St. Louis and Piney Point.* In accordance with the above-mentioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, a regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such a recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open July 15, 2024 and close August 15, 2024. The foregoing constitutes your President's Pre-Balloting Report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, David Heindel President *Editor’s note: Seafarers in 2023 approved the President’s and subsequent Executive Board recommendation to add four constitutional ports: Norfolk, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Tacoma. Notwithstanding that approval, the union is legally bound to offer constitutional amendments in order to formalize everything. When and if approval takes place in this year’s voting, the port agent positions for those respective ports will be added to future ballots (starting in 2028). Latest on Key Bridge Collapse and Recovery On March 26, the Key Bridge outside the Port of Baltimore was struck by a Singapore-flagged vessel Dali, causing the bridge to collapse into the channel and killing six construction workers. Until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completes their investigation into the allision, the cause of the vessel’s change of course is unknown. NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy told a Senate panel in April that the board was looking at the electrical systems of the Dali, and specifically mentioned the circuit breakers as a potential point of failure. As of April 15, the FBI has also begun their criminal investigation into the crash, stating their agents were, “presently aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity.” It is estimated that repairing the bridge could take years, though the operation to clear debris from the waterway is already underway. Early last month, some relatively small, temporary channels reopened in the harbor, but those are only large enough for tugs and barges. In addition, federal and state resources are being devoted to also establishing a temporary alternate channel on the northeast side of the main channel, for commercial vessels. While the SIU certainly has been affected by the accident, the union does not necessarily anticipate any loss of work as a result. Other than most of the Baltimore-based RRF ships, the rest of the SIUcrewed vessels that call on Baltimore were away from the port when the accident occurred. These include the TOTE-operated ARC car carriers and SubCom’s cable ships. At press time, the union was still working with their contracted operators regarding the new logistics involving those vessels. As usual, we will transmit any timely updates via our online outlets and possibly through our text-alert service. One possible exception to the foregoing information is that the union represents workers employed by the Association of Maryland Pilots. It is unknown at this time whether some of them may eventually face layoffs. The union already has taken steps to ensure that in the event of any layoffs, those members will be considered for any applicable state and federal relief programs. Meanwhile, the SIU offers a heartfelt thank you to Maryland Governor Wes Moore and his administration for being very inclusive of the labor movement as Baltimore recovers. The Governor himself quickly reached out to SIU President David Heindel to ascertain how the accident might affect our union, and Moore’s staff members regularly followed up with all of the unions that have a presence in the city, again including the SIU. These were anything but cursory communications, and the SIU appreciates their mindfulness and eagerness to help. The Dali is not a flag-of-convenience vessel. Its owners are based in Singapore. The vessel itself is a containership and was being chartered by Denmark-based Maersk. Federation Honors President Sacco Editor’s note: The AFL-CIO Executive Council (SIU President David Heindel is a member) recently adopted the following statement during its first meeting since SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco passed away late last year. On the Passing of Michael Sacco The entire AFL-CIO family mourns the passing of Michael Sacco, our brother and friend, who was the longest-serving president in the history of the Seafarers International Union (SIU). During his more than three decades as international president and over six decades of membership with the SIU, Sacco was a staunch champion for generations of merchant mariners and America’s working families. A native of the Brooklyn borough of New York City, Sacco served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Seafarers in 1958 and then working aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels. In 1960, he came ashore to serve the SIU in a succession of union posts, including those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters representative. He served as vice president of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship from 1968 to 1979, and helped prepare the next generation of merchant mariners. From 1980 to 1988, Sacco directed the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters division as vice president, and in June 1988, the Seafarers International Union of North America Executive Board appointed him president, a post he would hold for nearly 35 years. In November 1991, Sacco was elected to the AFLCIO Executive Council, beginning his tenure as its longest-serving member. His leadership, including serving as president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, brought security and stability to the Seafarers, a successful merger with the National Maritime Union, and solidarity with the numerous maritime trade unions. The AFL-CIO Executive Council salutes Mike 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Michael Sacco Sacco for a lifetime of distinguished service to working people and furthering the values of trade unionism. MAY 2024 �All Hands Safe After USNS Button Incident SIU members from the USNS Button are pictured with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (left). The remaining photo (below) includes Bosun Samuel Thatcher (right) and White. SIU members helped extinguish a shipboard fire March 28 near Mobile, Alabama, on the USNS Sgt. William R. Button (Crowley). No injuries were reported and, while the formal investigation hasn’t been finalized, indications are that the mishap involved equipment failure rather than human error. The 673-foot-long ship was successfully towed back into port from about 24 miles off the coast of Dauphin Island. SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White regularly met with the SIU crew following the incident. Bosun Samuel Thatcher noted, “I would like to take the time to thank and publicly state how proud I am of the crew on the Button. After a fire broke out in the engine room while underway, the alarms sounded and the entire crew sprang quickly into action. Within minutes, people were on station, boundary cooling … before dumping the C02 system was performed. Due to everyone’s training and performance of their duties, the fire in the main engine space was quickly contained and extinguished, preventing further damage to the ship.” Thatcher continued, “These actions were performed with the highest degree of professionalism, and with no injuries. In the aftermath, the crew worked long, irregular hours with zero complaints for two days. The crew truly embodied the saying, Brotherhood of the Sea.” Task Force Honors Sen. Stabenow The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF, to which the SIU is affiliated) recently saluted the work of a pro-maritime legislator. The group on April 10 recognized “the significant contributions U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) has made throughout her Congressional career protecting the Great Navigation System and supporting American jobs with investment in U.S.-flagged Great Lakes shipping. Sen. Stabenow, who co-chairs the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force, has been the driving force behind the protection of our largest freshwater resource and the maritime highway that supports U.S. jobs through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) which was first authored in 2010 and has since received $3.8 billion in funding,” the task force said in a news release. According to the GLMTF, “The GLRI has been a major success with funds provided for over 6,800 projects throughout the region protecting the Great Lakes and its waterways against its greatest threats, and addressing problems that impact public health and safety.” “Our U.S. sailors, port, shipyard, and manufacturing employees depend on the Great Lakes and its connecting waterways for the raw material supply chain to support good-paying jobs and their families live here too. Senator Stabenow’s work for over a decade has proved to be a game changer ensuring our fresh waters are restored and protected for generations to come,” MAY 2024 U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) stated Jim Weakley, vice president of the GLMTF and President of the Lake Carriers Association. Stabenow “has been a critical champion for arguably the most important North American infrastructure project in several years with the construction of a large new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan,” the task force added. “Nearly all domestically produced high strength steel is made with iron ore that transits the current large lock, the Poe, built in 1969. A study conducted by the Department of Homeland Security concluded that a six-month unscheduled outage of the Poe Lock would result in 11 million jobs lost and a $1.1 trillion economic impact. Recognizing the vital national economic importance and the reality that it is an aging single point of failure for North American manufacturing, Sen. Stabenow tirelessly advocated for funding authorization and continued efficient funding of the estimated $3.2 billion mega project securing large annual appropriations to keep the project on track.” The award presentation took place at the senator’s office in the nation’s capital. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, with nearly 80 members, is the largest coalition to speak for the Great Lakes Navigation System. Advocating for domestic and international shipping, its members represent labor and management from U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards, and other Great Lakes interests. The Great Lakes commercial maritime industry supports more than 147,000 American jobs in eight Great Lakes states and generates more than $36 billion in economic activity. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �Beasley Family Finds a Home with SIU T he well-known saying goes “blood is thicker than water,” but what if being on the water happens to be in your blood? The Beasley family’s enduring seafaring legacy fits both descriptions — their long tradition of sailing with the SIU began with their patriarch Felsher Sr. Initially, he started his career with the Navy. After 15 years, he exited and sailed with the NMU (which later merged into the SIU) until he retired. Although Felsher Sr. was not a Seafarer himself during his career, he had heard of the union and viewed it very favorably. When he encouraged his children to follow in his footsteps and sail, he urged his sons to join the SIU, in hopes that it would avail them to more jobs and opportunities. In the words of Recertified Steward Jeff Beasley Sr. (he’s the younger of Felsher Sr.'s two seafaring sons), he was told, “Don’t join my union, join Seafarers. They’re a newer union, and they’re better and stronger.” Jeff Sr. took his father’s advice to heart. He joined the SIU in 1981 and has recently become a member of the SIU's community of pensioners along with his older brother Recertified Bosun Felsher A. Beasley Sr., a.k.a. Tony. Overall, seven members of the family sailed with the SIU (or NMU); some are still active with the union. The Starting Seafarer Recertified Bosun Tony Beasley (Felsher A. Sr.) was the first of the Beasleys to join the SIU in 1979, inspired by his father’s recommendation. His SIU origin story began that year in Lifeboat class 282 and recently culminated in him becoming a pensioner in June 2023. After completing his training, Tony began his seafaring journey with the inland program, later making the switch to deep sea. He grew up hearing stories his father would tell him about his voyages, cherishing the postcards and trinkets he'd send him from around the world. It created a spark within him which inspired Tony to continue his father's seafaring tradition; he’d later encourage his own children to do the same. Two of Tony's sons, Aaron Beasley and Felsher A. Beasley Jr., are also SIU members. Tony and Felsher Jr. once sailed together on a coastwise voyage covering parts of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida and Texas. It proved to be an educational experience for Felsher Jr., who got some pro-tips from his father about the seafaring life, including various best practices for safety procedures and how to be prepared for anything that could happen aboard a vessel. Although he wasn't sure which department he wanted to sail in at first, Felsher Jr. hopes to one day become a bosun like his father. Carving Out a New Path Like a certain Fresh Prince, Jeff Sr. was born in west Philadelphia. While he was growing up in the 1970s, job prospects were grim. Still, because BREC Tony Beasley standing in front of Bungalow Three during his time at Piney Point. ABM Felsher Beasley Jr. (left) and his dad BREC Tony Beasley (right) on their father-son shipping voyage. AB Julian Beasley (left) and SREC Jeffrey Beasley Sr. (right) show off some large red snappers. of the stories his father and uncle would tell his siblings (four brothers and one sister) about their time sailing with NMU, he had ideas about starting his sailing career. In fact, Jeff Sr. knew before he even graduated high school that a life at sea would be his destiny; he noted aspirations of becoming a merchant mariner in his high school yearbook when asked what he’d like to do after he graduated. But, Jeff Sr. and his brother Tony, the recent adolescents-turned-young-adults, found themselves in a bit of legal trouble in their home state. Jeff Sr., only 18 years old and still determined to follow his dreams of being a merchant mariner, made his way down to Piney Point, Maryland, to start taking classes at the Paul Hall Center anyway. He arrived at the picturesque but isolated campus and enrolled for courses. One day, he was pulled out of class by Trainee Commandant Ken Conklin, a former Marine known for his supportive but no-nonsense, direct approach. Conklin talked to Jeff Sr. and learned about the legal considerations. He eventually sent him back to finish his class. According to Jeff Sr., he finished his schooling and embarked on his first journey at sea with SIU. Aboard the vessel, there was a familiar steward who kept in contact with Conklin for the duration of the journey in order to help maximize his chances for success. Once the ship reached port in Jacksonville, Florida, Jeff Sr. flew home. Shortly after, the time arrived for his and his brother’s appearance in court. Much to his surprise, their cases ended up being thrown out and the pair left the courtroom as fast as they could. “Even the police present in the courtroom were confused,” Jeff Sr. recalled. Though he isn’t exactly sure why the judge arrived at that particular verdict, he surmises that Conklin and his membership with the SIU had something to do with his favorable outcome. “No union is perfect, but the SIU gives people an outlet and a chance to turn their lives around and become something more. There are tons of members with stories like mine,” Jeff Sr. said. “I am eternally indebted to this union.” Becoming a member of the SIU quite literally changed Jeff Sr.’s life. So much so that he encouraged his younger relatives to change their lives and join up as well, much like his father did with him and his brother. His youngest son is now enrolled in SUNY Maritime, and his son ABB Jeff Jr. also sailed with the SIU for 10 years. For the last three years, Jeff Jr. has sailed with the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO). AB Julian Beasley has been with SIU for 15 years. Four of Jeff Sr.’s younger relatives (ABM Felsher A. Jr., ABB Jeffrey Jr., AB Julian, and AB/GUDE Aaron Beasley) all sail or have sailed with the SIU. Chris Beasley also started with the SIU and got his seaman’s papers. He sailed for five years and has gone on to own his own truck and flatbed business that is well known around the Philadelphia area. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Gaining Work Experience with SIU AB/GUDE Aaron Beasley also joined the union in 2015, galvanized to pursue a life at sea by postcards his father Tony sent home from his travels. He sailed as a GUDE/engineer, and as an AB previously. Aaron’s specialty is fiberoptic work, which he learned about while working aboard a TOTE ship. “Shipping was the fastest way to become an engineer and get hands-on experience,” he said. He paused his shipping career with SIU in 2019 and began advancing his new skillset on land at Buckley Cable, where he is currently employed as a coax splicer. His initial plan to continue sailing was delayed due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aaron has since made his return to sea, and has shipped on two barges through a crewing service as recently as 2022. He joined the union in high school, a story which mirrors his uncle’s. Inspired by Jeff Beasley Sr.’s tale of turning his life around after joining the SIU, he joined the SIU under a contingency agreement. To get back into the swing of things at the SIU, Aaron plans to renew his credentials and take classes at Piney Point. SIU Now and Then All of the Beasleys had great things to say about how SIU has grown and changed over the years they Chris Beasley (left) in a photo with his ship’s Chief Steward MAY 2024 �ABB Jeff Beasley Jr. aboard a vessel. Felsher Beasley Sr. (left), the Beasley family patriarch whose seafaring life inspired a continuing family legacy, pictured with his wife, Shirley. had been sailing. Working with SIU and receiving training in various specialties have given the Beasleys who have not yet retired an invaluable skillset that enables them to provide for their growing families, whether they accept jobs on land or at sea. When asked what he thinks of how the union has grown and developed over the years, Jeff Sr. said he noticed that wages have continuously improved during his career and that he has never had a problem finding work. “SIU is a union that has your back in any situation. I’ve always felt taken care of, like I was a part of a family,” Jeff Sr. said. "The Philadelphia hall staff is the best – (Port Agent) Joe Basilice, Vice President Joe Soresi, and (now-President) Dave Heindel, who was originally from the Philadelphia hall. When I was coming up and I needed to call the hall for something, they always called back.” One of his critiques of newer merchant mariners who join is that they would do well to learn the history of the union and that it should be emphasized to newer members. He also suggests that they learn from older mariners who have been sailing longer than they have. Tony has seen the SIU evolve in many ways since he first became a member. “The companies are improving, and wellbeing regulations have improved, as well as safety measures. More things are automated these days and wages remain competitive,” he said. Tony also noted the vast technological advancements that have changed the merchant mariner experience, too: “Back in the day, an agent used to go on the ship to take and deliver the mail to people. Nowadays on coastwise ships, cell service is in range and the ships also have Wi-Fi.” He recalls gathering with his shipmates to watch movies projected on bulkheads, and other ways that people used to entertain themselves while at sea. People used to spend more of their time working, using the gym, listening to music or reading books, he recalled. “Ships are faster now than they were then. It used to take an average of three weeks to be in a port; now it only takes a few days,” he said. “We used to rely on phonebooths. When ships would dock, the crew would go out and get in line to use them so they could reach out to their families from wherever they were. Radio officers sent messages with the telex machine in an emergency.” Aaron has met a lot of good friends aboard ship. He also has seen many examples of individuals making a career at sea or using those skills as a springboard to run their own businesses at home. “The SIU definitely listens to sailors and what A polaroid of BREC Tony Beasley posing alongside the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil. Although he and his son GUDE/AB Aaron Beasley have never sailed on a ship together, they do each have a photo from their separate sailing journeys near the same location, which Aaron visited in 2016 during the Brazil Olympics while sailing aboard the Tyco Decisive. MAY 2024 they want,” Aaron said of the union’s efforts to meet the ever-evolving needs of its members, especially in regards to improving accommodations aboard vessels. “Modernization is coming together, and the availability of internet is getting better.” Although he hasn't sailed quite as long as his father and uncle, Felsher Jr. has noticed some positive changes at the SIU since he first began sailing: "More jobs and opportunities have opened up as far as classes are concerned. Piney Point is really good for that. The training program helps you learn more in detail and prepare for all of the things you might encounter when you are on a ship. As long as you go up there and get your time, you can upgrade.” The Legacy Endures Will this legacy which spans three generations continue? If it’s up to the younger Beasleys, they plan to pass the torch. Aaron hopes to eventually pass on the SIU legacy to his young son. “I wonder if my son will ever find interest in sailing when he's older. I guess time will tell,” he said. Inspired by his father, who was encouraged by his father, Felsher A. Jr. also hopes to bequeath the Beasley family's longstanding love of sailing to his own children. Recently, he went on a trip to see a RO/RO ship in Philadelphia with his 10-year-old son. After a day of discovery and learning about life at sea, he asked his son what he thought. The young man responded by saying that one day, he'd like to become a captain. Jordan Beasley (left), Jeff Jr.’s youngest son, pictured with his school’s harbor commander. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �Third Time’s the Charm for Wilmington Two previously scheduled benefits conferences in Wilmington, California, had been postponed due to inclement weather, but the gathering finally took place April 3 at the hiring hall. The well-attended conference, conducted by Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen with assistance from SIU officials including SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski and Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, formally marked the end of a series that began last summer. The coastto-coast meetings – 14 in all – offered information about various benefits for staff and for rank-and-file Seafarers, pensioners and dependents. Bowen said the Wilmington conference went as smoothly as the others and featured a typical assortment of excellent questions from various participants. She added that although no exact future dates have been identified, her intent is for another series of benefits conferences to happen at the halls. In addition to the Wilmington conference, others took place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Piney Point, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Houston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; Jersey City, New Jersey; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Algonac, Michigan. While the subject matter was wide-ranging within the scope of the various Plans, the overall aim was straightforward, Bowen said. She and the other Plans representatives and union officials were on hand to help ensure that people understand, and get the most from, their respective benefits. GUDE Anpeng Sun (second from left) not only attended the conference but also obtained his B-book. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. (Sun is the son of Chief Steward Maili Wang.) SIU members and officials along with Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (third from left, in front) converge at the Wilmington hall. U.S. Trade Representative Backs Investigation The government on April 17 announced that after review of a petition filed with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) by five national labor organizations – including the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department – the USTR is initiating an investigation of acts, policies, and practices of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. “The petition presents serious and concerning allegations of the PRC’s longstanding efforts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, cataloguing the PRC’s use of unfair, nonmarket policies and practices to achieve those goals,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The allegations reflect what we have already seen across other sectors, where the PRC utilizes a wide range of non-market policies and practices to undermine fair competition and dominate the market, both in China and globally. I pledge to undertake a full and thorough investigation into the unions’ concerns.” As explained in a formal notice, the USTR is seeking public comments and will conduct a public hearing in connection with this investigation. Days before the announcement, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler submitted a letter supporting the petition. In part, the communication reads, “On behalf of the 60 affiliates of the AFL-CIO, representing 12.5 million working people across our economy, I am writing today in support of the Section 301 petition filed on March 12, 2024, regarding the Chinese government’s policies in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sector. This petition was filed by the United Steelworkers (USW), Machinists (IAM), the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “For decades, the People’s Republic of China has had a comprehensive strategy to dominate global transportation and logistics networks – threatening both U.S. economic and national security,” Shuler continued. “The PRC provided more than $130 billion in funding to support its shipbuilding between 2010 and 2018. China’s shipbuilding orders have grown to more than 50% of world production. In just the first half of 2023, Chinese shipyards received more than 72% of the world’s newly received orders for ships.” A longtime friend of the SIU, Shuler added, “The PRC’s predatory trade and economic practices tilt the playing field against our shipbuilding industry, hurting workers not only at our shipyards but also throughout the domestic supply chains vital to this sector. In 1975, U.S. shipyards employed more than 180,000 workers and had orders for more than 70 commercial ships. Over the past several decades, the United States lost more than 70,000 shipyard jobs, and key upstream supply chains deteriorated. In 2022, the United States had only five large oceangoing vessels under construction, while the PRC had more than 1,700. The PRC has more than 5,500 flagged merchant vessels in oceangoing service; the United States has fewer than 80 United States–flagged vessels in international service.” She also underscored the U.S. Merchant Marine’s crucial role as America’s fourth arm of defense: “The vast majority of military supplies transit on commercial shipping vessels. In times of crisis and conflict, commercial ships are critical to the movement of military personnel, supplies, food and fuel. A healthy commercial shipbuilding industry is also key to supporting the national network of upstream industries, their workers and the communities they support. Large oceangoing ships require an immense amount of steel, paint, glass, rubber, aluminum, electronics and countless other manufactured inputs. These vessels are an important driver for our economy and provide capacity critical to ensuring our emergency preparedness and national security.” SIU Celebrates George II 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SIU officials took part in an April 2 ceremony in Long Beach, California, where the containership George II (formerly Horizon Reliance) was christened by Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii. Named after the company’s founder, the ship has been retrofitted to run on liquefied natural gas. According to the company, this was the first-ever steam-to-LNG combustion conversion. Pictured from left in the group photo are Pasha Hawaii President/CEO George Pasha IV, Senior VP of Fleet Operations Ed Washburn, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, and SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 MAY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU CATCHING UP – Following the benefits conference earlier this year in Algonac, Michigan, members and officials gather for a snapshot. From left are ACU Abdulwali Mugalli, Recertified Bosun Foaad Saleh, SIU President David Heindel, QEE Ahmed Sharif, and SIU VP Great Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell. CONGRESSIONAL BACKING – SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) meets with U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) at a maritime gathering in the nation’s capital. Carbajal is a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. WELCOME ASHORE IN SUNSHINE STATE – Recertified Steward Andy Hagan (left) picks up his first pension check at the hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He began sailing with the SIU in 1980, and is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. AT OAKLAND HALL ‒ STOS Abdelrahim Salih (right) receives his B-seniority book. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Duane Akers. MILESTONE IN PUERTO RICO – AB Christian Perez (right) receives his A-seniority book at the San Juan hall. He’s pictured with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo (left) volunteers at a recent career fair in Naranjito, Puerto Rico, where she helped spread the word about the U.S. Merchant Marine. WITH MEMBERS IN NYC ‒ SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson submitted these photos from a recent servicing at Seafarers-contracted Covanta in Manhattan. He’s at right in the posed photo, presenting Timothy Winn with his full book. Winn is the lead crane maintenance electrician. The remaining photos include (second from left) Crane Operators Nicholas Hamosfakidis, (left) Emmanuel Essien, and (remaining photo) Trevor Patterson. MAY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER LOG 2023• 11 11 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD CS DEPENDABLE – Vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux recently thanked longtime Seafarer Joel Saul (individual photo) for his decades of service aboard the cable ships by presenting a personalized plaque. “He has always been a skilled seaman,” Durieux noted. “I wanted to commend him for his 37 years of good work with the company.” Saul, currently sailing as an AB/Splicer-Joiner on the SubCom ship, started his SIU career in 1982 and began sailing on cable ships in 1987. Pictured in the group photo with Saul and Yann are Bosun Harge Semilla, AB/SJ Arsenio Brecio, AB/SJ Alejandro Cusi, OSs Jorge Garcia-Gutierrez, Stephan Beckford, Recardo Harris, Ammr Ali, Timothy Gallion and Kahliek Gould, and Paul Hall Center Apprentices Nature Torrey and Syncere Swinson. ABOARD ISLA BELLA ‒ Safety Director Ricky Rivera (left) meets with Seafarers aboard the TOTE vessel in Puerto Rico. Starting second from left: Recertified Bosun Junior Augustin, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, SA Juan Santiago, AB Angel Pagan. ABOARD MAERSK IOWA – Pictured from left are Recertified Bosun Egidio Ferreira, SIU Norfolk Patrolman Josh Rawls and ABM Allan Green. WEST COAST HIGHLIGHT – AB Paul Nelson (right) obtains his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Wilmington, California, hall with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII – QMED Mark Canada (left), pictured at the Honolulu hall with Safey Director Amber Akana, picks up his first pension check. He joined the union in 1992. PROMOTING MARITIME – Union officials helped advocate for the industry during two recent gatherings in New Jersey. Pictured from left in the group photo above, right, are SIU Patrolman James Bast, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-New Jersey), and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. Henderson is also at right the snapshot above, left, with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, at the same event. In the remaining photo, whether one calls it an informal spot or a brilliant selection (or both), the Ercolano Deli in Jersey City served as the gathering place for (from left) Henderson, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-New Jersey), deli owner Natale Rescigno, and Soresi. The SIU personnel thanked the congressman for his solid support of the Jones Act. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • MAY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD PATRIOT – Pictured from left in the crew mess of the TOTE ship are Paul Hall Center Apprentices Brenda Gonzales Potash and Marshall Whitcraft, OS Jordon Degraffenreidt, and SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson. The solo pic in the galley is of Chief Cook Chad Sikorski. At the security station are ABG Sammuel Yazzie (left) and Nelson. Pictured from left in the remaining photo are Steward/Baker Souleymane Tamla and Safety Director Adam Bucalo. UNIONS, MSC MEET– The SIU on March 28 hosted a quarterly labor-management B-BOOKS IN FLORIDA – STOS Toriano Lawson (right) and GUDE Jose Perez Davila (center) take the oath at the hiring hall in Jacksonville. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. meeting at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring representatives from the SIU Government Services Division, MEBA, MM&P and MSC. Among those pictured are SIU VP Nicholas Celona (fifth from right, front), SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (far left), SIU Representative Sam Spain (second from right, in back) and SIU Counsel Jon Madden. WITH SEAFARERS ON WEST COAST – These photos are from a recent servicing aboard the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessels Keystone State and Gem State. ROS crew members pictured are Bosun John Young, QEE Milan Dzurek, Bosun Gheorghe Savencu, AB Ali Naser, GUDE Dakura Smith, and GUDE Norrell Casey. FULL BOOK IN ALGONAC ‒ OS Ryan Heimberger (left) receives his full book from SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski at the hiring hall. 13 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MAY 2024 WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – OMU Rolando Bundang (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, receives his first pension check. He started sailing with the SIU in 1993. LONE STAR STATE OUTREACH ‒ SIU Patrolmen Kelly Krick (left) and J.B. Niday (right) team up with Carol Berry from SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings for a recruiting event in Harris County, Texas. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023• 13 13 SEAFARERS �Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2023 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2024, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 18,342. Of this number, 7,101 were current employees, 6,838 were retired and receiving benefits, and 4,403 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers' contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan's Actuary. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; 301.899.0675 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERMAY 2023 14 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 16 - April 15, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 16, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 11 1 5 12 2 7 3 19 28 12 5 3 16 9 3 1 3 19 2 18 3 2 1 4 1 3 0 25 24 6 2 2 13 3 3 1 1 3 1 9 1 0 0 5 0 2 0 9 11 1 2 5 8 1 0 0 0 3 2 5 14 1 4 9 1 5 3 21 16 15 0 4 10 4 1 0 2 13 1 14 5 1 1 3 0 3 1 16 23 8 0 5 9 2 0 1 1 7 0 5 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 7 1 0 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 2 5 0 2 1 11 8 9 0 4 7 1 1 0 0 7 1 7 38 3 5 24 3 9 9 42 38 34 7 4 20 13 5 2 8 27 2 44 12 2 4 9 1 7 3 26 24 10 3 2 14 7 5 0 1 5 2 15 2 0 1 6 0 7 0 11 5 3 2 1 10 2 0 0 0 7 1 7 TOTAL 179 107 55 138 91 24 70 337 152 65 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 3 0 4 3 1 1 5 10 11 2 0 0 12 3 2 2 0 2 2 9 72 1 0 3 0 1 0 2 6 15 3 2 3 9 1 0 2 0 1 1 5 55 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 3 21 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 5 1 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 24 7 0 3 13 1 5 9 17 20 9 3 3 19 8 1 2 2 9 3 15 149 2 1 1 5 1 1 3 10 17 8 1 3 6 2 0 2 1 4 1 8 77 2 1 1 2 0 1 1 4 3 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 1 2 1 2 29 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 2 6 3 0 3 2 1 0 2 1 1 1 5 33 11 0 1 12 2 2 10 15 20 16 2 5 23 15 1 4 5 10 2 27 183 3 2 0 3 0 4 3 7 25 4 0 1 20 4 2 4 8 7 1 15 113 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 4 7 2 0 0 7 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 30 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 3 1 2 2 1 1 4 7 12 4 2 0 10 0 1 0 2 2 1 5 60 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 6 13 1 1 1 10 1 0 0 0 4 0 3 46 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 5 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 2 18 Steward Department May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Monday: May 6, June 3 Friday: May 10, June 7 Thursday: May 9, June 6 Thursday: May 23, June 20 Friday: May 17, June 14 Monday: May 13, June 10 Thursday: May 9, June 6 Thursday: May 16, June 13 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Wednesday: May 15, June 12 Tuesday: May 14, June 11 Tuesday: May 7, June 4 Friday: May 10, June 7 Oakland Thursday: May 16, June 13 Philadelphia Wednesday: May 8, June 5 Port Everglades Thursday: May 16, June 13 San Juan Thursday: May 9, June 6 St. Louis Friday: May 17, June 14 Tacoma Friday: May 24, June 21 Wilmington Monday: May 20, June 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. MAY 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 1 5 1 1 4 10 15 7 1 3 14 10 0 0 2 5 2 9 95 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 18 3 0 2 17 5 1 2 3 4 1 7 76 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 6 2 0 0 6 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 21 3 0 1 4 2 1 4 4 10 3 0 2 8 6 0 0 2 6 1 10 67 0 1 0 2 0 2 1 4 12 2 0 2 9 2 0 2 0 4 0 3 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 11 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 6 4 1 3 1 2 1 15 26 9 1 2 5 6 0 12 0 5 1 7 10 0 1 3 4 1 4 13 52 13 3 2 20 6 0 8 1 6 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 1 1 3 0 2 1 9 20 2 0 0 3 3 0 12 0 1 0 4 6 0 2 1 2 2 3 7 21 10 0 3 20 4 2 9 1 5 0 5 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 1 0 0 4 1 0 3 0 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 2 12 5 0 5 1 6 4 21 38 15 1 2 10 10 2 4 0 15 1 26 25 1 2 10 3 4 4 35 110 21 3 5 38 12 2 4 0 13 2 14 TOTAL 8 107 156 5 64 103 24 19 178 308 GRAND TOTAL 354 345 253 270 247 156 151 688 520 432 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: What are some things you like about this school? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Shaun Wood AB/Storekeeper Wilson Palacios Chief Cook This school gives you the opportunity to upgrade. There are some great classes and they’re always adding classes. Just the quality of the classes and allowing us to increase our earning potential. I’ve been learning from the moment I got here. This is my first time here as an upgrader and it’s incredible. Good teachers. This is a great opportunity. Deyni Camacho Chief Cook Rey Agapay Chief Steward The instructors are great. They take their time to make sure you’re learning, and you can tell they enjoy what they’re doing. They teach you the proper skills. I definitely appreciate the curriculum and the instructors here in Piney Point. The school is constantly improving and has changed for the better over the years. Deshawn Montana Chief Cook Kajaun Gamble GUDE It’s an awesome school. Everything’s good. You definitely get what you come for. I’ve been here twice and it’s obvious the school is progressing. They provide us with everything we need. This is the best career I’ve ever had, and the school is a big part of it. I just learned a lot in the government vessels course. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 OS Herbert “Frenchy” Deboissiere stands near Waterman’s Andrew Jackson in 1967. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1616 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA LAWRENCE BANKS Brother Lawrence Banks, 63, signed on with the SIU in 1985 when he sailed on the Maine. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Banks’ final vessel was the Overseas Mykonos. He resides in Mobile, Alabama. MARTIN BUCK Brother Martin Buck, 65, joined the union in 1979. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Aries. Brother Buck upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the APL Islander and lives in Pompano Beach, Florida. ROLANDO BUNDANG Brother Rolando Bundang, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1993. He initially sailed on the Independence and was a member of the engine department. Brother Bundang upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the American Freedom and lives in Poulsbo, Washington. FERDINAND CHARITE Brother Ferdinand Charite, 77, donned the SIU colors in 2000 when he sailed aboard the Cornhusker State. He was a steward department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Charite concluded his career aboard the Ocean Trader. He is a resident of Lehigh Acres, Florida. CLINTON CROWDEN Brother Clinton Crowden, 70, started his career with the union in 1987, initially sailing with Dixie Carriers. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Crowden last shipped on the American Liberty. He is a New Orleans resident. PATRICK DURNIN Brother Patrick Durnin, 71, became a Seafarer in 1977. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Durnin upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Horizon Kodiak and is a resident of Gig Harbor, Washington. MAY 2024 We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. GREAT LAKES ISABELO FERNANDEZ Brother Isabelo Fernandez, 67, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1991, when he sailed on the Independence. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Fernandez last shipped on the Horizon Enterprise and lives in Pearl City, Hawaii. DONALD HEATH CARL HERRMANN Brother Carl Herrmann, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers in 2001, initially working aboard the Overseas New York. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Herrmann last shipped on the USNS Pililaau. He lives in Honolulu. Brother Carlos James, 65, joined the SIU in 1978. He first sailed aboard the Arecibo and primarily worked in the engine department. Brother James upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the USNS Altair and is a Houston resident. Brother William Rackley, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1982, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Joyce. A deck department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Rackley’s final vessel was the Fisher. He lives in Honolulu. ANTHONY SABATINI Brother Anthony Sabatini, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1990 when he worked on the Lawrence Gianella. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Sabatini most recently shipped on the Marjorie C. and settled in San Diego. Brother Donald Heath, 72, donned the union colors in 1983 when he worked with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He worked in the deck department and remained with the same company for his entire career. Brother Heath calls Hampton, Virginia, home. REINALDO MEDINA CARLOS JAMES WILLIAM RACKLEY INLAND Brother Richard Guerra, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1980. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Guerra upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career and lives in La Marque, Texas. Brother Roberto Flauta, 61, started sailing with the SIU in 1992. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Flauta upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He concluded his career aboard the Gem State and settled in Livermore, California. Brother Ricky Pettaway, 61, became a member of the union in 1991. He shipped in the engine department and first sailed on the Sealift Indian Ocean. Brother Pettaway upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the USNS Capella and settled in Mobile, Alabama. Brother Robert Wojtaszek, 65, became an SIU member in 1977. He first shipped on the Detroit Edison and worked in the deck department. Brother Wojtaszek’s final vessel was the Buffalo. He makes his home in Rogers City, Michigan. RICHARD GUERRA ROBERTO FLAUTA RICKY PETTAWAY ROBERT WOJTASZEK Brother Reinaldo Medina, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1983. He sailed in the engine department and worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career. Brother Medina resides in Carolina, Puerto Rico. DAVID MONTGOMERY Brother David Montgomery, 62, joined the union in 1990 when he worked with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Montgomery was a deck department member. He last worked with Moran Towing of Texas and settled in Hayes, Virginia. STEVEN RUSSELL Brother Steven Russell, 62, signed on with the union in 1981 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Russell was employed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Slidell, Louisiana. LOWELL TOPHAM Brother Lowell Topham, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Topham worked for OSG Ship Management for his entire career. He lives in Tampa, Florida. STEVEN WOODS Brother Steven Woods, 69, signed on with the union in 1973. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother Woods makes his home in Amite, Louisiana. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 17 • OCTOBER LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA AWADH AHMED Pensioner Awadh Ahmed, 61, passed away February 14. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Midnight Sun. A deck department member, Brother Ahmed last shipped with Keystone Ocean Services. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Dearborn, Michigan. LONDON CURRY Pensioner London Curry, 89, died February 7. He joined the union in 1977 and initially sailed aboard the Long Lines. Brother Curry worked in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Defender before retiring in 2000. Brother Curry resided in Lancaster, California. RONALD DAILEY Pensioner Ronald Dailey, 90, passed away January 12. He started shipping with the SIU in 1977 when he sailed with Dixie Carriers. Brother Dailey was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Newark Bay. He became a pensioner in 1999 and made his home in Spring Hill, Florida. KONSTANTY DUCZYMINSKI Pensioner Konstanty Duczyminski, 83, died November 29. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1998. Brother Duczyminski first shipped on the Steven L. Bennett and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez, before retiring in 2014. Brother Duczyminski resided in Gdynia, Poland. ARTHUR ELLIOTT Pensioner Arthur Elliott, 87, passed away January 22. He donned the SIU colors in 1958 and first shipped with Boston Towing Boat Company. A member of the deck department, Brother Elliott concluded his career aboard the Arecibo. He became a pensioner in 2001 and settled in Rockaway Point, New York. CLEMENTE FIGUEROA Pensioner Clemente Figueroa, 85, died January 28. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Horace. Brother Figueroa worked in all three departments. He last sailed aboard the Charleston and became a pensioner in 1997. Brother Figueroa resided in Lakeland, Florida. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. BERNARD HUTCHING JAINE SERRANO Pensioner Bernard Hutching, 66, passed away January 19. He started sailing with the union in 1979, initially working aboard the Puerto Rico. Brother Hutching sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the John Boland in 2004. He began collecting his pension in 2022 and made his home in Leonardtown, Maryland. Pensioner Jaine Serrano, 76, died December 27. A steward department member, he joined the union in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Cleveland. Brother Serrano’s final vessel was the Comet. He became a pensioner in 2014 and made his home in Hoquiam, Washington. STUART INGALLS Pensioner Stuart Ingalls, 74, died January 29. He donned the SIU colors in 2000. A steward department member, Brother Ingalls first shipped on the USNS Loyal. He last sailed aboard the USNS Bowditch and became a pensioner in 2021. Brother Ingalls lived in Universal City, Texas. MARCOS LEGASPI Brother Marcos Legaspi, 88, passed away December 16. Signing on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968, he first shipped with Michigan Tankers. Brother Legaspi was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Mokihana in 1999 and settled in San Francisco. THOMAS MOOSE Pensioner Thomas Moose, 95, passed away January 8. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1952 when he sailed on the Thomas Stone. Brother Moose was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the Adventurer. He became a pensioner in 1985 and lived in Kannapolis, North Carolina. JAMES MURPHY Pensioner James Murphy, 66, died January 25. He began sailing with the SIU in 1978. A deck department member, Brother Murphy was first employed with States Steamship Company. He most recently sailed aboard the Empire State and retired in 2021. Brother Murphy was a resident of Garberville, California. JUAN ORTIZ Pensioner Juan Ortiz, 88, died January 28. He became a member of the union in 1979. Brother Ortiz first sailed aboard the Connecticut. He worked in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Humacao. Brother Ortiz went on pension in 2000 and resided in Ponce, Puerto Rico. DANNY PARKER Brother Danny Parker, 40, has passed away. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2019 when he sailed aboard the Endurance. Brother Parker most recently shipped on the Texas. He lived in Portland, Oregon. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 DEVALENCE SMILEY Pensioner Devalence Smiley, 66, passed away January 1. He donned the SIU colors in 2004, initially sailing on the USNS Antares. Brother Smiley worked in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Liberty Pride. He went on pension in 2023 and was a Miami resident. RICHARD STUVERUD Pensioner Richard Stuverud, 79, died February 18. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. Brother Stuverud sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed with American Service Technology and began collecting his pension in 2009. Brother Stuverud lived in Federal Way, Washington. INLAND DAVID AUD Pensioner David Aud, 71, died February 1. Signing on with the SIU in 1971, he was initially employed with Steuart Transportation Company. Brother Aud was a member of the deck department. He last worked with Piney Point Transportation in 1997. Brother Aud went on pension in 2018 and resided in Mechanicsville, Maryland. TRACY REED Pensioner Tracy Reed, 63, passed away January 9. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Baldomero Lopez. A deck department member, Brother Reed was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation before going on pension in 2015. He called Van Buren, Arkansas, home. NMU AVELL BROWN Pensioner Avell Brown, 77, passed away December 21. Brother Brown was a member of the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Liberator and retired in 2007. Brother Brown was a resident of Mobile, Alabama. MAY 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. LONE STAR STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 22 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secretary Clifford Simril, Educational Director Ahmed Sennain, Engine Delegate Santiago Ruiz. Bosun gave thanks to deck department for a job well done getting deck ready for inspection. He asked ABs to be patient while they wait to be properly relieved. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members motioned to increase retirement pay and suggested reducing the length of the school’s AB program. Crew would like vacation pay to be 15 for 30. Members were encouraged to recruit any family or friends that might be interested in shipboard work. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift, Inc.), December 10 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director Lawrence Wright. Chairman reviewed new contract, including wage increases, and talked about Union Plus programs that are available to Seafarers and their families. Members requested reimbursements for safety shoes, wage increases for all positions, new shower heads, external deep freezer for food waste, TVs for rooms and raises in vacation pay. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), January 19 – Chairman Mario Ordonez, Secretary Bernard Butts, Educational Director George Bieselin, Deck Delegate Gustavo Arzu, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Crew discussed hazardous duty pay. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Crew requested increases in vacation days and for retirement requirements be lowered. Members want compensation during times they are unable to get relief. Crew asked for new vacuums for each deck, working TVs in each room and new pillows and linens. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), January 28 – Chairman Arsenio Obenza, Secretary Noel Segovia, Deck Delegate Julio Martinez, Steward Delegate Andrea Hargrove. Members still asking for new TVs in all crew rooms and for reliable Wi-Fi signal. Chairman encouraged members to read the Seafarers LOG and thanked everyone for getting along and working well together. He reminded members to clean their rooms and leave fresh linen for onboarding crew. Secretary thanked everyone for a safe trip. He advised crew to upgrade their credentials before coming to hiring halls for jobs. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new towels and reclining chairs in rooms. Crew thanked the steward department for a good job preparing food and refreshments. MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), January 28 – Chairman Ali Alhamyari, Secretary Gerard Cox, Educational Director Wordell Prescott, Deck Delegate Harsono Saratoga, Engine Delegate Sammy Montana, Steward Delegate Diogenes Derecho. Chairman advised crew to read the president’s report from the Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed hazardous duty and requested pay increases for hazardous areas. Members asked to be reimbursed for work shoes more than once a year. Crew requested better chair for steward’s room. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift, Inc.), January 29 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director Liam Richey. Members talked about monthly room inspections. They suggested having overtime allotments either weekly or monthly to allow crew time to clean rooms. Members reported inconsistencies with payroll during captain changeover. ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), February 7 – Chairman Michael Stein, Secretary Darrisha Bryant, Educational Director Kyle Williamson, Deck Delegate Darvin Brown, Engine Delegate Ghadir Sarkis, Steward Delegate John Ward. Crew went over letter of understanding from SIU regarding Red Sea transit. Secretary requested more official paperwork on ship. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep up with documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Freeport, Texas. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), February 24 – Chairman Anwar Martinez Norales, Secretary Tania Ramirez-Diego, Educational Director Akim Davis-Griffin, Deck Delegate James Eastman, Engine Delegate Nicolya Johnson. Chairman reminded members to follow proper chain of command to resolve issues and reviewed details about vacation pay. Everyone working well together per chairman’s report. Secretary praised crew for a job well done. Educational director reiterated the importance of attending upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Crew received positive feedback from officers and captain. SA needed for help in galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members talked about bringing aboard additional members and discussed penalty pay for certain jobs. Water from galley will be bottled, no longer tap. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return MAY 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �Fun Savings just for you Union Plus Entertainment Discounts offer savings to union families on everything from theme parks and the zoo to movie tickets and sporting events. Savings for union families on amusements parks Save big bucks on attractions See more at unionplus.org SIU-AM-04-18-24 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES July 8 September 23 November 4 July 26 October 11 November 22 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES August 26 Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck Adv. Refer Containers Latest Course Dates Basic Training Revalidation May 31 June 10 June 14 May 31 June 10 June 14 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 3 June 4 Government Vessels June 10 June 24 June 14 June 28 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 September 6 Junior Engineer June 10 September 9 August 2 November 1 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 Machinist August 26 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 Pumpman September 16 September 20 Welding June 3 July 15 August 19 September 23 October 28 June 21 August 2 September 6 October 11 November 15 FOWT July 8 September 23 August 2 October 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook June 10 July 15 August 19 September 23 November 4 July 12 August 16 September 20 October 25 December 6 ServSafe Management June 3 July 8 August 12 June 7 July 12 August 16 Advanced Galley Ops June 3 June 28 Chief Steward July 15 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. MAY 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #906 – Graduated March 1: Jose Abreu Jr., Raymond Barnhart II, Boaventura Barros III, Wilson Bernardez, Broderick Brown II, Monica Burney, Reyes Gonzalez Jr., Carl Griffin III, Jalon Jones, Tariq Mamudu, Justice Marques Da Silva, Henry Middleton III, Samuel Penn, Chantanique Reid, Cristian Salazar, Collyn Swopes and Ty-rrell Washington. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4) – Graduated March 8: Reynaldo Agapay, Deyni Camacho Fernandez, Nyasa Henry, Tamara Houston, Deshawn Montana, Wilson Palacios Arriola and Keauni Pullett. ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION – Graduated March 22: Joseph Bowen, Aurora Foster, Jeffery Griffin, Caliph Johnson II, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated March 8 (not all are pictured): Xavier Burgos, Julian De Los Santos, Michael Page, Marquisha Simmons and Ronald Williams. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 29: Anton Lewis Gonsalves (right) and David Pacheco. GOVERNMENT VESSELS– Graduated March 8 (not all are pictured): Tomas Faller, Thomas Flores Garcia, Timothy Jackson, Jayante McBryde, Tommy McGahe, Michael Mendoza, Luis Ojeda Galeana, Keny Perez Zapata, Schehera Poole, Rudy Puerto Sr., Terrell Redmond, Arturo Reyes, Saleh Saeed, Skyler Tommila, Joseph Toth, Cruz Valentin Garcia, Noel Veloso and Clifford Williams IV. 22 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 22 • SEAFARERS MAY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated March 29: Brize Agbayani, Andrew Brown, Justin Brown, Elon Dancy-Mosley, Nirel Escalante, Eliza Fitzgerald, Christopher Flood, Kenny Galeno, Nathan Goodhart, Jonathan Graham, Nayor Griffin-Taylor, Giveric Henderson, Victor Mak, Andrew Mentzer, Arkadiusz Mochocki-Klusik, Jacob Rhoney, Tavon Spence, Juan Velasquez Jr. and Cedric Wallace Jr. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated March 15 (left to right): Julian De Los Santos and Kajaun Gamble. WELDING – Graduated March 22: Alexander Boothby (middle) and Julian Rubbo (left). Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. UA TO ABLE SEAFARER (DECK) – Above: Tahjarian Campbell, Abdiel Cintron Crespo, Manuel Delgado, Christian Felton, Tyree Harris, Stephen Hoskins, Kumasi Johnson, Juliette Mandal, Caleb Miller, Jawuam Mixon, Malik Oxendine Jr., Jack Pier, Julian Ramirez, Nick Randall, Blake Seele, James Shoats, Betty Sirait and Alexis Walker. Instructor Michael Coulbourne is at far left. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated March 29 (not all are pictured): Danilo Achacoso, Jarrett Andrews Jr., John Cairns, Benjamin Ines, Kristina Jones, Chad Klingensmith, Jason Overly, Wilson Palacios Arriola, Juan Ruiz Manaiza, Kurtz Sausman, Louis Sorito Jr., Brandon Thomas, Tara Trillo, Larry Troutman Jr., Bob Tuilaepa, Lavon White Jr. and Jonathan Yates. MAY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG23 • 23 �MAY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 5 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO New Tonnage Enters SIU Fleet The SIU in late March helped welcome the new Waterman ship M/V Green Ocean into the Seafarerscrewed fleet. A “Maiden Voyage Celebration” ceremony took place March 25 in Baltimore (just one day before the tragic allision involving the foreign-flag vessel Dali and the Key Bridge). SIU President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, and Port Agent John Hoskins were on hand for the occasion, along with the SIU crew. Built in 2023, the Green Ocean replaces the Green Ridge in Waterman’s Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet. At press time, the company also was readying to add the newbuild Green Wave in place of the Green Lake. A roll-on/roll-off ship, the Green Ocean is 655 feet long, has a breadth of 125 feet and features a dozen decks. Speakers at the Baltimore ceremony included (in order) Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels; Waterman Logistics President Henry Nuzum; U.S. Transportation Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John P. Sullivan; and Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. The MSP is widely regarded as a crucial, costeffective component of U.S. sealift capability. Seafarers, SIU officials and other attendees gather near the vessel. Among those pictured are SIU President David Heindel (sixth from left) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far left). Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) and Bosun Vasily Semes are pictured near the vessel in Brunswick, Georgia, in late March. Waterman Logistics President Henry Nuzum SA Catherine Lirio, Chief Cook Brittany Harris, SB John Canson Lt. Gen. John P. Sullivan � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2024 Description An account of the resource FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OKAYS 2023 RECORDS SIU TO CONGRESS: AMERICA NEEDS A STRONG U.S. MERCHANT MARINE SIU PRESIDENT ISSUES PREBALLOTING REPORT LATEST ON KEY BRIDGE COLLAPSE AND RECOVERY FEDERATION HONORS PRESIDENT SACCO ALL HANDS SAFE AFTER USNS BUTTON INCIDENT TASK FORCE HONORS STABENOW BEASLEY FAMILY FINDS A HOME WITH SIU THIRD TIMES THE CHARM FOR WILMINGTON U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE BACKS INVESTIGATION SIU CELEBRATES GEORGE II NEW TONNAGE ENTERS SIU FLEET Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 86, NO. 5 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ddf8486e3216ef318f5b5ac5df09971e.pdf d730039780af8d0a5dfbb53b9d888e34 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG APRIL 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 4 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Members Help Complete Operation Deep Freeze 2024 SIU crews have a decades-long history of ably supporting the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and they upheld the tradition for Operation Deep Freeze 2024. Two SIU-crewed ships – the Ocean Gladiator (Waterman) and the Acadia Trader (U.S. Marine Management) – took part in the most recent iteration. Mariners aboard the Acadia Trader (formerly named the Maersk Peary) included (front row) Bosun Nasser Kassim, AB Hussen Mohamed, Pumpman Walden Galacgac, SA Josue Hernandez-Cordero, Military Sealift Command Rep. Ray Lilly, (second row) AB Jerry Aquino, QMED Joshua Bonita, Chief Steward Shadonna Jones, Capt. Everett Hatton, Chief Engineer Garrett Long, AB Dale Armstrong III, Second Engineer Mary Shea, (third row), AB Nicholas Carey, Third Mate Richard Leach, Chief Mate Robert Grove, Third Mate Joseph Nicodemus, Second Engineer Seth Ulm, Second Mate Ryan Wood, Third Engineer Benjamin Basset, AB Berard Fedele and Wiper James Boatner. Page 7. Unions Launch Petition Aimed At Bolstering U.S. Shipbuilding Benefits Conferences Conclude Groups Want Investigation of Unfair Chinese Trade Practices Labor organizations including the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department (MTD) are collaborating with other allies to help boost investment in domestic shipbuilding, in part by proposed fees on Chinese maritime interests. SIU President David Heindel (right) – in his role as MTD president – attended a March 12 press conference in the Senate where the filing of a petition with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was announced. The appeal calls on the USTR to initiate an investigation of Chinese commercial shipbuilding. Pictured at the conference are (from left) Machinists President Brian Bryant, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Steelworkers President David McCall and Heindel. Page 5. Representatives from the Seafarers Plans and from the SIU recently wrapped up a monthslong series of benefits conferences that began last summer. The final-for-now gathering (efforts are being made to reschedule the twice-postponed conference in Wilmington, California) took place March 8 at the hiring hall in Algonac, Michigan, where SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (left) and Recertified Bosun Saleh Ahmed are pictured. Page 24 (back page). PAUL HALL CENTER HONORED• PAGE 2 // SEN. WICKER BACKS JONES ACT • PAGE 9 �President’s Report Time is Now for Revitalization I ’m sure we could come up with some exceptions, but for the most part, any given industry is more likely to end up in the news during times of crisis rather than when going through routine operations. Not to pick on our brothers and sisters in the airline industry, but when an in-flight incident recently occurred that involved a door detaching, it made national if not global headlines. A routine flight wouldn’t have been news at all. So it is with maritime and the Red Sea shipping crisis. Our industry once again is in the spotlight for undesirable reasons that are no fault of ours. This condition hit home in the worst possible way early last month, when a fatal attack by Houthi David Heindel rebels killed three mariners and injured others aboard a foreign-flag ship (one that is covered by an International Transport Workers’ Federation contract). It was an appalling act of terrorism. One of our own SIU-crewed ships also reportedly was targeted in late February in the Gulf of Aden, but the ballistic missile – also launched by Iranian-backed Houthis – landed in the water and did no damage. The latest data available at press time indicated that more than half of the ships that normally sail through that area have re-routed. Efforts are underway to temporarily redirect as many as possible, up to 100 percent. If you missed this point being made in our prior coverage or elsewhere, please be clear that the attacks on mariners and vessels basically have nothing to do with Israel and Gaza. This is pure terrorism and it wouldn’t end even if the Gaza crisis were resolved overnight. The rebels are using it as a convenient excuse for mindless violence. Meanwhile, government leaders and the general public are again either learning about or getting reacquainted with the absolutely indispensable role that shipping plays in the world economy. In that regard, it is reminiscent of the pandemic-era supply-chain crisis. Here in the U.S., this attention coincides with a potentially seismic effort by organized labor (including the SIU through our affiliation with the Maritime Trades Department). The United Steelworkers union is leading a formal petition to hold China accountable for unfair practices in its shipbuilding industry, and a big part of this effort involves massively investing in U.S. shipyards and shipyard workers. The petition (reported in detail elsewhere in this edition and on our website) also specifically calls for strengthening U.S. Merchant Marine staples including the Jones Act, cargo preference laws, the Maritime Security Program, and the Tanker Security Program. That petition has been in the works for a long time, but there’s some potentially great value in its surfacing while people are realizing that our nation simply cannot afford to be anything less than a true maritime power. And make no mistake, we are woefully behind China on that scorecard, mostly because they’ve spent well over $130 billion since 2010 in order to impede competition while becoming the world’s dominant shipbuilder, owner and operator. Despite all of these challenges, I am genuinely confident in the future of the U.S. maritime industry, including our domestic shipbuilding, and I most definitely am confident about what’s ahead for the SIU. We have strong support from the administration, from military leaders and from both sides of the aisle in Congress. Though it took longer than any of us would have liked, be assured that there is crystal-clear recognition at the highest levels regarding our manpower situation and our shipbuilding capacity. That type of acknowledgement is a mandatory precursor to real change. Specifically for the SIU and our affiliated school in Piney Point, I think there’s never been a better time to enter the trade or upgrade your skills. Mariners are in demand. You can make a very good living in the industry, and you can advance as far as you want. We will keep forging ahead to make sure your jobs are secure and your future is bright. SIU-Affiliated Paul Hall Center Earns ‘Center of Excellence’ Designation The SIU-affiliated school in southern Maryland interchangeably goes by more than one name, but the facility recently added a new designation carrying some well-earned cachet: Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE). Announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) in mid-February, the CoE label is valid for five years. It applies to the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), which includes the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. With full respect to the formal namesakes (two late presidents of the SIU), the school probably more often is referred to by its location: Piney Point. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, in a letter to PHC Acting Vice President Pat Vandegrift, noted, “The CoE program was established by Congress under Title 46 of the U.S. Code, and I am honored to designate your esteemed institution for this important recognition of behalf of (DOT) Secretary (Pete) Buttigieg.” Phillips continued, “The CoE designation recognizes the tremendous value that your Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 4 institution provides to our nation by developing and preparing students for demanding careers in our vitally important maritime industry. Your graduates have made outstanding contributions to the industry over the years, which is an excellent testimonial to the superior academic and professional education and training they receive while attending” the PHC. Buttigieg stated, “Our country depends on a highly-skilled mariner workforce to strengthen both our economy and our national security. The 32 Centers of Excellence we’re designating today will promote training opportunities outside of traditional four-year degree programs and will bring more Americans into these great maritime careers.” According to MARAD, the “designated COEs consist of 50 maritime training locations across 17 states and Guam. The designation recognizes and promotes support to post-secondary maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in the maritime industry.” The agency further reported that it had published a solicitation for applications in the Federal Register on July 20, 2023, for eligible and qualified training entities, under the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The approved entities include thirty-eight postsecondary educational institutions; one postsecondary vocational institution; four non-profit structured experiential training programs; four registered apprenticeship sponsors; three maritime training centers; and four organizations containing a combination of the above-mentioned entities. The PHC offers 120 courses, the vast majority of which are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Founded in 1967, the school provides instruction for both unlicensed and licensed mariners. The school also has a highly regarded apprentice program that is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. April 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Apprentices and upgraders train at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, which recently earned a prestigious designation from the U.S. Maritime Administration. APRIL 2024 �SIU-Crewed Ships Assist With Gaza Aid The United States Department of Defense (DoD) on March 20 announced that three SIU-crewed vessels are slated to play key roles in a mission that ultimately aims to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza following the construction of a temporary pier off the coast. The construction is expected to take around 60 days to complete. According to the DoD, the Seafarers-crewed vessels that will be involved in the operation are the Crowley-operated prepositioning ships 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo and 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, and the Ocean Duchess-operated surge-sealift vessel USNS Roy P. Benavidez. In an online article, the Pentagon reported that the “forces and equipment used to construct the roll-on, roll-off discharge facility and provide sustained operational support will be transported into theater aboard three ships (the aforementioned SIU-crewed vessels)…. Once in theater, the sailors will begin construction of the floating dock from modular sections…. Approximately 260 sailors are slated to deploy as part of the operation. Their skillsets range from ship handling and deck operations to construction and communications.” The news release continued, “Sailors from Naval Beach Group 1 have been tasked with constructing a large floating dock known as a roll-on, roll-off discharge facility as part of the Joint Logistics Overthe-Shore, or JLOTS, mission being led by the Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Naval Beach Group 1 is based at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California. The roll-on, roll-off discharge facility, which measures 72 feet wide by 270 feet long, will remain approximately three miles off Gaza’s shore and enable cargo ships to offload aid shipments at sea prior to being transported to shore. “Once offloaded, cargo will be transported to shore along an approximately 1,800-foot causeway comprising modular sections linked together, known as a Trident Pier, that will be constructed by the Army unit,” the article added. “The Navy will operate causeway ferries to transport the cargo from the discharge facility to the Army’s floating pier. The two units undertaking the mission have trained extensively in delivering the capability in a variety of environments around the globe.” For example, Army and Navy personnel last year teamed up to install and help utilize the discharge facility and causeway off Australia’s coast in support of a large-scale multinational exercise. The Pentagon further reported that, once operational, the temporary pier near Gaza should be able to handle upwards of two million humanitarian aid meals each day. Four Army vessels deployed to the region last month, following a directive by President Biden to carry out the emergency mission. They are the Monterrey, Matamoros, SP4 James A. Loux and Wilson Wharf. American military officials emphasized that there will be “no U.S. boots on the ground in Gaza as part of the operation,” and they added that our nation is running a steady succession of humanitarian assistance airdrops into Gaza while the pier construction begins. The USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, pictured during a mission in Australia, is one of three SIU-crewed vessels being deployed for humanitarian outreach in Gaza. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Reel) This file photo of the USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez was taken in Norway. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bethanie C. Sahms) The SIU-crewed USNS Benavidez set sail for Gaza in late March. (Photo By Hendrick Dickson) Key Group Tackles Sealift Items Leaders from the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) convened with industry partners Feb. 22 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for the most recent meeting of the Sealift Executive Working Group, commonly referred to as the EWG. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (front row, eighth from right) is the labor representative on the committee, which is overseen by USTRANSCOM. He and the rest of the group “examined ways to enhance the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise’s global transportation capabilities, operational effectiveness, speed, and resilience of maritime logistics,” according to the U.S. Department of Defense. (DoD photo by Iain Page) APRIL 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Coast Guard Changes Mariner Credential Format What to Check Personal Information: 1 2 3 4 1. Mariner reference number, credential type code and country of origin Your new MMC is designed in a one-page, front & back format. It may be displayed flat or folded. Folding your MMC is optional. The new MMC replaces the passport-style book & associated endorsement labels. The MMC document number is found in the white box below the barcode. 2. Name, address, and place of birth 5 2 3. Height, weight, and date of birth 4. Date of issuance and date of expiration 6 Optional TWIC / Med Cert Pocket Holder 5. Citizenship 6. Sex, hair color, and eye color 7. Signature line—Your document is not valid without a signature 1 Be sure that your name is shown correctly everywhere it appears in the document. 7 Endorsement and Limitation Information: 1. National Header 2. National Capacity 3. National Limitations 4. STCW Header 1 2 1 3 Fold so that red “cover” is to the outside. 4 2 5. STCW Capacity 6. STCW Limitations 5 6 7. Signature of Authorizing Official 7 Once folded, it has the look and feel of a passport and can be easily stored for your convenience. Fold so that photo is to the inside. Pictured above is part of a flyer from the National Maritime Center explaining some of the particulars of the new MMC format. The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) recently began issuing merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) in a new format. When the agency announced the change in February, they reported, “This new mariner credential will replace the legacy passport-style red book and associated endorsement labels. The complexity and degraded reliability of the custom printers used to print the MMC books necessitated a change to the credential printing process. The new mariner credential is formatted on 8.5” x 11” waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper. It contains numerous security features including micro-printing, foiling, and intricate patterns. The new credential is printed on readily available commercial desktop laser jet printers and will vastly improve print services and availability.” The announcement continued, “The new MMC document will be issued for all approved applications, to include credential endorsements, beginning March 1, 2024. You will no longer receive separate endorsement labels (i.e., stickers), but rather a new MMC document with the endorsements incorporated. The new credential will be issued on a day-forward basis, and all legacy credentials will remain valid until the indicated expiration date.” Additional information – including instructions on how to validate a new MMC, plus the two-page introductory flyer circulated by the agency – is available both on the NMC website and on the SIU website. The flyer also was sent to all Seafarers hiring halls. Questions may be directed to the NMC Customer Service Center via email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or by phone at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Seafarers, CIVMARS Team Up for Unrep Seafarers and members of the SIU Government Services Division recently demonstrated teamwork and proficiency during an underway replenishment involving the tanker Badlands Trader (operated by U.S. Marine Management) and the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry. The Perry, whose crew includes SIU CIVMARS, received approximately 335,000 gallons of aviation fuel which was intended for later transfer to U.S. Naval Combat Logistics Force (CLF) ships operating in the Indo-pacific region. CLF ships support U.S. combatant vessels and allies through underway replenishment-at-sea operations. Recertified Bosun Gregorio Cudal, who sailed aboard the Badlands Trader during this procedure, recounted his experience guiding the crew through the replenishment at sea that occurred back in December. “Essentially, what we had to do was tie up the equipment and securely transport it from our ship to the other ship,” he said. “As a bosun, I was tasked with coordinating the replenishment, signaling the other members of the crew at the console station with two other ABs.” The Badlands Trader is one of the few commercial oil tankers that have been designed to pump fuel to CLFs while at sea, according to the Military Sealift Command (MSC). This costeffective measure allows CLFs to stay closer to the fleet rather than returning to shore to resupply at a depot, the agency noted. Cudal said that although he is a longtime SIU member who began sailing with the union in 1987, this was his first time doing a replenishment-at- 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 sea. To prepare, Cudal and his shipmates did a series of dry runs at the port in Norfolk, Virginia, and practiced again twice with the MSC ship at a pier. The first of these practice sessions happened in Honolulu and then the next one took place in waters near South Korea. Cudal found the logistics of the replenishment challenging because of some key differences between merchant and naval ships. “The boat speeds differ,” he pointed out. “Luckily, we were able to still complete the replenishment safely. “During a procedure like this, you really need to pay attention to every detail,” he added. “For example, during one of the test runs, we noticed there was a loose connection valve, but we caught it before it became a problem.” APRIL 2024 �MTD Joins Major Effort To Boost U.S. Shipbuilding The SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department (MTD) is teaming up with other labor organizations to help level the playing field with China when it comes to shipbuilding. SIU President David Heindel – in his role as MTD president – attended a March 12 press conference in the Senate where the filing of a petition with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was announced. The appeal calls on the USTR to initiate an investigation of Chinese commercial shipbuilding. U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania) spoke at the news conference and strongly declared their support for the petition. In remarks prepared for the event, Heindel said, “On behalf of the Maritime Trades Department as well as my home union, the Seafarers, we are proud supporters of this overdue effort to promote American shipbuilding…. I have 100 percent confidence in our brothers and sisters who work at United States shipyards. They are second to none when it comes to skill and dedication and craftsmanship, and I know they’ll rise to the occasion if we simply give them the chance by creating a level playing field.” The United Steelworkers union (USW), an MTD affiliate, is leading the labor groups involved in this campaign. Among those also on board are the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers; and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They jointly filed what is known as a Section 301 petition. The comprehensive document (more than 4,000 pages), among many other steps, calls for stricter enforcement of the Jones Act and cargo preference laws, and also requests greater funding for both the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program. The USW announced the petition and noted, “The People’s Republic of China (PRC), over the past two decades, enacted a comprehensive strategy to dominate global transportation and logistics networks, including employing an array of nonmarket policies. Meanwhile, U.S. shipbuilding capacity continues to diminish.” “The United States once had nearly 30 major shipyards; now we’re down to just a handful,” said USW International President David McCall. “That correlates with more than 70,000 lost shipbuilding jobs, not to mention all the secondary jobs the industry supports.” The union reported that a single commercial ship can require approximately 13,000 tons of structural steel, 60,000 gallons of paint, 130 miles of electrical cable, and many other products tens of thousands of union workers proudly produce. Pictured at the news conference are (from left) U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Tammy Baldwin, and Steelworkers President David McCall. “The PRC is using commercial shipbuilding to dominate the full spectrum of global trade, choking out all competitors,” McCall said. “If we do not act quickly, we will soon be dependent on China not only for the products their vessels bring into our ports but also for the ships themselves.” McCall noted that in addition to the grave economic consequences of the PRC’s policies, the growing imbalance in shipbuilding also threatens U.S. national security. “China has surpassed the United States and now operates the world’s largest navy,” said McCall. “Rebuilding our U.S. Merchant Marine is not only essential to increasing our nation’s sealift capability, it will help shore up the critical supply chains our military and commercial shipbuilding industries share, making us safer and more resilient.” “When we make things in America, we build strong supply chains, create good-paying jobs, and can keep our country safe,” Baldwin said at the news conference. “Over the last two decades, China has tried to rig the system with unfair trade practices in the shipbuilding industry – hurting American workers, American shipbuilders, and our national security. Today, we’re standing with American workers and calling on the Biden Administration to quickly investigate China’s anti-competitive practices and help level the playing field.” “On a level playing field, American workers can out-compete anyone,” Casey stated. “That’s why Senator Baldwin and I are leading the effort in Congress to push the Biden Administration to investigate and impose tariffs on the Chinese Communist Party’s shipbuilding industry. To protect the American steel industry, our workers, and our jobs, we’ve got to crack down and hold China accountable.” The senators sent a letter to the administration backing the petition. Sobering Statistics • In 1975, the United States was a leader in global shipbuilding, employing more than 180,000 workers and securing more than 70 commercial ships orders annually. Since then, the U.S. has lost more than 70,000 shipyard jobs. The number of major commercial U.S. shipyards has fallen from 28 to seven. • The U.S. now ranks 19th in shipbuilding, accounting for a mere 0.15% of global commercial ship construction. • While the U.S. shuttered programs aimed to foster and promote U.S. commercial shipbuilding, the Communist Chinese Party (CCP) identified shipbuilding as a ‘strategic industry,’ engaging in anticompetitive strategies to build giant state-owned champions to dominate the sector and to create a network of ports and logistical support across the globe that put U.S. economic and national security interests in peril. • CCP support for shipbuilding provided more than $130 billion in funding just between 2010 and 2018; between 2018 and the present, China’s shipbuilding orders have grown to 50% of world production. As of 2022, Chinese shipyards had orders for more than 1,500 ships. • The U.S. now produces 10 oceanic commercial vessels per year, while China produces more than 1,000. China has more than 5,500 flagged commercial merchant vessels in oceangoing service; the U.S. has fewer than 80. APRIL 2024 Additionally, one day before the news conference, the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) issued a statement supporting the undertaking. SCA President Matthew Paxton wrote in part, “The SCA applauds this effort to place a spotlight on what has been a thoroughly stateorchestrated industrial campaign by China to drive out global competition in shipbuilding and ship repair with the goal of controlling international shipping and the crippling of manufacturing businesses around the world, particularly in the U.S. This race to bottom for cheap-built and repaired ships and below market rate shipping has led to a global dependence on China for these products and in certain instances the flow of international commerce. China’s recent aggression in the IndoPacific Region, including unlawful maritime activities, unprovoked confrontations with the U.S. and its allies, and threats to international shipping lanes, raise serious security concerns as they rapidly grow both its military and commercial fleets. The time is now for the U.S. to put in place appropriate measures to lessen the impacts of China’s undue influence over this manufacturing sector and promote trade policies and incentives to grow the overall domestic shipyard industrial base.” USTR Katherine Tai had 45 days (from the filing date) to determine whether she will pursue an investigation of Chinese shipbuilding. In an online statement, she said, “We have seen the PRC create dependencies and vulnerabilities in multiple sectors, like steel, aluminum, solar, batteries, and critical minerals, harming American workers and businesses and creating real risks for our supply chains. USTR and the Biden-Harris Administration are fighting every day to put working families first, rebuild American manufacturing, and strengthen our supply chains. I look forward to reviewing this petition in detail.” Highlights of Section 301 Petition • The documents requests consideration of (among other items) implementation of a new port fee imposed on ships built in China. The fee would be based on tonnage and age of the Chinese vessel docking in U.S. ports. Funds collected from the imposition of the fee will be used to invest in a U.S. Commercial Shipbuilding Revitalization Fund. • Creation of a U.S. Commercial Shipbuilding Revitalization Fund to: (1) support existing U.S. government programs such as Construction Differential Subsidies, the Federal Ship Financing Program, and small shipyard grants; (2) expand the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program’s enrolled vessels with a premium on enrolling U.S.-built vessels; and (3) promote revitalization of shipbuilding supply chains and invest in training and workforce development. • Strengthen the Jones Act, closing loopholes to support efforts to maximize the use of American mariners and American-built ships, while supporting the shipbuilding industry base. • Fully enforce cargo preferences to ensure U.S. shipments of civilian and agricultural cargo are carried on U.S.-flagged vessels, while adopting a new preference for U.S.built ships. • Increase stipends and/or preferences for U.S.-built ships enrolled in the Maritime Security and Tanker Security Programs. • Require that exports of liquid natural gas, fuel oils, and fuel from the U.S. (for foreign trade) occur on U.S.-built tankers. • End the expansion of the use of the CCP’s LOGINK-promoted system, and seek its removal from existing ports and terminals. • Mitigate and eliminate the use of Chinese-produced and -affiliated crane and physical port infrastructure equipment. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �Pride of America Crew Ratifies Enhanced Wage Package Union members voting in favor of the new wage package. After several months of bargaining in various locations, including aboard the Seafarers-crewed Pride of America, a new three-year agreement on wages for SIU members working aboard that Norwegian Cruise Lines-operated vessel was reached in mid-December 2023, and overwhelmingly ratified aboard the ship later that month. The new wage schedule went into effect on Jan. 1, which was months earlier than the schedule provided in the contract. The increases for the first year of the agreement – which averaged 18% varied by position, and were based on a labor market analysis. Increases for the second and third years of the contract will be three percent across the board, for all positions. In addition to the wage increases, the pact includes one additional day of vacation benefit paid for every 30 days worked, as provided by the Seafarers Vacation Plan, in each year of the agreement, culminating with a 15/30 vacation benefit by 2027. SIU Vice President Bryan Powell said, “This wage package represents a robust recalibration of the pay schedule for the deck and engine crew – generally aligning it with the structure of commercial U.S.flagged vessels. It rewards those who have worked hard over the years on the Pride of America as well as attracting and retaining qualified crew for the long term.” SIU Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso said, “Members from each bargaining unit expressed their extreme satisfaction and appreciation with the wage reopener and its significant increases.” Ship’s Chairman and Bosun Maximo Aguiran remarked, “We appreciate the union and the officials’ efforts. They have made a significant change to the Pride of America's wages. Thanks to Bryan and the Honolulu office, (Safety Director) Amber (Akana) and Hazel, for ensuring everyone on board is happy. The wage increase is another prize for Seafarers on board the cruise ship with added benefits!” Remembering Anna Marie Espersen Editor’s note: Anna Marie’s colleagues at the SIU Pacific District benefits office submitted the following. With sorrow and sympathy for all who knew her, we regretfully report the passing of longtime SIU-PD Supplemental Benefit Fund processor, Anna Anna Marie Espersen Marie Espersen. After serving more than 35 years in the Plans Office, Anna died peacefully on Feb. 17, surrounded by her family. She was 71. Anna was truly one of a kind and the void she leaves behind is heartbreaking. She made a difference in so many lives. Though she took interest in all those around her, she especially showed deep and genuine care for the lives of each sailor who entered her office to share their stories and receive one of her big hugs. Anna’s legacy of love, laughter and kindness will forever be warmly remembered. Anna may never have realized the full extent to which she affected people’s lives. She would have been so happy to know that the good cheer she brought to so many was appreciated. May Anna rest in the comfort of all those who genuinely cared for her. 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Seafarer James Bavousett (left), Port Agent Hazel Galbiso Seafarers Support Historic Army Mission The SIU-crewed Ocean Grand (left in photo above) played an important role in the first-ever U.S. Army operation at the Port of Setubal, Portugal, late last year. The undertaking was a collaborative effort among U.S. and Portuguese military and port entities. Operated by Patriot Shipping, the Ocean Grand picked up approximately 500 pieces of equipment for delivery to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. According to the U.S. Defense Department, the overall mission was a year-long project and a “proof of concept” that enhances capabilities across the European Theater. It connected the farthest point in eastern Estonia to the farthest west port in Portugal. (U.S. Army photo by Andrew Jo) APRIL 2024 �SIU Crews Help Complete ‘Deep Freeze’ The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (left) moors at the ice pier at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, in mid-January. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Graves) SIU members played key roles in another successful iteration of Operation Deep Freeze (ODF), the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The Seafarers-crewed Ocean Gladiator (operated by Waterman) and Acadia Trader (U.S. Marine Management) earlier this year wrapped up their respective roles in ODF 2024. As reported by the U.S. Transportation Command, ODF is a joint mission involving civilians and military personnel in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. “Mission support consists of active duty, Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard as well as Department of Defense civilians and attached non-DOD civilians,” the agency noted. “ODF operates from two primary locations situated at Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica. An MSC-chartered cargo ship and tanker have made the challenging voyage to Antarctica every year since the station and its resupply mission were established in 1955.” SIU members have been part of the operation throughout its history. For ODF 2024, the Ocean Gladiator started taking on cargo in Port Hueneme, California, in December, and eventually moored at the McMurdo ice-pier in late January. Shortly after arriving, the crew and members of Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE began the offload of 407 pieces of cargo, consisting of containers filled with mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies and electronics equipment, and mobile office units (supplies needed to sustain the next year of operations at McMurdo). Subsequently, the ship was loaded with ice core samples that were stored on the ship in sub-zero freezer containers. The ice core samples then were delivered to the United States for scientific study. In addition, retrograde cargo was loaded onto the ship for transportation off the continent. These include trash and recyclable materials for disposal and equipment no longer required on the station. Following the Ocean Gladiator’s departure, the Acadia Trader arrived Feb. 1, carrying a cargo of more than seven million gallons of a special blend of diesel fuel mixed specifically for Antarctica called AN8; 1.5 million gallons of aviation fuel; and 155 thousand gallons of gasoline. Collectively, that accounts for 100 percent of the fuel needed for two years at the remote outpost. For AB Dale Armstrong, part of the Acadia Trader crew, this was his first ODF experience. “We loaded cargo in Seattle and Cherry Point, Washington, and then went down to American Samoa for stores,” he said. “It took three weeks to get to Antarctica. The last week started to get a little rough, weather-wise, but other than that, it was nice.” Armstrong said crew members went ashore and visited the “Discovery Hut,” a historic building that was constructed in the early 1900s. “We also saw a lot of wildlife,” he said. “We saw a lot of penguins, seals, killer whales and birds.” Armstrong added that after a few initial days of good weather, wind-chill temperatures dropped to around 80-below-zero (Fahrenheit) near the end of the stay. “We made it through,” said AB Nicholas Carey, a longtime Seafarer who also was making his ODF debut. “The machinery was trying to keep up with the cold, harsh weather, but everybody was on it, from my standpoint. I also got ashore on the base, and that was pretty nice. I’d go again.” To reach the Antarctic hub, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star first had to clear a 38-mile channel of ice, creating a path so that the SIU-crewed ships could reach McMurdo station. ODF was established as part of the U.S.’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty, which states that the continent shall be used for peaceful purposes and that encourages the continuation of scientific investigation, the observations of which shall be freely exchanged and available. Cargo is loaded aboard the Seafarers-crewed Ocean Gladiator in Port Hueneme, California, before the The Acadia Trader sails toward Mt. Erebus, the world’s southernmost active volcano, in Antarctica vessel heads to Antarctica. (MSC photo by Sarah Cannon) during Operation Deep Freeze. The SIU-crewed Acadia Trader is visible at far right at McMurdo Station during Operation Deep Freeze 2024. APRIL 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �Article Stirs Good Maritime Memories in Retiree Retired Seafarer Joseph F. Mellon recently was enjoying a feature story in the Seafarers LOG when he spotted a reference that evoked an old, fond memory. The article (about another former member) mentioned a 1954 letter from then-SIU President Paul Hall addressed to the newly born son of a Seafarer. The correspondence encouraged him to visit a hiring hall if he ever decided to consider a maritime career – upon reaching the appropriate age, of course. “I think I received one of those letters,” Mellon, 95, told his son, Joseph Mellon Jr. Surely enough, the younger Mellon found the original January 1961 communication, locked in a safe deposit box. In a subsequent interview with the LOG, Mellon Sr. said he enjoyed his years as a merchant mariner – from 1949 until the early 1960s. After he’d begun sailing, he hitchhiked to the West Coast in Spring 1950, in hopes of having an easier time finding work. “I later had gone back east and then was driving to Florida,” he recalled. “I picked up a hitchhiker who was going to Norfolk, and he told me about the SIU. I went to the hall and got a ship the next day. I was SIU from there on, and I enjoyed it.” His first SIU ship set a good tone. After previously sailing aboard tankers, Mellon caught a dry cargo ship that went to Spain – and stayed in port for a week, which was much longer than the typical stop for a tanker at that time. Mellon sailed in the engine department, and knew it was a good fit. But he also pondered a potential circumstance that could lead to a career change. “I thought that if I ever got married, she either would have to love me enough to put up with the sailing schedule, or I would have to love her enough to quit,” he said. The latter outcome prevailed, a few years after he exchanged vows with his bride in 1959. “I did keep my SIU membership for a while, though,” Mellon added. “I wasn’t sure if I’d go back to sailing. I loved it. I would actually still go down to the Delaware River and watch the ships go by.” He at least maintained a maritime connection (and joined another union once coming ashore). Mellon worked as a stationary engineer until he retired in 1991. Asked about his memories of sailing, Mellon replied, “I remember going on different types of ships – mostly Liberty ships. I sailed on three or four of those and loved them. I also remember the camaraderie, and the feeling that we had to do a good job so we wouldn’t screw it up for the next guy. I remember the union meetings, too. Some of those guys were characters.” Mellon, who sailed aboard a total of 22 ships, said his favorite port was Copenhagen, Denmark. “They had good bars,” he quipped. But he appreciated enough about the city that he and his wife, Jacquie, later went there as part of a cruise. At various times, Mellon shipped out of the SIU hiring halls in Norfolk, Baltimore, New Orleans and New York – but he mainly sailed from Philadelphia. (He and his wife live in suburban Philadelphia, roughly a half-hour’s drive from the city.) Further reflecting on his time with the SIU, Mellon said he was fortunate to enjoy smooth sailing the entire time. “We were sailing out of Houston once and there was a hurricane (nearby),” he said. “We closed the skylights – there had been green water coming into the engine room – but it wasn’t really a close call. We were prepared for it. We were loaded, low to the water, so that also helped. I really didn’t have any close calls throughout my career.” As for the younger Mellon, he eventually brought that letter to the Philadelphia hall – approximately 20 years after it had arrived. He definitely wasn’t made to feel unwelcome, but shipping was very tight at that time. With no immediate prospect of catching a ship, he returned to his job as a carpenter. “The idea of sailing is still appealing,” Mellon Jr. said. “What would my chances be?” Joseph Mellon (right) and his wife, Jacquie, reside in suburban Philadelphia. SIU President Paul Hall sent this note to Mellon’s newborn son in 1961. Former Seafarer Mellon’s residence includes reminders of his time at sea, including this painting of a ship (Sea Star) in 1955. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 This 1950s photo from aboard the Steel Apprentice includes Mellon (left) and a local resident in Holland, wearing costumes to good-naturedly make light of their bartering. APRIL 2024 �‘Father Sinclair’ Honored by NAMMA Longtime SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre on Feb. 15 received a big honor in Houston. Oubre, the Stella Maris chaplain in the Diocese of Beaumont – along with Sharon Emerson, executive director of the Corpus Christi Seafarers’ Center – received the Distinguished Service Award by the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). The presentations took place during a celebration at the Houston International Seafarers’ Center, commemorating the 50th year of a port chaplain training course. Nearly 100 individuals, including SIU personnel, gathered for the ceremony. Attendees also included representatives from the Port of Houston, the NAMMA board, staff from other mariner centers, and current students in the port chaplain course (many of whom also visited the Seafarers hiring hall nearby). NAMMA officials Chaplain Michelle DePooter, Dana Blume and Dr. Jason Zuidema presented the awards. In a related news release, the organization noted, “NAMMA’s Distinguished Service Award, previously known as the Lifetime Membership Award, honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to seafarers’ welfare over many years, both within local seafarers’ ministries and in other local, regional, national, or international capacities. Nominees are typically NAMMA members, part of a NAMMA affiliated agency, or significant partners with NAMMA’s members in their programs. “Fr. Sinclair has been a longstanding member of NAMMA, having served as president of the Association for a term,” the release continued. “He is a priest in the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas, and has served the people of the sea in various capacities. He graduated from the Houston training program in 1990 and has been deeply involved in the Apostleship of the Sea – USA and the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center. His dedication extends beyond blue water mariners to inland mariners and fishers, supporting the Port Arthur Area Shrimpers Association for over a generation. In addition to providing pastoral and humanitarian care, he maintains his credentials as a licensed mariner by sailing annually, bringing a unique perspective to his role as Gulf Branch Secretary of The Nautical Institute and as a frequent speaker in industry and government panels. Fr. Sinclair will also be a speaker at the U.S. Maritime Administration Mariner Work-Life Balance Symposium in April 2024.” In his acceptance remarks, Oubre – affectionately known as Father Sinclair – emphasized the significance of the maritime industry and the rewarding nature of a career in it. He stressed the importance of focusing on its numerous positive aspects, highlighting its high-paying jobs and great benefits. He expressed his happiness in serving the people of the sea for many decades. Emerson, a longtime NAMMA board member, reflected on her maritime outreach and how she has cherished serving mariners. “She continues to collaborate with the entire port community to bring joy into the lives of seafarers,” NAMMA noted. NAMMA’s Distinguished Service Award APRIL 2024 Celebrating the recognition with Fr. Sinclair (second from left) in Houston are (from left) SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan, SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Aung, and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. SIU Houston Patrolman J.B. Niday (gesturing, center-right portion of photo) speaks with port chaplains from around the world. They were in Houston for job training; Niday gave an informal presentation about the SIU and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Sen. Wicker Stands Up for Jones Act U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) once again is helping set the record straight regarding a maritime law that is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. In a letter to the Wall Street Journal in early March, Wicker – responding to a recent op-ed that criticized the Jones Act – spelled out a brief but compelling case for America’s freight cabotage law. “For hundreds of years, Congress has entrusted domestic maritime commerce to American companies, ships and mariners for a simple reason: It works,” said Sen. Wicker, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “The law helps stabilize the nation’s maritime industry. It facilitates some 650,000 jobs across our vast system of shipyards, ports and waterways and adds $150 billion annually to our economy. Ending the policy would hit the wallets of skilled American workers.” He continued, “Opponents of the law value our economy and security, but their proposals risk both. We should dispense with the idea that repealing the Jones Act would save Americans money. Even if we allowed foreign vessels into our domestic sea trade, they would still sail under our wage, immigration and trade fees. These costs would get passed on to consumers.” A longtime backer of the American maritime industry, Sen. Wicker added, “Critics rightly recognize our diminished shipbuilding capacity, but that isn’t the fault of the Jones Act. Nor would repealing it reignite freedom’s forge. It would weaken our maritime workforce when we need it most. Naval strategists have noted that American sea power creates a self-reinforcing system: Growth in commercial shipbuilding facilitates growth in the battle fleet, and vice versa. “This is not a time to stress-test this historical truth,” he concluded. “China put 30 warships to sea last year, and it boasts the world’s most merchant vessels. Meanwhile, the U.S. naval fleet shrank, and we now rank 70th in commercial shipping inventory. Repealing the Jones Act would narrow the already shrinking margin of American naval superiority.” U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) is a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by upgraders in Piney Point, Maryland. Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: Why did you choose this career, and how is it going? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 Joshua Burnett Chief Cook Francis Solmirano Chief Cook I have experience in this field – I was a cook in the Navy. I did that for 10 years. I brought those skills from there, and it’s going pretty well so far. I have a family I have to take care of, and I can use my experience here. I got into it first of all because the money is good, and this career also gives me a lot of opportunities to travel. I love it. The union is teaching me a lot of techniques on cooking that I can apply on the ships and on land, too. Rahsaan Alexander QMED Arvin Heras QMED It’s a good trade. You learn a good amount of skills that you can take with you and contribute to the ship as a QMED – electrician, refrigeration, welding. It’s just really good blue-collar stuff, honest work. Number one, because I needed a job. Also my dad has a friend who’s a union member, which helped lead me here. I also wanted to see the world, see different countries and meet different kinds of people. James Fells Electrician Sam Fanjoy Electrician I got into it because my family introduced me to this line of work, and I love it, so I stay with it. It pays the bills and keeps extra money in my pocket. I’ll continue doing it until I can’t. I like being on the water and I like the travel, so it checks a lot of boxes for me. I’d say it’s going pretty good. I definitely like the time off every year, and I like getting to go to new places when I’m on board. JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 In summer 1973, the SIU-crewed Cities Service Norfolk is pictured in Linden, New Jersey, after returning from a voyage to Russia. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 APRIL 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SUPPORT FROM SENATOR – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) joins U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) during a recent tour of the Houston waterfront. An ardent backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Cantwell has served in the Senate since 2001 and is the first woman to chair the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. A-BOOKS IN ALGONAC – Two Seafarers recently received their A-seniority books at the hiring hall: AB Abdulla Suwaileh (left in photo above, left) and GUDE Salah Al Osfur (left in other photo). Safety Director Jason Brown is at right in both snapshots. ABOARD GOLDEN STATE– – Many thanks to vessel master Capt. Erv Curtis for these snapshots from the Intrepid ship at the Grand Bahama Shipyard. In the large group photo are (foreground, toward the left) AB Kervin Guevara, (middle row, from left) AB Matthew Brady, Pumpman Mike Gyurme, Recertified Bosun Timothy Jackson, QMED Mohammed Gir, Chief Cook Mark Brooks, (kneeling) GVA Bobby Café, Chief Steward Prasert Mastrototaro, SA Dora Carranza, AB Shantez Harper, (back row, from left) AB James Zaro and AB Christopher Green. Remaining photo includes Bosun Jackson (left) and Capt. Curtis – who’ve sailed together for 25 years, always with professionalism and positivity. A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN ‒ Chief Steward Jacob Parrilla (left) achieves a milestone by acquiring his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. CHECKING IN FROM CHARM CITY ‒ Seafarers turn out for the February membership meeting in Baltimore. Among those pictured are Port Agent John Hoskins (fifth from right) and Safety Director Jose Argueta (second from left). SOLIDARITY IN VIRGINIA – SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey supports CWA members from ABOARD ALLIANCE FAIRFAX ‒ The vessel visited Port Arthur on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14). Fr. Sinclair Oubre, Catholic Port Chaplain for the Diocese of Beaumont (and member of the Seafarers International Union) boarded the ship with Stella Maris co-worker Doreen Badeaux and conducted a brief Ash Wednesday service for some of the crew as they kicked off the season of Lent. Pictured from left aboard the Maersk-operated ship are Capt. Brian Mercurio, QMED Ghadir Sarkis, Fr. Sinclair, Chief Mate Ernest Caponegro and Cadet Rey Alino from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. APRIL 2024 the Tidewater Media Guild during a 24-hour job action in Norfolk. According to local TV coverage, Guild members “joined more than 200 other Tribune Publishing journalists at seven newsrooms across the country in demanding fair wages and a protection of their current 401K match, which Alden Global Capital plans to eliminate. They said Alden, which bought Tribune Publishing in 2021, has refused to provide any across-the-board pay increases despite a lack of raises for most since 2018, and Alden has also failed to address long-standing wage inequities across race and gender lines.” SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER LOG 2023• 11 11 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU CONSTANTLY RECRUITING – The union in recent years has substantially ramped up its recruiting efforts online and at inperson events across the country. Above, SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (center) welcomes two of the first attendees to a recent career fair at a Baltimore-area high school. GOOD USE OF TIME ASHORE – Deck department members from the SLNC Star (Chesapeake Crewing) engage in team building during a recent Diego Garcia regatta. Pictured from front to back are Chief Mate Bronson Kau, AB Adam Bahr, Bosun Jeromy Furnas, and Capt. Jean Marien. ABOARD ISLA BELLA – AB Gary Boyd (left) and Recertified Bosun Junior Augustin are pictured aboard the TOTE ship, with Crowley’s SIU-crewed Taino in the background. WITH BAY-HOUSTON CREWS ‒ As previously reported, SIU boatmen at Bay-Houston Towing (formerly Seabulk) recently ratified a new contract featuring substantial wage increases and other gains. These three photos were taken during the voting period. Among those pictured with rank-and-file members are SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Port Agent Joe Zavala, and Patrolman J.B. Niday. SUPPORT FOR CONGRESSWOMAN – CELEBRATING MARITIME IN HAWAII ‒ The SIU and the Maritime Trades Department recently helped celebrate the groundbreaking for a new container terminal in Honolulu. Among those pictured at the ceremony are U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (third from left) and SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (fourth from left). Seafarers in Houston recently volunteered for a campaign event backing longtime maritime supporter U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) for Congress. Gathering at the hiring hall are (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes, SA Oger Bermudez, SA Jessica Neil, GUDE Dorlan Suazo, and AB Jose Bermudez. OATH TAKEN IN LONE STAR STATE – QMED Eshrak Dewan (right in photo above, right) and GUDE Darwin Santos Nunez (second from left in other photo) recently received their full books at the Houston hall. Nunez is pictured with (from left) Patrolman Kirk Pegan, Safety Director Kevin Sykes and Patrolmen J.B. Niday and Kelly Krick, who’s also at left with Dewan. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • COMMONWEALTH CONNECTION – AB Kurtz Sausman (left) receives his full book at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls is at right. APRIL 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – From left, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, Chief Steward Aurelio Esperanza, ACU Nasser Alarqban, and Chief Cook Clifton Medley III meet aboard the union-built Matson ship, which is named in memory of the late U.S. senator and honorary SIU book holder. PROMOTING MARITIME – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (left) recently attended a labor roundtable led by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) and Stephen K. Benjamin, an assistant to President Biden (right). Hopkins described the career opportunities available in the maritime industry. CONGRESSMAN RECALLS SEAFARING DAD – U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Alabama) (center) needed no explanation about the SIU when he recently chatted with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (right) and SIU Media Coordinator/Recruiting Lauren Liles (left) at a Propeller Club luncheon in Mobile. The Congressman’s late father (Jerry Lee Carl) sailed with the SIU for decades, until the mid-1980s. Congressman Carl said he fondly remembers visiting his dad aboard ship and also attending SIU Thanksgiving parties. As the guest speaker, he underscored the importance of the American maritime industry. AT JERSEY CITY HALL – Recertified Bosun Domingo Leon (center in photo above, left) picks up his first pension check, capping an SIU career that began in 1970. He’s pictured with (from left) UIW Representative Jordan Esopa, Port Agent Ray Henderson, Patrolwoman Terry Montgomery, and Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos. In the other photo, QEE Austin Blake (left) receives his full book from Henderson. PROUD LEGACY – Seafaring often runs in families, and ABOARD MAERSK MONTANA – Pictured from left are Recertified Bosun Jerry Costello, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, and ABM Patrick Slade. There definitely is familiarity within this group: Costello and Krick sailed together, while Slade and Krick were classmates in Piney Point. Photo was taken Feb. 23 in La Porte, Texas. ABOARD ARC INDEPENDENCE – SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (left) chats with Paul Hall Center Apprentice Michael Sutton during a recent servicing visit aboard the TOTE vessel. that’s the case for Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett Sr. (left) and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Lionel Packnett Jr. (right), pictured recently in Piney Point. The younger Packnett is a member of Apprentice Class 904. The moreseasoned member of the family has sailed with the SIU since 1989. BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Several Seafarers were sworn in at the March membership meeting. Storekeeper Jose Martinez, who’s at far right in the larger group photo, received his A-book, while all of the other members pictured received their respective B-books. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left in both photos. From left in the smaller group shot are Chief Cook Raymond Murphy and SA Devin Jasmin. In the other photo, also from left: QMED Daryl Thomas, SA Samone Alston, AB Jermaine Gillis, and Storekeeper Martinez. 13 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023• 13 13 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN CRESCENT CITY – Longtime member Robert Albe (right) picks WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Steward/Baker Patrick Durnin (center) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He started his SIU career in 1979 aboard Delta Lines ships, and later worked on shore gangs before returning to deep-sea sailing. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (left) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. WELCOME ASHORE IN HONOLULU – Chief Steward Peter Schuetz (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. He started sailing with the SIU in 1989. SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso is at right. up his first pension check at the New Orleans hall. He and SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (left) both started as deckhands in the early 1990s at E.N. Bisso & Son. Albe retires as the senior captain of the Crowley ATB fleet. ABOARD RRF SHIPS ‒ This Seafaring Selfie features mariners from the Ocean Duchess-operated USNS Algol and USNS Capella on the West Coast. From left: Third Mate/Hawsepiper Gavino Octaviano, Electrician Alex Canada, Bosun Anthony Pace, AB Rolando Dinong, GUDE Ruel Decrepito, Recertified Steward Dante Cruz, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. UNPLANNED REUNION – Bosun Jerome Luckett (left) and Second Mate Paul Kalmeta hadn’t seen in each in more than 20 years, but they caught up earlier this year at a membership meeting in Wilmington, California. The two were classmates in Piney Point in 1999. “It’s good to see that some of us are still sailing,” said Luckett. CATCH OF THE DAY – Pictured aboard the Torm Thunder (Eco-Tankers Crew Management) are AB Andrew Graham, Bosun Miles Delgado and AB Feliciano Gimutao Jr. ABOARD TAINO ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid vessel are AB Garrett Williams, Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas, Chief Cook Juan Vallejo, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, Electrician Carlos Parrilla and SA Jacob Parrilla. MILESTONES IN WILMINGTON ‒ Two Seafarers recently received their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall. ABM Diego Loreto is at left in photo below, while AB Ibrahim Fisek is at left in the photo above. Both members are pictured with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. TALKING MARITIME WITH GOVERNOR – SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (left) meets with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey in late February in the nation’s capital. Among other topics, they discussed potential career opportunities in the maritime industry for Massachusetts residents. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 APRIL 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from February 16 - March 16, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 18, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 17 3 5 17 3 4 8 29 22 21 5 1 11 7 2 1 5 12 1 21 8 2 3 8 1 5 1 14 23 6 3 4 12 4 3 2 3 5 2 6 1 0 2 2 1 3 0 2 5 2 1 2 7 2 0 0 0 4 0 3 5 2 6 13 1 5 6 18 14 7 3 4 14 3 1 0 4 7 1 16 4 1 2 8 1 3 2 11 33 3 2 0 12 0 3 2 3 1 1 6 2 2 1 0 1 2 0 4 5 4 1 3 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 3 6 0 1 4 18 15 4 0 2 10 1 2 1 4 2 0 7 41 3 5 23 3 11 10 47 36 38 3 6 19 11 3 2 10 28 1 32 15 1 3 10 0 7 4 23 24 14 1 7 12 6 3 0 6 10 1 11 2 1 1 4 1 7 0 5 6 3 1 1 10 2 0 0 3 6 0 3 TOTAL 195 115 37 130 98 32 83 332 158 56 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 4 1 0 6 1 4 4 10 15 5 3 0 9 4 0 2 2 6 2 6 84 2 1 1 4 0 1 0 6 11 9 0 2 7 2 0 0 1 4 0 4 55 3 0 0 2 0 1 1 5 4 1 2 0 3 3 0 0 1 2 0 0 28 1 0 1 4 0 1 0 2 8 3 0 1 4 1 0 1 0 4 1 2 34 7 1 0 11 2 5 11 15 23 10 4 3 16 10 0 0 4 12 3 13 150 3 1 1 6 0 2 4 11 19 7 1 1 9 3 0 0 1 8 0 7 84 3 0 0 1 0 1 3 5 6 0 1 0 8 2 0 0 0 3 1 1 35 0 0 1 5 0 2 1 2 8 2 0 0 7 2 0 1 5 2 0 7 45 11 0 1 12 4 3 9 16 21 17 1 4 24 16 1 5 5 12 1 40 203 0 3 0 5 1 6 3 5 23 5 0 3 15 1 1 5 7 8 0 8 99 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 3 7 1 0 0 3 3 0 1 2 2 0 3 30 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 2 0 1 8 1 0 2 4 13 7 0 1 7 2 0 2 3 4 1 5 63 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 10 11 6 0 1 6 1 1 0 0 3 0 1 45 1 0 0 3 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 17 Steward Department April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Monday: April 8, May 6 Friday: April 12, May 10 Thursday: April 11, May 9 Thursday: April 25, May 23 Friday: April 19, May 17 Monday: April 15, May 13 Thursday: April 11, May 9 Thursday: April 18, May 16 Mobile New Orleans Wednesday: April 17, May 15 Tuesday: April 16, May 14 Jersey City Tuesday: April 9, May 7 Norfolk Friday: April 12, May 10 Oakland Philadelphia Port Everglades San Juan Thursday: April 18, May 16 Wednesday: April 10, May 8 Thursday: April 18, May 16 Thursday: April 11, May 9 St. Louis Friday: April 19, May 17 Tacoma Friday: April 26, May 24 Wilmington Monday: April 22, May 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. APRIL 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 9 0 1 8 0 4 5 9 10 9 0 2 15 10 1 4 3 8 2 17 117 0 1 0 4 0 3 1 7 12 2 1 0 12 2 0 6 4 8 0 7 70 1 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 4 1 1 0 4 2 0 4 3 0 0 3 29 4 0 0 6 0 5 4 14 7 5 0 1 9 8 1 1 3 5 2 11 86 0 0 1 2 1 2 1 4 10 0 1 2 12 3 0 2 6 2 0 5 54 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 17 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 7 0 0 5 0 3 1 6 23 10 1 0 7 10 1 5 1 9 0 7 13 3 1 3 1 4 4 11 68 15 2 3 31 8 4 13 1 6 0 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 4 0 0 1 9 13 8 1 0 11 6 0 2 2 3 0 6 3 1 1 3 0 1 4 4 37 4 2 0 22 3 1 7 0 5 0 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 3 10 2 0 6 0 6 5 19 49 13 0 0 11 11 2 4 0 14 0 20 28 2 2 12 2 5 3 38 106 27 1 7 41 16 2 7 2 9 1 15 TOTAL 9 96 196 5 71 104 14 21 172 326 GRAND TOTAL 405 336 290 284 268 170 176 706 513 447 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA CRISTA ALI Sister Crista Ali, 62, started her career with the union in 1989. She first shipped on the USNS Desteiguer and sailed in the steward department. Sister Ali upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. She most recently sailed on the Brittin and makes her home in Reno, Nevada. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. VICTOR COOPER CHARLES KENT Brother Victor Cooper, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the Global Mariner. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Cooper most recently shipped aboard the Oregon and settled in North Miami, Florida. Brother Charles Kent, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Kent’s first vessel was the Philadelphia; his last, the Seakay Spirit. He calls Marrero, Louisiana, home. DOMINGO LEON SEFERINO ARZU DANILO FULLANTE Brother Seferino Arzu, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Arzu’s final vessel was the Yosemite Trader. He lives in the Bronx, New York. Brother Danilo Fullante, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2004 when he sailed on the American Tern. He shipped primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Fullante concluded his career aboard the USNS Pililaau. He lives in North Charleston, South Carolina. WILLIAM BARRETT Brother William Barrett, 64, joined the union in 1987, initially sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Barrett most recently shipped on the Liberty Promise and makes his home in Keystone Heights, Florida. KENNETH HAGAN Brother Kenneth Hagan, 66, signed on with the union in 1980. He first sailed aboard the El Paso Southern and worked in the steward department. Brother Hagan upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point School. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Kinloss and is a resident of St. Augustine, Florida. JAMES BATTISTA Brother James Battista, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 2000 and first worked on the USNS Red Cloud. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Battista last shipped on the Liberty Pride. He resides in Bluffton, South Carolina. FLETCHER HANKS Brother Fletcher Hanks, 70, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1972, initially sailing with Pudget Sound. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Hanks’ final vessel was the Green Valley. He resides in Laurel, Delaware. Brother Domingo Leon, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Achilles. Brother Leon upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Pittsburgh and lives in Kissimmee, Florida. KEITH MAYER Brother Keith Mayer, 71, joined the union in 1988 and first sailed with Bay Tankers Inc. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Mayer last shipped on the Flickertail State. He resides in Norfolk, Virginia. GEORGE MCCLENDON Brother George McClendon, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1998 when he sailed aboard the USNS Regulus. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in the deck department. Brother McClendon most recently shipped on the Texas Enterprise. He resides in Douglas, Nebraska. MOSES MICKENS FERNANDO CLEMENTE Brother Fernando Clemente, 68, became a member of the union in 1996 and sailed in the steward department. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Clemente’s first and (years later) last vessel was the Independence. He lives in Wailuku, Hawaii. ROMEO CODILLERO Brother Romeo Codillero, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2002. He first sailed aboard the Paul Buck and worked in the deck department. Brother Codillero upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Brownsville and is a resident of Pensacola, Florida. YOUSRY IBRAHIM Brother Yousry Ibrahim, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2003. He first sailed aboard the USNS Denebola and worked in the deck department. Brother Ibrahim most recently sailed on the Maersk Kensington and lives in Dearborn, Michigan. Brother Moses Mickens, 63, became an SIU member in 1988. He was an engine department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mickens’ first vessel was the USNS Dutton; his last, the Seakay Valor. He makes his home in West Helena, Arkansas. CHARLES JAMES AMIN MOHAMED Brother Charles James, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997 and first worked aboard the Cleveland. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and shipped in the deck department. Brother James most recently sailed on the USNS Antares and makes his home in Dundalk, Maryland. Brother Amin Mohamed, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped on the USNS Wilkes. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mohamed’s final vessel was the Horizon Pacific. He resides in Bakersfield, California. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1616 • SEAFARERS LOG APRIL 2024 �Welcome Ashore! We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. JAN MORAWSKI GREG TOJONG BRYAN BRIGNAC Brother Jan Morawski, 65, started sailing with the union in 1998, initially shipping on the Diamond State. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Morawski concluded his career aboard the Maersk Pittsburgh and lives in Gdansk, Poland. Brother Greg Tojong, 61, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2000. He initially sailed on the Patriot and worked primarily in the deck department. Brother Tojong upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the Gem State and lives in Oakland, California. Brother Bryan Brignac, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994. He sailed in the deck department and was employed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Brignac lives in Abita Springs, Louisiana. RANG NGUYEN ROMUALDAS VIDEIKA Brother Rang Nguyen, 61, joined the union in 1989 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother Nguyen’s final vessel was the Pacific Collector. He lives in SeaTac, Washington. Brother Romualdas Videika, 74, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Overseas Chicago. He was an engine department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Videika concluded his career aboard the Alaskan Navigator. He resides in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Brother Douglas Crawford, 66, signed on with the union in 1981, initially working with Moran Towing of Texas. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Crawford was most recently employed with OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Westerly, Rhode Island. RAYMOND NOWAK WILBERT WOOD Brother Raymond Nowak, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1981 when he sailed on the Overseas Alice. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Nowak’s final vessel was the Alaskan Explorer. He resides in Suquamish, Washington. Brother Wilbert Wood, 65, signed on with the union in 2001 and sailed in the deck department. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and first shipped on the Gemini. Brother Wood’s final vessel was the American Liberty. He resides in Port St. Lucie, Florida. KWAME OWUSU Brother Kwame Owusu, 70, started sailing with the union in 2006, initially working with Patriot Contract Services. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Owusu last shipped on the Maersk Chesapeake and makes his home in the Bronx, New York. STEPHEN YURSHA Brother Stephen Yursha, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1982. He first sailed aboard the Aries and worked in the deck department. Brother Yursha upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Hawaii and is a resident of Fletcher, North Carolina. GREAT LAKES STEPHEN ROBERTS NORMAN NELSON Brother Stephen Roberts, 67, joined the SIU in 1988 and first shipped on the Independence. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Roberts most recently shipped on the Keystone State and is a Houston resident. Brother Norman Nelson, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1974. He initially sailed with Bob-Lo Island and was a deck department member. Brother Nelson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. He last shipped with Vanenkevort Tug and Barge and resides in Manistee, Michigan. INLAND KIMBERLY STRATE Sister Kimberly Strate, 69, became a member of the union in 2002. A steward department member, she first sailed aboard the Guayama. Sister Strate upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Her final vessel was the Taino. Sister Strate calls Atlantic Beach, Florida, home. APRIL 2024 ROBERT ALBE Brother Robert Albe, 62, joined the SIU in 1997, first sailing with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Albe was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed aboard the Vision and resides in Bulverde, Texas. DOUGLAS CRAWFORD KENNETH MOORE Brother Kenneth Moore, 65, became a member of the union in 1982. He first sailed with Hvide Marine and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Moore’s final vessel was the Zeus. He calls Willis, Texas, home. PETE NICOLAIDIS Brother Pete Nicolaidis, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1990. He sailed in the engine department and worked for G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Nicolaidis settled in Santa Fe, Texas. SHERMAN SAKATANI Brother Sherman Sakatani, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1990, initially sailing aboard the USNS Pollux. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Sakatani was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in National City, California. JEFFREY SINCLAIR Brother Jeffrey Sinclair, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2007 when he shipped on the Terrapin Island. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2021. Brother Sinclair last worked on the Padre Island. He resides in Omaha, Arkansas. DAVID SPADONI Brother David Spadoni, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1996. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Spadoni worked with OSG Ship Management for his entire career. He is a resident of Brooksville, Florida. MARK ST. GERMAIN Brother Mark St. Germain, 62, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1982 when he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage. A deck department member, he was employed with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother St. Germain settled in Picayune, Mississippi. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 17 • OCTOBER LOG • 17 �Final Departures In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. INLAND DEEP SEA NMU CHARLES BETZ JOHN FULLER LAWRENCE ALDACO Pensioner Charles Betz, 83, passed away December 22. He became a member of the SIU in 1988 when he sailed aboard the USNS Lynch. Brother Betz was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams and retired in 2005. Brother Betz made his home in Melbourne, Florida. Pensioner John Fuller, 68, passed away January 26. He started sailing with the SIU in 1980. Brother Fuller was first employed by G&H Towing. He primarily worked in the deck department and last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Fuller retired in 2014 and lived in La Porte, Texas. Pensioner Lawrence Aldaco, 88, passed away January 23. Brother Aldaco began sailing in 1965, initially aboard the USNS Mission Santa Ynez. He worked in the engine department. Brother Aldaco last shipped on the Tonsing and became a pensioner in 1999. He lived in McMinnville, Oregon. JOHN KAHRIGER ALFRED DAVIS Pensioner John Kahriger, 80, died December 27. He joined the SIU in 1962 when he worked with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Kahriger sailed in the deck department. He last shipped with Taylor Marine Towing and went on pension in 2005. Brother Kahriger made his home in Laurel Springs, New Jersey. Pensioner Alfred Davis, 92, died December 31. Brother Davis was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Cape Avino. He began collecting his pension in 1997 and lived in Portsmouth, Virginia. GREYSON BRANTLEY Brother Greyson Brantley, 54, died January 18. He joined the union in 1988 and initially sailed aboard the Aries. Brother Brantley sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Brittin. He was a resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. RAYMOND COOLEY Pensioner Raymond Cooley, 83, passed away January 19. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. A deck department member, Brother Cooley first sailed aboard the Anders. He last sailed on the Stephen W. Pless before going on pension in 2006. Brother Cooley lived in Groves, Texas. STANLEY GURNEY Pensioner Stanley Gurney, 61, passed away January 20. He joined the SIU in 1979 and first shipped on the Philadelphia. Brother Gurney sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the Matson Tacoma and went on pension in 2019. Brother Gurney made his home in Montesano, Washington. CAREY HEINZ Pensioner Carey Heinz, 72, died September 30. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1987 when he sailed on the Hess. Brother Heinz sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Explorer in 2004 and began collecting his pension in 2016. Brother Heinz resided in Silver City, New Mexico. KENNETH PARK Brother Kenneth Park, 80, passed away January 6. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1977 and first sailed aboard the Columbia. Brother Park sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Cape Rise and lived in Norfolk, Virginia. GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Gilberto Rodriguez, 70, died December 30. He joined the union in 1972, initially sailing aboard the Del Sol. Brother Rodriguez sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He concluded his career with American Service Technology Inc. and started collecting his pension in 2008. Brother Rodriguez resided in Texas City, Texas. FRANKLYN LORD Pensioner Franklyn Lord, 90, passed away December 25. A deck department member, he signed on with the union in 1973. Brother Lord sailed first for McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He concluded his career working for Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Lord became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in Glassboro, New Jersey. RICHARD MCEVOY Pensioner Richard McEvoy, 84, died February 1. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 and worked in the engine department. Brother McEvoy was initially employed with Pudget Sound. He went on pension in 2005, after finishing his union career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother McEvoy called Rector, Arkansas, home. ROBERT MURRAY Pensioner Robert Murray, 88, passed away January 16. He joined the union in 1961 when he worked with Meyle Towing Company. Brother Murray shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last worked for Moran Towing of Philadelphia and retired in 1994. Brother Murray resided in Dagsboro, Delaware. FRANK ST JAMES Brother Frank St James, 51, died October 3. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997. Brother St James first shipped on the Frances Hammer and worked in the deck department. He was most recently employed by G&H Towing. Brother St James called Kirbyville, Texas, home. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 NICOLAS ITURRALDE Pensioner Nicolas Iturralde, 94, passed away December 14. He worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Ruth Lykes. Brother Iturralde went on pension in 1991 and settled in El Paso, Texas. KENNARD JACKLEY Pensioner Kennard Jackley, 83, died November 29. An engine department member, he began sailing in 1966. Brother Jackley’s first ship was the Point Barrow; his last, the Genevieve Lykes. He retired in 1995 and lived in Slidell, Louisiana. LEROY MAYNARD Pensioner Leroy Maynard, 85, passed away January 17. He began sailing in 1975, initially aboard the Admiral W.M. Callaghan. Brother Maynard sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Diamond and retired in 2003. Brother Maynard was a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, resident. PABLO SOLIS Pensioner Pablo Solis, 86, died December 22. Brother Solis sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Maersk Maine and went on pension in 2001. Brother Solis made his home in Deltona, Florida. GUS WEBSTER Pensioner Gus Webster, 83, passed away January 7. Brother Webster’s final vessel was the Antiguan Pass. He became a pensioner in 2006 and resided in Los Angeles. EDWARD WITT Pensioner Edward Witt, 95, died December 21. Brother Witt was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Fredericksburg and retired in 1993. Brother Witt lived in New Port Richey, Florida. APRIL 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. LOUISIANA (Seabulk Crew Management), December 15 – Chairman Albert Mensah, Secretary Christopher Amigable, Deck Delegate Redentor Borja, Engine Delegate Donell Criswell, Steward Delegate Yolanda Martinez. Chairman reiterated the importance of upholding professional commitments and thanked members for their hard work and personal contributions. Secretary thanked everyone for helping to keep ship clean and reminded members to leave clean linens for oncoming reliefs. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and to keep papers current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed manpower situation. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning) January 28 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Ammar Sailan, Educational Director Larry Locke. Remainder of new mattresses have been received and Starlink Wi-Fi has been installed. Chairman discussed the Fairwater merger (involving Crowley and Seacor) and its one-year postponement. He reminded crew to clean out their rooms for reliefs and also talked about the increase in optical benefit coverage. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck department requested better gloves for cold weather. Crew thanked steward department for providing excellent meals throughout the holidays. Members would like physicals to be required annually. Next port: Long Beach, California. EVERGREEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), January 30 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary Virnabeth Cano, Educational Director Daryl Morris, Engine Delegate Corey Leonard. Members still waiting for new TVs in crew quarters. Chairman reminded members to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and to keep all documents updated. Secretary asked for all crew who are signing off to place dirty linen in laundry bags that are provided outside of staterooms. Members were instructed to have bosun inspect stateroom the day before sign-off. Educational director encouraged crew to register for all upgrading needs at the Paul Hall Center well in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GLOBAL SENTINEL (SubCom), February 10 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Jayson Velez-Cruz, Educational Director Mohamad Kammoun. Chairman reviewed various ship procedures and union business. He explained how the ship committee works and advised members to take care of their medical certificates along with their physicals at the appropriate times. Secretary thanked all departments for keeping house clean and organized. Educational director urged crew to continue upgrading at the Piney Point school and to keep all documents up to date. Crew suggested boosting morale by getting new furniture and new entertainment consoles in crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like to see a boost in EMCOM allowance because only their ship has experienced EMCOM status while in mission. Crew would like vacation time to match the standard contract. Members thanked captain and steward department for lobster night as well as Bosun Lee for panini press grill. Ship has new, refrigerated salad bar, new espresso machine, new bikes and new gym equipment. DANIEL K. INOUYE (Matson), February 23 – Chairman Aurelio Esperanza, Secretary Clifton Medley, Educational Director Nasser Alarqban. Chairman mentioned items he plans to discuss with port agent in Guam. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Dishwasher has been repaired. Members discussed crew complement. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning) February 26 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Markese Haynes, Educational Director Chukwudi Alfred, Deck Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine Delegate Muaadh Mohsen, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Members asked for company to provide offboarding members flights to their homes and for increases in allowances for safety shoes. Crew brainstormed ways to improve wait times for reliefs and suggested posting jobs at ports a minimum of 10 days prior to due date. Secretary is doing everything possible to order what members want. Educational director advised members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center and to make sure documents are kept up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like contract to match Standard Tanker Agreement. Members requested more flexibility with the tours than the current rotation so that they can ask for reliefs at 75, 90 or 120 days. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Crew noted the importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, as it plays such a vital role in helping the SIU promote a vibrant U.S. Merchant Marine. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return APRIL 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �Everyday savings just for you Looking for new ways to save? Union Plus makes everyday life more affordable with wireless savings, car rental discounts, discounts at restaurants and on movie tickets and live events, and much more. Wireless Savings Rental Car Savings Restaurant Discounts Movie Tickets & Live Events Exclusive discounts for union families See more at unionplus.org SIU-ET-12-19-24 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES May 6 July 8 May 24 July 26 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 Adv. Shiphandling August 26 September 6 Adv. Meteorology September 16 September 20 Search and Rescue Mgmt Level September 23 September 25 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Adv. Refer Containers May 6 August 26 May 17 September 6 Machinist April 29 May 10 Welding April 22 June 3 Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck Pumpman Latest Course Dates Basic Training Revalidation April 22 April 26 May 6 May 10 May 31 June 10 June 14 April 22 April 26 May 6 May 10 May 31 June 10 June 14 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 3 June 7 Government Vessels April 22 May 13 June 10 June 24 April 26 May 17 June 14 June 28 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL (PIC) April 15 April 19 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL April 22 April 26 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG April 29 May 3 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 April 26 June 21 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook April 29 June 10 July 15 August 19 September 23 November 4 May 31 July 12 August 16 September 20 October 25 December 6 ServSafe Management April 22 June 3 July 8 August 12 April 26 June 7 July 12 August 16 Advanced Galley Ops June 3 June 28 Chief Steward April 22 July 15 May 17 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. APRIL 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #904 – Graduated Jan. 26 (not all are pictured): Tasheania Allen, Mathew Bolanos, Ronzell Collins, Victor Davila Cruz, Eugene Draghi, De'asia Dunn, Nathaniel Gancarz, Armani Green, Christopher Holmes, Corey Lopez, Faith Lopez, Andrew Marquez, Darea McCarthy, Lionel Packnett Jr., Caleb Rawls, Edisson Sturridge Sabio, Alfred Washington, Marniya Willis and Vincent Winter II. BASIC TRAINING UPGRADE (PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES) – Graduated February 9 (not all are pictured): Russell Lempke, Gary SMALL ARMS – Graduated February 29 (not all are pictured): Alexander Bennett, Tomas Merel, Robert White III and Keenan Williams. Nelon, David Parker, Torri Streeks and Khaled Yahia. FOWT – Graduated March 1 (not all are pictured): Micko Cercado, Tomas Faller, Shavel Freeman, Kristopher Guthrie, Raheem Harris-Stewart, Micheal King, Craig Lash II, Joseph McClam, Evan Murff and Timothy Resultan. GMDSS – Graduated February 16: Joseph Bowen, Aurora Foster, Jeffery Griffin, Caliph Johnson II, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche. JUNIOR ENGINEER (BASIC REFRIGERATION) – Graduated February 16: Loren Arriola. Alexander Boothby, Mark Dennison, Jesse Kleinfelter, Julian Rubbo and Ryan Sotomayor. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. 22 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 22 • SEAFARERS APRIL 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated Feb. 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullah Ali, Alexander Bennett, Ashanty Castillo, Albert Dulig, Victor Frazier, Montavis Harold and Rolando Hernandez Jr. WATCHSTANDING – Graduated February 8 (right to left): Cameron Meyers and Anthony Sardina. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated February 9: Alexander Bennett (left) and Rolando Hernandez Jr. WELDING – Graduated February 9: Joshua Daniel, James Grant and Neil Tupas. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated March 1 (not all are pictured): Munassar Ahmed, Jerome Aninion, Arthur Annas, Roche Bonita, Marcus Carrasquillo, William Cassel III, Hyeyoung Forrer, Kajuan Gamble, Rashawna Griffin, Frank Hedge, Anthony Jackson, Hyun Kim, Brian Lunsford, Caprese Osorio, Jose Outeira, Aquil Revell, Deroyce Roquemore, Betty Sirait, Arthur Sison, Timothy Williams, Shaun Wood, Devon Woods and Lawrence Wright. APRIL 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG23 • 23 �APRIL 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 4 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Productive Benefits Conferences Conclude Representatives from the Seafarers Plans and from the union recently wrapped up a baker’s dozen of benefits conferences that began last summer. The final two events in the series took place Feb. 20 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and March 8 in Algonac, Michigan. The coast-to-coast meetings offered information about various benefits for staff and for rank-and-file Seafarers, pensioners and dependents. “I think it went really well,” said Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, who led the gatherings at the hiring halls. “It was a little hectic with some of the trips when we had conferences back-to-back, but the best parts for me are always the feedback from the membership and the turnout. Overall, the experience was really encouraging, and the members and pensioners and other attendees always had great questions.” In addition to the two most recent conferences, others took place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Piney Point, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Houston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Jersey City, New Jersey. (Editor’s note: On two occasions, severe weather forced the postponement of a conference that had been scheduled and rescheduled to take place in Wilmington, California. Efforts are under way to schedule a new date for that conference.) While the subject matter was wide-ranging within the scope of the various Plans, the overall aim was straightforward, Bowen said. She and the other Plans representatives and union officials were on hand to help ensure that people understand, and get the most from, their respective benefits. (Headquarters officials including SIU President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski and Vice President Contracts George Tricker attended some or all of the conferences, which typically lasted anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Vice presidents also attended in their respective regions.) The meetings usually began with an overview of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), including eligibility requirements, coverage levels, prescription considerations and more. Members received tips on how to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and how to take advantage of the newest benefits. A similar approach was taken when reviewing (respectively) the Seafarers Pension Plan (SPP), Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP), SIU 401K, and Seafarers Vacation Plan (SVP). Attendees also received reminders about potentially useful phone numbers and email addresses for the membership assistance office, the claims department, the medical department, the pension office, and Bowen’s office. A number of handouts from Cigna and the Seafarers Plans were available. “Health and pension (benefits) are usually first on everybody’s mind,” Bowen said. “Trying to explain it can be kind of complicated, so I’m always encouraged by how well the members and retirees already understand it. “They get the big picture of it,” she added. “But regardless of which benefit is being discussed, the emphasis throughout has always been, if you don’t know the answer, call us. And if you can’t find the answer, there are so many resources on the website. Take a look and if you can’t figure it out, let us know.” SIU President David Heindel (standing) welcomes attendees to the conference in Algonac. Also pictured from left at the table are SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak, VP Bryan Powell, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (standing at right) reviews some of the improvements to the various benefits available to members, pensioners and their dependents. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (standing at left) answers a question during the gathering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Attendees in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, listen to an update about their respective benefits. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU-AFFILIATED PAUL HALL CENTER EARNS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION SIU-CREWED SHIPS ASSIST WITH GAZA AID COAST GUARD CHANGES MARINER CREDENTIAL FORMAT MTD JOINS MAJOR EFFORT TO BOOST U.S. SHIPBUILDING SEAFARERS SUPPORT HISTORIC ARMY MISSION SIU CREWS HELP COMPLETE OPERATION DEEP FREEZE FATHER SINCLAIR HONORED BY NAMMA SENATOR WICKER STANDS UP FOR JONES ACT PRODUCTIVE BENEFITS CONFERENCES CONCLUDE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 4 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/1ef73b5ba760103202b7db64c0007665.pdf 8742140c8d8e723890e8a7035e8108fd PDF Text Text I' j SlU, Shipowners Sue Administration on Blended Credit Cargo Seek Law Enforcement, Not Special Treatment The federal government's continued refusal to obey the nation's cargo preference laws is "beyond comprehension," SIU President Frank Drozak said following the Union's and Transportation Institute's filing of a lawsuit seeking the enforce­ ment of the laws. Last month the two organi­ zations were forced to go to court, almost a year to the date after the Reagan administration began its "Blended Credit" pro­ gram. The program, adminis­ tered by the Department of Ag­ riculture, has accounted for almost $1 billion in agricultural commodity sales to foreign na­ tions. None of the shipments has sailed on American-flag ships. The U.S. District Court suit seeks a permanent injunction against the government from disobeying long-standing cargo preference laws and a judgment that the prevailing cargo regu­ lations apply to the blended credit program. The suit cited the Cargo Preference Act of 1954 and Pub­ lic Resolution 17 as the basis for the SIU's action. Both the law and the resolu­ tion basically call for 50 percent (Continued on Page 4.) fz' OMictel PaUttcatlon oi the Intematioml Union • Ationtlc, Onif, Lidws and miuid WatanDtMrict *AI L4!IU^|^|^J^j^lWni ikwIM} Busy Year on the Hill for Maritime Labor & Industry DEC 081983 Boggs-Tribie, Alaskan Oil Bills Are While none of the dozens of maritime-related bills intro­ duced this congressional ses­ sion has made it through tlie legislative maze to become law, \ many have made a great deal of progress Both houses of Congress are expected to adjourn for the year by the middle of November. Congress may return to Wash­ ington, but indications are that if representa.tives do resume the session, none of the maritime issues will be moved along. Here is a rundown of the major maritime bills and issues the SIU has either backed or •I'm a Little bit Skeptical' — BlaggI Cunard Bill Killed; We'll Wait and See One vote in the Senate Commerce Committee killed a mea^e which would have generated more than 1,(X)0 seafaring jobs, opened the domestic cruise market to an Union Busting Thwarted ACBL & Dixie: Take Notice More than two years of back pay and pension contributions, plus a ''bargaining order, were won by The United Industrial Workers in a Na­ tional Labor Relations Board case closely related to the SIU's fight with ACBL. The UIW is an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The two companies, Louisiana Dock Company (LDC) and Ameri­ can Commercial Terminals (ACT), (Continued on Page 3.) American conqHmy and provided desperately needed passenger ships for military use. On the same day, Nov. 16, the House Merchant Ma­ rine and Fisheries Conunittee over­ whelmingly approved a similar measure to re-flag two Cunard ships. "I'm disappointed that 1,0(X) American seamen won't be work­ ing this spring and surprised that the massive campaign against these bills was able to fool so many peo­ ple," SIU President Frank Drozak said. The two bills were new versions of legislation introduced earlier this year which would have granted domestic trading privileges to Cruise American, an Americanowned company which planned to purchase the two Cunard vessels, the Princess and Countess, and use (Continued on Page 3.) fought this year and where they stand. Next month the LOG will provide a rundown on other maritime legislation for the year. B<^gs-TrlUe These two bills, H.R. 1242 and S. 1624, are the backbone of maritime revitalization this session. While there are some differences in the bills, both have basically the same goals. They would reserve 5 percent of the nation's bulk imports and exports for American-iflag ships in the first year. In each follow­ ing year that amount would be (Continued on Page 3.) SIU's New Santa Rosa ;.v ' x- It was transformation time in Baltimore for the Santa Rosa (Delta). It was also time for 27 SIU members to crew up the 22-year-old combination pas­ senger/container ship. Recently acquired from American President Lines, along with her sister ship the Santa Paula which will also carry a top-to-bottom SIU crew, the Santa Rosa was getting a much needed sprucing up after more than a year in lay-up on the West Coast. While Maryland Shipyard and Drydock workers scrambled about the 19,555 dwt vessel, welding, painting the 668-fopt huU, and checking out the cranes and gear, the first part of the SIU crew was aboard readying her for departure to Philadelphia and the start of her maiden voy­ age. (Continued on Page 10.) November 1983/LOG/I Jr.- J . �l- -iw •->•• - • -rij Drozak Heads U.S. Seafarer Delegation in Madrid ITF Backs SlU Minimum Safe Manning Levels The SIU led the way to two Deck Department—two deck Maritime Organization for final flag practice. It will also help^ close the gap between U.S.-flag important minimum safe man­ officers and three deck ratings; approval. One of the major issues at the and runaway-flag ships. ning level standards at last Engine Department—one chief month's International Trans­ engineer, one engineer and one convention was the problem of More than 500 representa­ flag-of-convenience shipping. port Workers Federation meet­ motorman/engineer rating; ing in Madrid, Spain. Steward Department—one The ITF's campaign was re­ tives from 63 national transpor­ viewed and strengthened in an tation unions around the world The SIU delegation, headed cook. by President Frank Drozak, won These manning levels will be attempt to discourage and even­ attended the eight-day conven­ the unanimous support for new submitted to the International tually eliminate the runaway- tion. levels on 12,000 GRT ships and over, and for the first time in Receives Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award ITF history set levels for tug JC and tow vessels. Also for the first time, entry ratings were specifically included in certain positions. The action on the manning levels is important because of the worldwide trend in crew reduction, which many times NEW YORK ... The lack of the Congress, have neglected decline of the American mer­ does not take into account the unity in the U.S. maritime com­ the merchant marine. He said chant marine in other than war­ reduced safety standards that munity weighed heavily on the that the national government has time circumstances." (Continued on Page 4.) may result. mind of Rep. Mario Biaggi (D- failed "to arrest the long term The niinimun levels were de­ N.Y.) when he spoke at the rived when the ITF Seafarers annual AGTOS award dinner Manning Section met at Piney here on Oct. 14. Point earlier this year and ham­ Biaggi, who was the 1983 re­ mered out the number of crew- cipient of the Admiral of the members needed for safe and Ocean Sea (AOTOS) award from efficient operations. In addition, the United Seamen's Service, the SIU and the British Nationals said, "I admit to a growing sense Union of Se^en worked closely of frustration with the industry in getting the measure passed itself in failing to provide lead­ by the ITF. ership and unity in promoting Here are the minimum safe its own revitalization." He was particularly upset by manning levels adopted: the disunity in "maritime labor Deck Department—^three deck officers, one bosun, three ABs itself, the traditional source of and three OS/junior/entry rat­ considerable initiative behind most of the major maritime la'Ws ings; Engine Department—^three enacted in this century." engineer officers, one electri­ As a result of this concern, cian (a trained crewmember), Biaggi said he sent a letter to one repairman, two engine room AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkratings, one junior/entry rating; land requesting his "personal Steward Department—one intervention to restore unity and chief steward, one cook, one refocus the perspective within second cook, one steward/stew­ the maritime labor community on the larger issues determining ardess. Other—one master and one the industry's future." Biaggi was highly critical of SlU President Frank Drozak and Rep. Mario Biaggi (D-N.Y.) get together radio officer. The towboat levels (along with the way the U.S. government, for a photo at the annual AOTOS award dinner held in New York City. both the executive branch and Biaggi was the recipient of this year's award. a captain) are: Congressman Biaggi Earns Praise for Maritime Service ./ Ottici»l PuWication ol the Sealirers IntemationjI Union ol North Amence, AHintc, Gutt. (jKes and Inland Waters District. AH.-CIO November 1983 Vol.45, No. 11 Executive Board Frank Drozak President Joe DIGiorgio Ed Turner Secretary-Treasurer Angus "Red" Campbell Vice President Charles Svenson »rt New York ast UnHUI Aaeitwit EdWDf New York 2/LOG/November 1983 Mike Sacco Vice President Joe Sacco Editor lelta Homayonpour Associate Editor Executive Vice President Vice President Leon Hall Vice Pre^dent George McCartney I Wee President Mike Hall Associate Editor Washington Assistant Editor Washington kyiwMiB HHraim Assistwit Editor Waahihgton 7^?L»!r monthly by Seafarers International Union, Atlantic. Gulf, Utes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md. 20746, Tel. 8990675. jiostage paid at M.S.C. Md. 20790-9998 X.-ir' Second-class «• wi.a.ii. Prince rrince Georges, tieorges,• nr> MO.irnn. zu/ao-aasw and ana at ai additional aooiiionai IQTCD- ConH Cnrinnc Md 2^746 address changes to the LOG, 5201 Auth ill... Way, Camp Springs, '4 �Boggs-Trible, Alaskan Oil Bills :i - • V ACBL & Dixie: Take Notice (Conthnued from Page 1.) along with ACBL, are all part of Texas Gas Corp.'s massive inland waterways conglomerate. This twosumer, energy, national defense and-a-half-year-old case marks the (Continued from P^e 1.) increased by 1 percent, until by and trade reasons. fourth victory against the largeThe ships used, about 50 SIU- scale union-busting attenyrts within the year 2000 American ships contracted ships, are the types the conglomerate. would be carrying a full 20 per­ of small tankers the military cent of the bulk cargo. SIU President Frank Drozak said, would need in an emergency. If "This decision should be a clear To meet the demand for ships, the oil was exported, most of signal to labor law violators, in­ some 168 to 300 new ships would those ships would go into lay- cluding Dixie Carriers and ACBL, have to be built in American yards. The House version of the up. In addition, thousands of that they will eventually pay a high maritime jobs would be lost be­ price for their illegal practices." bill requires a 15 percent oper­ cause the oil would be exported ating and construction cost re­ According to the NLRB admin­ in at least 50 percent foreign- istrative law judge's 97-page deci­ duction for U.S. ships. Backers flag vessels. of the bill point to recently ne­ sion, the two companies failed to There is a possibility the Sen­ "bargain in good faith with the gotiated SIU contracts as the ate may act on its version of the UIW." LCD and ACT bargained in basis for some of the operating Act before the end of the year. bad faith and violated the existing cost reduction. New technology The Senate bill contains a six- contract despite its expiration. The will also make ships cheaper to year ban on exports, and the law requires that old contracts con­ run and yard costs will be re­ two houses would have to get tinue until labor and management duced by what is called series together to agree on the length bargain in good faith. The contract construction. In other words, it of the export ban. is cheaper, because of common expired in 1981. and larger volume, to design Cargo Preference The judge ruled that the com­ build 10 ships rather than one ^ panies had no right to change the The House and Senate heard ship. testimony on several new cargo contract, discontinue their contribu­ The Senate version calls for preference bills this year. Some tions to the UIW's pension and a larger cost reduction, 20 per­ were relatively minor, but the welfare plans, call for layoffs of cent, and supporters have tes­ two major pieces, H.R. 2692 and persormel without first bargaining tified those reductions can be S. 1616, would revamp and with the union, and change the made. It also allows for some stremnline current cargo pref­ working conditions — wages and additional tax and financial erence laws and make them eas­ hours — of its employees in die breaks for the builders and op­ ier to enforce, by making a sin­ union protected by the contract. erators. As a result of these violations of gle law covering cargo The legislation could create preference. more than 100,000 new Ameri­ Basically the legislation calls can jobs in shipbuilding, ship­ for all cargo which is national ping, supply industries and sup­ defense related to be shipped port industries. 1(X) percent on U.S.-flag ships. Several military officials have It also mandates that 50 percent said the legislation would help of all cargo with which the gov­ the nation's defense posture by ernment is directly or indirectly (Continued fk'om Page 1.) providing sorely needed tank­ involved must be shipped on ers, freighters, RO/ROs and them in the Jones Act passenger American ships. other ships to transport U.S. Both bills have been through business. Because the ships were military men and supplies around hearings at the subcommittee foreign built, a special congres­ sional waiver was needed. the world. level and await further action. H.R. 1242, introduced by Rep. The opponents of the bill argued Reagan Proposals Lindy Boggs (D-La.) has made that the action would be a death it through su^ommittee hear­ The Reagan administration's blow to American sh^yards. But no ings and mark-up and now awaits major thrust in maritime legis­ American passenger ship has b^n hearings before the fiill House lation was a proposal that bas­ built in more than 25 years, and the Merchant Marine Committee. ically would allow the wholesale Cunard ships would We provided In the Senate, the bill, intro­ transfer of American shipbuild­ some $5 million for each vessel in duced by Sen. Paul Trible (Ring capacity to foreign yards. annual maintenance in American Va.) has had hearings on the H.R. 3156 would allow subsi­ yards, plus an additional $5 million subcommittee level. dized operators to obtain ves­ in needed work to meet U.S. Coast Alaskan Oil sels overseas, use new re-flagged Guard standards. Since the introduction of the bill, ships for cargo preference trade, The House recently passed a use Capital Construction Funds several proposals for Americannew version of the Export for overseas shipbuilding, per­ built passenger ships have popped Administration Act, the law that form overseas repairs without up. Therediave been reports of as contains the ban on exporting the current 50 percent tariff and many as six ships to be built in Alaskan oil. It prohibits the ex­ increase the amount of foreign American yards. However, those port of the oil for another four ownership from 49 percent to deals seem to be shaky according years. to congressional members. 75 percent. The Senate has yet to act on "I'm a little bit skeptical. It The legislation has not passed the legislation. seems strange that this thing de­ the hearing stage in the House The ban on export of the oil veloped after this legislation was in­ was imposed for a combination or Senate and indications are it troduced ... I haven't seen a con­ won't. of employment, economic, con­ National Labor Law, the NLRB judge has ordered LDC and ACT to: • bargain in good faith with the UIW; • cease and desist firom setting up its own plans; • render full recovery of pay­ ments, plus interest, to die UIW's pension and welfare plans; • make Up the difference in con­ tributions and benefits to the em­ ployees received from the compa­ nies' illegal fiind to those received under the UIW plans; and • make fiiU restitution of wages and hours of enqiloyment lost by the companies' illegad action to its employees of tte UIW. Time and time again, NLRB judges have ruled against the massive unfair labor practices of these subsidiary companies. "This record of lawlessness demonstrates a preconceived and studied master plan by this huge conglomerate to bust the Seafarers International Union," Drozak said. "The NLRB has proven that ille­ galities are not a profitable enter­ prise. The Seafarers International Union wiU, whenever the situation wan^ts, pursue all legal remedies to insure that justice is achieved for all its union member," Drozak concluded. Cunard Bill Killed; We'll Wait and See tract, has anybody on this conunittee seen a contract?" Rep. Mario Biaggi (D-N.Y.) asked at the mark­ up session. During the session it was brought out that no keel-laying dates have been set in any of tte tentative deals to build passenger ships in Ameri­ can yards — and nobody has seen any contracts. During the recent Grenada ac­ tion, the U.S. State Department asked Cunard Lines to make avail­ able the two ships in case they were needed for evacuation, or troop transport, Rqp. Edwin Forsytfae (RN.J.) said. The Senate action Idlls the bill for this year. Cruise America owners said they would continue to seek ways to enter the domestic crui^ market. What's next? SIU President Drozak said, "We'll just wait and see what happens now. I certainly hope these new ships are built. But we'll have to wait until all the smoke clears to really find out." November '1983 / LOG / I • "t" .h |i • t 1 �• I • ,N ••''mi?-': SlU, Shipowners Sue Administration on Blended Credit Cargo Seek Law Enforcement, Not Special Treatment (Continued from Page 1.) T of all cargo which the govern­ ment generates to be shipped on U.S. vessels. Three government officials are named as defendants in the suit: Agriculture Secretary John Block, Transportation Secre­ tary Elizabeth Dole and Mari­ time Administrator Adm. Har­ old Shear. "It's ironic and sad," Drozak said, "that we are forced to go to court when one of the de­ fendants even agrees the cargo preference laws apply." He was referring to a July 1983 memo from Shear to the Agriculture Department in which Shear said cargo preference laws did apply to blended credit, but also told the department that he would decline to enforce them. "Both the Cargo Preference Act and its legislative history indicate the ocean transporta­ tion of goods purchased with federal assistance is covered by the U.S.-flag requirement of the statute," Shear wrote. The Agriculture Department has claimed that the blended credit program does not fall un­ der cargo preference laws, mainly because of the type of financial help the government provides. The program com­ bines government loan guaran­ tees and low-interest loans to purchasing countries to finance the sales. "The law is cut and dried. It is simple. If the government provides financial assistance, half the shipment must go on Amer­ ican ships. The government is providing financial assistance in the blended credit program, but they are not living up to the law. That's why we went to court," Drozak said. He noted that in the past the SIU and other maritime groups have had to pressure and lobby the government to live up to the Cargo Preference Act. "We had to fight tooth and nail to get the administration to ship the Egyptian flour on American ships earlier this year. If you look back you can see a pattern of disregard for the law, especially since Reagan took of­ fice. So far, despite all his prom­ ises, he hasn't done much of anything to help the American maritime industry. It's a shame that we have to go to court to enforce the laws that protect American seamen and ship­ pers," Drozak said. SIU members and American shippers have had a hard enough time finding work in the past several years without having to fight the government for law- i fully guaranteed jobs, he said. In addition, according to the suit, if the blended credit pro­ gram is allowed to continue without cargo preference en­ forcement, other agricultural commodity programs could be diverted into the blended credit program in am attempt to get around the laws. "We're not asking for any special privilege. We're simply asking that the law be enforced, that the government obey the law," Drozak said. Glidewell Is Named To Alabama Fed. Tribute to Poet New Maritime Safety Biii Making Headway '•?• • f.t r •4 I; . I _• 4 1.4 (See Story on page 40.) The 34 members of the Poet's crew earned an addition to their legacy last month when the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries (Committee passed a maritime safety bill. The bill, H.R. 3486 was a direct result of the loss of the SlU-crewed and also the NMU-manned Marine Electric and the oil drilling rig Ocean Ranger, said Rep. Walter B. Jones (D-N.C.), committee chairman. The bill requires stricter re­ porting requirements for ships, raises the penalties for operating an unsafe ship and also in­ creases the amount of liability on a vessel owner in cases of injury or death. "Each of these terrible tra­ gedies identified deficiencies in our present maritime safety re­ gime, primary of which were unreasonable delays in notifying the Coast Guard of concern for the vessels' safety and a situa­ tion where an absurdly low fine provided no deterrent to oper­ ating a vessel without a certifi­ cate of inspection," Jones said. Currently the fine for oper­ ating a vessel without a valid inspection certificate is only a flat $1,000. The bill would hike it to $10,000 per day the vessel is operated without an inspec­ tion certificate. The fines for other violations of inspection regulations also were increased. The bill requires a vessel mas­ ter to communicate his ship's exact location every 48 hours to the vessel owner. If the owner has reason to believe the ship is in trouble or if he has not communicated with the ship for 48 hours, the owner must use all available means to locate the vessel and promptly notify the Coast Guard. The increase in liability levels came in the form of an amend­ ment from Rep. Gerry Studds (D-Mass.). It increases the amount of liability the owner must make in death or injury cases from the current $60 per ton of vessel to $420 per ton. That aspect of the bill will receive further attention in hearings before the Merchant Marine Subcommittee later this month. The SIU has backed a move for unlimited liability, but that may come later, according to Rep. Mario Biaggi (D-N.Y.), subcommittee chairman. "The only argument in op­ position was a fear that this quick fix might close the door to further consideration of the problems associated with the SIU Mobile Port Agent Tom GHdewell was elected vice president of the Alabama State Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, at the state labor federation's convention this month. limitation of liability. This, I promise, will not be the case," he said. Biaggi Gets Maritime Awartd ident Lane Kirkland, a member of the Masters j Mates and Pilots union. The 1981 award was given posthumously to former SIU President Paul Hall. At the dinner, awards were also given to merchant ships and individuals for acts of heroism and bravery at sea. Among those honored was the crew of the SlU-contracted Santa Maria (Delta). According to the United Sea­ men's Service, the ship was awarded the Mariner's Plaque because, "under conditions much like those of wartime, the crew of the SS Santa Maria accepted the dangers of the sit­ uation when the vessel entered South Atlantic waters on a trip to Argentina during the Falk­ land Islands crisis. Maintaining regular lifeboat drills, special watches and displaying the American flag on the highest tier of containers on deck, Capt. Adrian Jennings and the crew safely completed their voyage, despite buzzing by Argentine military planes." (Continued from Page 2.) One bright spot, the congress­ man noted, was the imminent enactment of the Ocean Ship­ ping Act of 1983. Biaggi told the 600 people attending the award diimer that "enactment of this legislation represents a long awaited first step toward revitalizing the maritime industry—beginning with the liner sector." He was proud of the unity of the maritime industry on this regulatory reform bill. The congressman added, however, that "unfortunately, the unprecedented effort behind enactment of maritime regula­ tory reform legislation has proven the exception—rather than the rule—where the mari­ time industry is concerned. Yet this precedent proves what can be accomplished when the en­ tire industry turns to and sets sail together." Biaggi is the 15th recipient of the AOTOS award. Last year's award went to AFL-CIO Pres­ 4 / LOG / November 1983 n �Delegates From All Ports Will Meet in March SlU Plans Crews Conference in Piney Point Set Proposals for New Deep-Sea Contract A n SIU Crews Conference .to hammer out proposals for a new A&G District deepsea contract is being scheduled to take place in March at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Delegates will rep­ resent the deck, engine and steward departments, and will be elected from all constitu­ tional ports. Dates for the conference, and for the nomination and election of delegates, will be announced in the LOG next month. In the meantime, a contract questionnaire is being mailed to all deep-sea members. The pur­ pose of this questionnaire is to encourage all SIU members covered by the deep-sea con­ tract to participate in drafting and developing proposals deal­ ing with wages, working con­ ditions, and hcEilth and welfare benefits. The present three-year deepsea tanker and freightship/passenger contracts run out Jun& 15, 1984. J SIU President Frank Drozak is calling the upcoming contract negotiations a "critical junc­ tion" in the forward movement of the SIU. He said that dele­ gates to this conference are going to have to weigh the needs of our membership against the realities of the U.S. maritime industry. For this reason, Drozak said, it is very important that every mentber affected by this con­ tract take the time to express his or her concerns and sugges­ tions. In addition to wages, working conditions, and health and wel­ fare programs, the conference will also examine and develop proposals dealing with training and upgrading; SIU shipping rules and the SIU constitution; legislation and politic^ action, and improvements in shipboard meeting and membership com­ munication. Besides mailing the confer­ ence questionnaire to the homes of all deep-sea members, copies of the survey will be available in all SIU halls, and are being mailed to all ships at sea. All questionnaires must be returned to SIU headquarters bv Feb. 15, 1984. I !• l- W , V, ^ 1 Members are encouraged ta take part in making decisions on contract proposals. Last Name First Name Street City or Town Book Number Social Security Number Middle initial State Zip Dept. (Deck, Engine, Steward) I. SIU CONSTITUTION. The SIU Constitution sets forth the rules and regulations governing the Union, its members and its officers. The constitution spells out your rights and your respon­ sibilities. The purpose of the SIU Constitution is to describe these rights and ' responsibilities so that everyone will know and understand vyh^ is expected of him. Do you have any suggestions for improving the SIU Constitution? II. PENSION. WELFARE & VACATION PLANS. The SIU benefit plans make it possible for Seafarers and their families to face the future with dignity and confidence. Improvement in the Pension, Welfare and Vacation Plans will be included in the contract negotiations. : Do you have any recommendations for improving the plans? III. EDUCATION & TRAINING. Training to meet the challenges of new technology, academic enrichment to provide a fuller meaning to the lives of Seafarers, and professional counseling to deal with the stresses of a seafaring life are all parts of the SlU's program to meet the needs of our members. Do you have ideas on how we can expand or improve these programs? If you need more space — use a separate sheet of paper. 1.^ November 1983/LOG/5 �j; I Continued from previous pagei IV. SHIPBOARD MEETINGS & MEMBERSHIP COMMUNICATION. Shipboard meetings give our members " an opportunity to express their opinions on all matters concerning their jobs, and their rights and duties as SlU members. Do you have any suggestions on how shipboard rheetings can be made more effective? Do you have any ideas on how we can improve communications between our members at sea and headquarters ashore? i' V. LEGISLATION. The maritime industry is the most federally regulated and legislated industry in the U.S. ' The Merchant Marine Act of 1970, the Oil Import Bill, Public Health Hospitals and the Jones Act are just some of the important areas affected by legislation. What do you think we can do to protect our jobs and job security through legislation? V , • . •K , .v. |- -jf"- f -• '•- VI. POLITICS AND THE LAW. "Politics Is Porkchops." This is the fact of life for Seafarers. It was through political action and your participation in SPAD that we won the Merchant Marine Act of 1970, and won the legislative battle for the Oil Import Bill. Again — it's all tied in with jobs and job security. (•' • •M How can we become more effective? .f-. . ' .. I i. • » -'Zf/ • VH. THE SlU CONTRACT & SHIPPING RULES. Keeping in mind the condition of the maritime industry " today and the changes we can expect iii the future, what are your suggestions for updating the Standard Freightship & Tanker Agreement and the SlU Shipping Rules? I*-.'- '1 If you need more space — use a separate sheet of paper. 6 / LOG / November 1983 c-r •- • • 'X' . -s- : �'•rrff^'. r-. ..'i f,.v^ ^=v** ---rf"- •*'* - • •*• • •'"* » * •'4 n-'* i _viir>• *-"wc:a *-*•> *-«,« rir* 3^; Vr--i« V' '- * "••'^ ^ *'' •"J, •w Pledges Continued AFL-GIO Support KirMand Gets Paul Hall Memorial Award for Dedieation To U.S. Maritime Industry NEW YORK AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland last month became the fourth recip­ ient of the Paul Hall Memorial award given by the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity. In his acceptance speech at the Sheraton Centre Oct. 22, Kirkland said that he was "deeply honored" to be given the award. Calling Hall "an authentic leader," Kirkland said that "my friend and colleague Paul Hall shared a vision of a strong Labor Movement." Paul Hall was president of the SIU and the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. He passed away in 1980 of cancer at the age of 65. The award to Kirkland, in the form of a plaque, was given to him by Paid Hall's widow. Rose. In her speech, Mrs. Hall said that Kirkland was "a dear and close friend of Paul." He was a "strong supporter of the U.S. merchant fleet" and he "made, revitalization of the maritime industry a top priority." Noting that this "award hon­ ors great leadership," Mrs. Hall told the audience of almost 1,000 people that "it takes men and women like Lane Kirkland to make us see the possibilities." In part the plaque read, "As Paul Hall once said: 'If the fight is long, and your opponent for­ midable, you need one thing: a good captain who can give a team direction and turn money, marbles and chalk into laws, jobs and benefits.' Lane Kirk­ land is that captain." In his speech, Kirkland was highly critical of the Reagan administration. He said that the "promise of maritime renewal has been broken by this admin­ istration" which "... contin­ ues to recite from its textbook of free trade." Kirkland said: "The U.S. needs a comprehensive and for­ ward looking maritime policy." The AFL-CIO president told the audience that the Competi­ tive Shipping and Shipbuilding Act of 1983 (better known as the Boggs bill) "offers the best alternative" for helping to re­ vitalize the U.S. fleet. He said that the AFL-CIO "will continue to fight for its passage." Noting that"" "our Labor Movement is in good fighting shape," Kirkland said that Paul Hall "loved a good fight and he would have loved the one we're going into today." Memorial Service Held for Seafarer As the recipient of the fourth annual Paul Hall Memorial award, AFLCIO President Lane Kirkland (c.) holds the plaque he was given by the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity at their dinnerdance last month. With Kirkland are, from the left: Jean Ingrao, executive secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department; Jack Brady, executive vice president of District 2 of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, AMO; Ed Panarello, executive director of the New York Port Council; Jack Caffey, special assistant to the SIU president and vice-president of the New York Port Council; Frank Lonardo, president of the New York Port Council; Stephen J. Leslie, trustee of the New York Port Council and vice president of the Maritime Trades Department, and Rose Hall who presented the award to Kirkland. Thomas Bradley Dead at 55, Head of Md.-DC AFL-CIO Unit Thomas M. Bradley, 55, pres­ ident of the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO Labor Federation since 1979, died Oct. 27 at Franklin Sq. Hospital in Baltimore. Bradley had suffered a mas­ sive heart attack early in October. He had been a member of the Machinists Union (LAM) since 1949, rising from shop steward to president of the LAM, Local 1561, in Baltimore. Later on, Bradley was direc­ tor of the Baltimore Council on Political Education (COPE) and headed Baltimore's Central La­ bor Council from 1974 to 1979. He had been a vice president of the AFL-CIO's Maryland State Labor Federation before he was tapped by the unit's Executive Board to be chief of the federation. In 1981, at the state federation's convention, he was elected to a full presi­ dential term. AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland and Secretary-Treas­ urer Thomas R. Donahue cited Bradley's leadership and fervor in a letter to his widow, Jean; four children and two grand­ children: "His dedication, his energy, his integrity and his judgment were tremendous assets to the workers who elected him as their leader . . . We will cherish his memory . . . Tom's death has spread sorrow and a deep sense of personal loss to trade union­ ists throughout Maryland and far beyond its borders," wrote Kirkland and Donahue. 2 Brothers of the Sea Buried in the Deep Friends of Dwayne Cook hold a memorial service for their fellow Seafarer, presumed misslnq at sea off the SS Santa Ross at)out two months ago. Present at the Oct. 2 ceremony at North Point In San Francisco, Calif, are from the left: John Halllg, Kathy Hertz and Dell Lovern. The picture was sent In by another of Cook's good friends, George "Lenny" ZIntz Jr. On Oct. 13, aboard the SS Transcolumbia (Hudson Waterways), burial services were conducted for Pensioner Wilhelm Woeras by Capt. R.L. Edmonds with all ship's personnel present. They mourned the deceased's passing as his remains were consigned to the deep. On Aug. 16 on the bulker Star of Texas (Titan Navigation), Chief Engineer John O'SuUivan was buried at sea with full honors at the start of the Gulfstream according to his last request. His ashes were given back to the sea during a sunset service. Bosun Gene Paschall, Asst. Cook Yvonne Smith, Seafarers Ray Fletcher, Bobby Williams, James Dies and other crewmembers off watch helped to honor the departed. Capt. Richard D. Stewart led the solemn services. During the ceremony, the entire crew on and off watch observed a period of silence for O'Sullivan. November 1983/LOG/7 $• -•'i' * i' �• " • -t.?, •. i- 1 MFOW Celebrates 100th Anniversary In San Franeiseo HE PACIFIC COAST Ma­ T :M; •K ¥i •|: I- m- «-1') #1 rine Firemen, ODers and Watertenders Union (MFOW), SlU-affiliated since 1953, cele­ brated its 100th year (1883-1983) as more than 1,000 members, pensioners, families, friends and maritime notables took part in a gala dinner-dance fete Oct. 28 near the union's headquarters in the port of San Francisco. Earlier in the day of the Cen­ tennial Celebration, at a "Mar­ itime Unity" conference at the MFOW hiring hall, SIU Presi­ dent Frank Drozak congratu­ lated the West Coast union's chief, Henry "Whitey" Disley and his membership for their first "hardest" 100 years and attacked the Reagan administra­ tion on its maritime policies. In his speech, Drozak related his years as SIU San Francisco port ^ent knowing the MFOW late Presidents Vincent J. Malone, Sam Bennett, William W. Jordan and Harry Jorgensen. Drozak declared in his re­ marks that: ". . . It is a singular achievement (by the MFOW) simply to have survived in such a rocky, unpredictable, feastor-famine industry such as our maritime industry is . . ." He pointed out that the West Coast "is really the birthplace of the permanent seafaring unions of this country" and the MFOW "the first to set up an organization devoted to the pro­ tection and welfare of the crewmembers of the unlicensed en­ gine department aboard American flagships." And he added the SUP was founded in 1885 and the Marine Cooks and Stewards Union began in 1901. Drozak further outlined the MFOW's early struggles to correct the primitive wages and living and working conditions and brutality aboard the ships praising its "staying power" to survive the first difficult times. The SIU president said "Our principal problem now ... is to preserve the maritime indus­ try." And . There is now no indication that the present administration is determined to reverse the frightening decline of American shipping." --ft I' i>, iti I: iff: tk (, §i 8/LOG/November 1983 I Drozak held that: • "The present administra­ tion . . . has dismantled long­ standing maritime programs which . . . enabled the Ameri­ can merchant marine to main­ tain some viability ... • The administration has dis­ carded these programs without providing any replacement mechanisms that would allow American shipping to at least maintain its existing capability until a transition to more effec­ tive and suitable programs could be adopted. • "The administration con­ tinues to practice 19th-century economic philosophy, espe­ cially with regard to the U.S. merchant marine, while the rest of the nations of the world sup­ port their national fleets in terms of real-world economics and politics. • "Whereas the Maritime Administration was once the lead agency and the protector of the interests of U.S.-flag shipping, it no longer is able to demon­ strate any initiative in behalf of the industry it was created to serve. The effective functioning of the Maritime Administration has been completely smoth­ ered." Drozak concluded "What we are seeing today is the pursuit by the administration of a plan for the destruction of the Amer­ ican flag industry. None Of Pres­ ident Reagan's pledges to de­ velop an American shipping capability consistent with our national interests have been honored." Joining SIU President Drozak on the podium were newly re- SIUNA President Frank Drozak congratulates MFOW President Disley. elected San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein, California Congresswomen Barbara Boxer, 6th District and Sala Burton, 5th District; California Con­ gressman George Miller and U.S. Sen, Milton Marks, State Lt. Gov. Leo McCarthy, APL head W. B. Seaton, Matson Line chief Michael S. Wasacz and Pacific Maritime Assn. President Wil­ liam E. Coday. Also at the symposium were M.C., John F. Henning, secre­ tary-treasurer of the State La­ bor Federation; SIU VP George McCartney, MTD SecretaryTreasurer Jean Ingrao, TI Chairman Emeritus Herbert Brand, SUP President Paul Dempster, ILWU President James Herman, Deputy Super­ intendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Commodore Thomas Patterson, MARAD WeLCMHi! DELEfiATES Officials and delegates at the first MFOW Convention in San Francisco, 1945. �;'1 7ri^ '^Ii" • • 'P' Drozak-—^'Next 100 Years to be Just as Diffieult A caU for Maritime Labor Unity; to r.) MFOW President "Whitey" DIsley;. SIUNA President Frank Drozak; Satiors Union of the Pacific President Paul Dempster, and DLWU (Longshoremen) President Jimmy Herman. ^ -rf- Happy Birthday 'h k ^ ' I (Continued from Page 8.) Western Region Director Capt. S.W. Galstan and SIU San Francisco Field Representative John Ravnik. Other MFOW Centennial Celebrations were held Oct. 15 in the port of Honolulu, Hawaii; Nov. 12 in the port of Seattle, Nov. 13 in San Pedro, Calif, for the port of Wilmington and in the ports of Brooklyn, N.Y., New Orleans and Portland, Ore. At the union's 100th birthday party, commemorative pins were distributed with a 64-page his­ torical highlights book program entitled "From Hell Hole to High Tech" showing the found­ ing fathers of the union, the early sailing and steamships with chapters "The Early Days 1850i915," "Living Aboard Ship," "1900-1922," "The Fighting Years," "Seamen and the Law," "The War Years," "The Post War Years," and "The Agoniz­ ing Years 1974-1983." •S Democratic Cmigreaswomwi Sain Burton (r^ht) and Barhara Boxer war on hand fwr the ceidHratton. Here they meet with SIUNA Piesidait Frank Drozak and Vice Presid«Dt George McCartney^ November 1983/LOG/9 %• �J; :i| § -.J SlU's Santa Rosa (Continued from Page 1.) Chief Steward Jim Bergstrom was in the ship's pantry trying to organize the stores after hav­ ing been aboard for less than 24 hours. He promised that the food would be "tops" for the crew and the dozen passengers. It will also be the same. f. •''4, J •• Up on the passenger deck, Steward Assistant Lloyd Zim­ merman said he was walking and working proof that "dili­ gence pays off." Zimmerman had been making a regular com­ mute from his home in Roanoke, Va. to the Baltimore hall in search of work. His perserverance will pay off in a payoff now. y. • • • A deck below in the crew quarters, Windell Saunders, steward's assistant, was putting a few homey touches on the I'' Getting the SaW Rosa shipshape allows Ted Drobbins, AB, time to brush up on directions. AB Bernard-Miclak <above) helps make the Santa Rosa shine with a fresh cbat of paint on the bridge wings. Below, Lorenzos Ordansa is on his way back up the gangway after an errand on the docks. J crews' quarters, hanging new drapes and cleaning up a bit. While most of the activity on deck was from shoreside em­ ployees, a few SIU deckhands were about. John Barcroft, a standby AB, was checking one of the chain lockers while ABs Ted Drobbins and Bernard Miciak were applying fresh coats of paint to the bridge. Port Agent A1 Raymond had just put a job call out that morn­ ing for the rest of the deck and engine crew, and they were due onboard the next day. This would give them a little more than two days to bring the Santa Rosa out of drydock, sail her up to 5'C- f- . 10/LOG/November 1983 Philadelphia and have her spruced up and ready for the first trip—cargo, passengers and all. The Santa Rosa will call Phil­ adelphia home and make regular stops on a 28-day run to Charleston, S.C., Miami, Fla., and the east coasts of Vene­ zuela, Colombia and Panama. To a novice, it might have looked as if the Santa Rosa would take two months before she would be ready to sail. But the professional and hardwork­ ing SIU crew would have her ready, as if the Santa Rosa was transformed by magic. �. V T''l|^r-;viyt-4j^j;^W^^ ^--' *i' • -• -. ^^iMStis£4s • r ^l-:- Atop the Santa Rosa crane offers a fine view of a flurry of activity along Baltimore's Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock ship­ yards. WIndell Saunders, steward assist­ ant, hangs curtains in refurbished crew quarters. Standby AB John Barcroft pulls up a chain from the top deck as the high pitched sounds of welding, sanding and drilling whine in the background. Lloyd Zimmerman (above) spent several weeks driving from his Roanoke, Va. home to Baltimore in search of a ship. He found the Santa Rosa. Here he makes some last minute adjustments in a passenger's cabin. Both the passengers and the crew will enjoy the same meals and Chief Steward Jim Bergstrom (r.) said the cooking will be "tops" on each 28- day voyage. November 1983/LOG/II �-^B^' Area Vice Presidents' Report Great Lakes & Western Rivers, by V.P. Mike Sacco Gulf Coast, by VP. Joe Sacco •••fe'' - '-i' 1; i 'ii? are still going full force on the Dixie strike which is eight months old. On all fronts we con­ tinue to be active. Our leaflets and picketing are having an impact as is our campaign to inform con­ sumers about the situation. Dixie Carriers is part of a con­ glomerate called Kirby. Though the company contends that our strike has had little effect on it, their second quarter e^ings have dropped tremendously. We've slowed down the company's op­ erations. Our consumer information campaign, directed at the people with whom Kirby does business, has been very successful. Kirby's attempt to break this Union is a classic example of what's happening throughout this country in the transportation sector. There have been big efforts to bust the unions in other transport fields, such as buses and airlines. Just look at what's happening at Greyhound buses and Continental Airlines. Our attack against Kirby and Dixie is a multi-pronged one, and on Nov. 14 we will take depositions in Texas on a suit against Dixie for its calculated plan to destroy the Union. Meanwhile we are continuing to fiilly service our deep-sea and inland equipment. We have completed work on the Bay Houston Towing contract which expires shortly and we are sending out contract questionnaires to our members at Radcliff. Also, the new three-year Higman Towing contract which provides wage increases for our members has been ratified. In other news from the Gulf, SIU MobUe Port Agent Tom Glidewell has been elected vice-president of the State AFL-CIO in Alabama. Also, at the State Federation's convention a resolution was unani­ mously passed urging all of Alabama's congressional legislators to vote for the Boggs bill in the House and the Trible bill in the Senate. Both these bills would greatly help revitalize the U.S. maritime fleet. East Coast, by V.P. Leon Hall ^.'fi ,rtr. <'• V $ ; I. • V^' •i'f.? .::f ;:•; '- s' • -; ""I ->• ii • • j,- "1 ii ^; ^or a few days last month I visited our hall in Santurce, Puerto Rico. At a payoff on the SlU-contracted Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Marine) I held a shipboard meeting to discuss many of the important issues facing this Union and the maritime industry today. I also visited our Crowley opera­ tions while I was there. From the port of Gloucester, one of our Union fishing representatives, Leo Sabato, reports that an SlU-contracted fishing boat, the Grace and Tom sank in the Atlantic last month. None of the crewmembers was hurt when the vessel went down at about 4 a.m. on Oct. 17 approximately 15 miles east-southeast of Gloucester. A vessel nearby heard the Grace and Tom's SOS and was quickly beside her. In other news from that port, prices for ground fish have been going up but the fishing is poor. Also, scallops are very, very scarce and at one point the price off the boat was $7.45 a pound. In the port of Baltimore we crewed the Santa Rosa (Delta) wMch is scheduled to go to Charleston, Miami and on to South America. This ship was formerly owned by American President Lines on the West Coast. Delta also bought another APL ship and named her the Santa Paula. She was in the Sparrows Point shipyard for repairs and will be shifted to the Maryland Drydpck in Baltimore. Possible crewing time for her is the end of November.-, Also in Baltimore we expect the pushboat Sugar C. (Sonat Marine) to return to service shortly. She's currently laid up in Philadelphia for repairs. From the port of Norfolk we have word that the CS Long Lines returned to Wilmington, N.C. after doing an emergency repair job in Nova Scotia. In the inland field, ballots have to be in by Nov. 21 on the Lynnhaven contract out of Norfolk. Meanwhile, the contract at Northeast Towing has been extended. ast month 1 was an SlUNA delegate to the triennial meet­ ing of the Joint Seafarers and Dockers Conference of the Inter­ national Transport Workers Fed­ eration held in Madrid, Spain. Five hundred delegates from 63 countries attended the week-long meeting. Through the efforts of SlUNA President Frank Drozak and the entire American delegation we were able to get a minimum manning scale resolution approved by the joint session of the ITF. T A r. Also, the delegates unanimously approved the UNCTAD code which calls for bilateral shipping agreements among trading partners. 1 found the conference very interesting and informative. It gave us a chance to meet with seafarers from around the world. We learned that many seafaring nations face the same problems that we do—runaway flags, a declining maritime industry, lack of cargo. It was a very useful meeting and 1 feel that positive results will continue to come from it in the future. In news on the homefront, we have word from Algonac that one of our Great Lakes Seafarers, Willis Lawrence^ will be getting a special award from American Steamship Company. Twenty years ago Brother Lawrence lost his arm in a shipboard accident. He did not give up sailing though. Instead he rehabilitated himself so he could continue to work aboard ship. Last year he went to the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship to upgrade. He sails as a QMED aboard the self unloading diesel ship Nicolet. (A full story on Brother Lawrence will appear in a future issue of the LOG.)Also, inland news from the Lakes includes word that SlU-con­ tracted Zenith Dredge has three more weeks to complete the Duluth, Minn.-Superior, Wis. harbor deepening project. Politically on the Lakes, two long time friends of the SIU, Michigan State Senators David Serotkin and Phillip Mastin are facing recall elections. We're urging our members to vote no in the two elections— one to be held Nov. 22 and the other on Nov. 30. West Coast, By V.P. George McCartney O n the West Coast our long­ time SlUNA affiUate, the Ma­ rine Firemen's Union, is celebrat­ ing its centennial birthday. Here is San Francisco on Oct. 28, the Firemen held a full day discussion on maritime unity. The principal speaker was SIU Presi­ dent Frank Drozak. Among the topics he discussed were the Boggs bill, maritime unity and revitalization of the U.S. maritime indus­ try. Early this month 1 went to a keel laying ceremony for one of our ships in San Diego. She's the John B. Waterman (Waterman Steamship), and she's being converted from a combination RO/RO containership to a T-AK maritime pre-positioning ship for the Military Sealift Command in support of the Marine Corps. Included in the conversion is the lengthening of the ship by 126 feet. All cargo holds wUl be air conditioned. The work on her is being done at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Yard. Two more Waterman ships, sister ships of the John B. Waterman, are also set to be converted. They are the Thomas Heywood and the Charles Carroll. From Wilmington we have word that the SlU-contracted passenger liner SS Constitution (American-Hawaii Cruises) will be in Los Angeles in December for the first time since she began her Hawaii Cruises. She will then go on to a San Francisco shipyard for some repairs before heading back to Hawaii. In Seattle where the SlU-contracted Rose City (Pacific Shipping) came in recently, we were proud to hear that crewmembers rescued 85 boat people off the coast of Borneo, Indonesia. Newspaper articles particularly cited four men, two of whom jumped into the ocean to help the boat people. The four cited by the paper are all SIU members—Bosun Perry Greenwood and ABs Jeff Kass, Greg Turay land Sippo. We're very proud of these men and the entire crew. 12 / LOG / November 1983 w ' •• : f' m �Seafarers HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL OF SEAMANSHIP VH,- . Piney Point Maryland New Facilities Enhance Learning Experiences in the SHLSS Steward Department The SHLSS Steward Program offers a lot of hands on experience to our seafarers, and we have a new training facility at the SIU headquarters building in Camp Springs, Maryland. The cafeteria, staffed by SIU trainees and upgraders has been Making sandwiches is one of the responsibilities of Cook and Baker Florencio Nieves Junior from N.Y. preparing and serving breakfast and lunch, Monday through Fri­ day since May 31, 1983. The new facility was designed by the per­ manent SHLSS Steward Dep^ment to best incorporate training needs. While working at the^SIU headquarters cafeteria. Stewards participating in the program now have the advantages of exposure to customers, cooking food to order and often they are able to meet some of their SIU officials. The crew for the new SHLSS training galley consists of five entry-level trainees, one Assistant Cook, two Cooks and Bakers, one Chief Cook, and in permanentpositions Chief Steward/Instruc­ tor John Cleveland and Cashier Debbie Miller. Don Nolan, SHLSS culinary director, oversees the new cafeteria as well as all of our other Steward Department programs. The five entry-level trainees are chosen from each class and nor­ mally spend four weeks in this training facility. Steward upgraders fill the other positions SHLSS Culinary Director Don Nolan, and SHLSS Chief Steward/Instructor John Cleveland discuss supplies needed for the Thursday Shipbuilders Luncheon. for a two-week period during their scheduled six-week training course. Each day, Monday through Fri­ day, John Cleveland picks up the training crew at 4:30 a.m. at the SHLSS campus. They then begin the 65 mile drive to the SIU head­ quarters building. Preparations for the 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. breakfast begin immediately upon arrival at Camp Springs. Following breakfast, the crew reorganizes to prepare lunch which is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Throughout the day. Chief Steward/Instructor John Cleveland sees to the assignment of specialty duties for each member of the crew, while giving individual instruction and atten­ tion to each student's needs. The crew then cleans and secures the galley and returns to the SHLSS at Piney Point about 4:30 p.m. , A unique aspect of the new facility is that much of the food served is grown on the SHLSS farm which raises beef, pork and fresh vegeta;bles. On most Thursdays a Shipbuilder's Chief Cook, Jeff Booth from Houston, Texas expertly dices tomatoes. luncheon is served which allows a lot of creativity. Gourmet food is prepared and Garde Manger (food decorations) are made. For special events, such as the SIU headquarters dedication, all the food and garnishments were prepared by the SHLSS Steward department. Our Seafarers will certainly benefit from this new and welcomed addition to our Steward Program. Third Cook, Mark POwell (r.) prepares decorative radishes for a salad bar while Chief Steward/instructor John Cleveland inspects his work. Toppings for tacos are being prepared by Special Stewards Leonard Kelly (c.) and Jerry Rhodes (r.) under the watchful eye of Chief Steward/Instructor John Cleveland. November 1983/LOG/13 4' T' �•3 •'-4V.. Way Take the Master/Mate Freight and Towing Course The Master or Mate of a freight or towing vessel is one of the more demanding jobs on the water. A lot of decisions and respon­ sibilities are in this person's h^ds. At SHLSS we train seafarers to take on these responsibilities. The eight week course consists of classroom instruction in the .rSf*. areas of: ship construction, shiphandling, cargo gear and stowage, navigation, rules of the road, safety, stability, ship's business and shipboard routines. This course is designed to prepare the experienced seaman for the United States Coast Guard Master/Mate Freight and Towing license examination. tJ' t''l^ ' )-I| & 14 .i-j >•' If • f 14 ,4 •fe •.¥f •; .• >/ -p' ist '^4' :ty rV4 • 5''^4 • ,1 -*• I' iV •li J I- The Master/Mate class from (I. to r.) Melvin Beckneii, Billy Williams, Larry Snider and Robert Bakeman, practice plotting courses and distances in preparation for the U.S. Coast Guard examination. A High School Diploma can Open a lot of Doors for You The High School Equivalency Program (GED) offered through the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship prepares Seafarers to take the GED exam and earn their high school diplomas. Over 1700 Seafarers have already successfully com­ pleted the program and received their Maryland State High School Diplomas. The GED program is available to all SIU members who are in good stjmding with the Union. Upgraders can enroll in the pro­ gram while they are at SHLSS for a vocational course or apply through the Upgrading Applica­ tion in the Seaferers LOG. SHLSS entry level students also have the opportunity to take the GED pro­ gram while they are in basic train­ ing, The decision is left up to eligible students. If they are interested in the program, it is incorporated into their schedules. The GED program is made up of the five content areas of science, social studies, English, math and literature. It runs from four to six weeks depending on the needs and abilities of the students. Diagnostic tests are given in the content areas to determine what the students need SHLSS Instructor John Chanslor (c.) demonstrates the use of navigational triangles to students (I. to r.) Melvin Beckneii, Billy Williams, Larry Snider and Robert Bakeman. Recent SHLSS GED Graduates to learn or review. The GED instructors evaluate the tests and design a course of study that will meet each students' specific needs. Students work at their own pace through small group or individualized instruction. Even though the GED program is a non-graded course, the students are given regular progress reports to evaluate their GED perfor­ mance. These evaluations guide students in their studies. Many SHLSS students have experienced success in the GED program because of the special learning conditions. With the personal and creative approaches used in GED instruction, the Bill Davis students progress confidently through the course materials. At the same time, interest and Bill Davis, who ships out of motivation is enhanced when Brooklyn N.Y., has been in die the enthusiastic instructors SIU since 1971. He came to the demonstrate how basic skills can Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School be applied to the students' of Seamanship on July 25th to maritime careers. The program also includes study and test t^ng enter the GED program. "Having an eighth grade education, I was a skills which prepares the student to sit for the one day state litde nervous about going back to administered exam. school," says Bill, "but the The GED program is only one teachers here are great!" He took of the many successful education the GED exam six weeks later and opportunites offered at SHLSS to passed the test. What does the prepare the Seaferer for the future hold for Bill.? He's looking future. on toward college. 14 / LOG / November 1983 -•'-iiiiiii.iii/i Taher Abdulla Taher AbduUa has been a U.S. citizen for 12 years and ships out of Seattle, Wash. He read about the school's GED program in the Seaferers LOG, applied for, and was accepted into the pro­ gram. He also completed the CPR, firefighting and LNG courses while enrolled in the GED program. "The program is very good!" says Taher. "I had never been to the school before and once you're here you realize how much the SIU is doing for the membership. Every member should take advantage of the pro­ grams offered here." �-i :..'s-•'I'- tt.' t The SHLSS Refrigeration Course m is a Chilling Experience Few malfunctions aboard ship can affect the comfort of the crew as much as an air conditioner breakdown, whether it's in the galley, the crew quarters or affecting the cargo of a refrigera­ tion container. The six week refrigeration course offered at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship consists of both classroom and practical shop training. The areas covered include: the theory of refrigera­ tion, refrigerants and their use, R-11 and R-12 refrigeration systems, operations, maintenance and trouble-shooting of various shipboard refrigeration systems. operation and controls of cen­ trifugal refrigeration machinery and operations and maintenance of refrigerated container systems. Practical shop training includes: constructing, operation and trouble-shooting working refrigeration systems and operating and trouble-shooting working refrigerated container units. To be eligible for the Refrigera­ tion Systems Maintenance arid Operations course all applicants must hold a QMED Any Rating endorsement, or endorsement as Refrigeration Engineer and Elec­ trician, or equivalent inland ex­ perience. John Linton from New York checks a refrigeration system sche­ matic diagram. DIESEL ENGINEER'S UNINSPECTED VESSELS Where Do You Stand? i I -, Taking a resistance reading with an OHM meter are George Ackley from Seattie and Brenda Murray from Jacksonville. Instructor Eric Malzkuhn (c.) explains how air flows across a condenser to Thomas Maga (I.) and John Raba. NAME SdC. SEC. # DIESEL BOOK If Our records indicate that you completed the Diesel License Course at SHLSS, however we do not have a copy of your license in our files. It is requested that you provide us with a xerox copy of your license, front and back, so that we can update our files. If your name does not appear on this list and you hold an Assistant or Chief Diesel Engineer License, please submit a copy of your license and your name will be added to the list at that time. NAME SCO. SEC. # BOOK,c J. ^ - *' • I i • 1' DIESEL The following information is provide to update my records: I received my Asst/Chief Engineer's License on Date • Assistant Engineer Uninspected Vessel • Chief Engineer Uninspected Vessel Name:. SS^ _ Book Address:. Telephone X' November 1983/LOG/15 : f �^13 upgrading Course Schedule January Through March 19 ii"*- ^s. -nri tn imnrove Job Skills i Steward Upgrading Courses ,.™7" M™V°CtlS*HS ~ SS School of Seamanship. For convenience *Mg?ne^^depairtmen^ •clu?s%Tdeck'de%rtment co'urses; steward department "tfand Boatmen and deep 3to upgrade are Ita%|though every effort will be Sir "» .1.«11— 1" •'rSw "1— '1 '•""' — \. "•' Y' _, ^ Check-In/ Completion Length of Course Cgume__ Assistant Cook cook and Baker Chief Cook Chief Steward varies varies varies varies bi-weekly b -week y monthly I# ' Recertlflcatlon Prograrns Ss"un Recertification Check-In Q3te Completion Date Febmary 20 MarcM6 Graduation April 2 special Notice "•^Su^Field Representatives in all ports will assist members QMED Listing Changes '"TSno'wm|Ss°es®wiil.be held through March 1984 as listed below: •, •I- Engine Upgrading Courses Course ii;:> QMED Pumproom Maintenance & Operation Marine Electrical Maintenance Marine Electronics Refrigeration Systems, Maintenance & Operations Fireman/Watertender & Oiler Gonveyorman Diesel Scholarship Third Assistant Engineer Tankerman Check-In Date Completion Date ^oihrpa^--k^ March 12 January 9 MaySI February 24 ' QMED list. January 3 March 2 March 5 m February 27 April 13 April 13 February 13 March 29 January 3 January 3 January 9 February 3 February 24 March 16 January 4 January 12 Deck Upgrading Courses Course t-' Pcl'l • !:•/ • f-^^i ?-: , ^ if •ll p several c°n«"°??wpn nl^ check the August list to verify our First Class Pilot Towboat Operator Scholarship Program Able Seaman Quartermaster Third Mate Celestial Navigation/ Third Mate . Celestial Navigation/ Master/Mate Freight ^ Towing . , Celestial Navigation/ Towboat Operator Lifeboatman Se^"af^ets .Harry Lundeberg School of is a list of correctior« which have been made to the BranconI, Robert Castle, Vernon Fedesovlch, John Fischer, Erik Groaning, Richard Hooper, Allen Llnah, Kenneth Mittendorff, Steven Kguez'c^iios Rodriguez, Carlos Washington, Eddie 07/83 12/79 04/75 03/75 06/73 09/83 01/76 00/77 08/78 08j78 12/75 07/83 09/83 05/82 10/81 05/82 07/81 09/83 12/82 09/83 0W83 03/82 04/82 10/81 09/81 • 04/79 06/79 10/81 ......... i Mail To; SeStets Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship Director of Vocational Education Piney Point, Maryland 20674 \ i i The following information is provided to update my records^ 1 received my QMED rating on ~ 1 I have completed the following specialty course(s): i Marine Electrical Maintenance -p—— Welding 1 Refrigeration Systems, Maintenance & Operations —- January 3 January 23 Date February 24 March 16 March 12 January 3 January 9 March 19 April 26 February 17 March 16 April 20 11 hold a valid 3rd/2nd AssisI tant Engineer License issued •on — March 5 April 6 March 19 April 20 February 27 March 9 i Pumproom Maintenance & Operation : — D»esel Regu ~ Automation Date Electronics Date NAME. BOOK _ ADDRESS Date TELEPHONE ^ i Note; Each member should provide a photocopy of evidence 1 substantiate changes in the above records. 16 / LOG / November 1983 • 'i is 10/81 11/81 Completion Check-In Pate__ 05/82 'It . �rj \ • •.J-:'?'-- •.'^,';f"'V-.::ii ' Apply Now for an SHLSS Upgrading Course Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship Upgrading Application •Mf|^ >ss»\ I ' Date of Birth Name Address. "S ^ClJyJ (5Ta!e) Telephone (Zip code) ' Book/!f Social Security ff Date Book Was Issued If (Street) Inland Waters Member • Deep Sea Member • (Area ooae) Lakes Member • • —I Pacific • Seniority Port Presently .Registered ln_ .Port Issued. ^ Mo./Day/Year (MiddieT (first) (Last) Endorsement(s) or License(s) Now Held. No n (if-yes, fiy in below) Are you a graduate of the SHLSS Trainee Program; • Yes Trainee Program: From. to. "" (dates attended) ~ No • (if yes, fill in below) Have you attended any SHLSS Upgrading Courses: • Yes Course(s) Taken - Do you hold a letter of completion for Lifeboat: • Yes No • Firef ightlng: • Yes No • CPR: • Yes No • i - Date Available for Training • Ol r . . • ' I Am interested in the Following Course(s) Checked Below or Indicated Here if Not Listed • Tankerman • AB Unlimited • AB Limited • AB Special • Quartermaster • Towboat Operator Inland • Towboat Operator Not More Than 200 Miles • Towboat Operator (Over 200 Miles) • Celestial Navigation • Master Inspected Towing Vessel • Mate Inspected Towing Vessel • 1st Class Pilot • Third Mate Celestial Navigation • Third Mate . ALL DEPARTMENTS ENGiNE DECK . • FOWT • OMED—Any Rating • Marine Electronics • Marine Electrical Maintenance • Pumproom Maintenance & Operation • Automation • Maintenance of Shipboard Refrigeration Systems • DIeeel Engines • Assistant Engineer (Uninspected Motor Vessel) • Chief Engineer (Uninspected Motor Vessel) • Third Asst. Engineer (Motor Inspected) • Welding • LIfeboatman ADULT EDUCATiON DEPARTMENT • Adult Basic Education (ABE) • High School Equivalency Program (GEO) • Developmental Studies • English as a Second Language (ESL) STEWARD • • • • • No transportation will be paid uniess you present originai receipts after course compietion. COLLEGE PROGRAM Assistant Cook Cook & Baker Chief Cook Steward Towboat Inland Cook • Nautical Science Certificate Program • Scholarship/Work Program RECORD OF EMPLOYMENT TIME—(Show only amount needed to upgrade in rating noted above or attach letter of service, whichever is applicable.) QATE SHIPPED RATING HELD VESSEL DATEOF DiSCHARGE DATE SIGNATURE RETURN COMPLETED APPLiCATION TO: Seafarers Harry Lundeberg Upgrading Center, Piney Point, MD. 20674 November 1983/LOG/17 . -1^^.";; 1^: iw .-J - --""I ' '• w �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I . •QXH 'sr. V, V' .=f' 4^; . 3-v. fe Irinaton tn INVENT IN ^PAD md JOB SECURITY World Report For the first time since the end of the Vietnam War, American troops have been engaged in battle. Unlike Vietnam, how­ ever, the fighting has not been confined to one area, but is being staged on two continents and in two vastly different set­ tings. There were some disturbing signs that tended to get lost in the rush of events. For one thing, American forces and resources were being spread terribly thin. President Reagan's defense buildup has been deficient in one very critical area: America's sealift capability. Over the past three years the Reagan administration has cut funding for the maritime industry to the bone.Were things to get out of hand in Lebanon or Gre­ nada—or even to heat up in the Philippines or El Salvador—this country would prob­ ably have to rely upon foreign-flag vessels to transport its troops and supplies. In light of the cold reception given to the Grenada invasion, can we afford to rely upon countries like Panama and Liberia to protect our vital national interests? IT'tf A ^MALL PRICE TO fWV Ciinard BUI H.R. 2883, a bill that would add two ships to this nation's depleted passenger vessel fleet, is waiting for House floor action. The Senate version of the bill, S. 1197, is being considered by the Senate Commerce Committee. The bill is an important one. Among other things, it would create 1,000 seafar­ ing jobs at a time when the maritime industry is in a state of near depression. Under the bill's provisions, two Britishflag passenger vessels—the Canard Prin­ cess and iht Canard Coantess—would be re-registered in the American merchant marine with a minimum of red tape. Op­ ponents of the bill contend that the legis­ lation would weaken the Jones Act. Ac­ cording to SIU President Frank Drozak, this is not true. The SS Constitation and the SS Inde­ pendence were redocumented under the American registry several years ago, and there has been no noticeable weakening of the Jones Act. To the contrary: the American-flag merchant marine is stronger in the sense that it can now boast two passenger vessels among its 564 vessels fleet. AtaskanOU The terms of the Export Administration Act, which bans the export of Alaskan oil, was extended until a final determina­ tion is made on the bill. That doesn't seem to be too far in the future: the House of Representatives passed the legislation by a voice vote. Senate action is still pending. The legislation is of the utmost impor­ tance to SIU members. At least 40 con­ tracted SIU tankers carry oil from Alaska to the Lower 48 states. The loss of those 18/LCX3/November 1983 ships would pose a devastating blow to the maritime industry, especially now when things are so tough. The bill deals with a pressing national security matter. Domestic supplies of oil have become even more important now that the shipment of foreign oil is jeopard­ ized by the continuing war between Iran and Iraq. Both sides now threaten to mine the Straits of Hormuz, through which a large percentage of the world's oil passes. In a related matter, the Reagan admin­ istration has failed to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at levels mandated by law. That leaves the country even more vulnerable to a shut-off of its oil supplies. The Export Administration Act was originally set to expire Sept. 30. Maritime Safety The Maritime Safety Bill, H.R. 3486, was passed out of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. The bill seeks to improve reporting requirements for U.S.-flag vessels. The SIU and other maritime unions see the legislation as an important first step in the prevention of maritime disasters like the SS Poet. Several amendments were added to the legislation while it was in committee. The most important of these amendments was the decision to increase liability limitations from $60 to $420 a ton. The figure had not been raised since 1936, and no longer represented a true market value. CDS Payback House and Senate conferees met and hammered out a compromise Appropria­ tions Bill for State, Commerce and Justice. Among other things, the bill pushes back the enforcement date of a proposed De­ partment of Transportation rule allowing subsidized operators to participate in the domestic trade contingent upon Aeir pay­ ing back their Construction Differential Subsidies. As it now stands, no action on the bill can be taken before June 15,1984. �With the SIU Fishermeh Out of Qloucester Aboard the Ida and Joseph BOARD THE IDA AND A JOSEPH IN IPSWICH BAY. . . . The crewmen are literally thigh deep in fish. Their yellow oilskins and high rubber boots provide protection as they work among the thousands of menhaden pogies that fill the hold and swamp the deck of this SlU-contracted boat that works out of Gloucester, Mass. The fishermen are members of the Atlantic and Gulf District of the SIU. Their former union, the Atlantic Fishermen's Union, a long-time affiliate of the SIU of North America, merged into the A & G District in 1980. The SIU fishermen are represented in Gloucester by Mike Orlando and Leo Sabato. Gloucester fishermen catch many types of fish. They drag— that is, pull a net on the bottom of a boat—^for groundfish like flounder, haddock, cod and red fish. They also fish for shrimp in season with special nets, But , trip that this LOG reportertook on a beautiful, late June day was aboard a seiner that was looking for menhaden pogies. This fish is abundant in the Gloucester area from early June until October. They're not edi­ ble but are instead used for fertilizer and for oil for cosmet­ ics. While the menhaden pogies are available, the 40-year-old Ida and Joseph goes out nearly every day in search of a full load. This day in June the hard work of her 12-man crew would pay off early. Leaving her mooring at the Seven Seas Wharf in Gloucester at 3:30 a.m., the Ida and Joseph headed out of Gloucester Har­ bor, passed the Fort area and the breakwater and went north. She then passed Rockport, rounded Halibut Point and headed into Ispwich Bay. The Ida and Joseph is 84 feet long. She can carry 65 tons of fish in her hold and another 70 tons on deck. A seine boat, the Little Ida, which is 42 feet long, is towed behind. On deck, the Ida and Joseph carries a dory boat. Though all the crew helps out when the fish are pulled in, many �f• '% • M ' ' -'V •» , T- ^:;"i •I . • -i - ,. T. ^--L- • ' --1 ::- - -- -•- . ••' • L • „• - 'V:-r. . . - ^-ifv-yALVia-fsiiea^ ' _ . _^,>n..-,, . 2^'rs:.S?vSSr ,Mi ?x;. 'm I.. ^ »>. ... .1. • -i,.-_ aa F v . "-J.'i&'/i,' ' _. A A" . " V •* 1 'T' V; iK. ^ •-, 5 « i-y y""^ - . i -"• -i. ^ ...i- ^ -f __ fy „S^ - *•" JT'--'. WS >* { ft r-J " - - :;«* s J. " *' r^: :,yM\ 'm jr • »'.•* •W j.l . II? ":•' s,.> -^.^Lw,.— AS Ssh swamp the deck of the Ida and Joae^ Ambrose Scola wwhs one of the winches. Though haid to believe, this Is not the end of the catch. In the galley of the Ida and Joseph Is Cook James Intenante—the man respon­ sible for the hearty and de­ licious meals. ™««e S?^ When the call comes from the spotter plane that a school s;;:^srjssi;;s2:ii!riSssiLS2W sssrrss:^:s^rs»i«-i». _,. skins. catch of the day. !. • 'in. .""1 F-.i) ••'f-' •1^ • ^'r -I" if? E^oylng their early morning breakfast are. from the left. Msheimen Gordon Goveny. Ambrose Scola and Peter Scola. 'f? k %: •A'-t %U'. -i'P; J.:i r';v i It' The sunrise this morning was of them also have other jobs. For instance, James Interrante, not as spectacular as the crew the cook onboard the Ida and said it can sometimes be, but Joseph, starts getting breakfast the air was fresh and a little ready long before the 3:30 a.m. cool, and being on the water departure time. Breakfast is a was a pleasure. Crewmembers were on deck, real treat. Plenty of bacon, bread, butter, jam, coffee and eggs any getting ready for the fishing ahead, or drinking coffee and way you want them. The area below deck is small enjoying the morning. They but cozy. The galley, the mess talked about their lives as fish­ and the fo'c's'le are all in one ermen, about the places we were passing, and about the coming area. day's work. On the trip to the fishing Asked whether we'd see any grounds and at various breaks in the work, some of the crew whales—^there's a whale watch would jump into bunks and try sightseeing boat that works out to sleep. The wooden table was of Gloucester—crewman Gor­ a narrow platform until the sides don Goveny said we weren't went up. Then it could easily going out far enough. He talked accommodate eight or more about a time "six or seven ye^s ago when we were competing people. Swinging the dip net over to the Ida and Joseph is Steve D'Amico. Behind him is Nate Mickey Paris!. with the whales for herring." fishermen were just barely com­ These leviathans of the deep will ing out ahead. Larry Scola, captain of the go into a school of herring being boat, expired that every year fished and take one, huge bite. Whales have even been known repairs and renovations alone to get into the fishermen's nets. on the Ida and Joseph come to That's bad news for the fisher­ anywhere between $20,000 to men because the whales break $30,000. The Ida and Joseph uses a right through the expensive ny­ lon nets. The one on the Ida spotter plane to locate the fish and Joseph is 17 fathoms deep since they are much more visi­ ble from the air. Sometimes and 210 fathoms long. This day there would be no around 5:30 a.m. a Ivge school whales. There would only be, of fish is seen by airplane pilot the fishermen hoped, plenty of Mike Calamo. The men go into action, put­ menhaden pogies. At the begin­ ning of the season, the fish proc­ ting on their oilskins, preparing essing plant in Gloucester that the boat. Fisherman Steve D'A­ buys the pogies was paying $44 mico heads for his motorized dory which is taken off deck a tonf Now, however, the plant was and lowered into the water. Other fishermen head for the only paying $37 a ton and the Little Ida, board her and let her loose. Now the adventure begins. As the Ida and Joseph stands by, D'Amico in his dory deftly and quickly circles around the fish to keep them together. The Little Ida gets in close and low­ ers her huge net. It spans out in a wide oval. At the right moment, the fishermen start to tighten the net which is purse seine. This means that the strings of the net are drawn together at the bottom and the fish captured inside. Slowly the net is tight­ ened and the oval shrinks. The Little Ida and the Ida and Joseph come alongside each other now and the fishermen must work quickly. A huge catch of fish like they have could en­ Unfastening the lines on the Little Ida are SlU Fisheimen WilUam Parisi (I.) and Jimmy Pizzfanenti. circle the seine boat if the fish­ ermen don't keep them in place at the side of the vessel. The net is drawn up, partly by hand, and as the first layer surfaces there's a mass of sil-. very, jumping fish. A dip net is now used to get the fish from the water to the Ida and Joseph. This resembles a miniature purse seine at the end of a large wooden pole. The pole is lowered into the mass of fish and when there's enough in the net the strings are drawn, the pole raised, the fish carried over to the boat where the net is opened releasing the catch. His work finished in the dory, D'Amico rides the dip net from the Little Ida to the big boat and operates the pole. It's hard work. like most of the work on the Ida and Joseph. On the Little Ida, three men have to strain to raise a part of the seine net to each new layer of fish. But at least on one another and following the same pattern as the first. By the time they're finished, the fishermen have caught over 280,000 pounds of fish. Once One fisherman said, "I tried working ashore. It was no good." today the work is fruitful. By 7 a.m. the hold is filled and there's fish stored on deck—about 130,000 pounds of menhaden pogies. As the fishermen say, it was a "good set." There would be two more sets that morning following quickly the hold is filled, the fish are put on deck. As they pile up, wooden boards are placed around deck to build up the sides of the boat. Boards are also placed in front of some strate^c areas like the winches and galley entrance. By the time the fishermen are isy. * �^Tcup S^^Mow^eck. Lany Maicantonlo rides the dip net over ftom the Ulto Ids. across the net flUed pojes. to the llshladened deck of the Ida and Joseph. ^ -•:.r though much of the net Is pulled up mechanlcalljr. these three jroung flshetmen stUl have to use their muscles to raise a part of it. through, there doesn't seem to sands of people. St. Peter is the be a nook or cranny aboard ship patron saint of fishermen and the festival is funded from con­ that doesn't have a fish in it. By 9 a.m. we are heading back tributions given by Gloucester's home, passing sights like fishing boats. (See story in Au­ Straitsmouth Island and the Twin gust 1983 LOG.) The men will have three days Lights. The men relax, taking in the sun, eating sandwiches or off from the daily fishing routine porkchops if they feel like it. of rising in the wee hours of the The cook is prepared to make morning and following the mi­ a full dinner. Usually the boat gratory pogies. When the pogie is out much later and doesn't season ends in October they'll get back until three or four in start going out—sometimes for the afternoon. This day we'll be days at a time—in search of other fish. back just after 11 a.m. Today's catch was bountiful On the way home cheers go up when the crew learns they and the day was warm and sunny. will have the next three days But the fishermen also go out in off for the annual St. Peter's the winter. Most of the time Fiesta, a landmark festival in they must face cold and ice and Gloucester that draws thou- rain. Sometimes their best ef­ 22/LOG / November 1983 ^ forts are fruitless. And even when they have good catches, they get back into port to face unprofitable prices for their fish. The U.S. tariffs are low on fish from Canada where that gov­ ernment subsidizes its fishing boats. The fresh fish exported from Canada is one of the rea­ sons for low fish prices in New England. The fishermen's work is dan­ gerous. On the Ida and Joseph there was a young fisherman, Larry Marcantonio, whose father was lost several years before when his boat disappeared dur­ ing a storm. On that same boat was the son of the Ida and Joseph's cook, James Interrante. Nothing was ever found L . V; - ,3;" v-t The Biblical words on the base of the Fishennen's Me­ morial statue in Glouces­ ter, Mass. are veiy apt for most of the town's resi­ dents. of the men or the boat. Yet, despite the danger, the hard work, the uncertain profit, there were very few complaints from the men concerning thenwork. One fisherman said, "I tried working ashore. It was no good." Despite certain disadvantages, he liked being on that fishing boat, being on the water. For the crewmen onboard the Ida and Joseph and for all (Soucester's fishermen, may the years ahead be filled with many "good sets." �Serving DeepSea Members and Fishermen ,y Here are two views 5 the SIU hainn Gloucester, Mass. The photo on the left shows the entrance to the hall as seen from St. Peter's Park. The photo on the right was taken from the dock area and shows the picture windows which surround much of the building. At Home in the Gloucester Hall By MARIETTA HOMAYONPOUR HE SIU'S HALL in T Gloucester, Mass. is a good place for members to sit around and talk, or play cards, or shoot some pool. Helping the Gloucester hall run smoothly Is Administrative Assist­ ant Del Martus. The beautiful hall, which was built from scratch by the Union, opened its doors in October of 1981. Right next to St. Peter's Park and the waterfront in downtown Gloucester, the hall, which is on one level, is cylin­ drical in shape. There are plenty of large picture windows facing the harbor where fishing boats of various sizes and shapes are tied up. The Gloucester hall serves SIU deep-sea members and SIU fishermen. The fishermen used to be part of the Atlantic Fish­ ermen's Union, a long time af­ filiate of the SIUNA. In 1980 the union merged into the SIU A&G District. SIU fishing representatives in Gloucester are Mike Orlando Playing a game of pool at the SIU hall In Gloucester are two fishing captains, Jahn Favazza (1.) and John Parisi. and Leo Sabato. They often sit with the members to discuss the catches • or the latest price of fish. Also working out of the hall is SIU Field Representative Joe Corrigan and Administrative Assistant Del Martus who for many years worked at the SIU's old hall in Boston. Bob Stevens was Gloucester port agent for two years, but he recently left to become the SIU port agent in Philadelphia. The Gloucester hall is beau­ tifully landscaped and fits in well with the harbor, the park and the surrounding area. It's a pleasant place to sit and rel^ and exchange fish stories. Or, if you're lucky, as this re­ porter was, you might hear a sweet Itedian tune about the sea • from an 87-year old retired bar­ ber who was visiting a friend at the hall. Bella canzone! ' -~,v- 'A " ,• J- ^ SIU Fishing Representative Mike Orlando sits at his desk in the Union hall In Gloucester. Posing for the camera are Jack Scandallto (1.), a lobster fisherman, and John Alello, an SIU pensioner. • -J Shooting the breeze at the Union hall are, from the left: SIU Fishing Representative Mike Orlando; Anthony Parisi. a retired baiber; Tom Randazza, an active fisherman, and Leo Sabato, SIU fishing repre­ sentative In Gloucester. This scene of Gloucester fishing boats is what SIU members see from the windows of their Union hall. November 1963/LOG/23 , ,iI II �Aboard SlU-Contracted Ogden Wabash 1 t .* In New Jersey k .z • T he OGDEN WABASH (Og­ den Marine) docked at the Exxon terminal in northern New Jersey last month. Seafarers were able to bask in the beau­ tiful Indian summer weather during their time off in port. As usual, time in port was precious and hurried. Most sail­ ors had their bags packed way before the ship actually hit port. Despite the rush to get ashore, seamen were anxious to meet with Kermett Mangrem, their SIU rep. Many were interested in talking about the status of the new trip relief rules. Mangrem told the crew that the six-man Permanent Job Trip Relief Study Committee had $•^ •:. completed its report after hav­ ing spent nearly three months at Union headquarters review­ ing the options open to the Union and the membership. The committee had been elected earlier this year in a heavily attended membership meeting in the port of New York. After much deliberation, the committee recommended that the status of the Permanent Job Trip Relief Program be fully reviewed at a SIU Crews Con­ ference which will be held in •: • • 1- f T Herman Holmes Is the saloon messman. March at the Seafarers Harry Liindeberg School of Seaman­ ship in Piney Point, MD. The committee also recom­ mended that the Union maintain existing procedures through June 15, 1984, with one exception. Effective Oct. 1,1983, all reliefs requested shall be for at least 125 days. Most members onboard the Ogden Wabash were satisfied with the committee's findings, especially the part about the 125 days. Wiper Mike "Mad Max" Crane Is all set to hit port. Crew gets chance to bask in Indian summer and catch up on SIU news. •J _ 4• 4-. "i"- ' 1 SIU Rep Kermett Mangrem talks to OS Hubert Cain (I.) and Preston Mllanc about the 125-day trip relief requirement. aS4 / LOG / November 1983 I OS Hubert Cain (I.) and Ed Demoss, AB, are good friends. �•^' •'-•Mr •' i:' -4'v -i:^ ' . - •..- 4 - ,;-' ' ^ "' z-'^' >"* •t:zvSt®iS4g.. 1 m:i .jErv scii"" % tc^-, %rr -" , i AB Domingo Contreras (I.) and Second Pumpman Fred Head pose for this picture Juan Castillo, AB, waits to talk to SlU Rep Kermett Mangrem. Xlj* November 1983/LOG/25 .— - , ;•: I ' '--a , ,. ^ M; •I . . • �and maritime policy. Senator J. James Exon S '•\ enator J. James Exon (D-Neb.) was the first Nebraskan to be elected directly to the U.S. Senate after serving as governor. In 1978, Jim Exon won election to the United States Senate representing the "Comhusker State." Sen. Exon has an impressive list of Senate committee assignments. He serves on the Budget Commit­ tee. On the Armed Services Com­ mittee, Exon is Jhe ranking minor­ ity member of the Manpower and Personnel Subcommittee and sits on the Military Construction Sub­ committee and the Strategic and Theater Nuclear Forces Subcom­ mittee. And on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Com­ mittee, Sen. Exon is the ranking minority member of the Aviation , Subcommittee and sits on the Sur­ face Transportation Subcommit­ tee. The senator serves as a Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate and is a member of the Senate Export Caucus. The senator is an avid supporter of maintaining the current restric­ tions on the export ban of Alaska Oil. He is a co-sponsor of S. 1197 which continues the imposition of those restrictions. On Sept. 20, 1983, Sen. Exon voted in support of an amendment on the Interior Appropriations bill for acquisition of oil to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a rate of 220,000 barrels per day, the current rate. The president sought to decrease the fill rate of the SPR. Through the efforts of Exon and others, the current fill rate of the SPR was maintained. A champion of the consumer. Sen. Exon recently introduced leg­ islation to protect consumers from odometer fraud on used cars and trucks. Upon the introduction of his bill, he said "the tampering of odome­ ters on motor vehicles is not lim- "The company of just and righteous men is better than wealth and a rich estate." ^ _ Euripides, Aegeus." Fragment 7 State officials estimate that odom­ eter tampering costs consumers from $5 to 10 million annually. This legislation would make it illegal to tamper with the odometers on used vehicles that are transferred be­ tween states." SIU is proud to work with such dedicated senators as Sen. Exon and Sen. Kasten and we look forwm-d to continue cooperating with them in developing a positive pro­ motional American maritime pol­ icy. Help Deliver the Mail If you are joining a vessel—and especially if you are going on a foreign fly-out—you can help your Union and your shipmates by delivering the mail. When you are ready to leave, see the Dispatcher at the SIU hall and get from him a supply of: Ship's Minutes Crew List forms; Repair Lists, and a few copies of the LOG. This will be a big help because some ships are without these necessary forms because of delays in postal mailing systems. % S enator Robert Kasten Jr. (RWis.), a native of Wisconsin, served in the U.S. Hpuse of Rep­ resentatives representing the state s Ninth Congressional District be­ fore he was elected to the U.S. Senate from the "Badger State in November 1980. Sen. Kasten sits on several ke_ committees whose jurisdictions af­ fect the American maritime indus­ try. The senator is a member of the Budget Committee. On the Ap­ propriations Committee, he sits on its subcommittees of Defense, En­ ergy and Water Development j Transportation and Related Agen­ cies; Agriculture, and Foreign Op­ erations as the subcommittee chairman. On the Commerce, Sci­ ence and Transportation Commit­ tee, Kasten is chairman of its Con­ sumer Subcommittee and is a member of its Merchant Marine Sen. J. James Exon Subcommittee and Surface Transited to any one state. The launder­ portatipn Subcommittee. And on ing of vehicle titles and tampering the Small Business Committee, the of odometers is a serious national senator is chairman* of its Entreproblem which deserves a remedy preneurship and Special^ Problems by the federal government. Facing Small Business Subcom­ "The growing national problem of odometer fraud on used vehicles mittee, as well as a member of its Government Procurement Sub­ is costing consumers billions of committee. dollars each year. In Nebraska alone Going On a Fly-Out? 26 / LOG / November 1983 Senator Robert Kasten Jr. Sen. Kasten is concerned about the Great Lakes shipping industry and its effect on the economy of Wisconsin which borders the Great Lakes. Late last year, Kasten served as a member of the HouseSenate Conference Committee to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the Transportation Appropriations legislation. The Senate version contained a provision to eliminate $110 million in debt on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Upon its ap­ proval by the conferees, Kasten said, "As a member of the confer­ ence, my top priority was to see the debt forgiveness all the way through. For the first time in more than 30 years, the Senate has ac-" knowledged the disadvantage the debt on the St. Lawrence Seaway has caused on Great Lakes ship.ping. This vote to eliminate the debt is a real boost to Great Lakes ports and offers new hope for a strong maritime industry on the Great Lakes and will benefit the Wisconsin economy and many farmers and businesses as well." The senator believes in a strong Sen. Robert Kasten Jr. American fleet as evidenced by his support of the export ban on Alas­ kan oil. And in 1981, on a Senate vote in the Budget Reconciliation bill, Kasten voted to retain the cargo preference applicability to the Agricultural Trade and Devel­ opment Act with its provision for P.L. 480 programs. Sen. Kasten is for "free trade, but it must also be fair trade. The American auto industrj^ and the steel, plastics and electronics in­ dustries that supply it, are cur­ rently at a disadvantage with Japan because of international monetary problems and other factors they could not possibly control. It's un­ fair to punish them—the auto in­ dustry—for these conditions. We need time to make this industry| competitive again, and extending the import limit will give us that time." As a member of the Senate Ex­ port Caucus, Kasten recognizes the need''for a strong commitment to expanding exports of American made goods and farm products and to increase trade opportunities with other countries. But we haven't been doing our best to expand exports and we're losing jobs be­ cause of it. Through thq Senate Export Caucus we hope to identify and act on the best means of im­ proving America's competitive­ ness internationally and create new job opportunities here at home." SIU espouses the same philos­ ophy as Sen. Robert Kasten on "free trade vs. fair trade," ex­ panding our export markets and developing the Great Lakes mari­ time industry. We look forward to working with Senator Kasten to find solutions to these problems facing America's maritime indus­ try and America's national^ econ­ omy. �Inland News Oar Members AtWerk Higman Tewing Contract Ratified By an overwhelming majority of Higman Towing Boatmen of Orange, Texas, a new contract was ratified recently. Gains for the rank-and-file membership Included wage hikes and boosts In benefits. For the first time In a Higman Towing contract, a large Increase In sick pay was won by SlU negotiators. By the end of this year, Higman Towing will have two new 264foot by 50-foot single-skin liquid barges now being built at the Jeffboat Shipyard In Jeffersonvllle, Ind. N.E. Towing Pact Is Extended A contract extension of the old pact at Northeast Towing In the port of Norfolk was negotiated for their Boatmen recently. Dixie Carriers Beef Waits on Appeais Before going on to a NLRB trial, the SlU and Dixie Carriers, now struck, are awaiting decisions on court appeals. Mall vote ballots were sent out last month to Boatmen at Lynnhaven Services Co. on their new contract here. The ballots have to be returned by Nov. 21. And new contract negotiations were still going on for Boatmen of the Allied Ocean Towing Co. here. Giideweii AFL-CiO Labor Councii VP Mobile Port Agent Tom Glldewell was recently elected and sworn In as a vice president of the AFL-CIO Alabama State Labor Council, Mobile District. Wage Reopener at Nationai Marine Service Wage reopening negotiations, not a new contract, at National Marine Service In the port of St. Louis, Mo. were going on at the end of last month. Tug Littie Curtis Back at Piney Point Laid up for repairs, the tug Little Curtis (Steuart Oil Transport) Is now back In service In PIney Point, Md. Coordinated Caribbean Opens N.J. Unit The towboat Jim Ludwig (Orgulf) pulls out of the Crescent City harbor afters visit by SlU Rep. J. Steve Ruiz. Early this month Coordinated Caribbean Transport (CCT) opened a terminal at 1200 Newark Tpke., Kearny, N.J. to serve the New York metropolitan area. Other CCT terminals will be opened within this year In the ports of Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago, among others. Great Lakes D & D Dredges Cieveiand Harbor Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. began the fall dredging of the Cleveland harbor early In November and finished a job In Toledo, Ohio. Luedtke Engineering has begun new dredging jobs at the Sandusky, Ohio harbor and at Point Moullee, Mich. At the start of this month, the company was nearing completion of a hydraulic dredge operation at Toledo harbor. Zenith Dredge Co. was to have finished harbor deepening In the Duluth, MInn.-Superlor, Wis. harbor. Here's the SlU crew on deck of the towboat Rebecca Smith (Crescent Towing) last month. They are (I. to r.) Capt. Mike Orllllon, Chief Engineer Aldon J. Barletto, and Deckhands Toby Jones and Dave Henson in the port of New Orleans. For Higher Pay and Job security Upgrade Your Skiiis At SHLSS November 1983/LOG/27 • ••'S't; .-.J- I �• 'f -">4i'' s-.n V ""'••-C—'• - ^ •thkA.- inland Pensioners Frank J. Blachowicz, 62, joined the Union in the port of Norfolk in 1975. Brother Blackowicz was born in Maryland and is a resident of Norfolk. <S , Vl_, •,1^ '• • „ '••• '• -. 'f E Ear •; ••?£I 4lC^ Chester Ellis Lewis, 65, joined the Union in the port of Norfolk in 1969 sailing as a cook for Plymouth Towing from 1967 to 1973 and for lOT from 1973 to 1977. Brother Lewis is a vet­ eran of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was born in Lowland, N.C. and is a resident there. Daniel Fred­ erick Carey, 51, joined the Union in the port of New York in 1959 sail­ ing as a cook for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1952 to 1956', Dixie Carriers from 1952 to 1975 and for Marine Towing (lOT) from 1975 to 1982. Brother Carey attended the Piney Point lOT Conference. He was born in Racine, Wis. and is a resident of Merritt Is., Fla. George C. Orfleld, 69, joined the Union in the port of Norfolk in 1973 sailing as a cook on the tug Remus (Allied Towing). Brother Orfield sailed for Allied Towing from 1974 to 1977. He also sailed for Harbor Towing from 1943 to 1969 and on their ^ tug Virginia. Boatman Orfield was born in Richmond, Va. and is a resident of Norfolk. Ml, If ; 11 •',|1: -i. I ni Pensioner Hugh Francis Ram­ sey, 70, succumbed to cancer in the Memorial Hospital of Gal­ veston, Texas on July 8. Brother Ramsey joined the Union in 1947 ^ in the port of Houston sailing as a pilot and captain for Dixie Carriers in 1974 and on the Dixie Raider in 1980. He was a vet­ eran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. Boatman Ramsey was bom in Greenville, Texas and was a resident of Hitchkok, Texas. Interment was in Grace Park Cemetery, Alta Loma, Texas. Surviving is his widow, Johnnie. SO SORRY In the September LOG's In Memoriam column, we inad­ vertently reported the un­ timely demise of inland pen­ sioners, Boatmen Robert B. Ricker Sr., 65, of Abita Springs, La. and Carroll Vin­ cent Sadler, 67, of Mathews, Va. We sincerely apolo^ze to them and their families for our error and hope we didn t cause them too much discom­ fort. , Both are "still very much alive." Pensioner Hairy Irving Col­ lins, 70, passed away on Oct. 24. Brother Collins joined the Union in the port of New York in 1960 sailing as a deckhand and mate for the N.Y., New Haven and Hartford Railroad and the Penn Central Railroad from 1936 to 1960. He hit the bricks in the 1961 Greater N.Y. Harbor strike. Boatman Collins was a former member of the Masters, Mates and Pilots union from 1940 to 1960. He was a vkeran of the U.S. Navy m World War II. Bom in Spring­ field, Mass., he was a resident of Mystic Islands, Tuckerton, N.J. Surviving are a son, Mi­ chael of Burke, Va. and two daughters, Madeline and Mau­ reen. SIU = Job Security Cb ) i Charles Anton Turner, 61, joined the Union in the port of Baltimore in 1957 sailing as a mate for Curtis Bay Towing in 1969. Brother Turner began sailing in 1959. He was born in Baltimore and is a resident there. BeiKjamin "Ben" Frank Sha^ Jr., 26, died of head injuries sustained in a pleasure boat crash on the Severn River in Annap­ olis, Md. on July 27. Brother Shawn was graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS) Entry Trainee Program, Piney Point, Md. in 1977 as an assist­ ant bosun. He sailed as a tug pilot for Crowley Marine in the port of Wilmington in 1981. Boatman Shawn was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. Born in Ann Arundel County, Md., he was a resident of Centreville, Md. Burial was in the Kingsley Church Cemetery, Chester, Md. Surviving are his mother, Mitzi M. Roth and a sister, Melodye Hope Valliere of Sevema Park, Md. NARCOTICS CAN END YOUR SEAFARING CAREER AND YOUR LIFE... STEER CLEAR OF THEM fSi- • Ii' Louis Szalejko, 65, joined the Union in 1947 in the port of Phil­ adelphia sailing as a deckhand, mate and captain for Curtis Bay Towing for 35 years. Brother Szalejko was captain and docking master on the tug Reedy Point (Curtis Bay) on the Delaware River for 25 years. He began sailing in 1933 as a messboy on oceangoing tugs, the Valley Forge, Catawissa and Tamagua (all Read­ ing Railroad). Boatman Szalejko in 1940 sailed on the tug T.J. Sheridan (Sheridan Transpor­ tation). Szalejko is a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II, serving on rescue boats in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelego, the Southern Philippines and Luzon and the Ryukys Is­ lands. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with a Bronze Star, the American Theater Medal, the American Defense Medal, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. A na­ tive of Philadelphia, he is a res­ ident of Williamstown, N.J. In Memoriam 28/LOG/November 1983 <is\ k-f' �BEG PARDON Due to a misunderstanding in the Pensioners Corner column we had Sea­ farer Athanasios P. Vassiiikos of the port of Baltimore retiring from the SiU. Actually, Brother Vassiiikos is still sail­ ing. He joined the Union in 1941. Deep Sea Guillermo Castro, 62, joined the SIU in the port of San Juan, P.R. sailing as a recertified bosun. Brother Castro was graduated from the Union's Recertified Bo­ suns Program in the May 1974 class. He was born in Puerto Rico and is a resident of Santa Juanita Bayamon, P.R. Henry Wooden Lovelace, Jr., 58, joined the SIU in the port of Houston in 1956 sailing as an AB. Brother Lovelace is a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was born in Lynchburg, Va. and is a resident there. Edward Joseph Mosakowski, 57, joined the SIU in the port of Philadelphia in 1951 sailing as an AB. Brother Mosakowski is a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II. He was born in Philadelphia and is a resident there. Mason Hall, 61, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Norfolk sailing as an oiler. Brother Hall was born in Los Angeles, Calif, and is a resi­ dent of Denair, Calif. Peter "Pete" Vincent Hammel, 69, joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1955 sailing as a chief cook. Brother Hammel attended a Piney Point Educational Con­ ference. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. Seafarer Hammel was born in Louisiana and is a resident of Chalmette, La. Ernest Edward Mulierl, 65, joined the SIU in the port of Boston, Mass. in 1957 sailing as a wiper. Brother Mulieri was bom in Boston and is a resident of Salem, Mass. Chester Ralph Coumas, 63, joined the SIU in the port of Jacksonville in 1960 sailing as a chief electrician. Brother Cou­ mas upgraded at Piney Point in 1969. He has two years of col­ lege and has also worked as a hair stylist and roulette croupier. He was born in Manteca, Calif, and is a resident of Las Vegas. Charles Walter Maynard, 62, joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1955 sailing as an AB and ship's delegate. Brother Maynard sailed from 1945 to 1982. He is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II. Seafarer May­ nard was born in Erie, Pa. and is a resident of Carteret, N.J. Herman Pedersen, 57, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York sailing as an AB. Brother Pedersen is a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II. He was born in Omaha, Neb. and is a resident of Sonoma, Calif. Jorge Rodriguez, 66, joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York sailing as an AB. Brother Rodriguez hit the bricks in the 1961 Greater N Y. Harbor beef. He was bom in Puerto Rico and is,a resi­ dent of New York. Ben Rucker, 65, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York sailing in the steward department. Brother Rucker Was born in Georgia and is a resident of Port Arthur, Texas. Robert Earl Tyler, 54, joined the SIU in the port of San Francisco in 1955 sailing as a chief electrician and QMED. Brother Tyler is a vet­ eran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was born in Shubuta, Miss, and is a resident there. John William White, 70, joined the SIU in the port of Jacksonville in 1970 sailing as a chief cook. Brother White is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was born on Block Is., R. I. and is a resident of Hous1 ton. Ferdinand Bernard, 65, joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans in 1955 sailing in the steward department for the Delta Line and for the Waterman Steamship Co. Brother Bernard is also a fur­ niture assembler. He is a vet­ eran of the U.S. Army in World War II. Seafarer Bernard was born in New Orleans and is a resident there. Milton Jack Brown, 50, joined the SIU in the port of Jacksonville in 1961 sailing as an AB for Sea-Land. Brother Brown began sailing in 1955. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. Seafarer Brown was bom in Hot Springs, Ark. and is a resident there. Harvey Edward Burge, 65, joined the SIU in the port of Seattle in 1972 sailing as an AB. Brother Burge is a resi­ dent of Seattle. Alton Joseph Clement, 62, joined the SIU in 1941 in the port of New Orleans sailing as a FOWT on the U.S. Army Transport Evangeline (East­ ern Steamship) in July 1942. Brother Clement worked on the New Orleans Waterman Shoregang from 1978 to 1979. He was born in La Fouche, La. and is a resident of New Orleans. Charles C. Fritz Jr., 62, joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of Philadelphia sailing as a QMED and ship's delegate. Brother Fritz was born in Pennsylvania and is a resi­ dent of Philadelphia. Morton "Morty" Julius Kerngood Jr., 62, joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore in 1955 as a recertified bosun. Brother Kerngood was grad­ uated from the Union's Re­ certified Bosuns Program in December 1973. He sailed for Sea-Land and on the SS Oceanic Independence (American-Hawaiian Cruises) in 1981. Seafarer Kerngood sailed as a deck delegate and was also a cook and sales­ man. A delegate to the 1972 5th Piney Point Educational Conference, Kerngood was born in Maryland and is a resident of Baltimore. George Wilson Arnold, 59, joined the SIU in the port of Houston in 1963 sailing as an AB. Brother Arnold began sailing in 1956. He was born in Los Angeles, Calif, and is a resident of Seattle. Robert Lee Beale, 61, joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Tampa sailing as an AB. Brother Beale is a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was born in Virginia and is a resident of Jackson­ ville. John Michael Stiles, 61, joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York sailing as an AB. Brother Stiles attended the 1970 SHLSS Crews Conference No. 7 at Piney Point, Md. He was born in Pennsylvania and is a resident of Green Creek, N.J. Curtis Anderson, 66, joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore in 1956 sailing as a cook on the SS Caguas (Puerto Rico Ma­ rine). Brother Anderson sailed from 1947 to 1981. He was born in Smithfield, Va. and is a resident of Baltimore. (Continued on Page 30.) November 1983/LOG/29 -r-'.ir- k i .: I �„ Ora^s ^esci/e '"'""'a WODZ 1"® "fa Ca). r""®™ c^ Z "!' ^'^-s the Coast Guard wl, ® "''"> ^?reJa«ve1y"4^®"""®'' ®®P'Khclter of ®®®- Susy Z^®" from fe'": waf ^sferred to fL «''°®' and jAe tanker he/nlw ^ ''®r huSdr"''®^^' 'lours. for several P"' ®'By and tinie ^T'® on»y husband who w» 7'"P8 for '^®''«'. The crew's ""ors concern was i5?2?ii~ss ne ship proyZl'/" easy task ythout which in ,h ^""^hreak conditions 'ther^ ^"<1 """^ "ot have Guard ffly boat. J ^3 fatten me off fr^sfen-ed to hi »" ^'lere J was eenn ^^dge *^ary S^®®cedforby ®«'o. a nulse wh f "'® ®'"ef '"'/!®';/obeabo^d'"'='^'y''ap. and concgJJ® wow was so kind hand what wondiJ , ^ ^^t^ ^ork on Slsf^ people hVe naaliy express m i.®®" never ""•at they did forij^"'"' Class-A", ^ Class "B" Class -C" '" SANFR^Ci^OSflffpEj 66 . . ." • " * * •*• • •-. ""^'''''rot'i'i^ihGroui^j;;;;--::: Clas! ON Class 'B' Class -.-oa ^ ' 0 ®i*and Total (All Groups). 0 Class SEATTLE Class (<B' 19 Class 1 ^'•and Total *9 0 0 k »» Groups) Class (< Class i€'B *» Class k 99 •'••• ^ONOLVtv 15 0 23 17 "999 -••• 8 1 1 .g''a«d Total (All Groups). ivi;;—11 From Nov leto If f I • ^ ^ ^ Corn, '^Pa9.5' a»af Ia»„ 'j^fT^theUnto'^^'''' 62, i"d^f®"P'Jacks<Jrvffll'jf;j''nedfh ^'T"'Con'hk^; ^l.^tean War fp^ Wl P'S^'^S fai/toad i Sl> fai/road from from iSl> r5r";.2;.';S2,S« "e ,S a resident t^'ere .''Sr3^*»'sa'n'«» ^'^^Bukee ''"'d was 1« '' ''"'d iJ^ Wa '" t/Vorld '^odd W Kcfxs?, Qboard the KSS^ »'W Co., fr^ ffcnsin. ,ato„ ^nt ftere. dent '•°n's rott '•°d's rotw '" ^'Pena LOG/November 1933 I... .(Qemtany, Cam. ""d ,s a resident of °'®te the in i"*"®® Mowani c """Seattle. ® �U,....-: .. ^>."r.V^ - . •:-'^-*T'" Aimss LagalAid In the event that any SlU nwrnbera have legal problems In the various ports, a list of attorneys whom they can consult Is being published. The member need not choose the recom­ mended attorneys and this list |s In­ tended only for Informational pur­ poses: NEW YORK, NEW YORK Schulman & Abarbanel 358 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10001 Tele. # (212) 279-9200 BALTIMORE, MD. Kaplan, Heyman, Greenberg, Engelman & Belgrad Sun' Life Building Charles & Redwood Streets Baltimore, Md. 21201 Tele. # (301) 539-6967 CHICAGO, ILL. Katz & Friedman 7 South Deartiom Street Chicago, III. 60603 Tele. # (312) 263-6330 DETROIT, MICH. Victor G. Hanson 19268 Grand River Avenue Detroit, Mich. 48822 Tele. # (313) 532-1220 GLOUCESTER, MASS. Orlando & White 1 Western Avenue Gloucester, Mass. 01930 Tele. # (617) 283-8100 f HOUSTON, TEXAS Archir, Peterson and Waldner 1801 Main St. (at Jefferson) Suite 510 Houston, Texas 77002 Tele. # (713) 659-4455 & Tele. # (813) 879-9842 LOS ANGELES, CALIF. Fogel, Rothschild, Feldman & Ostrov 5900 Wllshire Boulevard, Suite 2600 Los Angeles, Calif. 90036 Tele. # (213) 937-6250 WILMINGTON, CALIF. Fogel, Rothschild, Feldman & Ostrov 239 South Avalon Wilmington, Calif. 90744 Tele. # (213) 834-2546 MOBILE, ALA. Simon & Wood 1010 Van Antwerp Building Mobile, Ala. 36602 Tele. # (205) 433-4904 NEW ORLEANS, LA. Barker, Boudreaux, Lamy, Gardner & Foley 1400 Richards Building 837 Gravier Street New Orleans, La. 70112 Tele. # (504) 586-9395 PHILADELPHIA, PA. Kirschner, Walters, Willig, Weinberg & Dempsey Suite 110 1429 Walnut Street > Philadelphia, Pa. 19102 Tele. # (215) 569-8900 ST. LOUIS, MO. Gmenberg, Sounders & Levine Suite 905—Chemical Building 721 Olive Street St. Louis, Missouri 63101 Tele. # (314) 231-7440 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. John Paul Jennings Henning, Walsh & Ritchie 100 Bush Street, Suite 440 San Francisco, Calif. 94104 Tele. # (415) 981-4400 SEATTLE, WASH. Davles, Roberts, Reid, Anderson & Wacker 100 West Harrison Plaza Seattle, Wash. 98119 Tele. # (206) 285-3610 TAMPA, FLA. Hamilton & Douglas, P. A. 2620 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33^ Tele. # (813) 879-9842 ' 1. Fabled sea creature 7. What to do at SHLSS 13. Like crashing waves 14. Treasure Isiand author (init.) 16. Competed 17. Slopes 19. Impaired 20. Nervous strain 22. Where fish are packed 23. Stay in bed late (2 words) 24. Extra work hrs. 26. A kind of boat 27. An indeterminate amount 28. Undergrad. degree 30. District 33. of thee 35. Strong wind 37. Wander aimlessly 39. Iran 41. What oil may have done 42. Muhammad or Baba 44. 13 through 19 45. Enclosure for swine 46. Russian mountain range 48. Roll of money 50. Not identified 53. Have in mind 56. Arm of Mediterranean 59. Margarine 60. Shape of Italy 61. Pal 63. Irritate 65. Canter or trot 67. Courage 68. World Series winners « SeaLog X-Word By Debbie Greene " =•' .•-.yr 32. Capably 34. One from Nantucket or Martha's Vine­ yard 35. Multiplied 36. Not ashore 38. Navy officer (abbr.) 40. SlU Exec. VP (init.) 42. Noah's boat 43. Labor group (abbr.) 46. Loosen 47. Clean the deck 49. Type of knot 50. French one 51. New (comb, form) 52. Bowline and half hitch 54. Excursion 55. Sailor's patron saint 57. Type of disco dancer 58. Akin to etc. 62. Pronoun a Yankee... 63. 64. Boxing term 66. That is (abbr.) Answers Next Month! Answers to Previous Puzzle •J' Personals Thomas Driscol Steven Zubovich Checks are waiting for you (from the Seatrain bankruptcy proceedings) in a lawyer's office in New York. Please contact Israel Seeger, Esq., Miller & Seeger, 60 East 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10165 or phone (212) 867-6162. Charles Walter Rhodes Please contact your sister, Mrs. Grace McGinnity, 11874 Majella Dr., Bridgeton, Mo. 63044,(314)739-1229. •«' -I:' 11 m Down 1. Tall vertical spar 2. Detective novelist Gardner 3. Horses 4. Supplies with staff 5. Creative person 6. Member of AMA 7. We 8. Type of knot 9. Precipitation 10. Peaks 11. Where venison comes from 12. Circular water movemerit 15. Album 18. Alone 19. Principal sail •Or 21. Salamander 22. Accts. 24. Rows 25. Snares 28. Visually impaired 29. Caspian and North China 31. Send out ••c' •:• The Professional Touch That's what graduates of the Marine Electrical Maintenance Course have—the professional skills to maintain electrical systems aboard ship. These are the skills that mean more money and more job security. They're the skills you get when you take the Marine Electrical Maintenance Course. For more information contact the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, Maryland, or fill out the application in this issue of the Log. Course Starts January 3 Darryl Handle Please contact your aunt, Lula Bragg, as soon as possible. Harold Bowen (or famUy member) Please contact Midge Edens, 4719 W. 12th PI., Cicero, Illinois 60650; telephone (312) 780-0508. •-Si- November 1983/LOG/31 �• f> ""If'" Crewmembers from the Sea-Land Independence disembark for some time ashore. •': ''i-' f ' «• '.• ..-'K ul HE CREW aboard the SIUcontracted Sea-Land Inde­ pendence had a little more time in port than usual when the ship docked in Port Elizabeth, N.J. on Oct. 26. Normally at the end of the Sea-Land Independence's 21day run she docks one momiiig and leaves the next. But this time, according to some of the crewmembers, she was waiting for two feeder barges and was not scheduled to sail until later that evening. T Needless to say, the crew was grateful for the extra time in port. The Sea-Land Independency runs to Rotterdam, Holland and to Bremerhaven, West Ger­ Membere of the ship's committee aboard the Sea-Land Independence many. are from ttre left; Vernon Ferguson, Jr., third cook and steward de^^. The ship, which cames a Lee DeParlier chief steward and secretary-reporter; Wiiii^ Mortimer, D-9 classification, was bufit in bosun and chairman, and Oiiie Johannisson, AB and deck delegate. 1980 and is powered by diesel engines. She has a design speed of 22 knots and can carry 897 resentatives went over a num­ 35 foot or 40 foot containers. During the shipboard meeting ber of issues of importance to held before the payoff, SIU rep- Seafarers. \ I Preparing some lunch onboard the Sea-Land Independence is Sea­ farer Frank Adkins, chief cook oh the shore gang. •\ 32/LOG/November 1983 f-<n. �Looking relaxed as he stands on the gangway of the Sea-Land In­ dependence is SlU Brother Darryl White, day QMED Sitting around the table in the crew's mess of the Sea-Land Independence are, from the left: Tim Donoghue, wiper; William Ramirez, OS; Angel Centeno, OS; Hazel Johnson, chief cook, and Ron Laner, QMED. CL —Company Lakes L —Lakes NP -Non Priority OCTOBER 1-31, 1983 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Smiling for the camera as they get ready for some port time are Able Seamen Al Mitt and George Wilkey. Port Algonac Dispatchers Report for Great Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED ''REGISTERED DN BEACH All Groups All Groups All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 20 0 2 31 7 0 45 7 2 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 20 2 0 20 8 0 30 2 0 ./ . STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 10 1 0 3 3 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 17 9 1 0 0 0 38 26 7 Totals Ail Dopartmonts . 60 13 1 61 16 0 116 .*"Total Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month. **"Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month. 1 1 38 • 9 > PL KNOW YOUR RIGHTS KNOW YOUR RIGHTS FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by Certified Public Accountants every three months, which are to be submitted to the membership by the Secretary-Treasurer. A quarterly finance committee of rank and file members, elected by the membership, makes examination each quarter of the finances of the Union and reports fully their findings and recommenda­ tions. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of Union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and senior­ ity are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the employers. Get to know your shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all Union halls. If you feel there has been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the Union and the employers, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return re­ ceipt requested. The proper address for this is; Angus "Red" Campbell Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way and Britannia Way Prince Georges County Camp Springs, Md. 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all times, either by writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are avail­ able in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live aboard your ship or boat. Know your contract rights, as well as your obligations, such as filing for OT on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU V ' A. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGA­ TIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its con­ tents. Any time you feel any member or officer is attempt­ ing to deprive you of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, then the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the Union has negotiated with the employers. Con.sequently, nd member may be discrimi­ nated against because of race, creed, color, sex and na­ tional or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the equal rights to which he is entitled, he should notify Union headquarters. viiinmi patrolman or other Union official, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights properly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY —THE LOG. The Log has traditionally refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September, 1960, meetings in all constitutional ports. The re.sponsibility for Log policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the Executive Board of the Union. The Executive Board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official Union receipt is given for same. Under no circum­ stances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to Union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION —SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its pro­ ceeds are used to further its objects and purposes includ­ ing, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American Merchant Marine with improved employment opportunities for .seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a con­ dition of membership in the Union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, notify the Seafarers Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. Sup­ port SPAD to protect and further your economic, poli­ tical and social interests, and American trade union concepts. If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he has been denied his constitutional right of access to Union records or information, he should immediately notify SIU President Frank Drozak at Headquarters by certified mail, retum receipt requested. The address is 5201 Auth Wmy and Britannia Waj^ Prince Georges Count}^ Camp Springs, Md. 20746. November 1983/LOG/33 �-sessK-T' Directory of Ports Crew Aboard SS Inger Honors Retiring "Tino" Tuesday, Oct. 4 was a mem­ orable day aboard the SS Inger (Reynolds Metals), especially for Faustino "Tino" Pedraza. After a sailing career span­ ning five decades (1940-1983), "Tino" was on his last voyage before starting a well-deserved retirement. The day was dedicated to the long-time Seafarer—^from a breakfast including "hot pepper omelette Tino" to "Tino's farewell cake" for the evening dessert. A . quiet, soft-spoken man, "Tino" was quite moved as he thanked all hands for their show of goodwill and best wishes. Frank Drozak, President Ed Tumar, Exec. Vice President Jon DIGIorglo, Secretary-Treasurer Leon Hall, Vice President Angus "Red" Campbell, Vice President Mike Sacco, Vice President Joe Sacco, Vice President George McCartney, Vice President HEADQUARTERS Brother "Tino" Pedraza (center) is about to make the first slice in his farewell cake^ Helping to make this retirement dinner a memorable occasion for "Tino" are AB John Benedict (I.) and OS Kader Solomon. Thanks to Capt. Lawrence Dyer for the photo and to Milton Phelps, chief steward aboard the Inger, for sharing this event with the mem­ bership. Dispatchers Report for Deep Sea r. A- ' - . •' KJ? '•|l- 1 •' •••J •, ' "s OCT. 1-31, 1983 'TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Clau C TOTAL SHIPPED AH Groups Class A Class B Class C "REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Ralloli DECK DEPARTMENT Port Gloucester... New York.... Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . Jacksonville.. San Francisco Wilmington .. Seattle Puerto Rico .. Houston Pinev Point .. Totals 3 68 2 11 18 12 38 22 28 10 36 2 31 0 281 6 25 3 6 8 2 10 17 13 7 11 6 24 0 138 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 Port Gloucester... New York.... Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . Jacksonville.. San Francisco Wilmington .. Seattle Puerto Rico.. Houston Pinev Point .. Totals 1 68 2 13 13 12 30 18 19 5 17 5 31 0 234 1 14 0 2 2 5 8 12 8 5 11 3 16 0 87 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Port Gloucester... New York.... Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . Jacksonville.. San Francisco Wilmington .. Seattle Puerto Rico .. Houston Pinev FPoint .. Totals. 0 28 0 7 9 10 19 14 18 0 9 2 19 0 135 1 18 0 1 2 0 1 7 14 1 5 2 4 0 56 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 Port Gloucester... New York.... Philadelphia.. Baltimore.... Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . Jacksonville.. San Francisco Wilmington .. Seattle Puerto Rico.. Houston Rnw Point .. Tolns 1 19 1 7 7 1 12 7 20 2 11 4 13 0 106 5 81 6 15 23 8 15 20 56 15 28 8 42 10 332 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 18 1 1 0 1 0 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 •6 0 3 1 90 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 34 6 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 10 4 0 0 4 0 28 4 0 23 4 0 15 1 0 2 4 0 12 15 0 12 2 0 4 11 0 0 1 0 162 41 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 17 31 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 3 5 0 0 1 0 29 7 0 19 7 0 29 17 0 1 2 16 0 13 0 1 2 0 17 2 6 0 0 101 0 134 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 58 0 4 15 3 71 35 16 10 28 3 30 0 273 1 21 0 6 11 0 5 13 4 1 15 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 8 174 2 29 23 47 108 62 95 42 59 11 109 0 769 12 62 3 13 22 17 28 47 32 32 23 10 62 0 383 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 3 151 2 34 22 39 86 39 60 31 43 10 85 0 605 5 29 0 4 8 9 27 26 27 15 16 5 42 0 213 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 4 2 3 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 7 0 69 0 12 17 28 54 22 36 10 22 15 52 0 337 3 45 0 2 4 1 12 16 73 11 10 3 9 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 7 1 3 0 0 0 15 2 45 1 18 6 7 29 10 40 8 13 9 28 0 214 16 249 7 36 50 36 75 66 214 71 58 39 113 0 1,030 0 20 0 0 0 3 8 4 82 6 8 0 5 0 136 1,925 1,795 179 0 Totals All Departmeots 755 813 33 500 232 1 "Total Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month. ""Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month. IS Shipping in the month of October was the same as the month of September. A totai of 907 Jobs were shipped in October on SlU-contraeted deep sea vesseis. Of the 907 Jobs shipped, 569 jobs or about 62 percent were taken by "A" seniority members. The rest were fiiied by "B" and "C" seniority peopie. There were 15 trip reiief Jobs shipped. Since the trip reiief program began on Aprii 1,1982, a total of 420 relief Jobs have been shipped. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, Md. 20746 (301)899-0675 ALGONAC, Mich. 520 St. Clair River Dr. 48001 (313) 794-4988 BALTIMORE, Md. 1216 E. Baltimore St. 21202 (301) 327-4900 CLEVELAND, Ohio 1290 Old River Rd. 44113 (216) 621-5450 COLUMBUS, Ohio 2800 South High St., P.O. Box 0770, 43207 (614) 497-2446 DULUTH, Minn. 705 Medical Arts Building 55802 (218) 722-4110 GLOUCESTER, Mass. 11 Rogers St. 01930 (617) 283-1167 HONOLULU, Hawaii 707 Alakea St. 96813 (808) 537-5714 HOUSTON, Tex. 1221 Pierce St. 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE, Ra. 3315 Liberty St. 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY, N.J. 99 Montgomery St. 07302 (201)435-9424 MOBILE, Ala. 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 36605 (205) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS, La. 630 Jackson Ave. 70130 (504) 529-7546 toll Free: 1-800-325-2532 NEW YORK, N.Y. 675 4 Ave., Brooklyn 11232 (212) 499-6600 NORFOLK, Va. 115 3 St. 23510 (804) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA, Pa. 2604 S. 4 St. 19148 (215) 336-3818 PiNEY POINT, Md. St. Mary's County 20674 (301)994-0010 SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. 350 Fremont St. 94105 (415) 543-5855 SANTURCE, P.R. 1057 Fernandez Juncos St. Stop 16 00907 (809) 725-6960 SEATTLE, Wash. 2505 1 Ave. 98121 (206) 623-4334 ST. LOUIS, Mo. 4581 Gravois Ave. 63116 (314) 752-6500 WILMINGTON, Calif. 408 Avalon Blvd. 90744 (213) 549-4000 Support SPAD 34 / LOG / November 1983 . '• - .»5." m �. i-^ . -Hj 1 •n;;''*'-ll: i.Aita I pFlKa Deep Sea Samuel "Sam" Joseph Ander­ son, 72, passed away from heart failure at the Longacres Race­ track, Renton, Wash, on Aug. 14. Brother An­ derson joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York sailing as a chief electrician for SeaLand from 1974 to 1978 and on the SS Del Oro (Delta Line) from 1979 to 1980. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army before World War II. Seafarer Ander­ son was born in Jacksonville and was a resident of Seattle. Cremation took place in the Bleitz Crematory in Seattle. Surviving are his widow. Delores; two brothers, John of Jacksonville and Ernest of Se­ attle, and a sister-in-law. Norma Stickland of Bronson, Fla. Mario Eduardo Bnischini, 62, died in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Sept. 26,1982. Brother Bnis­ chini joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans in 1963 sailing as a cook for the Delta Line and as a chief steward on the ST Cove Trader (Cove Shipping). He also sailed inland in 1957 and for the Steuart Oil Trans­ portation Co. in 1975. In 1968 he was graduated from the An­ drew Furuseth Training School in New Orleans and in 1969 he was assistant manager of Brennans's Restaurant in that city. He was dining room manager of the Hotel Plaza, Buenos Aires from 1957 to 1959; assistant ban­ quet manager of the Alvear Pal­ ace Hotel, Buenos Aires from 1959 to 1963, and manager of the Esquire Bar and Restaurant, Buenos Aires from 1963 to 1%7. For eight months in 1974 at Michigan State University Ho­ tel School, East Lansing, he studied Food and Beverage Management, Service, Con­ trols, Quantity Production, Communications and Front Of­ fice Procedures. Burial was in Chacarita Cemetery, Buenos Aires. Surviving is a brother, Herminio of Santa Fe, Rosario, Argentina. SIU it's Your Union Pensioner Ed Delaney, 57, died on Oct. 6. Brother Delaney joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans, He was bom in Port Ar­ thur, Texas and was a resident of Bush, La. Cremation took place in the St. John Crematory in New Orleans. Surviving are his widow, Susan and two daugh­ ters, Kathryn of Bush and Mar­ sha. Otis Daniel Eddings Jr., 29, succumbed to leukemia in the East Orange (N.J.) General Hospital on Aug. 16. Brother Eddings joined the SIU follow­ ing his graduation from the SHLSS, Piney Point, Md. Entry Trainee Program in 1972. He sailed as a QMED on the ST Golden Monarch (Apex Ma­ rine). Seafarer Eddings was bom in Glen Ridge, N.J. and was a resident of Bloomfield, N.J. In­ terment was in Glendale Cgmetery in Bloomfield. Surviving are his parents, Otis Sr. and Azzilee Eddings of Bloomfield. Pensioner Alfred "Al" Jo­ seph Gardner, 65, died on Oct. 1. Brother Gardner joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of Mobile sailing as a chief cook. He hit the bricks in the 1965 Chicago ta?ci beef. Seafarer Gardner also attended the 1972 Piney Point Educational Con­ ference and the 1975 Union Crews Conference there. Bom in Watertown, Mass., he was a resident of East Milton, Mass. Surviving is a brother, Thomas of Needham, Mass. Thomas Lee Gary, 27, was reported missing off the SS Wal­ ter Rice (Reynolds Metals) on Oct. 1,1982 in Nederland, Texas. Brother Gary joined the SIU after his graduation from the SHLSS Trainee Program, Piney Point, Md. in 1973. He sailed as a QMED previously on the ST Overseas New York (Maritime Overseas). Seafarer Gary was bom in Charlotte, N.C. and was a resident there. Surviving are his parents, Hubert L. and Mary Gary of Charlotte. Henry Harold Gilder Sr., 57, died in the Baptist Medical Cen­ ter, Jacksonville on Aug. 9. Brother Gilder joined the SIU in the port of Jacksonville in 1970. He sailed in the steward department. Seafarer Gilder was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War 11. Born in Alamo, Ga., he was a resident of Atlan­ tic Beach, Fla. Burial was in the Beaches Gardens Cemetery, Atlantic Beach. Surviving are his widow, Guillerma; two sons, Henry Jr. and Walter; a daugh­ ter, Margaret E. Fawley of Hallandale, Fla., and a sister, Elnora Bryant of Jacksonville. George Elliott King, 64, died of lung failure in the Providence ^edical Center in Seattle on Sept. 28. Brother King joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of Norfolk sailing as a recertified bosun. He graduated from the Union's Recertified Bosuns Program in April 1976. Seafarer King was bom in Mem­ phis, Tenn., and was a resident of Portland, Ore. Cremation took place in the Butterworth Cre­ matory, Seattle. Surviving is a daughter. Carmen M. Eichler of Portland. Pensioner Austin Nathaniel Kitchings, 79, passed away from a heart attack in the Nassau General Hospital, Fernandina Beach, Fla. on Sept. 25. Brother Kitch­ ings joined the SIU in the port of Savannah, Ga. in 1957. He was bom in South Carolina and was a resident of Fernandina Beach. Burial was in the Bosque Bello Cemetery, Fernandina Beach. Surviving are his widow. Sue; a daughter. Sue Badwa of Femandina Beach, and a sister Elouise K. Burton of Jacksonville. Pensioner Perry McSwain Klauber, 75, passed away in Greenwood, S.C. on Sept. 23. Brother Klauber joined the SIU in 1940 in the port of Baltimore sailing as a FOWT. He also sailed during the Viet­ nam War and walked the picket line in the 1961 Greater N.Y. Harbor strike. Seafarer Klauber was born in St. George, S.C. Surviving is a brother, Louis of Atlanta, Ga. John Eric McManus, 24, died of lung failure on the SS Walter Rice (Reynolds Metals) in Vlaardingen, The Netherlands on Aug. 20. Brother McManus joined the SIU after graduating from Piney Point in 1979. He sailed as an AB. Seafarer McManus was born in Ports­ mouth, Va. and was a resident there. Surviving are his parents, Kenneth and Peggy McManus of Portsmouth. Gary Mitchell Moore, 24, suc­ cumbed to leu­ kemia in the Shands Teaching Hospital, Florida on July 5. Brother Moore joined the SIU sailing as an oiler. He was bom in Houston and was a resident of Gainsville, Fla. Interment was in the Forest Meadows Park Cemetery in Gainsville. Surviving are his widow, Nola; a son, Timothy, a daughter, Janie, and his par­ ents, Harold and Anna Moore. iv. ia.y/ ' y. Pensioner Ignacio Pires, 77, passed away on Sept. 19. Brother Pires joined the SIU in the port of New York. He was bom in New York City and was a resident of Brooklyn. Sur­ viving are a son, Bemard and a daughter, Jane Sullivan of Brooklyn. Pensioner Edward James Pools, 69, passed away on Oct. 23. Brother Ponis joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore in 1959 sailing as a bosun. He was bom in Boston, Mass. and was a resident of Baltimore. Surviving are his widow, Vema and two daughters, Deborah of Balti­ more and Mrs. Terry Binder also of Baltimore. James Emit Prater, 51 died of a stroke in the Touro Infirmary, New Orleans on Aug. 25. Brother Prater joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans in 1%2. Sur­ viving are his widow, Judith and a daughter, Jeanette. November 1983/LOG/35 - ,7 �' '^' 'ill ''It'. i . wm Digest of Ships Meetings S; ^i: V- iS- 'r •' "•«. rl . ., ur' ^•H' m'm- BUTTON GWINNETT (Water­ man Steamship Corp.), October 2— Chairman R.D. Smith Jr.; Secretary Peter Gebbia Jr.; Deck Delegate Louis Hackey. Some disputed OT was re­ ported in the deck department. This arose out of a misunderstanding be­ tween the mate and the men who offerred to work the cargo in order to have time off in Bombay or Colombo. They did not realize that in order for one-half the gang to go ashore, the other half would have to work overtime in each port. A brief emergency situ­ ation arose aboard ship when the en­ gine room caught fire. Through it all, the steward department was able to keep food on the tables. And for this, they were given a hearty vote of thanks for a job well done. The steward department, in turn, thanked the officers for helping keep the ship safe through­ out the shipboard hazard. Heading back to New York for payoff. EDWARD RUTLEDGE (Water­ man Steamship Corp.), October 1— Chairman A.T. Ruiz; Secretary P.L Hunt; Educational Director J.C. Blatchford. Some disputed OT was reported in the engine department. It will be taken up with the patrolman. The bo­ sun told all hands that the crew repair list was given to all department heads and that most repairs were made. Those items that still need fixing will be done in port. He thanked all mem­ bers for helping make this a good trip. The secretary expressed the same feelings, noting that everyone did a good job and got along very well. It was suggested that when called out to work the crane, all hands should be called on. And when working 12 hours or more, there should be reliefs, with at least two hours of sleep time. Crewmembers were also advised to lock up all movies and books whiie in port. The steward department was given a vote of thanks from the bosun for the good food and for keeping the ship in tip-top shape. Heading out to New York and Newport News, Va. LNG GEMINI (Energy Transpor­ tation Corp.), October 2—Chairman R.D. Schwarz; Secretary Guy De Baere; Educational Director J. Ponti; Treas­ urer James Gregory; Deck Delegate -jt', f- r r,,- 36 / LOG / November 1983 J. Batorski; Engine Delegate J. Valle; Steward Delegate David Pappas. Some beefs were reported in the engine department, but everything is running fairly smoothly. There is $395 in the ship's fund. The chairman reported that Mr. Lamneck and a MEBA union official met the ship in Osaka, Japan. All members had a chance to talk with the men, which was useful. There was also some discussion about the next contract coming up in June. All hands welcomed aboard the new (their old) steward, Guy De Baere, and gave a vote of thanks to the steward depart­ ment for a job well done this past voyage. Crewmembers were also asked to try and keep the lounge areas neat and clean. One minute of silence was observed in memory of our departed brothers and sisters. INGER (Reynolds Metals Co.), September 11—Chairman Stanley Jandora; Secretary Milton J. Phelps; Educational Director J. Dixon; Deck Delegate Faustino Pedraza; Engine Delegate William Marino; Steward Del­ egate Juan Melendez. No beefs or disputed OT was reported in any of the three departments. There is $37 in the ship's fund. The chairman ex­ tended the thanks of Capt. Dyer to the deck department for a fine job of clean­ ing out the holds prior to arrival in Long Beach. He also reminded "B" men that they must get off the ship after 125 days. Working together aiways gets the job done and makes for a pleasant voyage, said the chairman. And he added that all repairs should be re­ ported as soon as noted. The steel door leading from the steward depart­ ment head to the line storeroom area will be fixed when the ship puts in at Corpus Christi. Payoff is expected in Port Newark, N.J.; then on to Corpus Christi, Texas. NEW YORK (Bay Tankers), Oc­ tober 2—Chairman L.C. Rich; Secre­ tary William C. Wroten; Educational Director J. Walker; Deck Delegate R.E. Wagner; Engine Delegate J. Walker; Steward Delegate R. Williams; Treas­ urer Steve Ramsey. Some disputed OT was reported in the deck depart­ ment. The bosun reported that the voyage is progressing smoothly. The ship is scheduled for one more trip between Valdez and Panama before laying up, probably in Portland, Ore. Since the ship is scheduled fpr lay-up, the $130 in the ship's fund will be used to purchase movies and frozen pizza in Long Beach, time permitting. The bosun also read a letter from Red Campbell, clarifying the disputed stew­ ard department OT and the shipping rule pertaining to "B" men on foreign articles on the Alaska-to-Panama run. It stated that "B" men on this run may remain aboard until the articles are terminated even if they acquire their 125 days before termination of articles. Foreign articles are protected by mar­ itime law. He thanked Brother Camp­ bell for his prompt reply to the queries. There was a request for antenna repair service when the ship is in the yard. A iist of rooms with non-working an­ tennas should be turned in. The bosun will check with the captain to see if the radio operator can check the antenna plates in each of these rooms. Next port: Puerto Armuelles, Panama. OGDEN CHARGER (Ogden Ma­ rine), September 18—Chairman Franz Schwarz; Secretary Simon Gutierez; Educational Director J. Babson; Deck Delegate T.D. Seager; Engine Dele­ gate Greg Brecht; Steward Delegate J. Rielly. No disputed OT. The chair­ man advised all members to familiarize themselves with the oil pollution control system. He said that this couid save jobs in the long run since ship owners can lose their charters because of oil pollution. A motion was made and seconded that men standing wheel watches under the direction of the pilot in close waters should be allowed to take one hour turns. It was noted that two hours on the wheel is often quite a strain on some of the seamen. The steward reminded all crewmembers to cooperate in returning soiled linen. Repairs on the TV have to be made, and a new washing machine is needed. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for a job well done. Next port: Baton Rouge, La. OGDEN DYNACHEM (Ogden Marine), October 2—Chairman H.B. Rains; Secretary Donnie W. Collins; Educational Director Joel Spell; Deck Delegate J. Rodriguez; Engine Dele­ gate Joseph W. Spell; Steward Dele­ gate Stonewall Jackson. Everything is going well—no beefs or disputed OT reported. There is $130 in the ship's fund, and the arrival pool in Bayway should bring in another $100. The bosun stated that payoff wiil be in Bayway, N.J. on Oct. 10. It has been a good trip even with nine days in San Francisco. The secretary thanked the deck delegate for bringing some LOGs back from the hall. It's good, he said, to read about what's going on behind the scenes. The educational director agreed that there is some good reading in the LOG, and suggested that SPAD be on everyone's mind at payoff. There was a serious discussion on the merits of a permanent jobs program versus the old rotary system. Members talked about the pros and cons of each, but Donnie Collins, ship's reporter/secre­ tary, summed it up best when he said, "I have learned long ago that the Union will do what is best for its membership. I think that all the officials of the Union shouid be given a vote of thanks for a job well done in such [difficult] times." The steward department was given a vote of thanks for the fine food and menus and for keeping a very clean ship. Next port and port of payoff: Bayway, N.J. OGDEN LEADER (Ogden Ma­ rine), October 2—Chairman W.L. Os­ borne; Secretary Gerald E. Sinkes; Educational Director A. Alexakis; Deck Delegate Joseph W. Moore; Steward Delegate George Quinn. Disputed port time was reported in each of the three departments. Sixty-eight dollars was turned over to the secretary for the ship's fund. Another $10 was later added to that amount, for a balance of $78. The chairman noted that payoff wiil take place shortly after arrival in Bayway, N.J. Overtime will not be included in the pay envelopes, but will be added to the pay for the next voyage. Crewmembers getting off, however, will be paid in full. The ed­ ucational director advised the mem­ bers to upgrade as soon as they can. He noted that unrated jobs are getting scarce—"Don't get caught holding the bag." Brother Donaldson brought the new health and welfare and p^ension booklets aboard in Baytown, Texas, and the ship's reporter read the com­ munications report to the members. A couple motions were made which will be referred to the Negotiating Com­ mittee. One was that job calls be made on the hour, as before, until 1600 hrs. Too many jobs are being lost to "B" book members. The other was that Seafarers be allowed to register in the port of their choice by phone. Thou­ sands of dollars are often spent just trying to get registered, especially when members live inland. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for a job well done. A vote of thanks was also given to the sanitary men for keeping the passageways and rooms cleaned. Next port: Bayway, N.J. OVERSEAS ALASKA (Maritime Overseas Corp.), October 2—Chair­ man F. Cottongin; Secretary G. Rich­ ardson; Educational Director H. Gran­ ger; Engine Delegate J. J. Tate; Treasurer C. Todora. None of the de­ partments had any beefs or disputed OT to report. There is $58 in the ship's fund. The chairman reminded every­ one to report items that need fixing to their department head. He also cau­ tioned members to take care when using bar bells and other exercise equipment. The chief engineer said that a new washing machine was to be put aboard this trip. Also, the TV antenna will be checked. If money is needed for its repair, it will be taken from the ship's fund. Several items were brought up for clarification. One was that crewmemljers would like more information on reducing an "A" book Seafarer to a "B" book because of not having 90 days per year. When brought up for a \/bte, everyone voted to do away with it. The other item was that crewmembers would like more infor­ mation on the welfare plan. It was suggested that .next time a patrolman is aboard, he should bring along some written information so that members will know exactly what their benefits consist of and how best to use them. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next port: Texas City, Texas. �PRIDE OF TEXAS (Titan Navi­ gation), October 2—Chairman Joseph Michael: Secretary John W. Calhoun; Educational Director Douglas K. McLeod. Some disputed OT was re­ ported in the steward department which will be settled at payoff. Word from the captain has it that the ship will sail on October 15 from Philadelphia. One wiper left the ship unfit for duty in Tunis. No replacement was sent to the ship. It was suggested that movies be exchanged this trip and that the Union get the company to send mail to the ship more often. It was also suggested that the hospital supplies be checked and that rubber-boots be furnished by the ship. Next port: Philadelphia, Pa. IM/V RANGER (Ocean Carriers Inc.), September 25—Chairman Peter Loik; Secretary Welden O. Wallace; Deck Delegate D. Taylor; Engine Del­ egate Tom Harris; Steward Delegate Gregory Lee. No disputed OT was reported although the engine depart­ ment expressed a desire to contact the Union on what constitutes over­ time. One man from the steward de­ partment missed the ship in Sweden, so the department has been running shorthanded. The ship is in Latvia, USSR, and many rules need to be followed. No one may take photos of the dock area and no money is to be taken out of the country. Also, a mid­ night curfew is in effect. The chairman reminded all hands to conduct them­ selves in a proper manner for their own well-being. The educational direc­ tor stressed'the importance of donating to SPAD. "In the long run," he said, "you will come up a winner." Several items are in need of repair, including the tape player. Also, the fire axe has been missing since Suez and has been reported to the mate. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for a fine job this trip. Next port is, as yet, unknown. SEA^LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), October 9—Chairman L.C. Cope; Secretary John J. Doyle; Deck Delegate John R. Nelson; Stew­ ard Delegate Frederick Stack. No dis­ puted OT was reported. There is $191 in the movie fund. The chairman re­ ported that the patrolman was asked about the 7.5% wage increase which was given to the medical plan and whether it should be deducted when filing income tax forms. Also, articles on ship legislation affecting the mari­ time industry were copied and given to all delegates for their crew to read. It was suggested that as many mem­ bers as are able attend the ship's safety meetings. A discussion was held about the permanent jobs issue. The membership aboard the Sea-LandEx­ plorer unanimously rejected the con­ cept of permanent jobs, preferring in­ stead the old rotary shipping system. The video machine will be sent ashore in Yokohama to be repaired. Next port is Hong Kong; then back to Oakland, Calif, for payoff in November. SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE (Sea-Land Sen/ice), October 2— Chairman William Mortier; Secretary Lee de Parlier; Educational Director M. Humphries. No beefs were brought up nor disputed OT reported. There is $14.20 in the ship's fund. The ship's chairman just returned from his vaca­ tion and the chief steward is now off on his vacation (a replacement is al­ ready aboard). No communications have been received from headquarters as the ship moves on toward Rotter­ dam. The chairman asked for sugges­ tions for the next contract. One brother in the deck department requested clar­ ification on time off. Another sugges­ tion made was that a member leaving the ship overseas due to a death in the family be able to rejoin the ship without loss of job. There was also a spirited discussion on some of the minor points of shipboard living. Port of expected payoff is Elizabeth, N.J.; then heading down to Norfolk, Va. SEA-LAND PACER (Sea-Land Service), October 2h-Chairman James Corder; Secretary D.G. Chafin; Edu­ cational Director Richard Robertson; Engine Delegate Leon Lockey; Stew­ ard Delegate Biliran Sierra. No dis­ puted OT. There is $10 in the ship's fund. The bosun reported that a reply to a letter sent to Leo Bonser has been received with regard to the motion to have the Welfare Plan pay all (100%) medical expenses: dental, optical, etc. The reply was posted, and a motion was made and seconded to send an­ other letter expressing the desire for full rhedical coverage, this time to the Negotiating Committee. Crewmemt>ers were also reminded of the im­ portance of contributing to SPAD and of keeping informed about Union ac­ tivities by reading the LOG. The chair­ man will check with the mate about additional keys for the crew lounge. Several members stated that while in Port Elizabeth they could not get into the messroom at the meal hour be­ cause of all the extra people eating there. Something needs to be done about this problem. The crew messman gave a vote of thanks to the deck department for keeping the lounge dean and bringing trays in from the bridge. Members stood for one minute of si­ lence in memory of our departed broth­ ers and sisters. SENATOR (Coordinated Carib­ bean Transport), October 2—Chair­ man D. McCorvey; Secretary James Gillian; Educational Director John C. Courtney. Some disputed OT was re­ ported in the engine and deck depart­ ments. Everything is running smoothly, according to the chairman. Payoff is expected to take place in Miqmi. One QMED will be getting off at that time, so one replacement is needed. A mo­ tion was made by J. Courtney and seconded by James Gillian that head­ quarters consider making Jacksonville a constitutional port and hall. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for a job well done. Next port: Miami, Fla. Digest of Ships Meetings STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship Corp.), October 16—Chairman William Kratsas; Sec­ retary Thomas Liles Jr.; Educational Director Clarence Hemby; Deck Del­ egate Ed Ayuazian; Engine Delegate Oscar R. Bird; Steward Delegate Jose Santiago. There were quite afew num­ bers of disputed OT hours in the deck department which will be taken up with the patrolman at payoff. The secretary reported that the minutes of the last meeting (voyage 34) were mailed to headquarters. The repair list will be put out later, and the crew list from the last port is ready to go. One AB got off in Port Keland. The Union will be notified of this by mail from Jeddah, as there is no ship's fund on this voyage. The electrician finally got the washers and dryer hooked up, so that's one less item to worry about, One minute of silence was observed by all hands in memory of our departed brothers and sisters. Next port is Jed­ dah, Saudi Arabia; then on through the Suez Canal to Newport News, Va. and New Orleans, La. TRANSCOLUMBIA (Hudson Waterways), September 18—Chair­ man R.W. Pinkham; Secretary P.J. Franco; Educational Director S. Green; Deck Delegate R.L. Williams; Engine Delegate H.R. Latham; Steward Del­ egate R.D. Shields. The chairman re­ ports that the ship will sail from Sunny Point to Wilmington, N.C., then to the shipyard and payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. It will then head out to Mobile for further orders. The Transcolumbia has just come back from a trip to the Middle East. Reports are that it was a long, hot and dry trip to the ports of Hodeida and Raysut in North Yemen and the Gulf of Oman. There was no shore leave—just sand and billy goats. But some of the crewmembers did manage to hook 15-lb red snappers over the fantail. The crew was also presented with two plaques for their part in Op­ eration Bright Star '83. One was from General Kingston of the Rapid De­ ployment Force; the other from Colonpl Hoffrichter of the Third Army. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. LNG TAURUS (Energy Transpor­ tation Corp.), October 2—Chairman Glenn D. Miller; Secretary R.F. Frazier; Educational Director L.J. Gordon; Deck Delegate Walter Olivera; Engine Del­ egate Harry Gearhart; Steward Dele­ gate George O. Taylor. No disputed OT reported. There is presently $938 in the ship's fund. Bosun Miller re­ ported that all past problems have been cleared up aboard ship. He also spoke of the penalties of using any drugs on any ship. This caution has been made repeatedly, and the com­ pany will not become involved if per­ sons get picked up on drug charges. The latest LOGs were received for each department, and the educational director stressed that upgrading is nec­ essary for both personal and Union welfare—especially now in these slow shipping times. While everything is running smoothly most of the time, it was mentioned to the entry ratings that they should show some respect for the older seamen, both on the job and personally. One minute of silence was observed in memory of our departed brothers and sisters. Next port: Nagoya, Japan. Official ships minutes were also re­ ceived from the following vessels: AMCO VOYAGER BEAVER STATE CAGUAS LNG CAPRICORN CHARLESTON COVE LEADER COVE TRADER GEORGE WYTHE OGDEN WABASH OVERSEAS AUCE OVERSEAS HARRIETTE PATRIOT PHILADELPHIA POINT VAIL SANTA CRUZ SANTA ISABEL SEA-LAND ADVENTURER SEA-LAND ECONOMY SEA-LAND ENDURANCE SEA-LAND EXPRESS SEA-LAND LEADER SEA-LAND MARINER SEA-LAND VENTURE STAR OF TEXAS STUYVESANT THOMPSON PASS WALTER RICE Monthly Membership Meetings Date Port New York....... Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Algonac Detroit Houston New Orleans Mobile San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Piney Point San Juan St. Louis Honolulu Duluth Gloucester. Jersey City Deep Sea Lakes, Inland Waters .Monday, December 5 •Tuesday, December 6 , .Wednesday, December 7 , .Thursday, December 8 , .Thursday, December 8 ......Friday, December 9 Friday, December 9 Monday, December 12 Tuesday, December 13. Wednesday, December 14 .Thursday, December 15 .Monday, December 19 .Friday, December 23 Friday, December 9 .Thursday, December 8 Friday, December 16 .Thursday, December 8 Wednesday, December 14 Tuesday, December 20 .Wednesday, December 21 ^ 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 9; 30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 2; 30 p.m. 2; 30 p.m. • 2: 30 p.m. 2: 30 p.m. 2 30 p.m. 2 30 p.m. 2 30 p.m. 2 30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 2 30 p.m. 2 30 p.m. 2 30 p.m. 2 30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. ,. • • 2:30 p.m. November 1983 / LOG / 37 •T' 'I -ij- w.*.-.. 1 ' .,-j, V. , J.,-?!. -J - �-• - ->r'. . •s:> Letters To The Editor 'A Xime to Get Together . ..' Afl it IB now a reality that Beagan Is running for a second term as president of the United States, it'is time for all maritime unions to get together, as they shoxild have done right after World War n, and return the merchant marine to the D^artment of Commerce. It is also time for all maritime unions to get together with other unions which are affected ly the decision of this president to dose the doors of the United States Public Health Service hospitals to merchant seamen, especisdly to the old-thne seamen for whom these hospitsds were created by the Congress of the United States. Why the Congress did not step in to stop these closures is not understood.... The unions, in a way, are to blame for t.hia by letting the Coast Guard get the power that they have today over the merchant seamen.... What does the Coast Guard do for the merchant seamen? It only punishes them for any little mistake that they may make. It does not give them the ben^ts that their own people have, such as hospitalization It does not give the seamen the right of pensions that their own militaiy has: It gives the merchant seamen nothing but a bad time. Tears ago the merchant marine was under the Department of Commerce and was subject to punishment by the shipping commissioner and the masters of the ships. Today it is subject to punishment by the mlUtary. The real question is: Did any Congress of this United States ever give the Coast Guard the authority to control a civilian industisr? What Congress was it?... J Ho, we do not w^t a man Uke Beagan for president—a man who slams the doors on the greatest heroes that this country has ever had This country practically begged the seamen to take their ships to sea into every war zone in the world. Now thsy refuse to recognize their service to t.hia ccunttiy. There is no military [organization] in this country that has lost more men than the merchant marine. ; David jr. Baxzy B^OO Seattle, Wash. n- 'Kelp the Snr Help Tou .. .' K. <; While I was aboard the U8T Pacific in February of 1981, my left hand was broken up pretty badly after being hit by a steel bar while securing the anchor. I was taken off ship and sent home. Since then, I have had nine operations on my hand. Number 10 is coming up at the end of October. I would Uke to say that the SIU and the Wel£sure Flan have stood beside me all the way. They have paid all my doctors' and hospital bUls. My doctors say I will never sail again. This makes me very sad because I will not see my shipmates or ports of call again. So I would Uke to take this time to thank the SIU and the Welfare Flan and all my shipmates for being Just great. Brothers, the SIU stands beside you all the way. So help the SIU help you—give to SFAD all you can. Donald muer K-8846 Fittdlmzgh, Pa. « <1 Am Very GratefU ...' C'l I am one of the SIU members who received a congratulatoiy letter upon getting mj engineers Ucense. Thank you very much for your congratulations; but these congratulations also belong to the SIU and to the SHLSS at Flney Foint, Md. That school gave me the necessary skills and encouragement in order to take the Ucense. I came to the U.S. in 1967. As a new immigrant and without the knowledge of the English language, I could not imagine that success. ... I am very gratefhl to my Union, to its unforgettable [past] president, Faul Hall, and to its officers. numk 3rovi agalm Vielc V. Palorombla P-849 M/LOG/November 1983 "Gallant Ship—Gallant Men" Ian A. Millar, founder of the Sons and Daughters of U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, is writing a book entitled "Gallant Ship—Gallant Men." It will be the saga of the SIS Stephen Hopkins and her battle with the German raider Stier. Millar is trying to get in touch with anyone who helped build the Hopkins, any of her surviving crewmembers, or any' friends or kin of those crewmembers who did not survive. He would like to include as many people as possible in order to make this book a fitting memorial to those who took part in this epic sea battle. If you have any information which might help Mr. Millar in completing this book, please contact him by writing to: Ian A. Millar 1806 Bantry Trail Kemersville, N.C. 27284 Seafarer Rose Takes Top Coin Prize Here is a smiling F. M. Rose after winning first place in the exhibit for foreign coins after 1500. Thanks to Coin World for the photo. P.M. Rose, Seafarer and coin collector extraordinaire, won "Best In Show" award at the 92nd anniversary convention of the American Numismatic As­ sociation in San Diego, Calif, last August. Rose, who last sailed on the MiV Senator (Coordinated Car­ ibbean Transport), previously took "Best In Show" at the Numismatics International con­ vention in Dallas, Texas, the Blue Ridge Numismatic Asso­ ciation show in Birmingham, Ala., and the Miami Interna­ tional, all last year. The name of his most recent prize-winning exhibit was "The Wonderful World of Chopmarks on Chinese Dollars." He also won the first place award in the exhibit category for foreign coins issued in 1500 A.D. and later. Said ^ose, "I've been col­ lecting chopmarked coins for 20 years and exhibiting them com­ petitively for 12.1 guess I'm an overnight success." Need Medical Records from USPHS? Here's Where to Get Them... If you need to obtain copies of your medical records from the USPHS, do not write to your local USPHS hospital. All USPHS hospitals have been closed. Send all requests for medicals records to: U.S. Public Health Service Health Data Center 10000 Aerospace Road Lanham, Md. 20706 According to a PHS official, the Health Data Center is now caught up with the backlog of requests it has received. Any new requests should take from two to four weeks to process. �Your Participation In Safety Programs Is Needed SIU Stresses Safety at Sea, On the Rivers, On the Lakes^ the program was the increase in the trans­ SHIP IN THE MIDDLE of the ocean portation of hazardous cargoes. The SIU Safety Director is Bob Vahey is a very vulnerable thing. The surges of the sea and the^ vagaries of weather are who can be reached at the Union hall in much more powerful than even the biggest New Orleans. Located in each of the follow­ ing ports is one Safety Committee member: of vessels. It's only through man's brains and inge­ New York; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Jack­ nuity that he can battle the elements and sonville; Santurce, P.R.; Piney Point, Md.; New Orleans; Algonac; St. Louis; Wilming­ survive. With the hoses and chemicals he puts ton, Calif.; San Francisco, and Honolulu. aboard a ship to fight a fire, with the elec­ There are two committee members in Hous­ tronics he uses to gather information, with ton. The program is working to promote safety the lifeboats he uses in an emergency, and through his own alertness, man makes his in deep-sea. Lakes and inland shipping. The goal of the program is to minimize position on the sea a little more secure. That's why it's so important for equipment accidents by early detection of potentially to be in good working order, for safety dangerous working conditions. According to standards to be enforced, and for crewmem- Vahey, members of the Safety Committee bers and officers to be trained, qualified and are available to sit down with Seafarers and Boatmen when a ship or tug comes into port to be at their sharpest at all times. That's why it's so important to speak up to make sure that there have been periodic if you see safety violations or any sWpboard safety meetings and that safety and accident condition that represents a potential hazard. prevention aboard the vessels are empha­ sized. Uimecessary Losses at Sea Safety Begins with You In recent years tragic accidents have caused There are many things that a patrolman the death of too many seamen. In the fall of cannot see for himself and he must rely on 1980, the SS Poet, an SlU-contracted ship, the crewmembers for information. For in­ disappeared in the Atlantic and not a trace stance, on one ship there was a complaint of her, or her 34 crewmen was ever found. that the lines were handled wrong in a foreign Just this year there was the tragic sinking port. The SIU patrolman could not have of the Marine Electric in which 31 crew- ^ known that unless the crewmembers spoke membef^Tost their lives,, many of them Up. That problem was subsequently cor­ because of exposure. They had no survival rected. Our contracted companies are also very suits. ^ you see a situation or condition aboard concerned about safety and SIU Safety your ship, tug or barge that is a potential Committee members work closely with them safety .hazard, there are a number of things to reinforce the companies' own safety pro­ grams and to send a strong message that you can do. • On a ship, tell the bosun who can then safety is a joint labor-management concern. For instance, in the port of Wilmington, flag the problem as a safety hazard. The bosun can then inform the skipper about it. SIU Representative and Safety Committee On a tug or barge, inform the captain im­ member Marshall Novack participates in a montlily meeting with Crowley Maritime mediately. • Discuss the matter at your weekly ship­ crews to discuss safety matters. Safety meet­ board meeting or safety meeting on the tug. ings with Crowley have also been held in If remedial action is not provided, bring the the port of Jacksonville, Fla. and are planned matter to the attention of the SIU patrolman in other ports. at the next port of payoff or to the patrolman Promoting Survival Suits who next services your tug or barge. • Communicate the hazardous situation One big area of discussion nowadays con­ through regular Union correspondence, i.e.. cerning safety is exposure or survival suits. Ship's Minutes, letters to SIU headquarters. On the Great Lakes, where hypothermia is Very often the patrolman at the payoff or such a threat, exposure suits are carried on the servicing visit on a tug will be a member nearly all ships. But hypothermia is also of the SIU Safety Committee. This commit­ very significant in other areas as the Marine tee was reactivated by the Union in March Electric disaster shows. 1981 because of projected Coast Guard cut­ That collier went down Feb. 12 some backs and a sinking interest in worker safety 30 miles off the Virginia coast in 40 degree by the federal government. waters. After the incident, Capt. Joseph S. Blackett, chief of search and rescue for the To Promote Acddent Preventkm Fifth Coast Guard District in Portsmouth, The committee was set up as part of a Va. said that "waterproof, insulated survival Union Safety Program to insure the right of (or exposure) suits would have saved many SIU members to a safe working environment ... of the 31 crewmen who died. . ..." Though it's not a requirement on deepand to emphasize accident prevention and sea vessels yet, some of our contracted working safely. Another reason cited for establishment of companies have taken the initiative and put By MARIETTA HOMAYONPOUR A exposure suits on their equipment. For in­ stance, SONAT carries "survival suits on all of its vessels and Moran supplies them on its long distance^boats. As the result of a recently signed contract with Crowley, sur­ vival suits will be placed on the Philadelphia to San Juan run. The SIU is seeking to have a law passed that will require that the suits be put on all vessels including small vessels and ships that are owned and operated by government agencies and departments or ships chartered by those agencies. A Strong Legislative Program The Union is also strongly supporting legislation H.R. 3486 (see story page 4) that would: • raise the daily fines for operating with­ out proper inspection; • require that each vessel report in every 48 hours; • require that each ship owner notify the Coast Guard when a ship does make its report; • improve and install satellite communi­ cations onboard ships, and • allow the Coast Guard to investigate incompetency and misconduct charges against licensed personnel. However, though the Union endorsed the bill, there are several important areas that the SIU feels should be covered by the legislation. Among them are; • reduction of the waiting period before the Coast Guard begins a search and rescue period; • better training for Coast Guard person­ nel involved in ship inspection; • the overburdening and underfunding of the Coast Guard; • the poorly devised manning standards; and • the possible switch to the private sector for certain Coast Guard functions. The responsibility for safety aboard ship rests on many shoulders—the Coast Guard, the unions, the companies, the crewmen. All must work toward achieving the safest possible conditions at sea. You, as the crewmember who spends months on the water, can add valuable information to that fight for safety. Don't hold back. If you know of a safety hazard, or even if you reasonably think there might be one, or if you have an idea for a way to prevent accidents or injuries, speak out! Finally, if a job is clearly uns^e and there is a significant hazard involved, you have the right to refuse. However, the issue of safety must not be used as a smokescreen to avoid work. There must be the threat of a significant safety hazard present before the work is refused. If you have any suggestions or problems concerning safety aboard SIU ships and boats, please write to: Bob Vahey, SIU Safety Director (i30 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, La. 70130 November 1983/LOG/3B '-n: �ffayij"* '-T^''>:.>Mii«-Bg.rr-T^J»i.agt>«T'V-57y?':mr^'-- • - •" rta^K^waKjK:;;; : - ,j. "Our Men Are All Together" Memorial Installed for Lost Grew of the S.S. Poet f • ' ^-1 riitfi- .^•-'i 'jA' . . .-4 "r.^T^.— mk '"'fii •• id' m" r'-*!l 1: 5ir: vvil |U The tragedy has brought fam­ By LYNNETTE MARSHALL T^RIZZLING RAIN cast ilies together. In the Save Our l^Philadelphia's Old Swedes Seaman Committee (SOS) Church of Gloria Dei in a som­ founded by the families, there ber shroud Oct. 23. The um­ is a drive to make sense of what brellas of solitary mourners filed appeared a "senseless" trag­ edy, by legislating for changes through the iron gateway and down brick pathways to the main in safety laws. (Less than two chapel. It was the third anni­ weeks later, a SlU-backed, versary memorial service on the stringent new Maritime Safety loss of the'SIU-contracted 5.5. biU was passed by the House Poet and the dedication of a Merchant Marine and Fisheries plaque in memory of the 34 lives Committee. See story page 4.) For three years, Mrs. Lislotte lost at sea. As they still waited to learn Zukier Fredette, the committee what became of the ship that leader and founder, searched for set sail Oct. 24, 1980 in clear a home for a memorial to her skies from the port of Philadel­ son Hans Peter Zukier and the phia with a cargo of com bound Poet crew. She and her husband for Egypt, fathers and mothers, designed the memorial in the wives, sons, daughters and SIU form of an open Bible. Not long friends watched the solemn ago. Reverend Robert Peoples, changing of the guard by the Chaplin of the Seamans Church U.S.S. Forrestal color guard and Institute of Philadelphia who also listened to music from the Chap­ officiated at the dedication serv­ lain Dale Fife and Dmm Corps. ices, arranged for a place for Sermons from the Book of the plaque in the Old Swedes Common Prayer were read by church on the historic city s Minister David Rivers and of­ waterfront. A few families have not given fered as a message: "That they should not be despondent; that up hope, and await their loved loved ones, though they are gone, ones return. But the plaque brings comfort. Families see the they were once here." A moments' silence; then one memorial and again realize, Our son of a Poet father unveiled men are all together." the bronze plaque inscribed with the names, ages and home towus of the ship's crewmembers, in­ cluding 24 SIU brothers. A daughter lit an eternal candle, and a steady slow line emptied 'My main concern in a large from church pews to view the confrontation is the availability 48 inch by 30 inch plaque at the of merchant ships, rather than altar. It said, "Pray for us." Many wept openly. Mothers the availability of combat ships. We have allpwed our merchant held standing children fast, pointing out a father's name. A marine to be degraded to a dan­ trio singing chanty songs was gerous point." too overcome to sing the song Admiral Thomas Moorer (Ret.) they had written to the crew for Chairman of the this occasion. An elderly naan Joint Chiefs of Staff broke down and was steadied during the Vietnam War by strangers. Quote Of the Month a. . ; •'i";" •u^ f- "1 •' li i 11 r, ;7 Cra..nrine Mvofs Wife of SIU AB MOSBI Myers who was aboard the s S Poets fateful last trip, looks away from her husband's name as Hfliiahter Terase views the bronze memorial tribute to her father and (• ; ffi. 40 / LOG / November ^r. ..,.i,* = -• -tiari * Si.- � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1980-1989 Description An account of the resource Volumes XLII-LI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1983 Description An account of the resource SEEK LAW ENFORCEMENT, NOT SPECIAL TREATMENT BOGGS-TRIBLE, ALASKAN OIL BILLS ARE STILL PENDING CUNARD BILL KILLED; WE'LL WAIT AND SEE SIU'S NEW SANTA ROSA ITF BACKS SIU MINIMUM SAFE MANNING LEVELS CONGRESSMAN BIAGGI EARNS PRAISE FOR MARITIME SERVICE BOGGS-TRIBLE, ALASKAN OIL BANS ACBL & DIXIE: TAKE NOTICE SEEK LAW ENFORCEMENT, NOT SPECIAL TREATMENT NEW MARITIME SAFETY BILL MAKING HEADWAY SIU PLANS CONFERENCE IN PINEY POINT TO SET PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEEP-SEA CONTRACT KIRKLAND GETS PAUL HALL MEMORIAL FOR DEDICATION TO US MARITIME INDUSTRY THOMAS BRADLEY DEAD AT 55 MFOW CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY IN SAN FRANCISCO SIU'S SANTA ROSA CREWED TOP TO BOTTOM NEW FACILITIES ENHANCE LEARNING EXPERIENCES STEER YOUR WAY TO A BETTER FUTURE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA CAN OPEN A LOT OF DOORS FOR YOU THE SHLSS REFRIGERATION COURSE ABOARD THE IDA AND JOSEPH OGDEN WABASH SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE COMES HOME TO PORT ELIZABETH ... AND HAPPY SHORETIME CREW ABOARD SS INGER HONORS RETIRING "TRIO" MEMORIAL INSTALLED FOR LOST CREW OF THE SS POET Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/1983 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL 45, NO. 11 1983 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e72e78c06db8aa6834adcabce2aa657c.pdf 2c3de2cd9b10bffc820b938becb659ec PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 3 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO ARC Honor Joins SIU Fleet Seafarers are sailing aboard the newly reflagged ARC Honor, which has enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Operated by TOTE for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, the vessel formerly was named the Tulane. Pictured from left to right in the group photo are (standing) Oiler Shagaryah Adams, OS Ningning Li, Steward/Baker Clark Williams, AMO members Gage Reamy, Dean Lynch, Zach Krissoff and Jim Delgado, Oiler Kwesi Andohkow, and Bosun Kenneth Loria Zuniga. In the front row, also from left: Chief Cook Rudy Oliva, Oiler Reinaldo Fostanes, AMO members Ryan Ferschke and John Gall, SA Diana Perez, AMO members Chad McDuffie and Eric Fresh, and AB Martin Josephson. Page 4. (Ship photo by David Potter) SIU President Testifies on Red Sea Shipping SIU President David Heindel is pictured at a recent House hearing on security issues pertaining to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He testified on behalf of several maritime labor organizations and was joined by three other panelists. Heindel emphasized the ongoing importance of protecting mariners, and he reiterated the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Page 3. BLS ISSUES UNION MEMBERSHIP REPORT • PAGE 2 // SIU ACTIVE AT INDUSTRY EVENT • PAGE 20 �President’s Report Bipartisan Backing in D.C. N ewer members of the SIU may not know that our headquarters operations weren’t always based in Maryland. For a little longer than half of the organization’s existence, the SIU was headquartered in New York, starting with our founding in 1938. We relocated to the Washington, D.C. area in 1982, and it wasn’t because of relatively cheap real estate. The move had everything to do with putting ourselves in the best possible position to advocate both for the union and for the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. Whether you’re an old salt, a new member or somewhere in between in your maritime career, David Heindel you undoubtedly know that our industry is heavily regulated. To the point where you’d probably have a hard time naming a federal agency that doesn’t have at least a secondary maritime connection. Other industries face a similar landscape, and that’s why so many unions and trade associations and other advocacy groups have offices in and around the nation’s capital. State and local politics are vital in their own rights, but a lot of our biggest-picture work happens at the federal level. When you read and hear about the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, the Tanker Security Program, the Export-Import Bank and other initiatives that promote a strong American-flag fleet, those usually depend on backing from Congress and the administration. With all of that in mind, I welcomed the recent opportunity to testify in Congress about the ongoing safety concerns involving commercial shipping in the Red Sea and nearby areas. Throughout the course of that hearing in late January, it was obvious that there is strong bipartisan support for our industry – the kind of well-informed backing that we’ll need in order to fully revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine. Similarly, a week after that hearing, U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin), who chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, wrote to the commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command and to the head of the U.S. Maritime Administration to promote detailed dialogue – and action – related to our nation’s sealift capabilities. I believe that this kind of engagement can only benefit American maritime. Without grassroots political action, our industry would disappear. That’s why I appreciate your support of SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund. It’s why we’re returning to Capitol Hill next month for the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In, a day-long event that promotes mariners, U.S.-flag operators, and pro-maritime laws and programs. And it’s why we’re coming up on 42 years in our current home base in Camp Springs. For better or worse, politics is the name of the game. That’s how we promote our industry and protect your jobs, and we’ll never stop. But Washington isn’t allencompassing, and grassroots means all of us – we can’t succeed on this front without you spreading the word back home. Union, Yes! The latest report on union membership from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reinforces what we in the labor movement have long known. Union members typically enjoy higher wages and better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts in the workforce. Other reports and studies over the years have concluded that union members generally are more productive than non-union workers, and that union shops have less turnover. This makes sense, because when workers know they’ve got a true voice on the job, and when they have the security of a union contract, they are bound to be invested in their day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. I think people outside the labor movement also overlook the reciprocal, three-way accountability that comes with union membership. This involves the employer, the union, and the rank-and-file members. Our success is interdependent. I was pleased to read about an overall increase in union membership this past year and I’m optimistic about our movement’s opportunities to capitalize on the pro-worker, pro-union sentiments across the country. Congrats and Best Wishes Last but not least, I extend a warm welcome to Willie Barrere in his new role as National President of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO). The SIU is already working well with Willie, who was elected by his union’s executive board to complete the term of Paul Doell. We are very familiar with Willie and are confident that he’ll be a steady hand at the wheel. As you may know, Paul recently retired after nearly a decade as president. Like so many of us from his era, Paul devoted his entire working life to maritime labor – he began his AMO career in 1972. He did a great job and we wish him all the best in retirement. Union Membership Grows, Though Obstacles Impact Density Newly released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found an overall increase in union membership across the country in 2023 along with a very slight drop in member density. Published on Jan. 23, the annual report also concluded that union members, on average, earn more money than workers who do not have union representation – upwards of $9,000 per year. The report shows that overall union membership grew by 139,000 in 2023. Union membership in the private sector increased by 191,000 members, with a majority of new members under the age of 45. According to the BLS, “The union membership rate – the percent of wage and salary workers who were members of unions – was 10.0 percent in 2023, little changed from the previous year.” Responding to the report, the AFL-CIO (to which the SIU is affiliated) pointed out that although more than 70% of Americans polled in a recent survey approve of unions and 59% support unionization in their own workplaces, American workers face obstacles from Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 3 March 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG several angles that prevent density numbers from increasing along with approval rates. Union-busting is just one of many challenges workers face as they organize their workplaces, according to both the federation and the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The latter organization noted, “At its core, the decline (in union density) reflects an intentional political effort to suppress workers’ wage growth and shift income to profits and executive salaries by stripping away the most important leverage that workers have – the right to bargain collectively.” Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su addressed the legislative challenges that must be dealt with in order to facilitate unionization for interested employees in both sectors. She stated, “We know there is a tremendous amount of work still to be done. Unions have been under attack for decades, with union-busting laws being passed in states across the country. But multiple states in recent years have rolled back some of these so-called ‘right-to-work' laws, recognizing the damage they can do to worker organizing. We also know that current federal law allows union-busting to stifle workers exercising their rights, which is why the Biden-Harris administration continues to support passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Although union density remained flat in 2023, that doesn’t reflect the surging momentum that working people have carried into this year. Waves of workers across industries and geography are joining unions despite vicious union-busting campaigns by large corporations. Polling data shows that 71% of Americans support unions, the highest level in nearly 60 years, with 88% of young people showing support for unions. And as the BLS numbers show, the union difference in wages remains strong, driving increased interest among workers to have a voice on the job. “Every worker who wants to join a union should be able to without facing intimidation and harassment from their employer,” Shuler continued. “Corporations spend more than $400 million per year on union-busting consultants to stop worker organizing, and corporate leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos – themselves hoarding billions of dollars – have made it their mission in life to stop their own employees from having a voice at the workplace.” Shuler concluded, “The labor movement is more focused and committed than ever on ensuring that every worker who wants a union has a fair shot at joining one. Organizing is happening at a rate not seen in generations, and new federal investments by the Biden administration in emerging sectors of the economy creates more opportunity for workers to attain good union jobs.” Among the data from the BLS report: • The union membership rate of public-sector workers (32.5 percent) continued to be more than five times higher than the rate of private-sector workers (6.0 percent). • The highest unionization rates were among workers in education, training, and library occupations (32.7 percent) and protective service occupations (31.9 percent). • Men continued to have a higher union membership rate (10.5 percent) than women (9.5 percent). • Black workers remained more likely to be union members than White, Asian, or Hispanic workers. • Non-union workers had median weekly earnings that were 86 percent of earnings for workers who were union members ($1,090 versus $1,263). • Among states, Hawaii and New York had the highest union membership rates (24.1 percent and 20.6 percent, respectively), while South Carolina and North Carolina had the lowest (2.3 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively). MARCH 2024 �House Hearing Examines Red Sea Threat Testifying at a U.S. House of Representatives hearing on the volatility of Red Sea shipping, SIU President David Heindel underscored the U.S. Merchant Marine’s commitment to delivering the goods while also calling for continued safeguards that protect all mariners transiting the area. Heindel spoke on behalf of several maritime labor organizations Jan. 30 in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Three others joined him on the panel: Mediterranean Shipping Company Executive Vice President of Maritime Policy and Government Affairs Bud Darr; I.R. Consilium CEO Dr. Ian Ralby; and National Retail Federation Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold. Heindel testified for the SIU and also the American Maritime Officers; International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marit ime Trades Depar t ment; a nd Transportation Trades Department. “The United States Merchant Marine is proud of our record over the last quarter of a millennium,” Heindel stated in his formal testimony. “We have operated side-by-side with the United States military in virtually every conflict in the history of the United States. We provide the materiel and supplies to the warfighter and they, in turn, have protected our vessels and crews as we sail into harm’s way. While the current situation involves the Houthi rebels in Yemen, we may well face in the future more sophisticated adversaries. The experience we are gaining now has demonstrated to the U.S. citizen mariners who are in harm’s way that U.S. naval and other military personnel stand with them and will continue to do so.” He added, “Working together again has strengthened the bond between the U.S. Merchant Marine and the military, and we hope our success will deter our adversaries from taking unwise action against American shipping. The efforts taken so far to protect our vessels in the region have demonstrated the United States is committed to protecting its shipping and keeping the sea lanes open, and we hope this will incentivize other carriers to put their vessels under the U.S.-flag and use American citizen mariners, as has happened in past conflicts. Our members aboard ship and our organizations ashore are committed to working with Congress, the Administration, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) MARCH 2024 and the Armed Forces to continue doing what has been our traditional mission – to deliver the goods, in peace and in war, as we have since 1775.” Moreover, he emphasized that the U.S.-flag industry’s “biggest need right now is secure communications, whether this is in the form of specialized equipment, naval liaisons embedded on board our ships, or additional American civilian mariners with proper clearances and certificates on board having direct communications between our ships and combat ships in the area.” “Congress must find new and innovative ways to bolster the U.S. Merchant Marine.” – U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Webster (R-Florida) set the stage for the hearing in his opening statement, which included the following: “The Red Sea is critical as a shipping corridor for global maritime commerce connecting Europe and Asia and Suez Canal, representing nearly 20 percent of container traffic and a significant portion of oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Since October, Houthis, an Iranian backed separatist group based in Yemen, have sought to disrupt global commerce by significantly increasing attacks against military and civilian vessels transiting the Red Sea. To date, dozens of vessels have been targeted either through hijacking, attempted hijacking, or missile or drone strikes, putting ships and their crews at risk.” R an king Member Salud Carbajal (D-California) opened with a tribute to U.S. mariners. He said that the current risks at sea are, in some ways, “business as usual for American mariners. Through every emergency conflict and war, the United States Merchant Marine has shown up,” Carbajal stated. “They bravely sailed during World War II when ships were being sunk daily by torpedoes, (with) many lives lost. They delivered military supplies to our troops during the Gulf War, when foreign mariners and foreign companies refused. They routinely sail hospital ships to disaster-stricken regions. Currently, American mariners are showing their bravery and dedication by sailing through the Red Sea to deliver military cargo and humanitarian aid SIU President David Heindel testifies in the House. to the region. Congress must find new and innovative ways to bolster the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Darr was the first panelist to speak. He described the challenge in the Red Sea as “an unprecedented series of attacks by non-state actors upon commercial shipping. There have certainly been attacks in the past, either by states that were well-organized, and there have been attacks by non-state actors such as Somali piracy some time ago, which seems unfortunately to be reemerging now. But as non-state actors go, the level of sophistication of the targeting, the weaponry, and the boldness is absolutely unprecedented, and they have in fact taken control of a vital sea lane which is essential not only for U.S. economic interest, but for trade to flow more broadly throughout the world.” Ralby, who later answered numerous inquiries during the hearing’s questionand-answer segment, explained some of the complexities in the region. “Even if the Israel-Gaza situation ended today with a complete resolution that was mutually agreeable to all parties involved, the Houthis would continue to attack shipping,” he said. “One-hundred percent of the ballistic missile capabilities of the Houthis could be taken out, and the Houthis would still attack shipping…. Since the 19th of November, the Houthis have seized on a convenient narrative that played into something that they wanted. They have opportunistically taken advantage of the Palestinian situation and made it a cause that aligned with their own interests, albeit hypocritically so. If we look at that hypocrisy, the Houthis have, over the last 10 years, killed more Muslim Arabs than Israel has in 75 years of its existence. The Houthis do not care about the Palestinian cause, except insofar as it furthers them.” Gold noted, “While the volume of U.S. trade through the Suez Canal is small, the disruption impacts are being felt far and wide. The biggest challenges for retailers are the additional volatility, cost uncertainty, and overall risk to the supply chain. Retailers are being forced to readjust their supply chains to ensure product delivery.” The hearing lasted approximately two hours and included questions from a dozen or so lawmakers. Full video and PDF copies of the formal testimony are available on the SIU website and on the subcommittee site. U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Florida) SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �SIU Welcomes New Jobs as ARC Honor Flags In S IU members are sailing aboard the newest addition to the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) fleet: the ARC Honor. Operated by Seafarers-contracted TOTE, the ARC Honor – formerly the M/V Tulane – was reflagged to American registry and renamed on Feb. 2 in the port of Incheon, Korea, with U.S. Coast Guard personnel on hand. It is the ninth roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel in ARC’s American-flag fleet, and is enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Bosun Kenneth Loria Zuniga, speaking as the ARC Honor prepared to depart on its first voyage from South Korea to the United States, said, “Everything is going well. We have a good crew and everyone seems happy. The ship is in good condition. Like any other vessel, there is work to do, but it’s good.” The bosun described the re-flagging event as “very low-key,” and he also complimented the professionalism of the ship’s captain and officers, who are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated AMO. In a news release, ARC said the new addition “will be among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, helicopters, and other high and heavy project cargoes. The vessel is 754 feet long with a 21-foot-high main deck and a stern ramp rated for cargo weighing up to 320 MT.” The ship was built in 2012 in South Korea. SIU President David Heindel stated, “The leadership team at ARC once again is demonstrating its commitment to our industry, to our mariners, and to our nation by bringing this vessel under the Stars and Stripes. The SIU has been with ARC from the beginning, and we’re excited about providing the crew for the ARC Honor.” Pictured next to the ship are (from left) OS Lacorie Ray, AB Alexis Dowdell, and AB Carl Piercy. The newest addition to the Maritime Security Program fleet is pictured (above and below) in South Korea shortly after being renamed and reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. AMO National President Willie Barrere said, “The Maritime Security Program and the participating U.S. mariners and ships are crucial elements of our U.S. sealift strategy, our national defense, and commerce. AMO proudly joins our industry partners in welcoming the ARC Honor to our U.S.-flag fleet.” ARC President and CEO Eric Ebeling noted, “This tremendously capable and flexible U.S.-flag ship is crewed by American merchant mariners and now operates in ARC’s global network supporting America’s national defense and economic security through trade.” “Congratulations to American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier on bringing a new vessel into the U.S-flag fleet!” said U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “As a new addition to the Maritime Security Program, this ship and her crew of U.S. credentialed mariners will support our nation’s economic security and provide sealift capacity for our Armed Forces operating around the world.” The first SIU members to sail aboard the ARC Honor included Bosun Loria Zuniga, ABs Alexis Dowdell, Martin Josephson and Carl Piercy, OSs Ningning Li and Lacorie Ray, Oilers Shagaryah Adams, Kwesi Andohkow and Reinaldo Fostanes, Steward/Baker Clark Williams, Chief Cook Rudy Oliva, and SA Diana Perez. Created in 1996 via the enactment of the Maritime Security Act, the MSP fortified the military’s sealift capability in times of war or emergency by providing the Department of Defense access to dozens of U.S.flag, U.S.-crewed commercial vessels (currently there are 60 ships in the MSP fleet). As repeatedly pointed out by program supporters, the capability provided by the MSP comes at a significantly lower cost to taxpayers than creating a permanent fleet of reserve government vessels to match it. The MSP also does not jeopardize the country’s readiness by depending on foreign-flag vessels, foreign crews and foreign shipping companies. Moreover, as a testament to the program’s tremendous value, it has enjoyed military support as well as exceptional bipartisan backing since its inception. Tentative Agreement Reached with Bay-Houston In September 2023, Seabulk Towing sold its U.S. harbor towing operations and assets, and Bay-Houston Towing acquired the eight tugs in service in Texas and Louisiana as part of the sale. In late January, Bay-Houston signed an agreement with the SIU to resume operation of those tugs under a newly negotiated contract. According to SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, “This contract represents a smooth transition in the sale of Seabulk to Bay-Houston, and includes significant pay increases and continuation of the excellent benefits and work rules contained in the old Seabulk Contract.” In the photo above, left, from left to right: Vice President of Bay-Houston Steve Huttman, SIU AVP Michael Russo, Owner of Bay-Houston Philip Kuebler, SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, Chief Engineer and Engine Delegate Richard Johnson and Captain Josh Rodriguez, who served as the Wheelhouse Delegate. The remaining photo shows members completing paperwork aboard a vessel. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 MARCH 2024 �Freedom Star Facilitates Practical Training Hands-on training has always been a staple of numerous courses at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, dating to its founding in 1967. For nearly the past eight years, one of the most visible tools that’s utilized for practical instruction at the school is the Freedom Star, a training ship based at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC). Built in Florida in 1981, the ship underwent a major refurbishment and conversion in 2012 upon being transferred from NASA to the U.S. Maritime Administration. Four years later, the agency assigned it to the PHC, where it routinely is used for both entry-level instruction (as part of the apprentice program) and in upgrading courses. “Having a live platform to train on makes our already-stellar program second to none,” a PHC spokesperson stated. The Freedom Star is 176 feet long and 37 feet wide. According to its Operation and Familiarization Manual, the molded-steel ship can accommodate a crew of 50 for 12-hour day voyages and a crew of 36 for three-day overnight deployments. The ship is powered by two main diesel engines “providing a total of 2,900 horsepower turning two seven-foot propellers with controllable pitch. Maneuverability is enhanced with a water jet stern thruster and bow thruster of conventional propeller/tunnel design. The ship’s cruising speed is 12 knots, with a range of 6,900 nautical miles….” PHC instructors conduct segments of many classes – across all three shipboard departments – on the Freedom Star. Those courses include (among others) Able Seafarer-Deck, Advanced Firefighting, Junior Engineer, Marine Reefer Tech, Chief Steward, Galley Operations, and more, plus apprentice training. More information about PHC courses is available online at www.seafarers.org MARCH 2024 With one exception (the ship photo above), all of the snapshots on this page were taken during a December training mission that originated in Piney Point, Maryland – home of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The vessel photo is slightly older but shows the Freedom Star in its customary dockside spot. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Rental car discounts just for you Looking for an affordable rental car? With Union Plus Car Rental Discounts, your next trip just got a lot cheaper. Get exclusive deals from 6 car rental companies and save up to 25%. Get Extra Savings and Perks from Loyalty Programs Save on your next trip See more at unionplus.org SIU-CR-2-12-24 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from January 13 - February 14, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of February 15, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 31 2 2 15 2 7 5 30 17 24 1 3 24 8 3 1 7 16 1 17 10 0 3 9 1 4 4 19 33 6 1 2 14 3 3 0 5 6 1 9 3 1 1 2 1 3 0 9 5 4 0 3 8 0 0 1 1 2 0 2 6 0 1 18 2 4 3 23 25 19 1 4 18 8 1 1 9 8 0 20 0 1 3 14 1 3 2 18 23 5 2 2 12 2 1 0 3 1 2 4 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 3 3 2 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 11 2 1 2 11 12 9 0 2 9 3 1 0 1 5 1 10 34 2 6 22 1 13 10 47 32 27 2 10 24 8 3 1 10 28 1 44 12 1 2 13 0 5 5 28 44 14 0 5 17 2 3 0 5 7 0 12 3 2 0 4 1 4 0 10 9 8 1 1 10 0 0 0 4 5 0 3 TOTAL 216 133 46 171 99 21 83 325 175 65 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 5 1 1 11 1 2 6 7 16 12 1 3 11 6 0 0 4 9 1 10 107 1 0 1 3 2 0 3 13 20 4 0 0 6 0 1 2 0 7 0 2 65 1 0 2 2 1 0 2 3 3 0 1 0 5 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 25 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 9 8 3 1 2 4 2 2 0 1 3 0 3 42 5 0 2 14 2 3 11 9 24 14 2 5 21 10 1 0 4 13 2 12 154 1 0 2 4 1 2 5 17 22 3 1 0 8 3 1 1 1 8 0 5 85 1 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 5 0 0 2 11 0 0 0 1 2 1 4 35 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 6 0 2 6 4 5 6 10 9 8 1 2 12 14 1 2 4 7 1 15 115 0 2 1 2 2 1 1 4 17 3 0 2 17 1 1 3 9 2 0 5 73 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 4 0 1 0 3 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 23 3 0 1 6 0 3 4 11 21 3 0 1 12 4 2 1 5 3 0 14 94 1 1 0 3 0 2 1 5 7 2 0 0 6 1 0 2 4 1 0 6 42 6 0 1 12 4 4 6 24 26 15 1 3 22 22 1 3 5 13 2 39 209 0 3 1 5 2 3 3 4 22 2 0 5 15 5 1 3 10 4 0 8 96 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 7 6 1 1 1 5 2 0 0 0 3 0 2 31 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 6 3 2 6 0 4 3 18 34 14 1 0 10 3 1 6 1 5 0 13 17 1 3 16 1 2 3 28 46 10 3 3 20 4 1 8 0 10 2 15 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 2 5 0 1 3 16 22 10 1 0 8 1 0 3 0 6 0 7 4 2 3 10 1 1 2 6 22 6 0 0 19 3 0 7 0 2 1 8 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 4 3 2 0 0 3 1 0 7 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 4 2 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 3 11 3 0 7 0 4 5 26 56 20 0 0 18 12 1 4 3 11 0 12 23 0 4 17 1 3 6 42 120 26 2 5 33 12 1 5 1 15 1 16 TOTAL 14 130 193 8 90 97 28 25 193 333 GRAND TOTAL 452 401 287 365 294 148 195 713 549 464 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 1 1 2 8 0 0 3 10 17 8 0 4 11 3 0 1 4 12 0 7 92 0 0 1 4 1 0 1 9 12 1 1 2 7 1 1 1 1 5 0 0 48 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 3 4 1 1 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 19 Steward Department March & April Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: March 4, April 8 Friday: March 8, April 12 Thursday: March 7, April 11 Thursday: March 21, April 25 Honolulu Friday: March 15, April 19 Houston Monday: March 11, April 15 Jacksonville Thursday: March 7, April 11 Joliet Thursday: March 14, April 18 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Port Everglades San Juan Wednesday: March 13, April 17 Tuesday: March 12, April 16 Tuesday: March 5, April 9 Friday: March 8, April 12 Thursday: March 14, April 18 Wednesday: March 6, April 10 Thursday: March 14, April 18 Thursday: March 7, April 11 St. Louis Friday: March 15, April 19 Tacoma Friday: March 22, April 26 Wilmington Monday: March 18, April 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. MARCH 2024 0 0 0 3 1 1 1 7 8 4 0 1 14 3 0 2 4 2 0 6 57 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 11 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7 SEAFARERS LOG • 7 �Former Seafarer Cooks Up Sauce, Success H ouston-based “Chef Machete” has famous clients and award-winning restaurants – but to the SIU, he’s known as Chief Cook Trinidad Gonzalez, who sailed from 2013-2019, primarily on tugs in the Gulf of Mexico. “The Seafarers International Union made me the man I am today,” said Gonzalez. ”All the organizational skills and the experience of managing a crew – in fact, I organize and structure my kitchens to this day like I learned from sailing.” Like many mariners, Gonzalez comes from a seafaring family. “Both of my brothers, my father and my grandfather were all mariners,” he said. “That’s what we were raised for, you know. After I moved out, I went to Cali, did my own thing, and then in 2013 I decided it was time to see the world. I was waiting and waiting for jobs out on the West Coast, but then I moved to Houston and got a job on a tug right away. It was all [good] from there!” He was preceded in the SIU by his father, pensioner Angel Gonzalez, who also sailed as a harbor pilot for many years after finishing his career with the union, and by his older brothers: AB William Mallow, who sailed with the SIU until 2003, and AB Juan Gonzalez, who is currently a tugboat captain with SIUcontracted G&H Towing. Throughout his sailing career, Trinidad knew his true passion was cooking. “I always wanted to be a cook,” he stated. “Growing up, my thoughts always kept going back to eventually being a chef. I was sailing for Crowley, and on the weekends, I would sell tacos out of my taco truck, and that’s how it started. It really started to take off, and I knew I had a good thing going at that point.” Now the owner of three Gordo Niños locations in the Houston area, Chef Machete serves up Tex-Mex alongside his secret sauce, a purple-in-color dipping sauce with a taste similar to a savory ranch that he calls “Lean Sauce.” He said, “I actually started working on the sauce when I was still sailing; on the weekends I’d make a new batch, and take it back to my guys Monday morning. Ten months later, I finally perfected my sauce. After that, I knew I had to come ashore and start up a restaurant.” He added, “My main clientele now is local Houston rappers, athletes, and politicians. Everybody’s got to eat, and they like what I make, so it’s easy like that. I’ve served 50 Cent, E-40, George Strait.… They keep coming back, too.” SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, who works out of the Houston hiring hall and is a longtime friend of Gonzalez, said, “It is an amazing feeling to see our SIU brother become so successful. His purple sauce is the most creatively delicious thing I have ever tried.” Through it all, Gonzalez remembers his time sailing fondly, saying, “I would recommend everyone join the Seafarers. I have friends that I talked into it, and some of them are captains and pilots by now. All the skills I learned, I have put to good use making my culinary dreams come true.” Grilled Mahi Tacos, covered in the signature sauce. Chef Machete tops all his offerings with his signature purple sauce. Rapper 50 Cent (left) poses for a photo with Chef Trinidad Gonzalez. The Seafarers LOG office sampled the signature sauce, and found the ranch-like sauce to be both delicious and hard to describe. Internet celebrities Druski (right) and Johnny Shipes (left) stopped by to sample Chef Gonzalez's (center) sauce. Country legend George Strait (left) poses for a photo with Chef Gonzalez (right). 8 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 8 • SEAFARERS LOG • MARCH 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez (far left) pitches in during a career fair in Canovanas, Puerto Rico, where he helped spread the word about the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. This event focused on members of the Army Reserve and the National Guard. WELCOME ASHORE IN LAUDERDALE – Recertified Steward Abraham Martinez (left), pictured at the hall with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins, began sailing with the SIU in 1989. He’s shown picking up his first pension check. CAREER PROGRESS – The SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, have a long history of facilitating career progress for members – from entry-level to licensed positions. Embodying that standard is hawsepiper Third Assistant Engineer Lisa Harewood-Francis (second from right), pictured at the February membership meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with (from right) SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, and FOWT Jeremie Francis, Lisa’s husband. Lisa joined the SIU 24 years ago, earned her license six years ago, and currently sails as a member of the Seafarers-affiliated AMO. CLASSMATES CATCH UP ‒ Reminiscing at the hall in Mobile, Alabama, are retired Recertified Bosun Ray Waiters (left) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. They went through the AB course together in Piney Point in 1977. ABOARD EL COQUI – Pausing for a snapshot on the Intrepid ship are (from left) Electrician Edwin Velez, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, and Bosun Juan Negron. The vessel sails in the Jones Act trade between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico, which is vital for the island and for the U.S. Merchant Marine. ABOARD ARC INTEGRITY – Jacksonville Safety Director Adam Bucalo submitted these photos from a weekend servicing of the TOTE ship. Spirits are high aboard the vessel, in part because of a new contract featuring unprecedented wage gains, he reported. Those pictured include AB Ryan Henderson (at the gangway) and (from left in the group photo) Bosun Kyren Ancrum, Paul Hall Center Apprentice Antoine Kozel, AB Anthony Green, Chief Cook Tomas Bernardez-Martinez, and Steward/Baker Kristina Jones. 9 SEAFARERS MARCH 2024 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Taking the oath at the January membership meeting are (from right to left) STOS Christopher Stevens, STOS Michael Jones, GUDE DeContee Saypoh, OS Cedric Armstrong, SA Toinette Williams, OMU Denard Williams, and Chief Cook Maurice Henry. Williams and Henry received their respective A-seniority books, while the other Seafarers attained B-seniority. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. SENATE CANDIDATE BACKS MARITIME – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) chats with U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) at the Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention in Austin in late January. Allred, a strong supporter of the Jones Act, is running for U.S. Senate. ABOARD MATSONIA ‒ Pictured from left on the Matson ship are (above, right) Safety Director Gordon Godel and Recertified Steward Nee Tran, along with (remaining photo) Chief Cook Jeffrey Phillips and ACU Nasser Hasson. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – GUDE Nestor Montano receives his first pension check at the hall. He started sailing with the SIU in 1998. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right. ABOARD PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT – Meeting aboard the APL vessel on the West Coast are (from left) Chief Cook Bernardo Celi, Safety Director Gordon Godel, Chief Cook Perry Asuncion, ACU Nathalie Norie and Steward/Baker Brian Kluth. OJT FOR APPRENTICES – Pictured aboard the TOTE-operated car carrier Patriot in Baltimore are (from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentice Brenda Gonzalez Potash, SIU Port Agent John Hoskins, and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Marshall Whitcraft. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MILESTONE IN GARDEN STATE – Brother Debbie Garcia (left) receives his A-seniority book. He sails as an AB and is pictured at the Jersey City hall with SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 MARCH 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU REINFORCING MARITIME SUPPORT – During the recent Virginia AFL-CIO Legislative Conference in Richmond, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey and Patrolman Josh Rawls met with the governor and state delegates to shore up backing for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. Pictured from left in photo above, left are Torrey, Delegate Phil Hernandez, and Rawls. From left in the other photo are Delegate Jeion Ward, Rawls and Torrey. REGISTERED AND READY – Seafarer Raul “Tito” Morales (left) is ready to ship out as a bosun. He’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON ‒ Capt. Wes Bertrand (left) picks up his first PROMOTING SIU CAREERS ‒ Pictured at a career fair in San Antonio for military veterans are (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes and Patrolman Kelly Krick. pension check at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo; the two Seafarers sailed together on the Sea Reliance (Intrepid). Bertrand started sailing with the union in 1986. ARTISTIC TOUCH ‒ NY Waterway Shop Steward George Schumpp (left) and Senior Deckhand Modesto Penton decorate their ferry to brighten the mood for passengers. Thanks to SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson for the photo. AT NORFOLK HALL – In photo above, right, identical twin sisters Kimberly Vargas (left) and Kim Smith are excited to soon sail aboard the same vessel for the first time. And they’ll be in the same department, too – Kimberly is a chief cook, Kim a chief steward. In photo above, left, Chief Cook Garry Brandon displays his newly obtained A-seniority book, while GUDE Jaquan Jones (remaining photo) receives his full B-book at the January membership meeting. MARCH 2024 ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE ‒ Meeting aboard the TOTE ship in Puerto Rico are (from left) Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez, Safety Director Ricky Rivera and Electrician Randy Slue. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 11 LOG • 11 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Question: What are some things you like about the school? Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 Yunlay Bridges Chief Cook Yahia Yahia AB I’ve been away from it for a while, but I appreciate the opportunity to come back and feel like I never left. It’s state-of-the-art. The things that they have done over the last 10 years – it just really blew my mind to see how much things have changed and yet it’s still the same in some ways. The school offers a great education, free lodging and food. It provides everything I need to continue my career. I’ve been here twice. Michael Kanga Bosun GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 It’s great. Come to Piney Point and get everything you need. I love the school. Think about it: You have a free school, free meals, free hotel. If you want to eventually be a captain, if you want to be a chief engineer, come down and get an education. This is the place to start. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Rondell Richardson Chief Steward JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 The school teaches you responsibility. It teaches you how to be out on your own, especially as a young man or young woman coming up. It’s different from the outside world – when you come here, it’s more peaceful and there’s more togetherness. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Ricky Sencida Chief Steward It’s definitely very educational. I feel lucky to be here; this is my fourth time (taking classes). I’m thankful they have a school like this. Tony Pragosa Chief Steward It’s a pretty decent campus and there are a lot of things to do around here. The instructors are phenomenal – they’re great to work with. Mildrid Seck OS The training is really interesting. Basically, you learn everything here, including how to live on your own and how to communicate with others and work in groups. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Seafarers gather for a union meeting in 1974 aboard the Seatrain Carolina. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MARCH 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA RIGOBERTO BEATA Brother Rigoberto Beata, 69, signed on with the union in 2002 when he sailed on the Allegiance. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Beata most recently sailed aboard the Stena Polaris. He resides in Los Angeles. CARMELO DELA CRUZ Brother Carmelo Dela Cruz, 66, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Dela Cruz last worked on the Maunawili and lives in Las Vegas. ROMULO GUTIERREZ Brother Romulo Gutierrez, 62, joined the SIU in 1997. He first shipped on the USNS Capella and sailed in the deck department. Brother Gutierrez upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Overseas Texas City and makes his home in Houston. ABRAHAM MARTINEZ ROCHEZ Brother Abraham Martinez Rochez, 67, joined the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Martinez Rochez most recently sailed on the Magnolia State. He lives in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. GAVINO OCTAVIANO JOSEPH WILLIAMS Brother Gavino Octaviano, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Rover. Brother Octaviano was a member of the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and was last employed with American Service Technology Inc. Brother Octaviano lives in Daly City, California. Brother Joseph Williams, 57, started his career with the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Westward Venture. A deck department member, he upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Williams most recently shipped on the USNS Curtiss. He lives in Kenner, Louisiana. RICKY PETTAWAY Brother Ricky Pettaway, 61, became a member of the union in 1991. He shipped in the engine department and first sailed on the Sealift Indian Ocean. Brother Pettaway upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the USNS Capella and settled in Mobile, Alabama. TIMOTHY PILLSWORTH Brother Timothy Pillsworth, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1978, sailing first aboard the Inger. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Pillsworth most recently worked at Watco. He is a resident of Kingston, New York. MARIO RAMIREZ Brother Mario Ramirez, 65, joined the union in 2008. A steward department member, he initially shipped on the Atlantic. Brother Ramirez upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Seakay Sky and lives in Houston. PETER SCHUETZ GREAT LAKES JEFFERY DAVIS Brother Jeffery Davis, 71, became an SIU member in 1977. He first shipped on the Columbia and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Davis sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He concluded his career with Great Lakes Towing and settled in Trenton, Michigan. RESAT DILER Brother Resat Diler, 64, signed on with the SIU in 2003. He initially shipped aboard the Presque Isle and was a deck department member. Brother Diler upgraded at the Piney Point school multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Burns Harbor and resides in Largo, Florida. INLAND JOHN BILICH Brother Peter Schuetz, 57, became a member of the union in 1989 when he sailed on the Independence. Brother Schuetz worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the Manulani and resides in Honolulu. Brother John Bilich, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979. A deck department member, he was first employed by Crescent Towing and Salvage. Brother Bilich upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Rocketship and makes his home in Foutain Inn, South Carolina. DARYL SPICER JAMES HOFFMAN Brother Daryl Spicer, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1993. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in all three departments. Brother Spicer upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Cascade and is a resident of Santa Anna, Texas. Brother James Hoffman, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1991. He sailed in the deck department and initially worked on the John Paul Bobo. Brother Hoffman upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the Liberty Island and resides in Lynn Haven, Florida. NESTOR MONTANO MERCURIO TALICTIC MARTIN MERAVY Brother Nestor Montano, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 1998. He sailed in all three departments and first shipped on the Gus W. Darnell. Brother Montano upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He concluded his career on the Overseas Boston and resides in Tacoma, Washington. Brother Mercurio Talictic, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2003 and first sailed aboard the Calvin P. Titus. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2004 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Talictic’s final vessel was the Maersk Detroit. He makes his home in Sugarland, Texas. Brother Martin Meravy, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Meravy was last employed by Allied Transportation. He lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. RANDY MCKENZIE Brother Randy McKenzie, 65, joined the union in 1981 when he sailed aboard the Leo. He worked primarily in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McKenzie last shipped on the Calvin P. Titus and makes his home in Drums, Pennsylvania. MARCH 2024 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 13 • OCTOBER LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA FERNANDO ABUAN Pensioner Fernando Abuan, 67, passed away December 11. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2007 when he sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez. A steward department member, Brother Abuan last shipped on the John Paul Bobo in 2016. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Woodland, California. MICHAEL ALGHAFEILI In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. ALBERT CAULDER SALEH SALEH Pensioner Albert Caulder, 75, passed away December 20. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978. Brother Caulder first shipped with Interocean American Shipping and sailed in the deck department. His final vessel was the Delaware Trader. Brother Caulder became a pensioner in 2010 and made his home in Rocky Face, Georgia. Pensioner Saleh Saleh, 88, passed away December 10. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1970. Brother Saleh first worked on the John P. Reiss. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Belle in 1992. Brother Saleh went on pension in 2000 and made his home in Dearborn, Michigan. SALVATORE CICIULLA Pensioner Michael Alghafeili, 75, died December 18. He started shipping with the union in 1981, initially working on the Transcolumbia. Brother Alghafeili worked in both the deck and engine departments. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Washington before retiring in 2016. Brother Alghafeili was a Baltimore resident. Pensioner Salvatore Ciciulla, 81, died December 28. Sailing first with Crowley Towing and Transportation, he donned the SIU colors in 1979. Brother Ciciulla worked in the deck department and spent most of his career in the deep sea division. He last shipped on the Pride before going on pension in 2007. Brother Ciciulla resided in Scoglitti, Italy. ILARIA AMAYA JOHN GEHRING Pensioner Ilaria Amaya, 69, passed away January 6. She joined the SIU in 1998 when she sailed on the Gem State. Sister Amaya was a member of the steward department and last shipped on the Maersk Virginia in 2010. She became a pensioner in 2019 and made her home in Miami. Pensioner John Gehring, 82, passed away December 30. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1987. A steward department member, he first shipped on the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Gehring last sailed on the Calvin P. Titus. He became a retiree in 2007 and settled in Ronan, Montana. JOSEPH ARCH Pensioner Joseph Arch, 79, died December 31. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1960. Brother Arch first shipped on the Losmar and was a member of the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Chemical Explorer, before retiring in 2002. Brother Arch resided in Denham Springs, Louisiana. LLOYD BETHEA Pensioner Lloyd Bethea, 78, passed away November 15. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first shipped on the Lykes Explorer. A member of the engine department, Brother Bethea concluded his career aboard the Benavidez in 2015. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Frederick, Maryland. FREDERICK HAYSTON Pensioner Frederick Hayston, 65, died December 5. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002, initially sailing aboard the USNS Dahl. Brother Hayston worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Texas Enterprise in 2016. He began collecting his pension in 2023 and lived in Miramar, Florida. JAMES STETTER Pensioner James Stetter, 80, died November 24. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2001. Brother Stetter first sailed aboard the Indiana Harbor. He was a deck department member and last shipped on the St. Clair. Brother Stetter, who also sailed in the deep sea division, went on pension in 2015 and lived in Calumet, Michigan. JIMMY WHITING Pensioner Jimmy Whiting, 75, passed away December 9. Brother Whiting embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1992, initially sailing on the Independence. He worked in the deck department. Brother Whiting’s final vessel was the Matson Tacoma. He began collecting his pension in 2013 and resided in Las Vegas. GREAT LAKES DWIGHT SELL Pensioner Dwight Sell, 92, died January 5. He joined the Seafarers in 1973 and first worked on the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Sell sailed in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1997 after concluding his career on the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Sell made his home in Alpena, Michigan. CLARENCE LOFTON MOHAMED SHARIFF Pensioner Clarence Lofton, 88, passed away December 27. He joined the union in 1965 and first shipped aboard the Del Valle. Brother Lofton worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Humacao before becoming a pensioner in 1996. Brother Lofton was a resident of Chickasaw, Alabama. Pensioner Mohamed Shariff, 91, passed away December 31. He donned the SIU colors in 1964 and initially sailed aboard the Reiss Brothers. Brother Shariff shipped in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Global Sentinel. He retired in 1996 and resided in Dearborn, Michigan. FRANCISCO CACERES CARL NEAL Pensioner Francisco Caceres, 79, died December 16. He became a member of the union in 1989 when he sailed aboard the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Caceres worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Challenger and retired in 2009. Brother Caceres lived in San Antonio, Texas. Pensioner Carl Neal, 80, died December 12. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1964. Brother Neal first shipped on a Seatrain Lines vessel. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and last sailed aboard the Belofin Kestrel. Brother Neal retired in 2014 and called Buffalo, Texas, home. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ROBERT WILLIAMSON Pensioner Robert Williamson, 87, died December 15. Brother Williamson signed on with the SIU in 1961. He sailed with Great Lakes Towing for almost his entire career and became a pensioner in 1998. Brother Williamson lived in Delavan, Wisconsin. MARCH 2024 �INLAND WALLACE ASHWOOD Pensioner Wallace Ashwood, 70, passed away December 31. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1986. An engine department member, Brother Ashwood was employed with Moran Towing of Texas for most of his career. He went on pension in 2009 and called West Columbia, Texas, home. CARL COUSIN Pensioner Carl Cousin, 64, died December 1. He embarked on his career with the union in 2006 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Cousin worked with Westbank Riverboat Services until 2010. He became a pensioner in 2023 and resided in Gretna, Louisiana. GARY DAVIS Pensioner Gary Davis, 69, passed away January 3. He joined the SIU in 1977, initially sailing with Hvide Marine. Brother Davis worked in both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed with G&H Towing before retiring in 2020. Brother Davis made his home in Groves, Texas. JOHN MACKEY Pensioner John Mackey, 77, died January 12. In 2008, he became a member of the Seafarers International Union. Brother Mackey was a deck department member and sailed with OSG Ship Management for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Kingman, Arizona. BOBBY MALONE Pensioner Bobby Malone, 63, has passed away. He began sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he was employed with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Malone worked in the deck department. He was last employed with Martin Marietta in 1996. Brother Malone started collecting his pension in 2022 and called Poplarville, Mississippi, home. JOHN NIDAY Pensioner John Niday, 72, died November 13. A deck department member, he joined the union in 1973. Brother Niday was employed with G&H Towing for most of his SIU career. He became a pensioner in 2017 and resided in Port Isabel, Texas. MARVIN PAGE Pensioner Marvin Page, 81, passed away December 15. He donned the union colors in 1967. Brother Page shipped in the deck department and worked with Mariner Towing for the duration of his career. He retired in 2013 and was a resident of Tampa, Florida. MARCH 2024 JUAN RAMOS JAMES HYDES Pensioner Juan Ramos, 89, died December 4. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1977, initially working for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Ramos was a deck department member. He retired in 1996 after concluding his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Ramos lived in Catano, Puerto Rico. Pensioner James Hydes, 89, passed away October 26. Brother Hydes began sailing in 1967. He first sailed aboard the Evergreen State and worked in the engine department. Brother Hyde’s final vessel was the Texaco Minnesota. He went on pension in 1989 and made his home in the Cayman Islands. KENNARD JACKLEY Pensioner Kennard Jackley, 83, passed away November 29. He began sailing in 1966 and first shipped on the Point Barrow. Brother Jackley sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the Genevieve Lykes and retired in 1995. Brother Jackley resided in Slidell, Louisiana. RAYMOND RUSHON Pensioner Raymond Rushon, 88, passed away December 15. A deck department member, he began sailing with the SIU in 1996. Brother Rushon was employed by Crowley for his entire career. He began collecting his pension in 2001 and made his home in Havertown, Pennsylvania. BRUCE KEENE Pensioner Bruce Keene, 86, died December 26. Brother Keene was last employed by Boston Fuel Company. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived in South Portland, Maine. NMU ANTONIO AFONSO Pensioner Antonio Afonso, 91, died October 28. An engine department member, Brother Afonso last shipped on the Mormac Sun. He became a pensioner in 1989 and lived in Porto, Portugal. DONALD COLLINS Pensioner Donald Collins, 90, passed away October 30. Brother Collins worked in the deck department and began sailing in 1966. He last sailed aboard the Chesapeake before becoming a pensioner in 1986. Brother Collins called Whistler, Alabama, home. JOYCE MARKS Pensioner Joyce Marks, 81, passed away November 11. Brother Marks sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Marine Duval. He went on pension in 1994 and settled in Port Arthur, Texas. LIONEL MCMASTER Pensioner Lionel McMaster, 98, died November 28. Brother McMaster first sailed in 1944. He shipped in the deck department, initially aboard the Joshua Chamberlain. Brother McMaster last sailed aboard the Mormac Cape and began collecting his pension in 1970. He was a resident of Brooklyn, New York. WILLIAM SANTIAGO JAMES COWARD Pensioner James Coward, 85, died December 8. Brother Coward sailed as a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the American Marketer and began collecting his pension in 1993. Brother Coward made his home in Brooklyn, New York. EDWARD FERNANDEZ Pensioner Edward Fernandez, 86, passed away November 29. Brother Fernandez started sailing in 1969, initially aboard the Amoco Illinois. He worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Chemical Pioneer. Brother Fernandez became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. Pensioner William Santiago, 100, passed away November 18. Brother Santiago started sailing in 1945. He worked in the steward department, initially aboard the Coaldale Victory. He last shipped aboard the Constitution. Brother Santiago became a pensioner in 1969 and settled in Puerto Rico. LEONARD TCHORZ Pensioner Leonard Tchorz, 95, died October 20. Brother Tchorz worked in the engine department. He retired in 1997 after concluding his career with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Tchorz resided in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. ANGEL TORRES FLOYD GROVES Pensioner Floyd Groves, 90, died November 6. Brother Groves worked in the deck department. He retired in 1999 after concluding his career aboard the Iowa Trader. Brother Groves resided in the Cayman Islands. Pensioner Angel Torres, 81, passed away November 15. He began sailing in 1957, initially aboard the Coal Miner. Brother Torres sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the Kenai and retired in 1986. Brother Torres was a Houston resident. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK KENSGINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), November 5 – Chairman Carlos Gibbons, Secretary Hussain Nagi Ali, Educational Director Juan Rochez. Crew still waiting for improved Wi-Fi service as well as smart TVs in every room. Chairman advised members to check the Seafarers LOG or the SIU website for updates about benefits as well as other important information. Grill in galley in working condition thanks to the engineers. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to secure better jobs and better pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested 30 for 30 vacation, new mattresses, new towels and new linens. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited) November 26 – Chairman Roy Madrio, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang. Chairman thanked everyone for a job well done and reiterated the importance of shipboard safety. Payoff scheduled for following day. Secretary asked members to place dirty laundry on their decks before getting off ship. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested better pillows and blankets and for every room to have mounted brackets for TVs. Members would like overtime hours to be credited towards pension pay. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. GARDEN STATE (Crowley), December 23 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Educational Director Alexander Capellan Almonte. Chairman reminded crew to check documents and to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship house clean and sanitary. Members are pleased with new Starlink Wi-Fi service. Crew thanked steward department for a job well done. TORM TIMOTHY (Eco Tankers Crew Management), December 23 – Chairman Louis Ferrigno, Secretary Keesha Holloway. Crew reviewed procedures for sorting and disposing of trash. Members were reminded to place appropriate items in designated bins. Crew plans to discuss personal and mess hall refrigerators with captain. Night lunch to be moved into crew mess. Bosun made plans to figure out why TVs are not working. Members were thanked for keeping smoking lounge clean. Dryer needs to be installed, but still waiting on hotwork approval. Weight tower to be in- stalled/secured to deck once ship is sailing. Members discussed stores order, slop chest and new ideas for menu items. Chief cook needs fan. Chairman said crew did a great job with reflag. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), January 3 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Aljohn Fernandez, Deck Delegate Nathaniel Rivera, Engine Delegate Ali Mohamed, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. Ship received new espresso machine, new refrigerator and new treadmill. Crew held a moment of silence for the passing of SIU President Emeritus Mike Sacco and send their condolences to his family. Chairman discussed various topics including increases in vision care and new prescription benefit to aid weight loss. He talked about balance billing and urged crew to take precautions when communicating on board to ensure safety and security of ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent food, especially during the holidays. Secretary reminded everyone of the importance of union meetings and members having the ability to voice their concerns. He reminded crew to keep mess halls clean and to take care of the appliances and equipment provided by the company. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like unlimited Wi-Fi and 25 for 30 vacation days. Members motioned to increase steward assistant wage to match entry level positions in deck and engine departments. Crew asked that cleaning grease trap duties for the DEU be written in the contract as penalty time. Next port: Cherry Point, North Carolina. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), January 13 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate Stephen Belden, Engine Delegate Christopher Eason. Chairman announced payoff in Newark, New Jersey, on January 16. Secretary reviewed ship fund balance. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested a printer for ship library as well as new vacuums and bigger refrigerators for each room. Members discussed hazard pay and asked for health benefit increases and for vacation pay to increase to 20 for 30. Crew thanked steward department for good meals during the whole trip. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the April 8 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2023 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 MARCH 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES May 6 July 8 May 24 July 26 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 Adv. Shiphandling August 26 September 6 Adv. Stability September 9 September 13 Adv. Meteorology September 16 September 20 Search and Rescue Mgmt Level September 23 September 25 Advanced Galley Ops June 3 August 26 November 18 June 28 September 20 December 13 Chief Steward April 22 July 15 October 7 May 17 August 8 November 1 SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation April 5 April 22 April 26 May 6 May 10 May 31 April 5 April 22 April 26 May 6 May 10 May 31 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 3 June 4 Government Vessels April 22 May 13 June 10 June 24 April 26 May 17 June 14 June 28 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL (PIC) April 15 April 19 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL April 22 April 26 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG April 29 May 3 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Adv. Refer Containers May 6 August 26 May 17 September 6 Machinist April 29 May 10 Pumpman April 22 April 26 Welding April 8 June 3 April 26 June 21 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES ServSafe Management Date of Completion STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck Certified Chief Cook Latest Course Dates April 29 June 10 July 15 August 19 September 23 November 4 May 31 July 12 August 16 September 20 October 25 December 6 April 22 June 3 July 8 August 12 September 16 April 26 June 7 July 12 August 16 September 20 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. MARCH 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #903 – Graduated December 29 (above, in alphabetical order): John Bowen Jr., Raekwon Brooks, Emmanuel Capulong, Tristan Chavers, Adam Ferkula, Walter Figueroa, Jeffrey Frye, Cody Gore, Brandon Haffner, Richard Holland, Justin Hughes, Kaden Ketcham, Joshua Mair, Alexis Martinez, Noah Neal, Lakisha Perry, Daniel Rodriguez-Perez, Taylor Smith, Vensen Suguitan, Michael Sutton, Emma Wang and Conor Westbrook. ADVANCED GALLEY OPERATIONS – Graduated February 2: Khiry Bivins, Xavier Burgos, Julian De Los Santos, Edward Harnish, Diane MacDonald and Michael Page. JUNIOR ENGINEER – Graduated February 2: Loren Arriola, Alexander Boothby, Mark Dennison, Jesse Kleinfelter, Julian Rubbo and Ryan Sotomayor. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4) – Graduated February 2: Taquisha Breathwaite, Joshua Burnett, Daniel Jackson, Jose Sadaya, Dequan Smith Jr., Francis Solmirano and Myles White. RFPEW – Graduated February 2: D'Angelo Brown, Dayshaun Brown, Robert Crain, Javon Norris Jr., Nesta Pafford and Dallas Smith. RFPNW – Graduated January 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Brown, Patrick English, Bryn Erck, Lawrence Girard III, Scott Haselbauer, Jacob Isaacs, Nathan Jackson, Jonathan Jeronimo, Jeffrey McGowin Jr., Daquan Moreland, Quincy Nobles, Shaan Oberdieck, Halden Pettit, David Rojas, Ernest Ross Jr., John Scofield and Tyrone Simms. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MARCH 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos COMBINED BASIC/ADVANCED FIREFIGHTING – Graduated January 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Sukhbir Bains, Joseph Bowen, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Jeffery Griffin, Peter Hotchkiss, Caliph Johnson II, Russell Lempke, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods, Richard Wright and Damon Zschoche (Not all are pictured). TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated January 12: Shane Beall, Joshua Bermudez, GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated January 12: Donald Appu, Ragab Ayed, Kemonei Breathwaite, Robert Davis Jr., Van Dixon, Ibrahim Elsayed, Ryan Gallano, Antonio GonzalezEsteves, Tyrone Hernandez, Ajit Hettiarachi, Nathaniel Hunter, Twane Joe, Ramadan Karar, Khaled Mohamed, Jesus Ortiz-Rivera, Patricia Ricks, Maeen Saleh, Michael Sanders Jr., Mildrid Seck, Melissa Spies and Maurice Woodhouse (Not all are pictured). Kirk Chambers, Jeffrey Corpstein, Derick Dy, Jon Erichsen, Morgan Hepburn, Kenji Hoffman, Jason Icasas, Ion Irimia, Mark Malicki, Adrian Schubert, Mofeed Shaibi, Alvin Watson and Abdulrazak Yahia. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated January 19: Joshua Bermudez, Zion MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER – Graduated February 2: Sukhbir Bains, Joseph Bowen, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Leonard Garretti, Jeffery Griffin, Crystal Higgs, Caliph Johnson II, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche (Not all are pictured). Bradford, Joseph Burke, Kirk Chambers, Jeffrey Corpstein, Van Dixon, Jon Erichsen, Marlon Gayle, Jose Gonzalez Del Valle, Roy Graham, Octavia Grant, Rasheed Groden, Jeremy Hebda, Morgan Hepburn, Jason Icasas, Ion Irimia, Rami Kassem, Siniya Lee, Mark Malicki, George Mardones, Mofeed Shaibi, Alvin Watson and Lawrence Wright (Not all are pictured). GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated February 2: Andres Brown, Ana Calma, Benjamin Cone, Frederick Dunmore, Marlon Gayle, Te'angela Grant, Mark Griffin, Morgan Hepburn, Raynard Hoover, Richard Huffman, Jalen Jones, Timothy Jones, Manuel Lulley, Gary Nelon, Luis Pareja Sanchez, Moses Scott IV, Torri Streeks, Tanesha Terrell, Jeremy Thigpen, David Thompson, Alvin Watson and Richard Wright (Not all are pictured). MARCH 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �MARCH 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 3 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Helps Promote Maritime Careers Industry Event Underscores Jones Act’s Value to Puerto Rico Careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine are viable and rewarding. The SIU helped amplify that message Jan. 15-16 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where an industry event involving the multi-mission training ship Empire State took place. SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo and Safety Director Ricky Rivera took part in the gatherings, which included hundreds of local students, cadets from the Maritime College of the State University of New York (SUNY), local officials, shipping company executives and others. Seafarers-contracted TOTE operates the unionbuilt Empire State when it is activated, as was the case for the training voyage to the territory. A company spokesperson noted, “This voyage served as an essential training exercise for the cadets, and its arrival presented an opportunity for prospective students from Puerto Rico to learn about serving in the merchant marine…. The (domestic) maritime industry provides more than 2,000 jobs and contributes more than $96 million in wages and $221 million in annual economic output for Puerto Rico alone.” Crespo stated, “We appreciated the chance to promote our affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to the guests. This was a massive job fair and conference, with hundreds of high school and college students attending. It went really well.” Event speakers included Puerto Rico Secretary of State Omar Marrero; TOTE Group President and CEO Tim Nolan; TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico Vice President and General Manager Eduardo Pagan; Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Joel A. Piza Batiz, and others. Pagan noted, “We welcome to Puerto Rico the Empire State and its crew, who are training not only to keep our economy running but are also training to respond to any type of emergency, both in the continental United States and in Puerto Rico. Additionally, we’re excited to offer Puerto Rican students the chance to learn” about maritime careers “through an exclusive visit in which they will tour the vessel, delving into the details of its operation, and learning about service in the merchant navy. We hope this visit will be beneficial for them and their future.” Philly Shipyard delivered the Empire State in September 2023. The ship is part of the Maritime Administration’s National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program, which the shipyard described as being “designed to provide world- class training for America’s future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need.” Altogether, the program encompasses five new ships, with the last one slated for delivery in 2026. While the two-day event in Puerto Rico largely focused on maritime careers, some of the discussion centered on the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Often the target of unfair and inaccurate criticism, the Jones Act has protected America’s national, economic and homeland security for more than century. The law is vital to Puerto Rico, according to a recent study by Ernst & Young. Responding to that examination, Transportation Institute Chairman and President James L. Henry stated, “Jones Act carriers are dedicated to Puerto Rico and help local businesses make goods more affordable and the supply chain more reliable compared to our global competitors. While the entire global supply chain was disrupted during the pandemic, our Jones Act carriers proved to be 27 times more affordable and eight times more reliable than non-Jones Act carriers.” Pictured at the industry event in Puerto Rico are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, TOTE Group President/CEO Tim Nolan, and Safety Director Ricky Rivera. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (foreground) welcomes local students. Guests climb the gangway for a shipboard tour. The Empire State is part of a new program led by the Maritime Administration – and it was built by union members at Philly Shipyard. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (standing at right) addresses cadets aboard the Empire State. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU PRESIDENT TESTIFIES ON RED SEA SHIPPING ARC HONOR JOINS SIU FLEET BLS REPORT SHOWS GROWTH IN UNION MEMBERSHIP CHEF MACHETE COOKS UP SAUCE, SUCCESS FREEDOM STAR FACILITATES HANDS-ON TRAINING INDUSTRY EVENT UNDERSCORES JONES ACT'S VALUE TO PUERTO RICO Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 3 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4c16558de7c5280c0672a1dd5a871714.pdf 3b5f74c82b6363dae4e97f8f2f9439f2 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 2 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Farewell to an Icon, Leader and Friend: Michael Sacco: Feb. 14, 1937 – Dec. 28, 2023 The union is mourning the passing of SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco – and we also are celebrating his life. The group photo was taken early last year in Florida, where Mike had announced his retirement. From left are SIU Executive Board members Nicholas Celona, David Heindel, Karen Horton-Genette, Nick Marrone, Tom Orzechowski, Bryan Powell, Mike Sacco, George Tricker, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi and Augie Tellez. Coverage begins on page 3. Seafarers Support Troops Via ‘Santa’s Castle’ The SIU’s long tradition of spreading holiday cheer in the Pacific Northwest continued in 2023, via an annual project (Santa’s Castle) that generates donations of toys and other presents for U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. Pictured above are Seafarers, SIU officials, and representatives from Santa’s Castle, gathering at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington, for a celebratory luncheon – and to put the finishing touches on the donations. Page 24. NDAA UPDATE • PAGE 7 // SHBP SCHOLARSHIP INFO• PAGE 20 �President’s Report In Peace and War T he safety of SIU crews is always our absolute top priority. With that in mind, the union is actively participating in high-level, recurring discussions involving our military leaders, vessel operators, fellow maritime unions and others – including the International Transport Workers’ Federation – who are diligently working to help ensure the wellbeing of mariners (and ships) transiting the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The formal launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian in late December signaled a new level of commitment from the U.S. and our allies to protect commercial shipping in those areas. As David Heindel you undoubtedly know, Houthis have attacked multiple vessels there with drones and missiles, which led to the United States redesignating the Yemen-based rebels as a global terrorist group. It is, to say the least, a volatile and fluid situation. But we are staying in touch with our crews who sail in that region, and at press time we are finalizing agreements that compensate them for working in dangerous areas. Financial considerations are incidental, though, compared to our members’ safety, and on that point we are confident in the plans and actions of our military personnel, working cooperatively with the U.S. Merchant Marine. I appreciate our members’ dedication as well as that of our military and our allies. Stay tuned. Apply for Scholarships On a much lighter note, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has taken steps to make it easier to apply for their 2024 scholarships, available to members and dependents. As explained elsewhere in this edition, it’s now relatively easy to handle the vast majority of the process online, and there is also a dedicated email address to help answer questions and move things along. This is a great benefit and I encourage everyone to give it a look, whether for yourself or a family member or friend. Recruiting and Manpower Though hardly a month goes by without my mentioning the shipboard manpower situation, I want to assure Seafarers that the union isn’t letting up at all when it comes to recruiting and retention. We are working with the vessel operators – and we are making progress, resolving issues along the way. Some of the language in the most recent Defense bill will aid in this endeavor, as it’ll more efficiently (and consistent with international standards) help us train new ABs. It’ll also help Seafarers accumulate enough sea time to upgrade your ratings. As you know, the manpower challenges aren’t unique to our industry or our union. We take them seriously and although there’s not a quick fix, we’re getting there. Remembering an All-Time Great It’s no exaggeration to say I could write a book about SIU President Emeritus Mike Sacco, so there’s no way to fully do justice to his career in just a few sentences, paragraphs or pages. But, having worked with Mike for decades, I want Seafarers to know how much he cared about you and how much he loved this union. Mike was a fantastic negotiator, but he never compromised on the things that mattered most to our members. He believed in you, he was proud of you, and he truly did everything reasonably possible to look out for Seafarers, pensioners and your families. Mike was easy to work for in the sense that he was inspirational and he set such a tremendous example by working as hard or harder than the rest of us. Like pretty much any great boss, he could be challenging, too – but only because he demanded our best. Mike believed in second chances and he didn’t expect perfection, but he wasn’t someone who listened to excuses. If we made a mistake, he wanted it fixed and he always kept us looking forward, devoting every resource to the SIU’s health and the sustainability of our industry. I am grateful to have spent so much time with him, and I hope that you’ll read every word of his coverage in this edition of the LOG. We will all miss him, but his energy, vision and leadership will live on through all of us in his SIU family. New TOTE Contract Features ‘Unprecedented’ Wage Gains Seafarers have ratified a new 18-month agreement with TOTE Services that prominently features large wage increases on the eight ships the company operates for American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC). During the January membership meetings, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker reported, “This new agreement features unprecedented increases in both wages and overtime. This agreement makes the ARC contract one of the highest-paying contracts in the fleet. Along with these increases, the new contract also contains increases to Seafarers Vacation Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan-related wages and continued health benefits at the Core Plus Level (the top one available to Seafarers).” The contract applies to the following ships: ARC Integrity, ARC Independence, ARC Resolve, ARC Commitment, ARC Defender, Patriot, Liberty, Endurance and ARC Honor. Tricker added, “In addition to the aforementioned contract, the union also secured a new TOTE car carrier fleet-wide manpower pool agreement. This agreement will provide preference and priority Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 2 February 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org amongst equal seniority to those members who have continuously sailed in the TOTE car carrier ARC fleet.” The new contract covers eight vessels, including the Honor (left) and Defender. On the Recruiting Trail The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG The union in mid-January took part in a well-attended career fair in Lafayette, Louisiana, sponsored by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC). Pictured from left are SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, LWC Development Advisor Luis Orlando, and SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. FEBRUARY 2024 �SIU Mourns Passing of Michael Sacco Seafarers International Union President Emeritus Michael Sacco died Dec. 28 in St. Louis, surrounded by family members. He was 86 years old and passed away from natural causes. Mike was the longest-serving president in SIU history, having led the organization from 1988 until his retirement in February 2023 (a period spanning nearly 35 years). Reaction to his death consisted of a massive outpouring of respect, appreciation, and affection. Among those offering condolences: President Biden; Elaine Chao, a cabinet secretary in two different U.S. presidential administrations (she attended the funeral mass); top officials from the AFL-CIO and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF); rank-and-file Seafarers and SIU pensioners; leaders of other U.S. unions; SIU Executive Board members; American maritime industry business executives; U.S. military and government officials; and many, many others. Giving one of the eulogies at Mike’s funeral mass (he was a devout Catholic), which took place Jan. 6 in St. Louis, SIU President David Heindel stated, “Mike was an inspiration to so many people, and not just people from his union. He had that same effect on military officers, government officials, corporate executives and many others. He was one-in-a-million, and he had a way of making you believe you could accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. Make no mistake, he will be remembered as one of the most significant, influential and accomplished maritime labor leaders in our nation’s history. I truly do not know if the U.S. Merchant Marine would still exist if it weren’t for Mike.” Mike served as president of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters (AGLIW) beginning in June 1988. He also worked as president of both the Seafarers International Union of North America (a federation of autonomous unions that includes the SIU AGLIW) and the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) throughout the same period. Moreover, in November 1991, at its 19th Biennial Constitutional Convention, Mike was elected a vice president of the AFL-CIO, the federation of 60 national and international unions representing more than 14 million workers in the United States. He eventually became the senior vice president of the AFL-CIO Executive Council as its longest-serving member. A protege of the late SIU President Paul Hall, Sacco from 1980 to 1988 directed the SIU AGLIW’s Great Lakes and Inland Waters division as vice president. Based in St. Louis, he served as secretary-treasurer of the Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council (an MTD-chartered organization) and as an executive board member of the Missouri State AFL-CIO. Mike also was vice president of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship from 1968 to 1979. The school, located on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, prepares men and women for a career aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels and provides upgrading opportunities to active members. He became associated with the SIU in 1958 and shipped aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels until he came ashore during the 1960s to serve the SIU in a Mike and the late AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka (right) were friends and colleagues for decades. This photo is from the 2017 AFL-CIO convention in St. Louis. Rich passed away in 2021. FEBRUARY 2024 our nation’s rank-and-file working people than our Mike. Mike Sacco was a trusted mentor and leader to his members, a dear friend of the AFL-CIO and an inspiration to the entire labor movement. While our hearts break today for this loss, the legacy of Mike’s service to the SIU and trade unionism will live on forever. - Joint statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond Mike, thank you for all the support. Thank you for your vision and your compassion. You have left a massive legacy and I’m proud to call you friend and advisor. Many unions spent hours working with Mike exploring the history of SIU, learning from his experience, determination, vision and courage to always be in a position of influence, whether it be lobbying the American government, in its very different shapes and sizes over his 35 years, or in ITF circles on how to use our collective leverage to benefit seafarers across the world. - ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton Members at the hiring hall in Honolulu memorialize Mike. succession of union posts, including those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters representative. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958. Although his accomplishments as an SIU official are too numerous to list, highlights included fostering the successful merger of the National Maritime Union into the SIU in 2001; helping secure the implementation of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), a staple of the industry; insisting that the Paul Hall Center constantly improved; unifying the industry during critical political battles; and individually encouraging every Seafarer, SIU official and staff member he ever met. Fittingly, Fr. Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member and Catholic priest, helped officiate Mike’s memorial service. He also gave a brief eulogy, as did Mike’s son John, the latter on behalf of the whole family. In addition to John, survivor’s include Mike’s wife, Sophie; daughters Valerie Moore, Angela Baker, and Anne Marie Fry; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and sisters Ida DiCanio and Marie Sacco. Following are some of the condolences and remembrances received by the union and by family members. Mike was a force for fairness and decency. While he was a kind and compassionate man, Mike never backed down from a fight when it came to protecting the rights of his fellow merchant mariners and workers everywhere. Our country is stronger and our economy is fairer because of his leadership and devotion. I know his legacy will endure through all the lives he touched. - President Joe Biden His big personality and even bigger heart were relentless in ensuring that working people had a seat at the table in every boardroom and that their voices were heard in every hall of power. Nobody fought harder for Mike Sacco’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to seafarers’ rights. Mike was charismatic, tough, determined, and a great and inspirational leader with a sense of humor that always seemed to sum up the situation perfectly. He will be greatly missed. - ITF President Paddy Crumlin I first met Mike Sacco in the 1980s, just after he became our union president. I was young back then and prone to discouragement. Mike was very patient with me and used to repeat this mantra often – his pep talk. He’d say the SIU is a union of the unlicensed seafarers, most of whom came from the streets with little education or prospects of employment; the union teaches people job skills and gives them an opportunity to better their lives and make some decent money. In the end, I sailed on and had a wonderful career and retirement with no regrets. Rest easy, Mike. Mahalo Nui Loa (thank you so very much). - Brandon Maeda, SIU Pensioner It saddened my heart to hear this news in this holiday season. I will never forget his kindness, fair treatment and love that showed everyone we are a family. These qualities are the embodiment of a true mentor. His dedication toward work and his leadership will surely be missed. - Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman Mr. Michael Sacco, thank you for being there. You will be truly missed. I will always remember you keeping a smile on your face, and I know you are saying right now, “Don’t cry for me; smile for me.” Much love to you and my condolences go out to the family. - GUDE Thommie Hampton I was sorry to hear about Mike. He was a good man, and I will always remember him and his brother Joe from when I went through Piney Point in 1972. Mike put his heart into the Seafarers International Union. We will all miss you. - SA Thomas Curley Continues on Page 4 Elaine Chao (center), U.S. Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and then U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Trump, worked closely with Mike and the union for many years. She attended his memorial service. This photo, taken at the SIUNA convention in 2017 in Piney Point, Maryland, also includes Mike’s wife, Sophie. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SIU President Michael Sacco in 2022 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Remembering Michael Sacco Continued from Page 3 Mike was a colleague, friend and mentor to me for many, many years. Mike’s life and deeds will never be forgotten. - Robert Scardelletti, President Emeritus, Transportation Communications Union Our industry and our nation lost a tremendous leader with the passing of Mike Sacco. There is no part of the American maritime industry untouched by his wisdom, leadership and tenacity over the past decades. In 1995, he played an integral role in the formation of the American Maritime Partnership, our coordinated industry coalition that to this day continues to effectively educate Congress and the Administration about the benefits of the American domestic maritime industry. That’s just one part of his enormous legacy. Mike Sacco was a giant like few others, and he will be sorely missed. - Jennifer Carpenter, President, American Maritime Partnership President Sacco will be remembered for his devotion to seafarers’ rights and service to the labor movement. He brought stability during times of great change in his union, including a merger. His lengthy tenure of service will continue to be an inspiration to advocates of workers’ rights. - Department of Professional Employees President Jennifer Dorning We lost a true friend of all mariners, a mentor to many and a great leader in the maritime industry. Seafarers will continue to receive the results of his steadfast leadership that generated the fiscal soundness and generous benefits of these Plans well into the future. His impact will not be forgotten. He has been a positive force in my life for the past 33 years. - Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen Mike Sacco learned from Paul Hall that the SIU is an important part of the labor movement. That’s why he walked – and expected Seafarers to walk – many picket lines across the country to show solidarity with Maritime Trades affiliates and others. He made sure Seafarers were known and respected within the AFL-CIO. - Daniel Duncan, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus, MTD I knew Mike for pretty much my whole life, starting with my first days as a trainee. We worked together for decades, so I observed him in lots of different circumstances – many of them challenging and stressful. He always maintained a laser-like focus on the goal at hand, and he came through time after time. My overriding feeling about Mike is one of gratitude. I am grateful to have spent so much time with him. I’m grateful to have learned so much from him, about leadership and foresight and dedication. His legacy and his example will continue to inspire us. - SIU President David Heindel Mike (third from left) was never out of place, but, other than when he was spending time with family, he arguably never felt more at home than when he visited with Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland, where this photo was taken in 2019. Also pictured along with the upgraders is then-SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left). I knew him since 1975, and he influenced my life right up to the present. He was a force of nature. People who are larger than life cast a big shadow that touches many people, and that is Mike’s legacy. Think of the thousands of Seafarers and their families who have a better life because of him. Mike always tried to emphasize the positive, and he cared about everybody’s family. I learned a lifetime’s worth of lessons from him. - SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez Countless hours with Mike over the years were filled with “windshield time.” That is simply the time you spend in a car with someone and talk. Those moments as well as a morning coffee or a drink at dinner were always filled with a lively conversation or story. What I grew to realize over the years is, those interactions were how Mike taught and mentored. His sense of history, knowledge of the industry and life lessons have become invaluable to me as I grow older and face the challenges he spoke of so often. I will certainly miss his insight and keen instincts. His thoughts on family life and strong conviction for the church will always remain at the forefront of any conversation I may have when someone asks, “What was he like?” He dedicated every day to improvement and had great attention to detail. I will always appreciate the room he gave me to grow as a person and as a union representative. I could go on for pages about the love and admiration that I and so many others have for him, but I think that goes without saying. So many words could be used to describe his career and life, but for me there is only one, and that word is ICONIC. - SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski In this snapshot from 2001, SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie show satisfaction regarding the merger of the unions. I was privileged to be in the room on many occasions when Mike held court. Whether the session was about funding for a maritime program or the best political strategy to achieve those goals, Mike was often the conductor, if not the architect, for the entire maritime industry. He would command any room with his presence alone and was at ease equally with the President of the United States or the most recent class of apprentices in Piney Point. The SIU has never been in better shape; Mike made sure of that. Today, the membership truly has security, the kind that that lets you sleep well at night. Knowing that you will always have a job, great medical benefits, and a pension are all products of Mike’s leadership. Mr. Sacco taught us well and we look forward to being the custodians of his legacy. - SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker Mike (second from right) meets with Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland. Among those also pictured is Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (second from left). Members aboard the Cape Wrath (Crowley) conduct a moment of silence in Mike’s honor, in early January. 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FEBRUARY 2024 �Remembering Michael Sacco Mike conducts the AFL-CIO election in Philadelphia in 2022. Members at the January meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, pause to honor Mike’s memory. Mike is a brother, friend and lifelong companion to me in my SIU career. I met Mike back in 1975, when I was an 18-year-old trainee in Piney Point. I was amazed at the way his presence captivated the audience. He had an enormous, enthusiastic and passionate energy about him, a devotion to our union that I wanted to be part of. This was his passion, the betterment of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Over all these years, he has never wavered from that passion. Mike’s sincerity and integrity was his calling card. You felt comfortable when you met him, and when you talked with him, he made you feel connected. He is a lot of everything that is goodness all rolled up into one wonderful person. He will be missed and I will always remember the good times and memories that we shared together. I bid my brother farewell, on his final voyage. May the warmth of our Lord’s eternal love be your guiding light. - SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone Mike Sacco has been in my life for 47 years. He was my union ed teacher in piney point 1977, and I worked with him and his brother Joey (late SIU executive vice president) in the Gulf region. He was an inspiration and a driving force in my career, and a teacher in how to promote and protect the SIU and the entire United States Merchant Marine, along with the American labor movement. I will miss him a lot. - SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona I’ve been in the union since 1989 but have known Mike my entire life. I’ll remember how he commanded respect from everybody and yet how he could be at ease with anyone, whether it was the President of the United States or an ordinary seaman. Mike was a giant of a man in the labor movement. No one has ever been more dedicated to the SIU. - SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi During the 2023 MTD meeting in Florida, Mike (right) welcomes AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond to the stage. Mike Sacco is deeply loved and respected, and for many of us Mike was a leader, a mentor, a confidant, and trusted advisor. He treated us like family in many ways. Some of us really understand how completely he dedicated himself (and nearly every fiber of his being) to the betterment of the maritime industry, the membership, his leadership team and staff, and the labor movement writ large. Mike’s many contributions to the maritime industry and labor movement cannot be overstated. He had a big personality (to say it mildly); with a steady hand, good instincts, keen intuition, and prudent judgement which he wielded as a positive force for our industry, and in many people’s lives – personally and professionally. Mike, you will be sorely missed but your legacy will live on with us forever. - SIU Vice President of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell The flag outside the hall in Norfolk, Virginia, flies at half-staff in Mike’s honor. FEBRUARY 2024 Editor’s note: On behalf of the union as well as Mike’s family, we are deeply and sincerely appreciative of the many heartfelt condolences that have been received. We attempted to publish and post a reasonably representative sample; no slight is intended to any organization or individual whose comments don’t appear here. Mike was based in St. Louis for many years and rarely if ever missed a mass, whether he was home or travelling. His funeral mass took place Jan. 6 at the city’s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; this photo was taken an hour before the service. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �U.S. and Allies Team Up to Protect Commercial Shipping in Red Sea Lt. Charmaine Solis (left) observes commercial vessels sailing alongside the USS Mason in late December while ship operates in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Gulf of Aden (U.S. Navy photo by Chris Krucke) The Pentagon on Dec. 18 announced the formal launch of an international effort to protect civilian mariners and their vessels in the Red Sea. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated, “The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law. The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade. Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations lawfully transiting international waters. “This is an international challenge that demands collective action,” he continued. “Therefore, today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153, which focuses on security in the Red Sea. Operation Prosperity A crew member aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason looks through binoculars on the bridge wing in early January while the ship sails in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian. (U.S. Navy photo by Chris Krucke) Guardian is bringing together multiple countries to include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity.” A few weeks later, the U.S. redesignated Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist group” following ongoing missile and drone attacks on international shipping. The U.S. and our allies also countered with multiple strikes against the Houthis. A U.S. government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in a news report, “These attacks (by the Houthis) fit the textbook definition of terrorism. They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners and our partners, jeopardized global trade and threatened freedom of navigation.” In late January, the SIU and several other maritime labor organizations sent a letter to Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANCSOM) thanking the military for its ongoing support and urging continued diligence. In part, the letter (signed by SIU President David Heindel and others) read, “We fully support the recent strikes made against the Houthi rebels in Yemen via American and international forces over the last week. It is critical that the Houthi rebels understand the consequences of attacking U.S-flag shipping and that the United States will continue to protect its sovereignty when that sovereignty is threatened by illegal attacks. These attacks represent the most significant attacks on the United States Merchant Marine in more than half a century.” The labor groups also asked “for continued cooperation and information sharing, to ensure that our vessels and their crews have all the tools needed to ensure safe transits of the area. Especially critical are secure communication links between vessels transiting the Red Sea and the naval vessels deployed in the area to deter and defend against Houthi attacks. While we understand that procedures are being developed and so far, the joint efforts of our vessel operators, mariners and naval personnel have resulted in no casualties to U.S.-flag ships, we cannot rest on past success. Continued communication, especially at the tactical level, is crucial.” Biden’s Pro-Worker Final Rule Pushes Federal PLAs into Effect In an official White House statement, President health and safety protections,” Biden’s White House Biden declared that construction projects for the briefing release reads. PLAs are pre-hire collective bargaining federal government valued at or above $35 million will require Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). agreements which are unique to the construction This ruling is supported by the Biden-Harris industry. PLAs typically are negotiated between administration after a period of demonstrated construction unions and construction contractors success using PLAs to complete federal construction in order to establish the terms and conditions projects with a quality, trained workforce in a timely, of employment for construction projects, as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). cost-effective manner, the White House reported. This new mandate, called the Federal Acquisition Some commonplace conditions included in PLAs Regulation: Use of Project Labor Agreements for are provisions that bind all contractors and subcontractors Federal Construction Projects, w a s "PLAs are good for business and they're good for to the agreement; noannounced late last workers. Because of their proven track record of n o - s t r i k e , lockout clauses; and year and published success, the Biden/Harris administration strongly grievance/arbitration on Dec. 22. It officially took effect Jan. 22, supports PLAs, and is promoting their use on federal procedures. Many of these 2024. The edict enacts projects that are being built across the country as a g r e e me nt s also Executive Order 14063, we speak." which was initially -Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su include wage and benefit specifications published on Feb. 9, as well as guarantees 2022. Historically, this sets a new precent for federal construction projects, that highly skilled laborers will participate in the as they had never needed to meet this requirement projects, as they may designate that hiring is done through a union hiring hall. PLAs also often include to move forward. “For the first time in history, Project Labor health and safety provisions which help ensure that Agreements will be required on federal construction the workers chosen for the project undergo safety projects valued at or above $35 million. This means training, along with the implementation of other that projects funded by my Investing in America workplace safety procedures. According to the DOL, PLAs may also help agenda will move faster and without delays, giving taxpayers better bang for their buck. Workers improve diversity efforts on federal projects. will have the security and peace of mind that Clauses which outline goals for hiring local collectively bargained wages and benefits bring, community members on projects, incorporate better pathways to good-paying jobs, and stronger equity plans, detail strategic recruitment policies 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su for workers from underserved communities, and require participation of small businesses are often included in PLAs for this reason. Acting Secretary Julie Su, in the USDOL’s PLA 101 video, says, “PLAs are good for business and they're good for workers. Because of their proven track record of success, the Biden/Harris administration strongly supports PLAs, and is promoting their use on federal projects that are being built across the country as we speak.” FEBRUARY 2024 �U.S. Mint Honors Merchant Marine with WWII Memorial Silver Dollar The U.S. Mint is gearing up to the coin. release a silver dollar coin with a The commemorative coin’s merchant mariner prominently reverse was designed by Ben featured on the coin’s face as a tribute Sowards and Renata Gordon, and to their significant contributions to depicts a view from underneath our country’s triumph in World War the baldacchino at the World War II. The new coin design is set to debut II memorial. The baldacchino, or early this year as part of the “Greatest sculptural canopy, shown in the Generation Commemorative Coin center of the silver dollar coin is Program.” modeled after the Victory Pavilion This series of three coins, which in the World War II Memorial. Four includes new illustrations to be eagles each holding a laurel wreath pressed onto the silver dollar, the encircle the outer portion of the half dollar, and the five-dollar coin, coin, interspersed with text that was unveiled by the United States reads Victory, At Sea, On Land, and Mint and the Friends of the National Artist’s renderings of the commemorative silver dollar show the front (above, left) and back. (Images courtesy U.S. Mint) In the Air. The top of the coin also World War II Memorial last fall at the includes the standard attribution Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American National World War II Memorial in to the coin’s country of origin and E soldiers and civilians during World War II,” said Pluribis Unum, and the bottom has WWII Memorial Washington, D.C. According to the Mint, “The coins will serve as United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “We written atop the value amount of the coin. monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment hope this program will honor their unwavering Pricing for the three-coin set includes of the brave Americans who fought to defend the courage and selfless spirit.” surcharges and is as follows: $35 for each $5 gold Pictured on the front of the new memorial silver coin sold; $10 for each silver dollar sold; and $5 for nation and advance peace and freedom throughout the world. They also serve as a dedication to the dollar, designed by Beth Zaiken and Phebe Hemphill, each half dollar sold. In accordance with Public Law National WWII Memorial in D.C, which was built to six people representing different branches of 117-162, also referred to as the Greatest Generation honor the 16 million who served in the United States the military and the U.S. Merchant Marine work Commemorative Coin Act, these coins are mandated Armed Forces during World War II, as well as the together to support the world. They stand above to be minted by the Secretary of the Treasury 400,000 who died and those who supported the war text that reads “Liberty” and “In God We Trust,” and and are authorized to support maintenance and the year, which is present on all U.S.-minted coins. repairs of the World War Memorial, as well as for effort at home.” “The Greatest Generation commemorative coin The words “World War II Memorial” and “Defenders commemorative and educational usage. designs are emblematic of the National World War II of Freedom” are inscribed around the perimeter of Visit www.usmint.gov for more information. Defense Bill Contains Major Victories for Maritime The SIU helped spearhead inclusion of two potentially crucial pro-maritime components of the newly enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One of those statutes will reduce – by 50 percent – the sea-time requirements for qualifying for an AB endorsement. This change took effect immediately upon President Biden signing the bill Dec. 22. Depending on the specific kind of AB endorsement, sea-time requirements have decreased to 18 months (from 36), 12 months (from 24), and six months (from 12). The latter standard is for Great Lakes ABs. For now, those reductions are scheduled to remain in place for three years, but the union and others will work to make them permanent. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman played key roles in securing the sea- time modifications, and they both also credited Coast Guard Rear Adm. Wayne R. Arguin Jr. for his vital support. The NDA A also strengthens U.S.-f lag requirements for cargo preference shipments. Through new reporting mandates and a change that gives the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) final determinative authority regarding Americanflag vessel availability, the bill aims to help ensure that U.S.-flag ships aren’t bypassed in favor of foreign bottoms. There are several other maritime components within the bill, including ones that authorize monies for the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program; require MARAD to publish briefings on its national maritime strategy; and form a new maritime workforce group that includes two slots for representatives from labor. President Biden signed the NDAA in December. (Official White House photo) Shenandoah Trader Joins TSP Fleet SIU members are sailing aboard the recently reflagged Shenandoah Trader, operated by U.S. Marine Management. Built in South Korea in 2015, the 600-foot-long ship is enrolled in the U.S. Tanker Security Program. The 325,000-barrel tanker reflagged in Curacao in mid-December. FEBRUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �The The Union Plus Wireless Wireless Program WORKS WORKS FOR ME “The AT&T AT&T Union Union Plus “The Plus program program is is outstanding. It’s It’s another outstanding. another way way II can can take advantage advantage of take of the the benefits benefits of of being a a union union member.” being member.” See more at See more at unionplus.org unionplus.org SIU-WR-1-17-24 �Seafaring Life Agrees with Mother and Son For Seafarers Faith Gonse and her son, Christopher, sailing with the SIU has proven to be a resoundingly positive experience – one that holds even greater promise for the future. They shared a milestone late last year when they received their respective B-seniority books at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. It took two long trips and the accumulation of sea time in order for Faith to earn it. Chris completed three rotations to qualify. Faith waited until both she and her son were home for vacation in December so that they could get the books together, as a family. “It was nice to take a picture with my baby,” she said. At press time, Faith was putting her hard-earned knowledge to work, serving as a chief cook aboard an Ocean Shipholdings vessel. Chris was on the same ship, sailing as a GVA. They shared their experiences with a LOG staffer via speakerphone from their vessel in the middle of the ocean, somewhere near Japan. Faith joined the SIU in 2021, after having her fill of working a job in another industry that she felt was leading her nowhere. The SIU proved a good fit from the start: Her first trip went so well, she encouraged Chris (then a high school senior) to join upon graduation. He eventually took the advice after a slight detour of sorts, joining in 2022 with the hope of building a rewarding career with longevity. Initially, Chris enrolled in a community college. “I finished one year and decided it wasn’t for me,” he said. Faith recalled that the know-how and friendliness of SIU personnel at the Norfolk hall boosted her comfort with the career change. “Once I got in there, everyone was so warm, friendly, professional and very knowledgeable,” she said. “I just felt welcome and I knew that I was going to get a lot out of being there. And I did.” She added, “We’ve got the best patrolmen and union hall staff. I mean they just go above and beyond for everyone that I’ve seen in my short time with the union. Whenever I go in there, they get everything done that I need.” Although they only have been with the union for a few years, they have improved their quality of life and had many great experiences together as a result of their membership with the SIU, Chris and Faith both said. Consistent with viewing their work as a career rather than merely a job, they also have made it a Chief Cook Faith Gonse (left) and GVA Chris Gonse receiving their B seniority books in Norfolk FEBRUARY 2024 Chris Gonse and his mother, Faith Gonse, pose for a photo while on a vessel together. point to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Chris most recently went to the school in early 2023 for the government vessels class, while Faith upgraded to chief cook in December. Faith said of her class, “I had the best time! All the chefs were very knowledgeable and very willing to help. It was a great environment. I learned a lot while I was there. I can’t wait to go back and upgrade again.” Both members of this mother-son duo have aspirations for their futures with the union. Chris plans to upgrade to the highest level possible within the engine department. “I’ll be getting as much training and as much knowledge as I can on the ships and move up from there and go as far as I can,” he said. Faith plans to sail more trips as a chief cook, and then enroll for the next advanced galley ops class in Piney Point. Sailing together has been a great experience for Faith and Chris, they both said. When asked which voyage that they’ve been on is their favorite, they both mentioned a trip to Australia. “It was a very nice, very unexpected visit,” Faith said. “Every port we go to together is special, but this one was especially so. We got to cross the Equator, and we never thought we’d get to visit someplace like Australia. It’s not the usual port call so it was a surprise and a bonus for us.” “It’s a surreal moment. We got to see the Sydney Opera House in real life, from right there on the water,” Chris said. Having the ability to work alongside your family as you travel around the world is a rare experience that Chris and Faith are both thankful to have. “It’s a blessing to have home come with you when you’re going out to sea for long periods of time. It’s about as lucky as you can get,” he said. “With Chris upgrading and eventually going in his own direction on a different ship, it’s been really amazing having this time with him and watching him grow and watching both of us grow and travel the world together,” Faith said. “He’s my favorite person and I love him to pieces, and it’s just nice to be able to have him here and watch him grow and know that he’s going to have a good career with SIU.” She concluded, “We’re really grateful to have this opportunity and to be part of the union. It’s an amazing organization.” The view from a double decker tour bus outside of Sydney Opera House from the Gonse’s port call in Australia. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2022 and ending July 31, 2023 (the “2022 Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the 2022 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2023 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2022 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2024. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2022 Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,009. Of this number, 748 were current employees, 837 were retired and receiving benefits, and 424 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2022 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2022 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2024. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 FEBRUARY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SOLIDARITY IN DC – SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (second from left) recently met in the nation’s capital with officials CONGRESSIONAL BACKING – SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (right) and U.S. Rep. Troy Carer (D-Louisiana) discuss maritime issues at a mid-December gathering in New Orleans. ABOARD ARC COMMITMENT – Pictured aboard the TOTE ship in Baltimore are (from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentice Andrew Tingle and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins. from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, including VP Luis Corral, Advocacy Officer Archie Ranin III, National President Mike Democrito C. Mendoza, and National Exec. VP Gerard R. Sino (all pictured). ABOARD NATIONAL GLORY – Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo is pictured during lunch aboard the Intrepid ship while the vessel is docked at San Juan Bay during cargo ops. ABOARD CAROLINE MCKEE – AB Todd Wilson (left) and Safety Director Jason Brown are pictured aboard the Port City Marine Services vessel in Charlevoix, Michigan. ABOARD PACIFIC COLLECTOR ‒ Seafarers gather for a Christmas Eve photo that coincides with a union meeting on the TOTE ship. WITH G&H BOATMEN – Group photo (above) includes Capt. Mathew McDowell, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Mate Oscar De La Garza, Wiper Derek Sexton and DDA Cody Klekar on the Juno, while the photo at left features Safety Director Kevin Sykes (right) and the crew of the C.R. Haden. FEBRUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER LOG 2023• 11 11 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU INTERNATIONAL GATHERING – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) helps welcome Belgium Prime Minister Alexader De Croo to Houston. The prime minister traveled with various government and Port of Antwerp officials for (in part) meetings about international trade, apprenticeship training and more. WELCOME ASHORE IN SAN JUAN – Holding his first pension check at the hiring hall is Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega Mercado (right), who started sailing with the SIU in 1984. During his career, he sailed to more than 20 different countries. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left) noted, “As a bosun and as a friend, Isaac is the best. I thank him for his tireless dedication and effort. The San Juan staff and membership loves him!” TAKING THE OATH IN SUNSHINE STATE ‒ Being sworn in at the December membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, are (from left, facing camera) STOS Torence Henry (B book), Chief Cook Jack Gourgue (A book), AB William Bingham (B book) and STOS Kurran Robinson (B book). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing at right. ENJOYING SOME TIME OFF ‒ After consuming what was described by a reliable source (Storekeeper Jason Devine, center) as “a delicious Thanksgiving dinner” aboard the USNS Pomeroy (Patriot), some of the mariners went scuba diving at Lau Lau Beach in Saipan. Pictured from left are 1AE Sharon Darby, Devine and 2AE Jordan Brown. LOOKING FOR AN AQUARIUM? – Recertified Bosun James Walker completes a nice haul during his off-time aboard the Maersk Denver. WELCOME ASHORE IN LONE STAR STATE – QMED Lee Collins (second from left) picks up his first pension check at the Houston hall. He’s pictured with (from left) Patrolman J.B. Niday, Asst. VP Mike Russo, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent Joe Zavala. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – GUDE Michael Sabio (left in photo above, right, with SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday) and AB Prince Agyapong (left in remaining photo, with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick) receive their respective B-books at the hiring hall. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • FEBRUARY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD CAPT. DAVID LYON – Pictured from left aboard the Sealift-operated vessel are Steward/Baker Rommel Reston, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon Jr., and Bosun Jonmala Floresca. ABOARD LIBERTY EAGLE – Pictured aboard the Liberty Maritime vessel in Houston are (from left, standing) Recertified Bosun Albert Konning, Chief Cook Yohanes Pribadi, GUDE Frederick Dunmore, Paul Hall Center Apprentices Nirel Escalante and Kenny Galeno (both members of Class 900), Steward/Baker Neyda Oviedo Bermudez, SA Irving Guerrero, GUDE Fredy Ruiz and ABM Jose Castillo Lino. SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday is in front. FULL BOOKS IN JERSEY – SA Nilza Chavez (left in photo above, left) and Chief Cook Juan A. Vallejo (left in remaining photo) receive their B-books from SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. (If Juan’s name seems familiar, it may be because his father is Recertified Steward Juan J. Vallejo.) ABOARD MANULANI – The New Year’s Day menu aboard the Matson ship was well-received. Pictured are Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, ACU Abdulwali Mugalli, Chief Cook Khaled Alasaadi and vessel master Capt. Tim Kalke. ABOARD MONTFORD POINT – Pictured aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel are (from left) Chief Cook Ashley Hudson, AB Brice Ilao, Bosun Larry Dizon, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey, QMED Tresten Porter, QMED Marquez Fields, SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls, and ITF Inspector Bobbi Shipley. MEMORABLE MOMENT ‒ QEE Todd Lander (left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with Administrative Assistant Caitlyn Wharton. 13 SEAFARERS FEBRUARY 2024 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 B-BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Andrea President (left in photo above, right, with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone) and GUDE Ruel Decrepito (center in remaining photo, with Marrone, right, and SIU Patrolwoman Kathy Chester) receive their respective full books at the hiring hall. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023• 13 13 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Recertified ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Pictured from left in the group photo are Dayman Richard Sandiford, Dayman Urgel Peligro, Recertified Bosun James Joyce and Watchstander Michael Sherman. Chief Cook Atrenique Deamus is in the remaining photo. Bosun Felsher “Tony” Beasley (left) receives his first pension check at the Philadelphia hall (Port Agent Joe Baselice is at right). Beasley started sailing with the SIU in 1979, and one could say he is part of an SIU family – his father, brother, sons and nephews all sailed or are currently sailing with the union. WITH MEMBERS AT PENN TERMINALS ‒ Pictured at the Crowley facility in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, are (from left) Seafarers Vernell Cornell, Dave DiCrecchio, George Vazquez and Chris Wiley, SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, Seafarer John Harvey, Safety Director Andre MacCray and Seafarer Scott Musick. MILESTONE IN ILLINOIS – AB Rolando Calimlim receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Joliet. STOPPING BY THE HALL – QMEDPumpman Marcelino Santos Bermeo (left) – a second-generation Seafarer – proudly points to his machinist class photo, taken in Piney Point in November. He’s joined at the San Juan hall by his spouse, Karla. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD ‒ Christmas dinner was a hit aboard the Patriot ship. Pictured from left are Recertified Steward Dennison Dizon, OS Brandon Manipon and Chief Cook Julian Abreu. GIVING BACK IN THE COMMUNITY – The SIU has a long history of brightening the holidays for others, and that tradition was evident late last year in Jersey City (above, right) and Philadelphia (remaining photo), among other locations. Seafarers in New Jersey donated toys to the Hudson County Central Labor Council – the CLC in turn passed along the gifts to a local Boys & Girls Club. Pictured at the Jersey City hall are (from left) Danny Fiolek from the CLC, SIU VP Joseph Soresi, CLC President Barry Kushnir, and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. In Philly, members teamed up with other trade unionists to benefit residents of Hunts Haven family housing (in nearby Chester). The latter effort was organized in part by Seafarer Vernell Cornell (fourth from right). Among those also pictured with Cornell are SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (fourth from left) and Safety Director Andre MacCray (far right). 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 FEBRUARY 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from December 15 - January 16, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of January 16, 2024. Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 10 2 6 20 1 8 5 27 22 11 2 7 14 7 1 2 7 13 1 22 Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department 4 0 2 10 0 4 4 15 24 9 1 3 9 1 0 3 2 2 1 1 0 3 0 2 1 1 0 3 7 4 1 1 4 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 8 3 3 11 1 9 5 21 13 10 1 7 9 4 4 1 5 14 3 14 4 1 1 2 0 4 3 12 23 4 1 1 10 1 0 5 2 5 1 3 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 4 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 4 4 2 8 0 0 2 16 11 8 1 1 10 2 2 3 3 8 1 7 17 1 4 31 2 10 12 47 48 29 3 12 22 13 3 1 12 22 0 48 4 3 2 21 0 5 4 33 41 16 1 5 15 1 0 0 2 6 1 6 0 3 1 3 1 2 1 4 8 6 1 1 5 0 0 0 4 5 0 3 TOTAL 188 95 31 146 83 20 93 337 166 48 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 1 0 3 4 0 2 2 7 15 2 2 2 9 4 0 1 0 9 1 2 66 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 3 1 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 23 2 1 2 1 0 0 0 7 6 4 1 0 6 3 1 0 0 2 0 6 42 1 0 4 10 1 1 10 19 26 13 2 6 21 5 1 2 6 17 1 14 160 0 0 2 7 0 3 4 15 20 2 2 3 11 5 1 1 2 8 0 8 94 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 3 6 2 0 2 9 2 0 0 1 1 0 5 36 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 13 0 2 0 10 3 2 1 1 1 0 4 42 6 0 0 14 1 3 8 31 42 14 0 2 20 14 2 3 8 11 2 23 204 1 1 0 7 1 1 5 8 14 6 0 4 14 8 1 2 8 7 0 9 97 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 5 3 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 25 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 6 2 0 1 4 2 0 5 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 5 2 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 14 4 0 12 0 2 7 28 53 24 0 0 19 9 0 4 2 15 0 13 18 1 4 18 1 4 7 30 121 28 1 2 43 16 1 9 3 11 0 14 Engine Department 1 0 5 7 2 0 7 9 21 4 1 4 14 2 0 1 6 11 1 6 102 1 1 3 3 1 0 1 6 18 5 1 1 8 1 1 1 4 2 0 5 63 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 8 5 0 1 5 2 0 0 0 3 2 6 45 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 5 1 2 0 0 3 0 1 17 Steward Department February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point Monday: Feb. 5, March 4 Algonac Friday: Feb. 9, March 8 Baltimore Thursday: Feb. 8 , March 7 Guam Thursday: Feb. 22, March 21 Honolulu Friday: Feb. 16, March 15 Houston Monday: Feb. 12 , March 11 Jacksonville Thursday: Feb. 8, March 7 Joliet Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14 Mobile Wednesday: Feb. 14, March 13 New Orleans Tuesday: Feb. 13, March 12 Jersey City Tuesday: Feb. 6, March 5 Norfolk Friday: Feb. 9, March 8 Oakland Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14 Philadelphia Wednesday: Feb. 7, March 6 Port Everglades Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14 San Juan Thursday: Feb. 8, March 7 St. Louis Friday: Feb. 16, March 15 Tacoma Friday: Feb. 23, March 22 Wilmington Tuesday: Feb. 20, Monday: March 18 Date change due to holiday observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. FEBRUARY 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 2 0 1 6 1 2 2 15 17 6 0 1 13 13 1 2 3 4 1 15 105 0 0 0 4 1 2 3 6 13 4 0 5 15 5 0 1 6 1 1 9 76 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 19 1 0 1 4 0 1 5 8 20 4 2 3 10 8 4 1 1 3 1 11 88 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 11 0 1 1 15 3 0 1 6 1 1 3 51 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7 3 1 4 1 0 4 15 37 10 1 0 13 9 0 6 0 8 0 5 9 1 4 9 2 2 1 13 63 21 0 1 23 13 0 10 3 4 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 TOTAL 14 124 190 5 57 106 27 23 206 332 GRAND TOTAL 409 361 263 302 236 157 204 724 563 441 Entry Department 4 0 1 2 1 0 1 8 13 7 1 0 3 5 0 2 1 3 0 5 3 1 2 4 1 0 6 4 31 12 0 1 14 6 0 13 0 3 0 5 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was answered in late 2023 at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: What would you like to do/accomplish in 2024? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Arsenio C. Omabao Jr. AB Maintenance HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 I want to continue my duties as a bosun in the SIU. Most importantly, I want to get my QMED certification. I want to keep moving forward. Carl Royster Chief Cook Pinero Peek OS I want to become a steward – a certified chief steward – and keep working. I want to make it up to becoming an officer. I want to climb the ladder. Elias Bonefont AB Keith Small Steward/Baker Keep smiling. I want to stay in a positive environment. My goal is to become debtfree. I also want to be better with my craft. David King SA Juditha Cuarez SA I want to become a chief cook and keep sailing. I would like to become a chief cook. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 Aaron Moore Oiler JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Pictured aboard the LNG Libra in 1979 are Paul Klippel, Evan Jones, Bob O’Rourke, John Hamot, Howard Webber, W. Murphy, Jeffrey Thompson and Richard Grant. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1616 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA FLORITO ALEGADO Brother Florito Alegado, 65, joined the union in 2006. He was a deck department member and first worked on the Pride of Aloha. Brother Alegado upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Spirit and makes his home in Long Beach, California. ANGELITO BASA Brother Angelito Basa, 69, signed on with the Seafarers in 2006 when he sailed aboard the North Star. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Basa shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Yosemite Trader before settling in Auburn, Washington. ALFRANCIS BAUZON Brother Alfrancis Bauzon, 61, donned the SIU colors in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Bauzon was a member of the steward department. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bauzon’s last vessel was the American Phoenix. He calls Spring, Texas, home. ERIC BERRY Brother Eric Berry, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Green Point. A deck department member, Brother Berry upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the El Faro in 2009 and resides in Spring Valley, California. JOHN BIMPONG Brother John Bimpong, 66, became an SIU member in 1991. He worked in the engine department and first shipped on the Sea Fox. Brother Bimpong upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Charleston and lives in Jacksonville, Florida. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. HARRY DOWLING JOHN MCBENTUM Brother Harry Dowling, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991, first sailing aboard the Sealift Indian Ocean. Brother Dowling worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the Maersk Alaska and resides in Lilly, Pennsylvania. Brother John McBentum, 68, began his career with the Seafarers in 2010 when he sailed aboard the R.J. Pfeiffer. Primarily an engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother McBentum most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Jazz. He calls Lake Elsinore, California, home. DAVID HALIM Brother David Halim, 65, became a member of the union in 2002 when he shipped on the USNS Bellatrix. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Halim’s final vessel was the Yosemite Trader. He is a Philadelphia resident. BRENT JOHNSON Brother Brent Johnson, 65, joined the SIU in 1987. He first shipped on the USNS Bartlett and sailed in the engine department. Brother Johnson upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed on the Horizon Crusader and makes his home in Vidalia, Georgia. DANIEL JOHNSON Brother Daniel Johnson, 65, began sailing with the union in 1976, initially working aboard the Ponce. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Johnson’s final vessel was the Performance. He lives in Lake City, Florida. KEVIN KELLUM Brother Kevin Kellum, 56, signed on with the union in 1991 when he shipped on the USNS Capella. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Kellum most recently sailed on the Pacific Tracker and makes his home in Vancouver, Washington. SI-XIN LING Brother Si-Xin Ling, 66, joined the Seafarers in 2006, initially sailing on the Green Cove. Brother Ling was a member of the engine department. He last shipped on the Cape Kennedy and lives in Gretna, Louisiana. LEANDER COLLINS SPENCER LYLE Brother Leander Collins, 66, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the St. Louis Express. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Collins shipped in the engine department and most recently worked on the Cape Cortes. He is a Houston resident. Brother Spencer Lyle, 65, became a member of the union in 1976. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed with National Marine Service. Brother Lyle concluded his career on the Commitment and settled in Livingston, Texas. FEBRUARY 2024 ABUDULL RAHIEM Brother Abudull Rahiem, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Sea-Land Trader. Brother Rahiem upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. A steward department member, he last sailed on the Nedlloyd Holland. Brother Rahiem lives in Philadelphia. LEA RAMOS MEJIA Sister Lea Ramos Mejia, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2001. A steward department member, she initially shipped on the Chelsea. Sister Ramos Mejia upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She concluded her career aboard the Pelican State and resides in Houston. MELVIN SMALLS Brother Melvin Smalls, 67, joined the Seafarers in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Seabulk Trader. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Smalls most recently shipped on the Hudson Express. He makes his home in Ludowici, Georgia. STEVEN SUESS Brother Steven Suess, 65, started sailing with the union in 1991, initially working with Sea-Land. Brother Suess upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1995. He sailed in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Suess was last employed with Cargotec Services. He lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. NMU JAMES CARSON Brother James Carson, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with Boston Fuel Company. Brother Carson calls Portsmouth, Rhode Island, home. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 17 • OCTOBER LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ELRICK ARCHER Brother Elrick Archer, 63, passed away July 1. He became a member of the SIU in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Benno C. Schmidt. Brother Archer was a steward department member. He last shipped on the Rio Grande Express in 2020 and made his home in Miami. DONALD BARNEY Pensioner Donald Barney, 75, died November 3. He joined the union in 1979 and initially sailed aboard the Lewis G. Harriman. Brother Barney sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sam Houston. He started collecting his pension in 2013 and was a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. NELSON DORADO Pensioner Nelson Dorado, 94, passed away November 22. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1964. A deck department member, Brother Dorado first sailed aboard the Duval. He last sailed on the Stonewall Jackson before going on pension in 1995. Brother Dorado lived in Metairie, Louisiana. GERALD FREEMAN Brother Gerald Freeman, 65, died October 2. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1987 when he sailed aboard the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Freeman worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Ocean Freedom. He resided in Las Vegas. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. JOE MARTIN WILLIAM DUNNEY Pensioner Joe Martin, 78, died November 9. He became a member of the SIU in 1965. Brother Martin’s first ship was the Erna Elizabeth. He worked in the engine department and retired in 2010 after concluding his career aboard his final vessel, the Benavidez. Brother Martin resided in Mobile, Alabama. Brother William Dunney, 69, passed away July 11. He joined the SIU in 1997 when he worked with OSG Ship Management. Brother Dunney sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Commitment and made his home in Murrieta, California. JESSE GARDNER MICHAEL MOORE Brother Michael Moore, 65, passed away October 19. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Prince William Sound. Brother Moore sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Alaskan Explorer and lived in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. CARL TEBELL Pensioner Carl Tebell, 90, passed away November 26. He joined the union in 1979, initially sailing aboard the President Taft. Brother Tebell sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Columbia. He started collecting his pension in 1987 and was a San Francisco resident. JEFFREY WISE Brother Jeffrey Wise, 63, died August 7. He became a member of the SIU in 2000 and first sailed aboard the USNS Invincible. Brother Wise worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard the USNS Able. He resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. YEN HUEY Brother Yen Huey, 87, has passed away. He joined the SIU in 1979 and first shipped on the Maunawili. Brother Huey sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the President Truman and made his home in San Francisco. JACK JOHNSON Pensioner Jack Johnson, 84, died November 9. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 when he sailed on a Seatrain Lines vessel. Brother Johnson sailed in the engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. He began collecting his pension in 1992 and resided in Golden Valley, Arizona. HOWARD KNOX Pensioner Howard Knox, 88, passed away November 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1964. A deck department member, Brother Knox first shipped on a Victory Carriers vessel. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Lobos and became a pensioner in 1998. Brother Knox lived in Corona, New York. GREAT LAKES KENNETH DYKSTRA Pensioner Kenneth Dykstra, 93, passed away October 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1968. Brother Dykstra was a deck department member, and started and ended his career with Arnold Transit Company. He went on pension in 1995 and made his home in Boyne City, Michigan. INLAND ANTONIO COLON Pensioner Antonio Colon, 79, died November 17. He started sailing with the SIU in 1976. Brother Colon worked in the deck department and shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services for most of his career. He retired in 2001 and lived in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Pensioner Jesse Gardner, 92, died November 14. A deck department member, he signed on with the union in 1978. Brother Gardner sailed with Express Marine for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived in New Bern, North Carolina. PAUL MUTTA Brother Paul Mutta, 57, has passed away. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 2007 and worked in the engine department. Brother Mutta was employed with Allied Transportation for his entire career. He called Camden, North Carolina, home. SIDNEY POIRRIER Pensioner Sidney Poirrier, 67, died November 16. He joined the union in 1976 when he worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage. Brother Poirrier was a deck department member and remained with the same company until his retirement in 2011. Brother Poirrier resided in Covington, Louisiana. JOHN REBER Pensioner John Reber, 81, passed away November 11. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1992. Brother Reber worked in the engine department. He was employed with Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Reber became a pensioner in 2011 and called Wanchese, North Carolina, home. NMU CHEW WAH Pensioner Chew Wah, 102, passed away November 14. He began sailing in the early 1940s. An engine department member, Brother Wah worked with Moore-McCormick Lines for most of his career. He retired in 1986 and made his home in Brooklyn, New York. HERSCHEL WILLIAMS Pensioner Herschel Williams, 90, passed away September 19. Brother Williams sailed in the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Baltimore Trader before becoming a pensioner in 1996. Brother Williams resided in Jacksonville, Florida. FEBRUARY 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited) October 1 – Chairman Arsenio Obenza, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Engine Delegate Joshua Glancy, Steward Delegate Christopher Coston. Chairman thanked everyone for a safe trip. He reminded members to leave clean rooms for onboarding crew. Chairman suggested updating credentials six months in advance and to have all paperwork ready upon arrival at the hall. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade their skills at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship in need of new washing machine and dryer. Crew remained alert and accountable during trip. gate William Fortner. Payoff at sea scheduled for October 31. Chairman advised members to update union dues with patrolman to avoid falling behind and not qualifying for full benefits. He suggested obtaining updated forms for shipping and benefits. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paull Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed various ideas pertaining to benefits. Crew would like eligibility requirement for medical benefits to return to 125 per year and one day in last 6 months. Members asked for raises to all pensions, 20 for 30 vacation and increases in steward department pay. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. LIBERTY PROMISE (Liberty Maritime Corp.), October 11 – Chairman William Barrett. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses, TVs and DVD players in all rooms as well as a new refrigerator. Crew motioned to increase vacation to 30 for 30 for all A-books and asked for 100% dental coverage for members and their dependents. Next port: Port Hueneme, California. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), November 5 – Chairman Charles Hill, Educational Director Michael Blue. Crew voiced concerns with ship captain and his comments on their work performance. Members noted lack of compensation for overtime worked beyond four hours, per deck delegate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like refrigerators in their rooms. Members asked for 15 for 30 vacation and an updated contract with Phoenix Crew Management. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), October 27 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Kenneth Hagan, Deck Delegate Edgardo Martinez-Espada, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov, Steward Dele- MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), November 12 – Chairman Rolando Guity, Secretary Charles B ro ok s , E ducat i o n a l D i re c to r Wordell Prescott. Educational director reminded members to up- grade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested 30 for 30 vacation. GOODWILL (Chesapeake Crewing, LLC), December 10 – Chairman Ronnie Rodriguez, Educational Director Christopher Edwards. Members would like contracts to include penalty pay for various tasks. Crew requested refrigerators and TVs for all unlicensed living quarters, as well as additional entertainment resources. Members asked to be compensated for sailing four days without accessible hot water due to pipe leak on B-deck. Working TV has been acquired in crew lounge and a new washer for B-deck crew is to be installed. ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC), December 17 – Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Mark Campbell. Chairman encouraged members to continue working safely. Secretary advised crew to keep up to date on documents. Educational director reminded members to keep upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested microwaves in rooms. Members asked for raises in safety shoe allowances and a raise in vacation days. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), December 10 – Chairman Joseph White, Secretary Lionel Packnett, Edu- cational Director Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Deck Delegate Roger Utter, Steward Delegate Esperanza Crespo-Guillen. Members were pleased to have Starlink internet service and highly recommended it for all ships. Chairman praised entire crew for working well with one another and keeping common areas clean. A vote of thanks was given to steward department for a job well done. Secretary gave special thanks to deck department for handling sanitary work. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school to secure better pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for clarification on safety shoe reimbursement and tour rotation for B-books. Crew thanked electrician for keeping washers and dryers working. Next port: Houston. HORIZON SPIRIT (Sunrise Operations), December 24 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Marcelo Param, Educational Director David Watkins, Deck Delegate Emmanuel Buyser. Ship still without internet or cable service. Chairman encouraged members to recruit family and friends to become Seafarers. He asked for their continued patience when waiting for reliefs and to make sure rooms are clean upon departure. Chairman commended steward department for their hard work making sure members eat well every day. Secretary thanked crew for good housekeeping. OT was cut in the deck department, while other departments remain eligible. Members requested new furniture and chairs in crew mess. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return FEBRUARY 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �2024 Tax Tips for Seafarers Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2023, along with provisions that remain in effect from prior years. For a more complete look at what's changed in 2023, please visit www.irs.gov before filing your return. Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations The following is a list of tax legislation and considerations affecting the current and future tax years as noted. - The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Described as the largest major tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuals and businesses. - The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed by then President Trump on December 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions that were set to expire. - The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law by then President Trump on December 20, 2019 significantly modifying many requirements for employer-provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax-favored savings accounts. While some of the modifications went into effect retroactively or upon enactment (December 20, 2019), many of them carry future effective dates. - The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that was signed into law by then President Trump on March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ARPA was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to deliver taxpayers immediate and direct relief from related hardship. The ARPA provided for additional Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), advanced payments of the Child Tax Credit, housing assistance, and other employment-related relief. - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022, providing numerous tax credits related to green energy. - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA): This act was signed into law December 29, 2022. The act expanded existing automatic enrollment programs, enhanced various retirement saving credits, modified RMD (required minimal distribution) that will help retirees with plan selection and decision making. Due Date of Returns File a 2023 Form 1040 and pay any tax due by April 15, 2024. An automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return can be made by filing Form 4868 and paying an estimate of tax owed to avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 by October 15, 2024. Where to Get IRS Information comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. For more information, or to file online, scan this code General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information between 7am-7pm your local time. Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status of your refund; send the IRS 2 20 20 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FEBRUARY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 18 March 29 ServSafe Management Able Seafarer - Deck March 11 May 6 July 8 March 29 May 24 July 26 March 11 April 22 June 3 March 15 April 26 June 7 Advanced Galley Ops Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 March 18 June 3 April 12 June 28 Chief Steward Adv. Shiphandling August 26 September 6 April 22 July 15 May 17 August 8 Adv. Meteorology September 16 September 20 Search and Rescue Mgmt Level September 23 September 25 SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation March 4 March 8 March 18 March 22 April 5 April 22 April 26 March 4 March 8 March 18 March 22 April 5 April 22 April 26 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 3 June 7 Government Vessels March 4 March 25 April 22 May 13 June 10 June 24 March 8 March 29 April 26 May 17 June 14 June 28 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL (PIC) April 15 April 19 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL April 22 April 26 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG April 29 May 3 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT March 11 March 29 Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Marine Refer Tech March 11 April 19 Adv. Refer Containers May 6 August 26 May 17 September 6 Machinist April 29 May 10 Pumpman April 22 April 26 Welding March 4 April 8 June 3 March 22 April 26 June 21 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook March 18 April 29 June 10 April 19 May 31 July 12 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. FEBRUARY 2024 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos 902 APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #902 – Graduated December 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryden Beadle, Erika Bond, Esteban Geronimo Cisneros-Trevino, Tomas Clarkson, Jahari Amir Collier Watts, Wahid Dickey, Elliot Dietrich, Austin Driggers, Diamond Jackson, Suneih Land, Kenyatta Mabine, Marlon Pamplona, Denise Parker, Chelan Peterson, Malik Rainey, Maurice Roberts Jr., Gary Rushing Jr., Lashawn Scott, Syncere Swinson, Nature Torrey, Benjamin Wilkinson and Zamariya Wilson. Instructor Charles Noell III is at far right. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE #4) – Graduated December 29 (both photos directly above, in alphabetical order): Garry Bourgeois Jr., Zion Bradford, Bernardo Mozo Celi, Nikia Cooper, Gregory Davis, Clare Kaleleiki, Joshua Moore, Thaisha Morris, Arthur Sison and Khaled Mohamed Yahia. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated December 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Dylan Faile, Todd Gallagher, Shadonna Jones, Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez and Ricky Enriquez Sencida. (Note: Not all are pictured) 22 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 22 • SEAFARERS FEBRUARY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos JUNIOR ENGINEER – Graduated December 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyree Carter, Akim Davis-Griffin, Lesther Jesus Gonzalez, Cody Higgs, Quinton Sashington, Randy Slue, Daniel Ursitti, Joel Williams and Sean Wilson. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at left. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION LG – Graduated December 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel Abad, Donald Appu, Etrenda Badger, Billy Joel Burgos-Burgos, Reynoldo Bush, Guy Butler Jr., Glenn Christianson, Anthony Creer, Vannessa Curd, George Fababier, Tracey Manuel, Brian Marcus, Pedro Sadrac Maysonet Gonzalez, Esstonia Moore, Tonesha Odoms, Adrian Schubert, Oscar Vencer III, Thomas Williams and Derek Willis. RFPNW – Graduated December 5: Jon Erichsen. FEBRUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG23 • 23 �FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 2 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO ‘Making Genuine Connections’ Editor’s note: Longtime readers may recall that the LOG publishes annual coverage of the union’s participation in Santa’s Castle, a philanthropic project based in the Pacific Northwest. We’re taking a slightly different approach this time, in the form of a firstperson account from SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo, who spearheaded the union’s outreach from the start. During the most recent endeavor, the SIU generated nearly $8,000 worth of gifts for military families. Early in 2007, I sat down with then-Administrative Assistant Brenda Flesner, Patrolman Ryan Palmer and our man of many hats Jim Ott, God rest his soul. As the new port agent, I asked what we were going to do both to provide an opportunity for Tacoma members to shine in the community and to make genuine connections with local organizations and residents. The two ideas that pulled on our heartstrings the most were Toys For Tots, and Paint Tacoma Pierce Beautiful. (Paint Tacoma is a story for another edition.) We partnered with Toys For Tots for three years before reaching out to Santa’s Castle, with whom we have worked now for some 14 years and going strong, with a running total donation well north of $100,000. Toys For Tots is a worthy program that serves the general public. Santa’s Castle serves exclusively our war fighters and peace keepers, which dovetails with the SIU’s mission as the Fourth Arm of Defense. It was with this in mind that we shifted to Santa’s Castle. With the blessing of the SIU Executive Board and their charitable giving, Seafarers have never come up short in their generosity. (I remember one year when the union hall was burgled and toys were stolen. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and thenSecretary-Treasurer David Heindel both pitched in to make up the difference.) Santa’s Castle has proven to be “all hands” each and every year, including retired Seafarers. Year after year, the likes of Seafarers Dana Cella, Shawn Fujiwara, Terry White, Tommy Belvin and others continue to bring in toys, attend the annual holiday luncheon in connection with the toy drive and even help set up and man the serving line. At the start of it all, I got some of the best advice that a green port agent could have received. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone told me at the outset to show them who you are. He said that you cannot tell them; but rather, you must show them. I think of the motto, “Acta Non-Verba,” an appropriate mantra for this lot of Seafarers who would come together as a family from all walks of life, ethnicities and religious affiliations, especially at this time of year. Next year will be Santa Castle’s thirtieth year serving the men and women in uniform at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and beyond, and it will mark the SIU’s fifteenth year as their partners. As always, I know we will rise to the occasion. Guests at the Tacoma hall enjoy the holiday buffet that coincides with the most recent Santa’s Castle outreach. SA Orlando Makiling (left) and Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla volunteer for the project. SIU-contracted companies regularly team up with the union for Santa’s Castle, and that was the case again late last year. Pictured at the Tacoma hall are Crowley Marine Personnel Director John Woodcock (left) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. Oiler Zachary Parker (left) and SA Thomas Curley help load some of the donations for delivery to Santa’s Castle. Supporting the mission are (from left) Recertified Bosuns Modesto Rabena and LBJ Tanoa. This year’s SIU donations had a dollar value of nearly $8,000. Rounding up some of the goodies are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, QMED Dennison Forsman, SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Oiler Zachary Parker, and Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS MICHAEL SACCO PASSES AWAY NEW TOTE CONTRACT FEATURES UNPRECEDENTED WAGE GAINS OPERATION PROSPERITY GUARDIAN CONTINUES BIDEN'S PRO-WORKER FINAL RULE PUSHES FEDERAL PLAS INTO EFFECT U.S. MINT HONORS WWII MARINERS WITH MEMORIAL SILVER DOLLAR SHENANDOAH TRADER JOINS TSP FLEET SEAFARERS SUPPORT TROOPS VIA SANTA'S CASTLE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02012024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 2 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a86c4dcd45de63aeca23e1219a149567.pdf 196229d9a6a8ba11931f3f977405e8b1 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JANUARY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU's Year in Review Rescues, Renovation, Recruiting & Retirement Highlight 2023 The union experienced no shortage of highlights last year, including the reopening of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia (above), following a months-long renovation. SIU President Michael Sacco early in the year announced his retirement after a half-century of service to the union; he was succeeded by then-Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Those and other top stories are recapped on the back page. Seafarer Honored in Maryland Chief Cook Brittany Steward (second from left) on Nov. 16 received the Apprenticeship Champion Award from the Maryland Department of Labor, as did other honorees. The agency describes the award as “an honor bestowed to exceptional champions of apprenticeship who have a strong connection to apprenticeship in the State of Maryland.” Steward is a 2017 graduate of the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Pictured with her at the event are (from left) SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Page 4. Whitmire Wins Texas State Sen. John Whitmire (D) (center) will be the next mayor of Houston following his win in a runoff election Dec. 9. The SIU actively supported the labor-backed candidate for many months; Whitmire kicked off his campaign at the Houston hiring hall. He also visited the hall Nov. 13 during a benefits conference, when this photo was taken. Pictured from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU President David Heindel, Whitmire, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. THANKSGIVING AT SEA • PAGE 7 // SHBP SCHOLARSHIP INFO • PAGE 8 �President’s Report Stick Together to Boost Manpower A s reflected in our “year in review” coverage this month, one of the biggest stories of 2023 was the SIU’s tireless effort to recruit new people into our industry. This is a multi-faceted challenge, but we have made tangible progress, including a recent legislative gain – and a related upcoming tweak of the apprentice program in Piney Point – that will facilitate sailing in entrylevel jobs as well as upgrading to David Heindel ratings. We’ll share more details in the months ahead, but this is a big win. While I am confident in saying the SIU has worked exhaustively and transparently to boost and retain manpower, I am concerned that some of our allies are trying to move in different directions to solve the problem. It’s important that we work together as an industry – labor and management alike – in order to identify and implement the most effective, most sustainable answers for America and its current and future mariners. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t brainstorm for creative solutions, but there’s nothing to be gained through catching people off-guard with public calls for steps that very well might weaken, rather than strengthen, the U.S. Merchant Marine. Our industry normally enjoys a well-earned reputation for being on the same page. We need to return to that standard. Again, in the SIU we are taking steps in the right direction, and on that note, I thank our rank-and-file members for always stepping up to provide the besttrained, most reliable shipboard manpower. It’s been a challenge lately from a sheer numbers standpoint, because of numerous activations, post-pandemic retirements and new entries into the Tanker Security Program, but you have answered the call. As you all know, it’s vitally important to take a job if you’re in position to do so – not just for the immediate income and experience, but also to help ensure that your jobs are still there in the future. Our survival hinges on our dependability (along with grassroots political action, but that’s a topic for another day). That’s something to keep in mind the next time you’re weighing whether or not to ship out. Finally, I appreciate you continuing to do your part by promoting the industry and helping recruit future Seafarers, whether that’s by word-of-mouth or (as numerous members have done) volunteering to assist at a career fair. Your efforts are making a difference. Please continue to help your union out where and when you can. Safety First As of this writing in mid-December, at least three foreign-flag merchant ships and one U.S. warship had been attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to the Pentagon. And, you may have read or heard about in-port protests on the West Coast that involved an SIUcrewed vessel which may or may not have been carrying military cargo. The bottom line is that this is the right moment to adhere to the World War II mantra, “Loose lips sink ships.” These are emotionally and politically charged times. Please take every precaution in your communications to help ensure discretion and safety. Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 1 January 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Norfolk Hall Hosts Pro-Maritime Virginia Senator, Congressman The new-look hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, served as a distinguished but still down-to-earth setting for a recent gathering of Seafarers, representatives from various unions – and two prominent politicians from the Commonwealth. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D) and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D) headlined the Nov. 20 meeting of the Hampton Roads Ports Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department). Both are longtime friends of the SIU, backers of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and supporters of workers’ rights. They took part in a question-andanswer luncheon as the council conducted its first inperson meeting since the pandemic. “It was a great event,” said SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey. “I thanked them for being staunch supporters of the Jones Act and all things maritime, and made sure they know they are welcome here any time. They actually asked a lot of questions about Piney Point (home of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Maryland).” The gathering lasted 90 minutes and was wellattended. Attendees included rank-and-file SIU members and representatives from nine international SIU members (from left) QMED John Morrison and OS Pinero Peek chat with U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) at the hiring hall in Norfolk. SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) tells U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) about the extensive renovations that were completed at the Norfolk hall last year. unions. Topics of discussion included the importance of building more U.S.-flag ships; increasing support for labor/company apprenticeship programs; boosting federal labor laws; and maintaining support for infrastructure investments. Torrey, MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements and MTD Administrator Brittanie Potter welcomed Kaine and Scott to the newly remodeled hall. Both members of Congress told Torrey how impressed they were with the facility (Kaine had visited a few years ago). Prior to the meeting, Kaine and Scott spoke privately with participants and guests. Besides the SIU, other MTD affiliates with representation included the Boilermakers, Communications Workers, Electrical Workers, Operating Engineers, Painters & Allied Trades, and Teachers. In addition, the Masters, Mates & Pilots and the Food & Commercial Workers participated. Finally, both Kaine and Scott saluted retired MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, who opened the meeting and announced this was his final function for the department. Maritime Administrator Underscores Need to Boost Recruiting and Retention During recent remarks delivered at an annual meeting of the American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips emphasized the critical role of U.S. Merchant Mariners. In a wide-ranging address that spelled out the administration’s muti-faceted pro-maritime strategy, Phillips spent significant time discussing American crews and also touched on the global manpower challenge. Phillips said in part, “I have done a lot of international engagement over the last few months, meeting with leaders from the IMO, the UK, Vietnam and Korea. In all of these engagements the one consistent throughline that everyone spoke about was the critical nature of the mariner workforce and, more to the point, the mariner workforce shortage. For our part, the Maritime Administration is … working to … help recruit, train, and retain mariners by reducing barriers to entry.” She added, “I am beginning to focus more keenly on quality of life for all mariners. Salaries for entrylevel m e r c h a nt mariners are at an all-time high. However, despite t he comp e t it ive pay, our industry continues to grapple w it h a mariner shor t f a l l . W h i le most acutely felt in the efforts to recruit and retain women – who are woefully u nder represented at about 8% of the Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips maritime community – the downward trend in the number of mariners across all demographics, demands our attention. With that in mind, over the next several months I am going to focus on quality-of-life issues and work with the industry on the sharing of best practices…. “I truly believe that to attract today’s workforce we must change the ‘way we have always done it.’ Mariners who want careers and families can indeed have both if a pathway is mapped out in an effective family policy and embraced by industry and labor.” The administrator also provided an update on the agency’s work to develop a formal national maritime strategy, as directed by the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. As previously reported in the LOG, the Maritime Administration chose the Center for Naval Analyses (CAN) “to identify and examine the key components of an enduring national maritime strategy... that can be leveraged for decades to come,” Phillips said. “MARAD, working with CNA and numerous stakeholders from across government, industry, labor, academia, and other partners will identify the commercial sealift requirements to meet our nation’s future economic and security needs, identify shortfalls and challenges in current capabilities that need to be addressed, and provide MARAD with options to address any shortfalls in capacity and capability from which we then develop our strategy. This includes addressing any shortfalls in the areas of focus I mentioned earlier such as our strained workforce and the modest presence of U.S.flag commercial ships in international trade.” Moreover, Phillips said the agency “has developed a five-year strategic Mariner Workforce Development Plan to recruit, train, and retain merchant mariners…. We are close to a release date on this report, and it will be posted on MARAD’s website.” JANUARY 2024 �SIU Crews Honored at AOTOS Event Congratulating NY Waterway President/CEO Armand Pohan (second from right) are (from left) SIU Port Agents Joe Baselice and Ray Henderson, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. S IU members were among the honorees at the most recent Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) awards ceremony, which took place Dec. 1 in New York City. Seafarers from the NY Waterway ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the roll-on/roll-off ship Midnight Sun (TOTE), and the replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (whose crew includes CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division) were among those recognized by event host the United Seamen’s Service (USS). Receiving the primary awards were Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha IV; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Adam Vokac; and Interlake Maritime Services President Mark W. Barker. SIU personnel in attendance included President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson, Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey, Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos, and Manpower Director Mark von Siegel. Pasha, whose company employes numerous SIU members, said in part, “We need additional investment in training and schooling of our mariner workforce, including funding for high school and pre-high school programs. We need to lower barriers for entry for our seafarers and to allow for our service members to transition into commercial roles more easily. It is crucial for this administration to communicate the significance and value of these well-paying jobs and to actively support the unions and employers in recruiting and retaining these essential positions.” He added, “We extend our gratitude to our hard-working mariners who tirelessly carry out heroic duties to ensure the The SIU gained new jobs following Great Lakes Towing Company’s (GLT) acquisition of Sarter Marine Towing. Sarter boatmen, though accretion, are now covered by the current contract between the union and GLT. “It’s all working out,” said SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. “The guys are really pleased to be in the union and they’re excited about the benefits in particular.” Deckhand Zachary Grovogel said that not having to pay premiums for coverage through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan “is definitely an improvement over what we had before.” He said the Sarter boatmen “are involved in towing, but longer distance compared to the rest of the Great Lakes Towing fleet. They’re in-harbor, whereas we’re more the longtow operations.” In a news release about the sale, Sarter noted that the transaction includes “purchase of the tugboats Donald J. Sarter and William C. Selvik, as well as all supporting machinery and equipment and most other shoreside assets. The remaining five tugs in Sarter’s fleet will be chartered to [GLT] under a long-term bareboat charter arrangement. [GLT] has retained all employees of Sarter Marine and will supplement the business with administrative and financial support to help support and enhance Sarter’s current book of towing business in the region.” “The Sarter Marine Towing team is excited to partner with Great Lakes Towing. They have been a pleasure to work with,” said Julie Sarter, president and owner of Sarter Marine. GLT President Joe Starck stated, “The acquisition of Sarter Marine significantly enhances the Towing Company’s capabilities in Northern Green Bay and Lake Michigan. This is really a win-win outcome for everyone involved.” SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right) meets with Sarter Marine boatmen in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Pictured from left are Deckhand Zachary Grovogel, Deckhand Phillip Pfister, Brdak and AB Nicholas Sternard. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (left) and GLT Operations Manager Linsday Dew are pictured aboard one of the company’s boats. In attendance to help salute honorees are (from left) SIU VPs Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell and SIU President David Heindel. ships remain safe and reliably on time. We also honor the work of United Seamen’s Service in providing comfort and assistance to our mariners worldwide.” As previously reported in detail, the Roosevelt crew helped rescue hundreds of passengers from a Staten Island Ferry boat that had caught fire; the Midnight Sun crew quickly extinguished a shipboard fire; and the John Lewis crew rescued a boater who’d been stranded at sea for five days off the coast of Southern California. SIU Fleet Expands With Sarter Marine Acquisition JANUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Chief Cook Garners Recognition A n enthusiastic Seafarer recently received recognition for her professional and inspirational dedication. The Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) on Nov. 16 honored Chief Cook Brittany Steward and others with the Apprenticeship Champion Award, which the agency describes as “an honor bestowed to exceptional champions of apprenticeship who have a strong connection to apprenticeship in the State of Maryland.” Steward is a 2017 graduate of the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Maryland. She’s also a frequent upgrader. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins attended the ceremony in support of Steward, as did her mother and brother. Steward initially didn’t know she’d been nominated for the award. MDOL Director of Apprenticeship and Training Chris MacLarion learned of her background and then visited the hiring hall in Baltimore to speak with Hoskins. Inspired by Steward’s story (as relayed by the port agent), he contacted Steward to learn more about the path that led her to the PHC. “I feel proud of the award because my journey has been far from easy,” Steward told a Seafarers LOG reporter. “I’m proud of the burning desire to rise above my circumstances. The recognition is not just a testament to my achievements but to the countless individuals who have supported me along the way. I am proud of the resilience I have developed, the empathy I have cultivated, and the determination that has fueled my journey.” The timing worked out well. Steward (a Baltimore native but current Texas resident) had recently returned from a voyage to Dubai, and already planned to travel to Baltimore to visit family. Steward mentioned that her early years were spent with a foster family. Her mother worked diligently, juggling multiple jobs and overcoming her own challenges so that she may one day be reunited with her daughter. Those efforts paid off and they indeed reconnected after three years. Steward said her mother has “always been there to support me and to guide me on my path, even when I made mistakes. She did her best with guiding me and I appreciate that. She was definitely my biggest support system. That’s really my motivation because her story inspired me. No matter what you go through or what you’ve been through, if you’ve got the right mindset, you can do anything you want.” After Steward graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School (also known as Mervo) in Baltimore City, she struggled to find her footing in the working world. She eventually enrolled in a private career school, where she amassed a significant amount Chief Cook Brittany Steward (center) is pictured at the awards ceremony with SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (left) and SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (right). Celebrating the award are (from left) MDOL Director of Apprenticeship and Training Chris MacLarion, Antionette Nelson and her daughter, honoree Brittany Steward. of student loan debt – and still had no clear career path to show for it. Prior to enrolling at the PHC, Steward at various times had worked as a dental assistant, bartender, and staff member in the Baltimore County American Job Centers. A friend had suggested joining the Seafarers via the apprentice program (which is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor), but she didn’t take it seriously at first. “I was listening, but I wasn’t listening,” she admits, until about two months later when she finally read the information that she had asked them to provide. It was then that she thought, “This is my ticket out of Baltimore.” Her vision proved correct. She’d never left the city until enrolling in Piney Point, but now has been to several countries. Steward may have delayed her entry into the U.S. Merchant Marine, but she made up for it. After graduating from PHC Class 826S on a Friday in 2017, she shipped out the following Monday. As Steward described it, she “went straight to the money,” and made $6,000 per month on her first vessel. Seeing that first paycheck “was life-changing,” she recalled. “I received it and immediately paid off all of my student loans. I’m debt-free.” After successfully completing two voyages as an SA, Steward returned to Piney Point to begin upgrading. She then climbed the gangway of the USNS Impeccable in the Philippines, ready to work as a chief cook – and promptly was asked to step in as the new chief steward. Understandably nervous, Steward overcame some figurative speed bumps and handled the surprise assignment. “I was nervous but I did it,” she said. “I took that opportunity to step up because I want to move up as fast as I can. I will still upgrade and still take classes, but I wanted to take advantage of that opportunity.” Steward isn’t only focused on her own advancement, though. Since finding her career path, she has shared her story in hopes of enlightening others about maritime careers. “I’m trying to be reachable to people that look like me in my environment, that talk like me, that dress like me and think that they’re not supposed to be in these rooms,” she said. One method Steward launched was her own startup YouTube channel. “What made me start filming? I got tired of talking to people in the neighborhood; they weren’t listening. So, I said, instead of asking me, go to my YouTube channel and if the information is for you, it’s for you,” she said. She added, “I procrastinated on it for a few years because I didn’t like how I talked in front of the camera. I didn’t want to be too real, but I know my people are my people. If you can relate to me, then I’m happy with that.” (Her channel is @stuthesailor) Meanwhile, the MDOL not only listened to Steward’s story but found it compelling enough to include her in the agency’s third annual awards event. During the presentation, MDOL official Erin Roth stated, “The reason that she’s getting this Apprenticeship Champion award today is because she continues to tell anyone and everyone in the city and where she lives now out of her home base in Houston, Texas, about the opportunities that apprenticeship can offer. So, thank you, Brittany. We really appreciate you.” Maryland DOL Honors Apprentices The who’s who of Maryland labor and apprenticeship gathered at the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel in Towson, Maryland, to take part in the state’s third annual apprenticeship awards ceremony, including Governor Wes Moore (D), Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu (D), many other state and county government officials – and representatives from the SIU, including honoree Chief Cook Brittany Steward (see separate article, this page). SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Baltimore SIU Port Agent John Hoskins also attended the gathering, which took place Nov. 16. The ceremony was part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) celebration, which lasted from Nov. 13-19. NAW included numerous events across the country (the SIU participated in several of them) designed to publicize the opportunities that apprenticeship offers for workers to develop the skills employers value. “The Maryland Department of Labor is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and showcase the key success of this program,” said Wu. “Maryland is full speed ahead on growing apprenticeship through expanding to new industries, working with schools and colleges, and partnering with communities across the state.” Since the inception of these awards, the state has focused on expanding the number of apprenticeships available to people in Maryland and advocating for apprenticeships to become more commonly acknowledged as viable pathways to begin a career without defaulting to the traditional route of higher education via college. Steward is a graduate of the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. (That program is open to applicants across the nation, not just Marylanders, and is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.) “We have some of the best four-year colleges in America in the state of Maryland, and that’s a fact that we should all be very proud of – but we are going to end this myth that every single one of our students must attend one of them in order to be economically successful,” Moore said. Registered apprenticeship is widely considered an effective training strategy that leads to quality employment, equips workers with job-relevant skills, and helps employers meet their current and future workforce needs. According to Moore’s proclamation, the U.S. DOL’s apprenticeship week celebration was established in 2015 to promote events that showcase the success and the value that registered apprenticeship represents in both Maryland and the United States for our workforce. Currently, the state boasts more than 11,000 registered apprentices who are active in the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program. There have also been 165 new apprenticeship programs approved across key industry sectors over the past seven years, 23 of which happened since January 2023. “Maryland has set ambitious goals for expanding apprenticeship and we mean to meet them,” Wu said. “Registered apprenticeship is key to our state’s economic success. We’ve SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS already hit historic highs in apprenticeship adoption and today’s investments will accelerate our progress.” Maryland has an increased workforce demand for positions in many sectors, including teaching, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and cybersecurity. Apprenticeship programs have been created in order to help address some of these needs, according to Moore’s proclamation. He further noted that the unemployment rate in Maryland is only 1.6 percent, “which is the lowest unemployment rate in the history of the United States.” The governor also announced a new apprenticeship program. The $1.6 million Maryland Hospitality Management endeavor will be sponsored by the U.S. DOL. “The money will go towards six community colleges that will sponsor apprenticeships, for management positions in the hospitality sector. Together, these programs will reach over 1,200 Marylanders,” Moore continued. He also announced the appointment of five new “apprenticeship ambassadors” who will help expand the apprenticeship push in the state and will help recruit more organizations to join in the movement. “We are ready to unearth all the potential that this state has,” Moore concluded. “We are prepared to invest in genius – in the genius that each and every person has – and our job becomes how we make sure they see that genius for themselves. The whole reason that we celebrate apprenticeships is because we want to say to every single Marylander with a full sense of certainty that you're more than worthy regardless of the direction that you choose.” JANUARY 2024 �Benefits Conferences Continue in New Year Three more benefits conferences are scheduled to take place within the first few months of the new year, and those will mark the conclusion of a series of 15 that began last summer. The gatherings are hosted by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) at various hiring halls and are supported by the SIU. Seafarers, pensioners and their families are encouraged to attend. The remaining schedule is: • Wilmington, California: Tuesday, Jan. 16 • Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Tuesday, Feb. 20 • Algonac, Michigan: Friday, March 8 (Editor’s note: The Wilmington date is new; the originally scheduled conference had been postponed due to inclement weather.) Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen has led the conferences and appreciates the widespread participation. “They’ve all been well-attended,” she said. “Members and families have come out, and they’ve asked great questions. We’ve talked about a lot of different things.” Bowen emphasized that membership feedback from the first several conferences directly led to positive change: “As a result of Seafarers talking about their optical benefits, we put that (topic) before the trustees, and they agreed to an increase in those benefits. Vision benefits will double as of Jan. 1, and I think this shows that the process works. Leadership heard the members’ concerns and did something about it.” Conferences already have taken place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Piney Point, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Houston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Jersey City, New Jersey. As previously reported, the meetings usually begin with an overview of the SHBP, including eligibility requirements, coverage levels, prescription considerations and more. Attendees have received tips on how to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and how to take advantage of new benefits. Comparable information is shared during separate reviews of the Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Vacation Plan, SIU 401K, and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Plentiful handouts from the Seafarers Plans and from Cigna also are available. Pictured from left at the Mobile gathering are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SIU President David Heindel, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Benefits Director Gunilla Watts, Media Coordinator/ Recruiting Lauren Liles, and SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White. In the photos below, attendees pack the halls in (from top to bottom) Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, and Jersey City. Retired Recertified Steward Denis Burke (second from left) and his family attend the Houston conference and are pictured with SIU President David Heindel (right) and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (left). JANUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 5 5 �Thanksgiving in Jacksonville This year’s Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, took place Nov. 20 and drew a large, enthusiastic crowd of members, pensioners and guests. Additional photos are available on the SIU’s social-media pages. Retired Recertified Steward Darryl Goggins, Recertified Steward Jerome Jordan SA Shantel Sykes, Chief Cook Brittany Harris GUDE Ashanty Castillo, Administrative Assistant Ashley Castillo ABG Vicente Mansilungan, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Steward/Baker Manuel Daguio Recertified Bosun Tavell Love (right) SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS Safety Director Adam Bucalo, Patrolman Eddie Pittman, Admin. Asst. Marquita Stamper, Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Admin. Asst. Ashley Castillo, Patrolman Brian Guiry JANUARY 2024 �Thanksgiving At Sea SIU steward departments upheld the decades-long tradition of putting out scrumptious holiday spreads for Thanksgiving 2023. Additional photos are available on our social-media pages. ABOARD MAERSK KANSAS - Pictured from left are ABM Mike Pockat, ABM Alfonso Marin, SA Elena Tate, CS James McLeod and Bosun Kyle Silva. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Pictured from left in photo above, middle, aboard the Patriot-operated ship are Chief Cook Julian Abreu, SA Emily Lepley and Recertified Steward Dennison Dizon. ABOARD MANULANI - Pictured from left in photo above, right, aboard the Matson-operated vessel are Capt. Travis Seely, Chief Cook Steven Johnson, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi and ACU Abdulwali Mugalli. ABOARD MAERSK PITTSBURGH – Pictured from left in photo above, middle, are Chief Cook Erik Loret, SA Nagi Alzaim and Recertified Steward Ali Matari. The remaining photo includes other crew members and officers. JANUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •77 �Biden To Use Trade Pacts, Leverage To Advance Worker Rights Worldwide B uilding on the provisions of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA), the Biden administration recently launched a whole-of-government initiative, via an executive order to use trade pacts and other leverage to advance worker rights worldwide. Biden’s objective, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, is to expand and increase worker rights and incomes abroad. When those rights advance and incomes advance, those workers benefit – and U.S. workers do, too, the three said. That’s because advancing workers’ rights and wages abroad also removes low-wage exploitation, which many businesses commonly use to export U.S. jobs and undercut U.S. workers, the officials said. “In support of workers and our national security interests, my administration will consider actions to integrate and elevate workers’ rights and the promotion of high labor standards in our foreign, international development, trade, climate, and global economic policy priorities,” Biden’s executive order declares. Biden’s order supersedes more corporate-leaning trade policies, some of which date back to the Gilded Age, which heavily rely on foreign labor to produce U.S. goods. These policies often came at a great cost to laborers in “opening markets,” many of whom suffered abuse and repression. Some examples include NAFTA, USMCA’s predecessor, which passed in spite of strong union opposition. Now, Biden is pivoting the government in a pro-worker direction, and that drew cheers from the AFL-CIO. Its then-top trade expert, Deputy Chief of Staff Thea Lee, led the crafting of tough, enforceable worker rights into the USMCA during the Trump presidency. Legislative directors from the Steelworkers, the Auto Workers and the Teamsters helped. Labor then worked with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, (D-Conn.) and other pro-worker lawmakers, to ensure those tough standards remained and the USMCA passed. Tai noted it’s led to large growth in Mexico in both independent unions – as opposed to company and pro-government unions – and rising wages there, notably in the auto industry. With that as a model, as Tai and Su pointed out, Biden’s executive order framework “will reshape how U.S. government agencies conduct international diplomacy by putting workers’ rights and standards at the center,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said. “Across the globe, working people are united in our fight against growing corporate overreach and abuse, low wages, attacks on organizing, the absence of strong benefits, and poor working conditions. This new strategy is a major victory for workers everywhere and underscores workers’ rights are essential to our country’s national and foreign policy, and national and economic security.” Shuler added, “This framework will leverage diplomacy to promote internationally recognized labor rights and worker organizing; create measures that enable swift responses to violence and threats against trade union leaders, activists and organizations; improve the capacity of U.S. agencies and foreign missions to engage with workers and their representatives to improve the lives of working people; and enhance and enforce fair trade practices. The directive recognizes that no matter where we live, all workers deserve dignity and respect on the job. We need a global economy that puts working people at the center.” During a ceremony in San Francisco where the executive order was announced, and with many union members SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 88 • SEAFARERS in attendance, Su (a Californian) said, “Every worker deserves a just day’s pay for a hard day’s work. Every worker should come home healthy and safe at the end of the day. And every worker should have a right to join a union. These are not just American values. They apply to workers around the world. And in President Biden’s America, we want to lead by example.” Su also warned that the executive order to all federal agencies to push worker rights worldwide, together, isn’t enough. “Corporations are global. So, workers, and worker power, and the way we think about workers have to be global, as well,” she explained. “When some corporations cut corners and contract out work to low-road businesses that exploit workers around the world, it creates an unfair playing field for every responsible business that does right by its workers. When global actors are allowed to evade labor laws in one country by exploiting workers in another part of the world, this undermines workers’ rights everywhere. And when workers are harassed, discriminated against, and attacked as they produce things sold all around the world, we cannot simply look away and ignore the ways our global economy brings with it global responsibility.” Blinken outlined practical moves to enforce worker rights worldwide, besides using trade pacts as leverage. They include “engaging governments, workers, unions, civil society and the private sector to protect and promote internationally recognized labor rights.” He’s ordering ambassadors to “engage with workers, with unions so their voices are reflected in everything that we do. “Second, we will work to hold accountable those who threaten, who intimidate, who attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties, visa restrictions – all the tools in our kit,” he said. JANUARY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Muhiddin Awale (center) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He first sailed with the union in 1996. Congratulating him are SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. BOSUN CALLS IT A CAREER – Longtime Seafarer Boyce Wilson (center) is pictured at the Houston hall (receiving his first pension check) with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and Port Agent Joe Zavala. Wilson started sailing with the SIU in 1990. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON ‒ QEP Craig Croft (center), who started sailing with the SIU in 1985, displays his first pension check. He’s pictured at the hall with (from left) Asst. VP Mike Russo, Patrolman J.B. Niday, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent Joe Zavala. PRE-THANKSGIVING TREAT ‒ An impromptu gathering took place on Thanksgiving eve at the hiring hall in Oakland, California. Retirees and active members enjoyed good food and swapped sea stories, according to Port Agent Duane Akers, who submitted this photo. Among those in attendance (and pictured above) were retirees Emmanuel Bayani, Jovencio Cabab, Rolando Gumanas and Angelito Francisco, and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. JANUARY 2024 SIGNING UP IN ALGONAC – STOS Chandler Williams (right) receives his B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Safety Director Jason Brown. ACTIVE IN APPRENTICESHIP WEEK – The SIU recently participated in National Apprenticeship Week, a DOL-led effort featuring events from coast to coast. Pictured from left are AB Blake Stollenwerck, SIU President David Heindel, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and Louisiana Workforce Commission Apprenticeship Director Stephen Peychaud. The SIU’s ongoing collaboration with the commission has been successful. Meanwhile, Heindel commended Stollenwerck for stepping up on short notice to assist in manning the first of the Tanker Security Program vessels. FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN – ABW Felipe Flores (right) receives his full book from Safety Director Ricky Martinez at the hiring hall. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ISLA BELLA – ABOARD TUGBOAT TEXAS – This Seafaring selfie was taken aboard the Great Lakes Towing boat during a servicing in Green Bay, Wisconsin. From left are AB/Delegate William Hermes, AB Steve Rodziczak, SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, and AB Patrick Hermes. Chief Cook Gregory Eady is pictured aboard the TOTE ship. As noted by vessel master Capt. Andrew M. Mayher, “His hard work and dedication has made noticeable improvements to the vessel by his shipmates and those who visit.” OUTREACH IN LONE-STAR STATE – In photo above, left, SIU Patrolmen Kelly Krick (left) and J.B. Niday (right) bump into SIU Chief Engineer Pearson Smith (center) at a recent career fair at Texas A&M Galveston. Pearson, who sails with G&H Towing, is on active-duty orders from the U.S. Navy Reserve. The remaining photo (taken at a separate gathering) includes AB/Tankerman Jarred Moylan, Krick and Safety Director Kevin Sykes. The career-day event took place at Moylan’s alma mater: Aransas Pass High School. YOUNG VOICES OF EXPERIENCE – Three SIU members – all graduates of the apprentice program at the union-affiliated school in Maryland – recently participated in a career fair sponsored by Kamehameha Schools, a private school system in Hawaii. The Seafarers shared their respective training and sailing experiences with prospective apprentices. Pictured from left are QE4 Jade Ezera, AB Desmond Unutoa, and AB Luke Satsuma. MILESTONE IN GUAM – AB Julee Quiapos (left) picks up his A-seniority book at the hall. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon. SALUTING A HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE ‒ Coinciding with the recent benefits conference in New Orleans, the union recognized retired Lead Bosun John Cain (center) for his more than 50 years with the union. Pictured from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Cain, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, and New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association President Louis “Toby” Wattigney (who is a former SIU captain with Crescent Towing). 10 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 • SEAFARERS THANKING OUR VETERANS – This snapshot was taken shortly before Veterans Day 2023, aboard an SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferry. It includes (from left) Capt. Rick Thornton (former U.S. Navy), Senior Deckhand George Schumpp (Army), and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (Coast Guard). JANUARY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD STENA IMPERATIVE – Pictured from left in the galley of the Crowley vessel above, right are SA Richmond Almocera, Chief Cook Esper Jordan and Steward/Baker Jose Norales. Remaining photo includes Safety Director Amber Akana, Norales and other crew members. TAKING THE OATH IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Receiving their respective B-books at the hiring hall are (facing camera, from left) STOS Dale Henry and QMED Tyler Summersill. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – STOS Joshua Daniel (left) receives his full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. ABOARD STENA IMPECCABLE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Crowley ship in Hawaii are Pumpman Martin Hamilton, SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, Bosun Isaac Amissah and Recertified Steward Anthony Jacobson. AROUND THE NORFOLK HALL – In photo above, middle, OSs Travis Smith and Joseph Ilao display their newly acquired B-books. The outdoor photo features Chief Cook Carl Royster volunteering to help keep the grounds tidy, while the remaining snapshot includes newly retired QMED George Kee (left) and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. JANUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG•11 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice Increase in Vision Benefits “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 11 - December 12, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 13, 2023. The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are pleased to announce that they have decided to increase the vision benefits that the Plan provides to mariners and their families at the Core-Plus, Core and Pensioner benefit levels. The new vision benefits will be double the amount that was previously available. This increase in benefits goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024. Mariners and their dependents at the Core-Plus level will now be eligible to receive up to $400 per person during any 24 consecutive months, to help pay for eye exams, glasses or contact lenses. At the Core level, mariners will be eligible to receive up to $250 in vision benefits during 24 consecutive months, and their dependents may receive up to $80 in vision benefits during this period. Pensioners and their dependents will now be eligible for up to $80 in vision benefits within 24 consecutive months. The Trustees wish all participants in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan a happy and healthy new year! Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 12 0 3 20 2 7 9 35 39 19 3 9 19 9 3 1 7 12 1 25 4 3 2 11 0 4 2 27 22 6 1 3 16 2 2 2 1 6 2 10 1 0 1 2 1 3 0 5 5 2 1 1 8 0 0 0 2 3 0 1 15 0 3 15 1 3 7 22 16 14 5 4 14 7 3 1 1 14 1 15 5 0 3 6 0 4 1 16 20 6 0 1 10 4 2 3 4 3 1 6 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 3 2 0 1 0 5 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 10 0 4 11 0 3 2 8 14 10 1 2 4 5 1 2 2 9 0 6 24 2 1 28 2 13 13 47 51 35 2 13 26 16 7 1 12 24 2 38 4 4 1 15 0 5 6 37 31 11 3 3 21 1 2 2 6 10 1 11 3 0 1 2 1 2 1 4 7 5 0 1 8 0 0 0 2 5 0 5 TOTAL 235 126 36 161 95 20 94 357 174 47 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 1 0 2 5 0 2 5 7 20 12 1 3 13 3 2 2 3 9 0 9 99 2 0 2 4 1 2 2 7 10 6 1 2 6 2 1 0 3 4 1 6 62 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 2 3 3 0 2 6 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 28 4 0 4 1 0 5 0 10 12 2 2 0 5 1 1 1 3 6 1 8 66 2 1 1 9 1 1 9 13 24 14 3 3 17 5 2 3 5 13 1 16 143 0 1 1 5 1 2 4 14 12 5 0 4 12 2 1 0 3 2 1 12 82 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 2 3 3 0 3 4 4 1 0 0 3 0 6 33 3 0 0 5 0 4 3 5 14 4 0 1 7 4 0 3 3 8 0 10 74 7 0 1 12 0 2 12 27 45 13 3 3 18 15 6 2 7 9 3 25 210 2 1 1 5 1 0 3 10 17 6 1 1 14 8 1 3 11 7 0 10 102 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 5 1 0 1 5 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 22 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 13 4 1 0 6 0 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 5 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 15 1 0 12 0 3 3 27 45 25 1 0 13 7 0 2 3 15 1 19 17 1 2 17 2 6 14 42 124 35 2 4 48 7 2 18 1 10 0 16 With Seafarers Aboard OS Santorini Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Engine Department This snapshot was taken in early December in Corpus Christi, Texas. Pictured from left aboard the Overseas Ship Management vessel are OS Alex Needham, Chief Cook Joshu Lee, AB Christopher Collins, OS Elvershon Williams, Bosun Ryan Legario, SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday and Steward/Baker Michael Carello. January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Friday: Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8 Thursday: Jan. 25, Feb. 22 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Friday: Jan. 19, Feb. 16 Tuesday: Jan. 16, Monday: Feb. 12 Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8 Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Port Everglades San Juan Wednesday: Jan. 17, Feb. 14 Tuesday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Tuesday: Jan. 9, Feb. 6 Friday: Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15 Wednesday: Jan. 10, Feb. 7 Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15 Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8 St. Louis Friday: Jan. 19, Feb. 16 Tacoma Friday: Jan. 26, Feb. 23 Wilmington Monday: Jan. 22, Tuesday: Feb. 20 Date changes due to holiday observances. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m 2 1 2 2 0 3 3 10 14 4 2 2 13 3 3 3 3 4 1 11 86 2 0 2 1 0 3 0 3 12 2 2 1 3 0 0 0 1 3 0 2 37 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 22 Steward Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 3 0 0 8 1 3 10 18 29 8 1 1 15 8 2 4 6 9 2 11 139 2 1 0 4 0 2 2 7 14 4 1 1 12 6 0 3 7 7 0 5 78 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 1 2 2 0 2 2 0 0 4 20 3 0 0 4 1 3 3 6 11 6 0 1 9 6 0 4 1 4 0 11 73 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 1 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 0 0 7 0 2 0 20 25 14 1 0 9 3 0 2 2 8 0 13 15 1 4 5 0 0 9 13 70 22 1 2 28 5 3 15 0 7 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 5 1 8 15 4 0 1 9 0 0 5 5 3 0 7 67 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 3 0 0 1 15 Entry Department 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 13 24 5 0 0 8 1 1 5 0 2 0 10 6 0 1 2 0 1 2 7 40 10 1 0 16 7 1 12 2 3 1 3 TOTAL 12 116 206 6 79 115 43 21 192 368 GRAND TOTAL 485 382 290 326 278 172 277 731 550 470 12 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS JANUARY 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAGOTHY (Argent Marine Operations, Inc.), August 19 – Chairman Rudy Harjanto, Educational Director Ryan Sotomayor, Deck Delegate Justo Guity. Chairman reiterated the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center and reminded crew of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s scholarship opportunities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed dangerous-cargo pay and requested new fans, linens and beds. TVs and refrigerators are needed in rooms. Members reported issues with internet service. Crew asked for boot reimbursements, air conditioning in galley, wage increases. Crew requested specific wage allocations to be reported on pay vouchers. SBX (TOTE Services), September 19 – Chairman James Reynolds, Secretary Annie Nodd, Educational Director Rolando Torres, Deck Delegate Jehu Laranjo, Engine Delegate Olivier Especa, Steward Delegate Gilma David. Chairman discussed the MSC contract extension and explained how it may delay annual raises. He reviewed medical benefits as well as the pension plan. Secretary directed members to the steward’s office to find all SIU forms and reminded everyone to verify documents before signing them. She informed crew of upcoming benefits conferences and encouraged everyone’s attendance. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members suggested several additions for the next contract including implementing “roommate pay.” Crew motioned to increase continuity retention program and to make increases to all wages across the board. New dates for safety training courses have been posted for those interested. Next port: Honolulu. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel& Provisioning), September 30 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Abraham Mills, Educational Director Fernandez Wilcox. Chairman brought up various overtime issues, including considerations regarding department delegates and meetings. He also thanked the steward department for a job well done. Secretary reminded members to keep mess hall and laundry room clean and thanked crew for help with recent ship stores. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and reminded them to keep their documents up to date. Members requested increases to vacation and pension benefits. Crew experienced a safe voyage and good weather. CAPE WRATH (Crowley), October 1 – Chairman Prateek Poras, Secretary Douglas Flynn, Educational Director Timothy Chestnut, Deck Delegate Alexander Busby, Engine Delegate Morey Lewis, Steward Delegate Wilma Joy Smith. Chairman discussed manning of Cape ships. Educational director advised crew to renew documents in timely manner and keep beneficiary information updated. He directed members to the SIU website to check for upgrading courses at the Piney Point school and reminded them to use the member portal. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for upgrades to air conditioning, furniture and Wi-Fi service. News books and movies were requested as well as a new ice machine. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. TEXAS (Seabulk Crew Management), October 12 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Michael Banks, Steward Delegate Jose Santos. Chairman asked for members’ patience when they’re awaiting reliefs. Secretary encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to keep physicals up-to-date. Educational director reminded members to keep documents current and to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Three refrigerators needed on ship, and engine department in need of winter gear. Members requested increased coverage for eyeglasses. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. MYKONOS (Overseas Ship Management), October 21 – Secretary Brian Lunsford, Educational Director Lawrence Banks. Chairman advised crew to stay on top of sanitation. Secretary urged members to renew medical documentation early and to check credentials for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New beds needed on ship. Crew requested 30 for 30 vacation and improvements to medical and pension benefits. Next port: Singapore. U S N S B RU C E H E E Z E N ( O c e a n Shipholdings), October 29 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Secretary Emmanuel Matias, Educational Director Yuri Hernandez, Deck Delegate Ricardo Dayrit, Steward Delegate Marcus Dalton. New plates and linen orders are underway for next trip. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and announced plans about completing documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new shower curtains and shower mats. They asked for addi- tional food and for easier access to the internet. MAERSK KANSAS (Maersk Line, Limited), November 11 – Chairman Kyle Silva, Secretary James McLeod, Educational Director Francois Doucet, Deck Delegate Alfonso Marin, Engine Delegate Adrian Darden, Steward Delegate Cody Younghans. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and keeping ship clean. He especially thanked members for doing a good job with oil cleanup. Educational director advised members to take advantage of the new courses being taught at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new linens and towels. Crew needs carpet cleaner and new washer and dryers. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. TORM THUNDER (Eco-Tankers Crew Management), November 25 – Chairman Ryan Scott, Secretary Michael Watts, Educational Director Michael Kelly, Deck Delegate Adam Riley, Engine Delegate Greg Alvarez, Steward Delegate Angel Bernardez. New dryer ordered. Fans and refrigerators in staterooms are being worked on. Chairman told members to stay up to date on documents and physicals. Educational director urged crew to attend upgrading courses at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for Gatorade powder mix to drink while working in a hot-weather climate. Crew requested increases in vacation as well as pension benefits. Members would like financial compensation for going past contractual sign on time without a relief. Next port: Guam. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return JANUARY 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •13 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class. That class included 11 Seafarers; the responses of the other six members were published in the previous edition. Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Luis Garcia Recertified Bosun John Coleman Recertified Bosun Since I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a seaman, because I’m from a port town (Buenaventura, Colombia), and seeing those seamen coming ashore, they were almost heroes. I joined the SIU thanks to a friend, in 2004. The reasons I’m still an SIU member are because of all the benefits we get, good money, traveling to different countries for free, and I spent quality time with my family when I’m home. I joined and have stuck with it because the SIU offers great money and great benefits. You can live anywhere you want, and you have a flexible work schedule. Robert Hoppenworth Recertified Bosun I joined the union because I was able to start in the trainee program. I was in Class 535. I knew I could upgrade and move up at my pace, and of course make more money and have a future. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Paul Brown Recertified Bosun I became a seaman because I followed in my father’s footsteps. I really enjoy this career. The SIU provides a great opportunity to get ahead in life, and it has worked out very well for me. Junior Augustin Recertified Bosun JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Most of the men in my family are sailors, so I’ve had a desire to work on a ship from a young age. After coming to the United States and being introduced to the SIU, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to fulfill my career goals as well as provide me the lifestyle I wanted. I’ve been able to accomplish so many of my dreams – this career changed my life, and I truly enjoy what I do. I’m very thankful for all the leadership and instruction I’ve gotten; there are some truly monumental leaders in the union, and their passion for the industry along with their professionalism has motivated me and inspired my growth. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Oiler Antonio Garza works aboard the Overseas Alaska in 1971. 14 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS JANUARY 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA EDDIE ALMODOVAR Brother Eddie Almodovar, 66, signed on with the union in 1977 when he sailed on the Overseas Chicago. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Almodovar most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Montana. He resides in Jensen Beach, Florida. ARMANDO AMANTE Brother Armando Amante, 70, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2004 when he sailed aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Amante shipped in the steward department and last worked on the Pacific Collector. He is a resident of Kent, Washington. EDUARDO BARLAS Brother Eduardo Barlas, 66, joined the SIU in 2001. He first shipped on the Maersk Maine and sailed in the deck department. Brother Barlas upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Columbus and makes his home in New Milford, New Jersey. ANDREW BARROWS Brother Andrew Barrows, 68, joined the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Falcon Leader. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Barrows’ final vessel was the USNS Pililaau. He lives in New Orleans. FELSHER BEASLEY Brother Felsher Beasley, 63, joined the union in 1979, initially sailing with Inland Tugs. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Beasley last shipped on the American Pride and makes his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. JANUARY 2024 We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. LEO BOGNOSON STEVEN MCBRIDE DONALD RICO Brother Leo Bognoson, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1993. A deck department member, he first worked on the Producer. Brother Bognoson upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His final vessel was the Pride of America. Brother Bognoson resides in Long Beach, California. Brother Steven McBride, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1991. He first sailed aboard the USNS Indomitable and worked in the deck department. Brother McBride upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed aboard the Chemical Pioneer and is a resident of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Brother Donald Rico, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991 and initially worked on the Sealift Atlantic. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Global Sentinel. Brother Rico upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1997. He calls Morton, Washington, home. JOSE BONITA JULIOUS MIZELL Brother Jose Bonita, 67, joined the Seafarers in 2005, initially sailing on the Steven L. Bennett. Brother Bonita was a member of the engine department. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bonita last shipped on the Washington and lives in SeaTac, Washington. Brother Julious Mizell, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Coastal Kansas. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Mizell’s final vessel was the Ohio. He makes his home in Denham Springs, Louisiana. ISAAC VEGA MERCADO Brother Isaac Vega Mercado, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1984 when he sailed aboard the Venture. Brother Vega Mercado upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. A deck department member, he last shipped on the Ocean Glory. Brother Vega Mercado settled in Ponce, Puerto Rico. BOYCE WILSON EDWARD GAVAGAN Brother Edward Gavagan, 69, became a member of the union in 2001. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed with Marine Personnel & Provisioning. Brother Gavagan upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the American Phoenix and settled in Tampa, Florida. TRACEY NEWSOME Brother Tracey Newsome, 60, started his career with the union in 1987, initially sailing aboard the USNS Harkness. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Newsome most recently shipped on the Texas. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Boyce Wilson, 63, signed on with the union in 1990. He was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Sealift Atlantic. Brother Wilson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last shipped on the Alliance Fairfax. He makes his home in El Campo, Texas. INLAND MICHAEL EDWARDS EDISON INUMAN ARISTEO PADUA Brother Edison Inuman, 68, donned the SIU colors in 2001, following the NMU’s merger into the SIU. His first SIU ship was the Cape Horn. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Inuman most recently sailed on the KamoKuiki. He is a resident of San Jose, California. Brother Aristeo Padua, 65, became an SIU member in 2001. He first shipped on the Samuel L. Cobb and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. A deck department member, Brother Padua concluded his career aboard the Alaskan Legend. He resides in Cerritos, California. GERALD KIRTSEY STEPHEN PARKER Brother Gerald Kirtsey, 61, joined the union in 1987. A steward department member, he initially shipped on the USNS Capella. Brother Kirtsey upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the California and resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Stephen Parker, 62, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1982, initially sailing on the Long Lines. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Parker last shipped on the Ocean Grand and makes his home in South Portland, Maine. Brother Michael Edwards, 57, signed on with the union in 1987. He was a deck department member and sailed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Edwards upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He settled in Spring, Texas. DOMENIC RIZZO Brother Domenic Rizzo, 62, joined the union in 1989 when he worked with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Rizzo was a deck department member. He last sailed with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia and resides in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. KENNETH WOMACK Brother Kenneth Womack, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 2004, initially working with OSG Ship Management. He sailed as a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Womack concluded his career with Penn Maritime and calls Rayville, Louisiana, home. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA BENJAMIN FERIA Brother Benjamin Feria, 70, passed away October 10. He became a member of the SIU in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Meteor. Brother Feria was a steward department member. He last shipped on the President Wilson in 2020 and made his home in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. VIRGILIO HOFFMANN Pensioner Virgilio Hoffmann, 81, died September 18. He joined the union in 1972 and initially sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes. Brother Hoffmann sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Lightning. He started collecting his pension in 2012 and was a San Francisco resident. DESMOND LYNCH Brother Desmond Lynch, 70, has passed away. He was born in Guyana and began his career with the Seafarers in 1999. A steward department member, Brother Lynch was first employed by H&M Lake Transport. He most recently sailed on the Sam Laud in 2011 and lived in Covington, Georgia. KELLY MAYO Pensioner Kelly Mayo, 63, died October 6. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1970. Brother Mayo first sailed with Michigan Tankers Inc. and worked in the engine department. He most recently shipped on the Overseas Nikiski and went on pension last year. Brother Mayo lived in Inverness, Florida. ANGEL SOTOMAYOR Pensioner Angel Sotomayor, 69, has passed away. He joined the SIU in 1969 and first shipped with OMI Bulk Corporation. Brother Sotomayor sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the El Morro and went on pension in 2007. Brother Sotomayor made his home in Puerto Rico. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. HERMAN STITH EDWARD SCHAFFHAUSER THOMAS JACKSON Pensioner Herman Stith, 69, died November 8. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1997 when he sailed on the Cape May. Brother Stith was a steward department member and last shipped on the Maersk Carolina in 2008. He began collecting his pension in 2020 and resided in Norfolk, Virginia. Pensioner Edward Schaffhauser, 89, passed away September 28. He joined the union in 1974 when he worked with Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Schaffhauser shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce before going on pension in 1996. Brother Schaffhauser resided in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Pensioner Thomas Jackson, 98, died September 27. He began sailing in 1944, when he worked on the Charles L. O’Connor. Brother Jackson was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the American Clipper before going on pension in 2002. Brother Jackson resided in Jamaica, New York, his home state. RUDOLPH WINFIELD Pensioner Rudolph Winfield, 78, passed away October 21. He donned the SIU colors in 1965. A steward department member, Brother Winfield first shipped on the Cottonwood Creek. He concluded his career aboard the Quality and became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Winfield lived in Norfolk, Virginia. INLAND ROBERT ANDERSEN Pensioner Robert Andersen, 83, died October 25. He started sailing with the SIU in 1978 and first sailed on the Manhattan Island. Brother Andersen sailed in both the deck and engine departments, and last worked aboard the Padre Island. He retired in 2002 and resided in High Falls, New York. DAVID BREUNING Pensioner David Breuning 81, passed away October 31. Born in Durango, Colorado, he joined the SIU in 1977. Brother Breuning was first employed with Allied Transportation and worked in the deck department. He retired in 2005 after concluding his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Breuning made his home in Orlando, Florida. HUGH PREWITT Pensioner Hugh Prewitt, 92, died October 7. He signed on with the union in 1963 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Prewitt first sailed with HVIDE Marine. He was last employed with National Marine Service and became a pensioner in 1998. Brother Prewitt lived in Nederland, Texas. NMU EZEQUIEL DE OLIVEIRA Pensioner Ezequiel De Oliveira, 92, died June 22. Brother De Oliveira worked in the deck department, lastly aboard the Maersk Texas. He became a pensioner in 2002 and resided in Brazil. ELIAS ERAZO Pensioner Elias Erazo, 93, passed away November 6. Born in Honduras, Brother Erazo began sailing in 1959. He was an engine department member and last sailed aboard the Majorie Lykes. Brother Erazo retired in 1991 and settled in Sunrise, Florida. HERMAN GOVAERT Pensioner Herman Govaert, 85, died June 26. Brother Govaert first shipped aboard the Green Dale, and worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the Mormac Dawn and became a pensioner in 1993. Brother Govaert lived in Belgium, his birthplace. CLIFTON HUGHES Pensioner Clifton Hughes, 97, passed away August 2. Brother Hughes sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the Lyra and retired in 1993. Brother Hughes made his home in Rusk, Texas. JOHN JENNINGS Pensioner John Jennings, 70, passed away August 27. Brother Jennings sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Green Wave in 2003. Brother Jennings began collecting his pension in 2017 and was a resident of Lancaster, California. FRANCISCO MARCHENA Pensioner Francisco Marchena, 85, died October 30. Brother Marchena was born in New Jersey. He worked as a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Mormac Star. Brother Marchena retired in 2000 and settled in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. CARL SAARI Pensioner Carl Saari, 86, passed away October 21. An engine department member, Brother Saari was born in Limestone, Michigan. He concluded his career aboard the Agent before retiring in 1993. Brother Saari made his home in Mathias, Michigan. SIU SHOWS SUPPORT DIMAS RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Dimas Rodriguez, 90, died February 16. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1966, initially sailing aboard the Seatrain New York. Brother Rodriguez was a steward department member and concluded his career aboard the Guayama in 1994. He settled in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. 16 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (fourth from left) attends the 248th birthday celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps in San Jose, California, along with other guests. The event took place last November. JANUARY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 19 March 18 March 1 March 29 Able Seafarer - Deck March 11 March 29 Basic Training Revalidation February 2 February 12 February 16 March 4 March 8 March 18 March 22 April 5 April 22 April 26 February 2 February 12 February 16 March 4 March 8 March 18 March 22 April 5 April 22 April 26 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT February 5 March 11 March 1 March 29 Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation February 5 February 9 Marine Refer Tech March 11 April 19 Government Vessels Adv. Refer Containers February 5 February 16 February 26 March 4 March 25 April 22 March 1 March 8 March 29 April 26 Machinist April 29 May 10 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL April 22 April 26 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG April 29 May 3 Pumpman April 22 April 26 Welding March 4 April 8 March 22 April 26 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook February 12 March 18 April 29 March 15 April 19 May 31 ServSafe Management February 5 March 11 April 22 February 9 March 15 April 26 Advanced Galley Ops March 18 April 12 Chief Steward February 12 April 22 March 8 May 17 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member COURSE ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. JANUARY 2024 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG17 • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos 901 APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #901 – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Israel Christian-Grace, Aminata Diallo, Emma DiGennaro, Eden Dulin, Caleb Estrada, Dennis Freeman Jr., Austin Gass, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Laurence Iledan, Justian Jones, Antoine Kozel, Madison Kruer, Marcos Medina-Vargas, Mario Odom Jr., Dominic Pena, Orlando Quirantes, Simeon Roberts, Xavier Roberts, Sarah Silverleaf, Eric Simmons, Andrew Tingle, Wesley Tingle, Kiefer Vanderbilt and Marshall Whitcraft. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ABLE SEAFARER DECK – Graduated August 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Mukhtar Ali, Jonathan Cordova-Alonso, Joshua Daniel, Elijah Diallo, James Jones, Derrel Oliver, Carl Piercy, Cody Quinn, Julian Ramirez, Felix Rivera Rodriguez, Dean Schrantz, Venise Spears, Preston Stine, Mark Stookey, Kamron Stripling, and Zachary Wilkinson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ADVANCED REFER CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Dennis Blake II, Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, David Hain-Mendez, Ethan Love, Yahya Ali Mohamed and Kelly Percy. Instructor Roy Graham is at left, while Instructor Mike Fay is in the back, third from the right. 18 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS JANUARY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW - PHASE 3 – Graduated December 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Taher Albaneh, Alexander Baum, David Bessey, Emily Castellano-Marquez, Ne'shawn Christopher, Michael Cruz Diaz, Qaadir Gillette-James, Colontae Hargrove, Wade Henry, Lynn James Jr., Lamar Johnson, Jeremiah Mills, Jabar Mohamad, David Morris, Gary Wassel Jr., and Dylan Wright. ADVANCED GALLEY OPERATIONS – Graduated November 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Charlene Briggs, Esstonia Moore, Jacob Parrilla, Tony Pragosa, William Sanchez, and Delphine Simmons. (Note: Not all are pictured.) JUNIOR ENGINEERING - PLANT MAINTENANCE II – Graduated November 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyree Carter, Akim Davis-Griffin, Lesther Gonzalez, Cody Higgs, Quinton Sashington, Randy Slue, Daniel Ursitti, Joel Williams, and Sean Wilson. Instructor Christopher Morgan is second from left. WELDING & METALLURGY – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Clark, Marquez Fields, Jean Lozada, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop and Michael Wilt. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4 – GROUP A) – Graduated November 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Timothy Cooper, Alondra Delgado, Benny Feria, Faith Gonse and Britorria Hogan. JANUARY 2024 CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4 – GROUP B) – Graduated November 24 (above, in alphabetical order): De'vine Lents, Joseph Lucas, Jubaree McHellen, Pura Moreno Soriano, Kevin Robinson and Suyapa Ruiz. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG19 • 19 �JANUARY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 1 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Year in Review: 2023 New Tonnage and Contracts SIU President David Heindel (left) makes his first speech as the fourth president of the SIU. Michael Sacco, the previous president, is at right. I n 2023, the SIU’s top priority wasn’t hard to determine. In the pages of the Seafarers LOG, as well as on the SIU’s social media pages, it clearly proved to be the year of the recruiter. From job fairs, ad campaigns and community outreach, the union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) have been hard at work finding new mariners to join the Brotherhood of the Sea. However, the biggest story of the year is clear: the retirement of longtime SIU President Michael Sacco, and the subsequent appointment of SIU President David Heindel. The SIU Executive Board convened Feb. 13 near Orlando, Florida. Sacco announced his retirement and then nominated Heindel (who had served as the union’s secretary-treasurer since 1997) as his successor. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez seconded the nomination; a unanimous vote of approval followed. Subsequently, the board unanimously approved the respective appointments of Tom Orzechowski as secretarytreasurer and Bryan Powell as vice president of the SIU’s Great Lakes and Inland Waters sector. Orzechowski had served as Lakes vice president since 2003; Powell had been an assistant vice president since 2007. “Dave will do a great job and he has my complete confidence,” Sacco stated. “He has proven himself throughout his lifetime of service to the SIU. We are also fortunate to have outstanding leadership throughout our executive board, and I know this will be a seamless transition.” The following are other top stories from the year, grouped into broad topics. The first tonnage of the year to join the U.S.-Flag fleet was the Badlands Trader, a tanker operated by U.S. Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) for Maersk Line, Limited., reflagged to United States registry on April 17 in Piraeus, Greece. In July, Pasha Hawaii’s new LNG-powered containership Janet Marie was delivered, as well as the TOTE-operated Empire State and a new NY Waterway tug, the Arthur E. Imperatore. In August, the Janet Marie was christened, as were the Crowley tug Artemis and the USNS Navajo (operated by MSC). Near the end of the year, an influx of new tonnage added jobs for SIU members, including the SLNC Star (Chesapeake Crewing) the Allied Pacific (Patriot), the purchase of the Alaskan Frontier by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), and the impending additions of the Cape Sable and Cape San Juan (Crowley) into the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). In 2023, multiple contracts were negotiated, with others ongoing as the year concluded. Contracts that were agreed and voted upon in 2023 included a mid-contract pay increase with G&H Towing and a new three-year contract with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. Five SIU members employed by NY Waterway played vital roles in safely evacuating hundreds of passengers from a Staten Island Ferry that caught fire in late December 2022. (Photo courtesy Baris Barlas, Big City Tourism) Rescues Just missing our print deadline for the 2022 Year in Review, SIU members aboard a NY Waterway ferry came to the rescue of hundreds of passengers aboard a disabled Staten Island Ferry on Dec. 22. The NYPD and FDNY responded to the incident by requesting aide from other ferries in the harbor, and the SIU crew of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt rushed to help the passengers in peril. The SIU members rescued 558 passengers from the doomed vessel, with the remaining 310 taken to shore by other vessels. The rescues didn’t stop there: On January 3, the Sagamore (operated by Sealift) rescued 15 from the Straits of Florida; the National Glory (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) handled two such operations, one in February involving 21 migrants and the other in early March involving 15 distressed individuals; the Overseas Long Beach (OSG) saved 12 migrants on March 30; the ATB Legacy (Crowley) saved eight migrants who had been stranded for nearly a month on March 1; and both the Overseas Nikiski (OSG) and Overseas Santorini (OSG) performed rescues – 18 hours apart – on May 30-31. Members of the SIU Government Services Division also helped handle rescues, including one involving the USNS John Lewis. SIU President David Heindel (left) was a featured speaker Aug. 9 as Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii christened its new containership Janet Marie in Oakland, California. Pictured at the event are (from left) Heindel, company President and CEO George Pasha IV, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Elyse Pasha, wife of George. Maritime News The Seafarers LOG saw a noteworthy redesign in 2023. As mentioned above, the union experienced just the third transfer of power in the SIU’s history. President Heindel pledged his unyielding support of the rank-and-file in a meeting which took place in mid-February, and began serving in said role shortly thereafter, as the fourth SIU president. In other news, Daniel Duncan, former Seafarers LOG editor and executive secretary-treasurer of the SIUaffiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, retired after more than three decades of service to the maritime community. Also retiring in 2023 was SIU of Canada President Jim Given, who was succeeded by Mike Given. The union also completely renovated the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virgina, over the course of 2023, culminating in a re-dedication ceremony which took place on July 25. Heindel said the refurbished hall “symbolizes improvements in the present and the hope for the future. This location is excellent, and now this facility itself is state of the art and will serve our membership well into the future. It’s a place where our members and their families can feel safe and proud to come and take care of their business.” Additionally, the union and the Seafarers Plans teamed up to conduct a series of benefits conferences at numerous halls. A few more such meetings are scheduled for 2024. The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education hosted many important gatherings SIU and Paul Hall Center personnel devote lots of time and resources toward recruiting, as reflected by this December snapshot taken in Jacksonville, Florida. Safety Director Adam Bucalo is at left. throughout the year, including a meeting of the high-level U.S. Transportation Command’s (USTRANSCOM) Sealift Executive Working Group, typically referred to as the EWG, on August 30. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez is the labor representative on the committee. Other notable events throughout 2023 included: the return of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic; the first Congressional Sail-In since the COVID-19 pandemic; and the opportunity for four SIU apprentices to serve as flag-bearers during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Seafarers LOG itself underwent a notable change, moving to a new, fullcolor format beginning with the October 2023 edition. The change has been received positively by readers. Final Departures Last year saw the following maritime figures cross the final bar: Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center Director John Gallagher; AFL-CIO President Emeritus Thomas R. Donahue; retired SIU Assistant Vice President Chester “Chet” Wheeler; and SIU Representative Gerard Dhooge. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU CREWS HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR UNDERSCORES NEED TO BOOST RECRUITING AND RETENTION NORFOLK HALL HOSTS PRO-MARITIME SENATOR, CONGRESSMAN SIU FLEET EXPANDS WITH SARTER MARINE ACQUISITION CHIEF COOK HONORED BY STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS CONFERENCES CONTINUE SIU YEAR IN REVIEW INCREASE IN VISION BENEFITS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 1 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/07ca5c80754c2eff4613d6d26a411a49.pdf 5cc851dae0ff6ee08dd9ab9159aec951 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 12 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO BECK NOTICE • PAGE 5 // CLASS PHOTOS • PAGES 18-19 �President’s Report Elections Past and Present D epending on where you live, you may be exhaling now that you’re not being swamped with off-year election ads, or you may not have noticed much about the races and ballot initiatives in other states that largely were decided Nov. 7. But no matter what, I feel reluctantly confident in saying none of us will escape from the all-out advertising blitz and media saturation ahead of next year’s presidential and congressional elections. The SIU will not deviate from our David Heindel decades-long stance when it comes to deciding which candidates to back, at every level of government. Our first questions are always, where do you stand on the U.S. Merchant Marine? Where do you stand on the American maritime industry? Where do you stand on workers’ rights? That’s not a long list, but those always have been, and always will be our top priorities. One lesson from last month’s elections that shouldn’t be overlooked is the genuine power of voting, period. Turnout makes all the difference, as we’ve seen time after time, year after year. Keep that in mind ahead of Election Day 2024. Make sure you are registered to vote, and support the candidates who will support your job. Don’t sit on the docks. Last but not least, I’m trying to get a jumpstart on asking everyone who reads this column to practice civility throughout the election process. This isn’t exactly a revelation, but it doesn’t do our country any favors when we lose the capability or the willpower to engage in respectful dialogue about candidates and issues. There’s nothing wrong with spirited debate; there’s plenty wrong with closed-mindedness and outright malice. Here’s to taking the high road and giving our fellow Americans the benefit of the doubt. Stirring Ceremony What a tremendous honor it was for apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to be featured at this year’s official Veterans Day National Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. As reported elsewhere in this edition, the apprentices served as an honor guard and helped place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to honor the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II. Making an alreadyemotional moment even more inspirational, several mariners from that era were in attendance. I absolutely understand the distinctions between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, but let us never forget that more than 1,200 SIU members made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II. My hat is off to all who’ve served, and I remain grateful to work as part of our great nation’s fourth arm of defense. Season’s Greetings On behalf of our entire executive board, I extend heartfelt holiday greetings to all SIU members, pensioners and their families. I particularly appreciate and respect the dedication of our sisters and brothers who are spending the holidays at sea. Your professionalism and commitment are never taken for granted. I wish everyone an enjoyable present, a fondly remembered past, and a prosperous new year ahead. Seafarers LOG Volume 85 Number 12 December 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Union, School Team Up With U.S.-Flag Group for National Apprenticeship Week The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) are joining with the Transportation Institute (TI) to help promote career opportunities in the U.S. Merchant Marine. At press time, the union, school and TI were partnering for a series of open houses at hiring halls across the country as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) National Apprenticeship Week, scheduled to take place Nov. 13-19. The DOL bills National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) as “a nationwide celebration where employers, industry associations, labor organizations, communitybased organizations, workforce partners, education providers, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are instrumental in re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, building a pipeline to good quality jobs, and supporting underserved communities.” The PHC’s apprentice program is registered with the DOL. In 2022, NAW consisted of nearly 1,400 events nationwide, plus dozens of proclamations and other publicity. President Biden issued a statement that read in part, “For many workers, especially those without college degrees, apprenticeships create a critical pathway to good-paying jobs. Registered apprentices earn while they learn. These programs, particularly through local unions, ensure that our Nation is producing the best-trained, best-prepared, and bestskilled workers for industries now and of the future – from health care and information technology to clean energy. Supporting Registered Apprenticeships is a key part of my economic vision to build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out: an economy that works for everyone.” The PHC’s Apprentice Program, based in Piney Point, Maryland, offers aspiring mariners a unique opportunity to receive tuition-free training, gain valuable on-the-job skills, and embark on a journey toward a rewarding career enriched with substantial benefits. It is one of the largest training programs for entry-level maritime personnel in the United States Apprentices (darker shirts) participate in hands-on training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. and is designed to prepare students with little to no experience to learn the necessary skills they will need to serve aboard U.S.-flagged vessels. “Keeping with this year’s theme for National Apprenticeship Week, the maritime industry is the ‘Superhighway to Good Jobs’ and we are proud to partner with the Seafarers International Union to showcase this industry’s potential,” said TI Chairman and President James L. Henry. “These jobs are vital to America’s continued economic and national security success and are a great career path – especially for young men and women. The American maritime industry is consistently expanding opportunities in our workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved and marginalized people, this partnership is a testament to that.” TI was established in 1967 as a non-profit organization dedicated to maritime research education and promotion. The Institute participates in all phases of the nation’s deep-sea, foreign and domestic shipping trades, and barge and tugboat operations on the Great Lakes and on the vast network of America’s inland waterways. Many member company vessels are contracted to the U.S. military services. All are of U.S. registry – crewed by American citizens operating under the world’s highest safety standards, and proudly flying the American flag. Union Voters Power Election Wins The off-year elections proved favorable for America’s working families. Among other gains, the Virginia legislature flipped to a pro-worker majority; Kentucky voters elected Democrat Andy Beshear as governor; and former state Rep. Sara Innamorato (D) won the election for Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) Executive. Innamorato “framed her campaign around those...‘left behind’ over the years,” Julian Routh reported in the Pittsburgh Union Progress, the strike paper the Pittsburgh News Guild runs while Pittsburgh Post-Gazette owners defy federal orders to bargain a new contract with their workers. Additionally, in a vote for a vacant U.S. House seat, heavily Democratic Rhode Island elected Democrat Gabriel Amo by almost a 2-to-1 ratio. Amo will be Rhode Island’s first-ever Black member of Congress. “Never bet against America’s workers,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said following the elections. “Tuesday night’s results showed the power working people have in electing pro-worker candidates, up and down the ballot, who will fight for us and stand up to wealthy corporate interests and extremists. In communities across the country, thousands of union volunteers engaged in deep discussions with fellow workers about the economic issues and freedoms that matter most, including reproductive rights. That’s the heart and soul of the labor movement’s political mobilization: one-on-one, face-to-face engagement on the issues that matter most to working people. As a result of those conversations, union member enthusiasm and engagement helped deliver key victories in critical races.” Shuler added, “While the final results are still being tabulated, it’s crystal clear that working people pushed pro-worker candidates over the finish line, even in historically deep red states. Union voters powered Gov. Andy Beshear’s victory last night in Kentucky, delivering another term for a leader who stood shoulder to shoulder with workers throughout his first four years in office. We congratulate Gov. Beshear on this tremendous win for workers and our families, and look forward to working closely with him to continue uplifting communities with good union jobs.” The federation reported, “Across the country, workers fueled scores of victories from the top of the ballot on down. In Virginia, union volunteers knocked on thousands upon thousands of doors to provide the foundation of voter support needed to create a proworker majority in the House of Delegates and keep the majority in the state Senate. And union members led the way to historic wins in races in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and many other states, with close to 400 of our union member candidates winning their races, including an astounding 82% who ran in New Jersey.” Pennsylvania State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D) (center) is pictured at the Philadelphia hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and Safety Director Andre MacCray. The hall served as a polling place Nov. 7. DECEMBER 2023 �SIU Crews Honored at NDTA Meeting S Pictured from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU President David Heindel, Bosun Paul Altenor and OSG President/CEO Sam Norton. Bosun Paul Altenor (left) receives his medal from Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips The Maritime Administration’s Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement IU members recently received accolades for their respective roles in three different rescues that took place earlier this year. Bosun Pau l A ltenor was one of three mariners who, on behalf of themselves and their shipmates, accepted the Maritime Administration’s Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Orlando, Florida. The ceremony took place Nov. 1 as part of a joint meeting of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA). SIU President David Heindel and SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez attended the ceremony. The three rescues (extensively reported in prior editions of the LOG) involved the SIU-crewed Overseas Santorini, Overseas Nikiski, and Overseas Long Beach, all operated by OSG. “The ceremony was great,” Altenor said. “I really appreciated getting to talk to [SIU President David Heindel] and [OSG President and CEO Sam Norton]. They were both really appreciative of our efforts during the rescue.” Altenor was aboard the Santorini on May 30 when he and his fellow mariners rescued a family of four (including two children) whose sailboat was leaking in the middle of the Atlantic. Reflecting on the experience, the bosun recalled, “Every month, we do a man overboard drill. This was clearly not a man overboard, but I was prepared for it. This was my second rescue attempt, but my first one involving a sailboat, which made it a little different. When training doesn’t cover a specific type of rescue, it takes some common sense to keep everyone safe during a rescue. You really had to stay alert, because we could have easily gotten hurt as well.” Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips presented the awards and noted, “It is a universal connection to those at sea to come to the aid of those in distress.” In remarks prepared for the ceremony, Heindel stated, “On behalf of the entire union, I extend my congratulations to every member who took part in the rescues. You all did a fantastic job. You put others before yourselves; you rose to the occasion; and you handled the assignments with professionalism and compassion.” Earlier in the week, USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost presented the agency’s prestigious Pegasus Award to SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco. Heindel accepted it on Sacco’s behalf (see page 9). The joint meeting “focused on bringing together military and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss current trends and logistics challenges,” according to USTRANSCOM. Tellez actively participated throughout the weeklong gathering. During opening remarks for the joint meeting, Van Ovost cited teamwork between the military, commercial industry, and our nation’s allies and partners as critical: “By, with, and through our commercial teammates and allies and partners, we are underwriting the lethality of our combined forces.” The general also highlighted the need for fleet recapitalization, pointing out the aging state of the U.S. government’s surge sealift ships: “In ten years, more than 50% will reach their end of service life.” SIU, Others Blast Proposed Second Registry A broad coalition of American maritime and transportation unions, including the SIU, has registered its strong opposition to a proposal that would promote the operation of U.S.owned vessels with foreign crews. The proposal, part of a report issued by the Hudson Institute, would create a second United States ship registry to allow vessel owners to bypass the hiring of American maritime workers. As noted in a joint statement by the unions, “The overall report released by the Hudson Institute contains a number of recommendations that we oppose and which we believe will adversely affect the efficient implementation of existing U.S. maritime policies and the operation of U.S.flag vessels. In addition, the proposal fails to identify solutions that would increase or incentivize the carriage of cargoes by U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed vessels, a core tenet of ensuring an economically viable U.S. maritime industry. However, the establishment of a second U.S.-flag registry as proposed by the Hudson Institute is the most egregious proposal in the report and warrants our specific comment.” DECEMBER 2023 The statement continues, “The United States-flag deep sea fleet is the largest segment of the maritime industry providing the trained and qualified mariners needed to meet the requirements of the Department of Defense. It is these American mariners who crew the surge and sustainment vessels called into action by the Department of Defense in time of war or other international emergency and who have never, in the history of our nation, refused to respond whenever and wherever needed by our government. “At this time in our nation’s history it is imperative that our government act to ensure that our country has the trained and qualified mariners needed by the Department of Defense. It is irresponsible to divert U.S. taxpayer dollars to support and to otherwise encourage the operation of U.S.-flag vessels that do not provide the base of employment necessary to increase and support the U.S citizen mariner base. To do so is at best a wasteful use of U.S. taxpayer dollars and at worst, a dangerous disregard of America’s national security requirements.” In conclusion, they wrote, “We urge the Biden Administration and the Congress to put American maritime workers first, and to soundly reject this proposal to create a second United States-flag registry that will be little more than a flag of convenience that has at its core the outsourcing of American maritime jobs. We instead urge Congress and the Administration to work with us to strengthen and expand the United States-flag fleet in order to create jobs for America’s maritime workforce and to further enhance America’s economic, homeland and military security.” Signing the statement were SIU President David Heindel; Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific President David Connolly; American Maritime Officers President Paul Doell; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots President Don Marcus; Marine Firemen’s Union President Anthony Poplawski; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Adam Vokac; and Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan. SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Apprentices Instrumental to Veterans Day Ceremony WWII Mariners Honored with President, VP, First Lady in Attendance Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) PHC Apprentices Xavier Roberts, Caleb Estrada, Orlando Quirantes, and Emma DiGennaro. F our members of the most recent apprentice class at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) proudly represented the union and the school Nov. 11, bearing our nation’s flag and the U.S. Merchant Marine flag during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The participating PHC apprentices from class 901 were Orlando Quirantes, Xavier Roberts, Emma DiGennaro, and Caleb Estrada. They were invited to help symbolize and stand for the four World War II U.S. Merchant Marine veterans (Pete Kurkimilis, Charles Mills, Howard Pfeifer and David Yoho) who also took part in the ceremony. The apprentices were led by PHC Apprentice Commandant John Romer. This marked the first time the U.S. Merchant Marine had been invited to participate at the solemn event. Along with the flag, their recognition included a U.S. Merchant Marine wreath that was presented. Recalling his experience bearing the U.S. Merchant Marine flag at the ceremony, Quirantes said, “It was awesome. It was a huge honor to participate in the ceremony. We weren’t expecting it to be as grand as it was. We saw the president, the vice president, and the head of the Treasury.…” “The honor guard from the SIU was absolutely fantastic!” said American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) President Dru DiMattia. “It was an absolute pleasure working with the entire team.” “It was a great day,” said AMMV Vice President Chris Edyvean, a former SIU member. Among the cadre of distinguished attendees were President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis R. McDonough. Each year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the incumbent president has traditionally placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to memorialize fallen U.S. service members whose remains have not been located or were unable to be properly identified. Following the Veterans Day wreath-laying, the commander in chief gave a speech at the Memorial Amphitheater recognizing the American forces who always rise to the occasion each time our country requires their service, and honoring the memory of his son, Beau Biden, and his service to this country as a member of the Army National Guard. “Our veterans are the steel spine of this nation, and their families, like so many of you, are the courageous heart,” Biden said. Biden’s speech also highlighted the PACT Act, which was signed into law in August of 2022. The legislation aimed to expand healthcare access for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals and their families. Biden announced that any toxin-exposed veteran who served in any conflict outlined in the PACT Act would be able to enroll in VA health care starting in March 2024.After four decades of struggling for recognition, mariners who sailed during World War II received veterans’ status in 1988. Three years later and in another first, union mariners marched in the parade from Capitol Hill to the White House with members of the U.S. Armed Services at the conclusion of the Kuwaiti War. 2024 Meeting Dates Port Traditional Date JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Piney Point Jersey City Philadelphia Baltimore Jacksonville San Juan Algonac Norfolk Houston New Orleans Mobile Oakland Port Everglades Joliet St. Louis Honolulu Wilmington Guam Tacoma Monday after first Sunday Tuesday after first Sunday Wednesday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Friday after first Sunday Friday after first Sunday Monday after second Sunday Tuesday after second Sunday Wednesday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Monday after third Sunday Thursday after third Sunday Friday after third Sunday 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 12 16 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 12 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 20 22 23 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 11 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 18 21 22 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 13 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 20 23 24 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 12 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 19 22 23 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 16 19 20 7 8 9 10 10 10 11 11 15 15 16 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 12 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 18 21 22 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 16 19 20 Circled dates indicate changes due to holiday observances -- Meetings start at 10:30 a.m. SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2023 �Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such ar- DECEMBER 2023 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act rangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2022 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 80.55 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $402.75 (four hundred two dollars and seventy-five cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2024 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2023 and November 30, 2024 will have this calculation applied to their 2024 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2025, your objection must be received by December 1, 2024. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2022. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, Tom Orzechowski Secretary-Treasurer SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 5 5 �Former Seafarer Marks 50 Years as Seagoing Union Member Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the American Maritime Officer, monthly publication of the Seafarers-affiliated AMO. It is reprinted here with permission, and with strong encouragement from the main subject, who comes from an SIU family. “The SIU holds a very special place in my heart and life,” Fred Reyes said in a recent communication to the Seafarers LOG. The article has been lightly edited for space considerations. In May of 2023, American Maritime Officers member Frederick Reyes completed his most recent shipboard assignment. He accepted the job to join the S/S Wright in February in Norfolk, Virginia, as first engineer to work on board with a longtime friend: Chief Engineer Sterling Pearson. As he walked down the gangway in May, there was a long list of responsibilities awaiting him on the pier, including working with his wife, Nora, to choose their next course of action with the avocado, banana and coffee plantation the Reyes family has established in Colombia in recent years, and deciding whether they should keep all of their horses in the stable or maintain them in the pasture for a few weeks. Not what you might call standard kitchen-table quandaries, but these are among the interests Reyes has been able to pursue over the years during a long career as a licensed U.S. Merchant Marine officer – working hard, earning well, raising a family and having ample vacation time between shipping assignments. His rotation on the Wright was the latest installment in a voyage that began 50 years ago in the Bronx, New York. “Back then, whatever mom said, you did,” Reyes continued. “I went to Brooklyn, and they usually had the job calls where there used to be a master at arms who would stand in front of the union door entry. So, there was a gentleman named Jack Caffey, who eventually became one of the vice presidents. Jack was the master at arms in front of the union. “Now, this is 1973, you know. I was a classic long-hair college hippie. And Jack says, ‘What do you want?’ And I’m like, well, I’m here to see Paul Hall. He says, ‘Get out of here, you can’t see Paul Hall.’ And I say, Well, I got a letter here. He read the letter, looked at me, read the letter again, and says, ‘Okay, I'll be back in five minutes – stay right here.’ He goes inside the building, comes out, and these two men walk out with him. They read the letter, look at me and asked me for ID. I gave them my driver’s license. One of them looks to the other and says, ‘Man, the boss is going to be really happy with this one.’” Reyes paused in his recollection to point out his full name is Frederick Reyes-Morciglio, and his grandfather on his mother’s side, Francisco Morciglio, was a charter member of the Seafarers International Union in 1938, after having started sailing in 1918. His uncle on his mother’s side was also an SIU member who started sailing in the 1940s, and both of them sailed in the deck department. Reyes’ father also sailed as a member of the SIU in the deck department, starting perhaps in the late 1930s or early 1940s. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II and was later buried in a cemetery for veterans in Puerto Rico. His father had four brothers, and they also sailed with the SIU. “I think I have salt in my blood,” Reyes said. I turned around and there’s this white-haired gentleman, a little taller than I am, and he takes his stogie and hands it to someone, and this gentleman proceeds to grab me in a bear hug and starts bouncing me. And he says: ‘I’ve waited for 20 years for one of you guys to show up!’ “I was 20 years old and I was attending Bronx Community College,” Reyes said, noting he had previously attended NYC Food and Maritime Trade High School. “It was difficult to get work. So, I was pretty much a starving student like most students. And my mother says to me: ‘Well, here’s a letter that was given to you when you were born.’ I read the letter. She says: ‘Take this letter to the union (SIU) (which I had been going to in Brooklyn since I was a kid with my father, waiting for him to ship out) and you want to talk to only one person: (SIU President) Paul Hall.’” When he was born in 1953, the SIU issued Reyes a letter of introduction to the union, stating he could take the letter to any SIU hall in the United States and be recognized as a book member of the Seafarers International Union. He was later informed the SIU had issued approximately 20 such letters in total and had ceased doing so in 1954. From his encounter with Caffey in front of the hall in Brooklyn, Reyes was escorted upstairs to the dispatching department, led at the time by Port Agent George McCartney, who would later become a vice president with the union. First Engineer Fred Reyes (left) and Chief Engineer Sterling Pearson work aboard the Wright in Norfolk, Virginia, earlier this year. “George picks up the phone and says, quote, ‘One of the babies just arrived,’” Reyes said. “Then he says: ‘Somebody is going to be here in a few minutes to talk to you.’ “Are you Paul Hall?” Reyes asked. “He says: ‘No, I’m George McCartney.’ I looked at the guy to my right and I asked: Who are you? He says: ‘I’m Mike Sacco (who later became the union’s president).’ Then I asked the guy to my left: Who are you? He says: ‘I’m Joey Sacco (later the union’s executive vice president).’ “Joey grabbed me and says: ‘Man, you don’t know how happy the boss is going to be to see you.’ “Then I started hearing whispers. I’m standing, looking at the counter, and I feel a presence behind me and smell cigar smoke. I turned around and there’s this white-haired gentleman, a little taller than I am, and he takes his stogie and hands it to someone, and this gentleman proceeds to grab me in a bear hug and starts bouncing me. And he says: ‘I’ve waited for 20 years for one of you guys to show up!’ “He finally puts me down and I says to him, Are you Paul Hall? He says, ‘Yes, I am.’ “Good, because my mom told me to talk to you!” “He says: ‘What do you need, son?’ I told him I want to go on a ship. I want to go to work,” Reyes said. “He looks at Mike and Joey and says: ‘You see this kid? This is family. We’ll always take care of this man.’ “Here it is, 50 years later, and I’m still here,” Reyes said. Hall gave instructions to have Reyes sent to Piney Point, Maryland, for training before his first shipboard assignment. Continued on Page 9 Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $344,518,301 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $343,071,717 as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,446,584. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $86,536,416. This income included employer contributions of $123,945,964, employee contributions of $458,200, realized losses of $(7,754,600) from the sale of assets and other losses or earnings from investments of $(31,137,648), and other income of 1,024,500. Plan expenses were $85,089,832. These expenses included $15,092,717 in administrative expenses and $69,997,115 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report. 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers. 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $11 for the full report or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_@PUBLIC.DOL.GOV and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. DECEMBER 2023 �Garamendi Reintroduces Bill Requiring Offshore Energy Developers to Hire American Workers O ne of the most fervent supports of the U.S. maritime industry recently reintroduced a bill that would benefit American workers. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) in mid-October submitted a bill titled “Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act,” which would eliminate nearly a half-century of gaps that disadvantage American workers (known as “letter rulings”) by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Specifically, these loopholes allow federal regulators to circumvent the Jones Act – a time-tested federal maritime law that mandates the use of vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American when it comes to transporting cargo from one domestic port to another. The SIU is one of many maritime labor organizations supporting the bill. Garamendi is the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He served as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation from 2013 to 2018. “The U.S. government should do everything in its power to prevent foreign vessels from paying poverty wages to take jobs from Americans working in our maritime industry,” he said. “Sadly, federal regulators have largely enabled it instead. My Closing Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act would finally enforce the law as Congress intended when it created the Jones Act in 1920. Passing my legislation means maximizing job opportunities for American mariners, U.S.flagged vessels and domestic shipyard workers.” He added, “In January 2021, President Biden’s first executive order after assuming office directed federal agencies to maximize the use of American mariners, American-built ships, and U.S.-flagged vessels under the Jones Act. Less than 90 days later, Customs and Border Protection issued a letter ruling contradicting the president’s policy to allow foreign vessels to construct energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf. My bill will force federal bureaucrats to implement the president’s policy by fully enforcing the Jones Act.” According to the congressman, the Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act (H.R.5991) would: - Close the “oceanographic research vessel” loophole, thereby preventing commercial vessels engag- ing in seismic-blasting and similar pre-construction activities for offshore energy development in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone at sea from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “vessel equipment,” “lifting operations,” and “installation vessel” loopholes, thereby preventing vessels with cranes and similar equipment from moving building materials into place to construct offshore energy development in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone at sea from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “paid out, not unladen” loophole, thereby preventing vessels transporting and installing undersea cable between the mainland United States and fixed points like offshore platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “decommissioning” loophole, thereby preventing vessels decommissioning offshore platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “seabed sample” loophole, thereby preventing commercial vessels taking samples from the seafloor on the Outer Continental Shelf for offshore energy development from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “pristine seabed” loophole, thereby preventing commercial vessels that artificially place rocks or other aggregates by vessel – known as “scour protection material” – on the seafloor of the Outer Continental Shelf for offshore energy development from skirting the Jones Act. - Allow Jones Act operators to appeal letter rulings by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that undermine the Jones Act. - Subject Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement of the Jones Act to the Congressional Review Act, which applies to nearly all other major national policy and regulatory decisions at federal agencies. - Require foreign-flagged vessels operating on the Outer Continental Shelf purporting to operate under a Jones Act exemption to publicly notify Customs and Border Protection, citing the specific purported exemption and its legal basis. - Authorize Customs and Border Protection to penalize foreign-flagged vessels operating on the Outer Continental Shelf under a purported Jones Act exemption for failing to notify the federal agency. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) - Require that offshore energy developers pay a prevailing wage determined by the U.S. Department of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. - Direct the U.S. Coast Guard to fully implement Garamendi’s 2020 amendment, which reaffirmed that federal laws like the Jones Act that already applied to offshore oil and gas also apply to offshore renewable energy production in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at sea. In addition to the SIU, those supporting the Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act legislation include the Offshore Marine Service Association; American Waterways Operators; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Maritime Trades Department; Metal Trades Department; American Radio Association; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; American Maritime Officers; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Firemen’s Union; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; International Longshore and Warehouse Union; and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers. Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: - Equal rights to participate in union activities - Freedom of speech and assembly - Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments - Protection of the right to sue - Safeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: - Nominate candidates for office - Run for office - Cast a secret ballot - Protest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected of- DECEMBER 2023 ficer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/ or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: - File an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. - Retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: - Conduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. - Conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. - Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. - Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. - Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). - Permit candidates to have election observers. - Allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •77 �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $32,110,526 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $34,979,646 as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced an decrease in its net assets of $(2,869,120). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $68,249,839. This income included employer contributions of $72,888,240, realized losses of $(1,117,849) from the sale of assets, other losses from investments of $(3,680,838) and other income of $160,286. Plan expenses were $71,118,959. These expenses included $7,484,445 in administrative expenses and $63,634,514 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report. 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $15.25 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2022to December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $15,048,433. These expenses included $1,260,680 in administrative expenses and $13,787,753 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 15,228 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $147,590,346 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $170,534,853 as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $(22,944,507). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $(7,896,074), including employer contributions of $10,081,055, employee contributions of $166,973, losses of $(4,031,861) from the sale of assets, loss from investments of $(14,123,476) and other income of $11,235. The plan has a contract with The Prudential Insurance Company of America which allocates funds toward individual policies. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report. 2. Assets held for investment. 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. 4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 301-899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.75 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). 1. An accountant’s report. 2. Financial Information and information on payments to service providers. 3. Assets held for investment. 4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $5,169,054. These expenses included $166,524 in administrative expenses, $4,869,458 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $133,072 in deemed distributions. A total of 16,730 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $55,489,159 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $62,609,715 as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced an decrease in its net assets of $(7,120,556). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $(1,951,502), including employee contributions of $6,964,017, other contributions of $111,338, earnings from investments of $(9,155,591) and other income of $128,734. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_@PUBLIC.DOL.GOV and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $12.50 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 88 • SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2023 �A Career at Sea: Memories from a Longtime Mariner Continued from Page 6 “I says to George McCartney, Don’t you have a school here in Brooklyn or Manhattan or the Bronx? He said, ‘No, it’s in Maryland.’ “I don’t have money to get to Maryland. How am I going to get to Maryland?” Reyes said. “In all honesty, George goes into his pocket and pulls out a hundred-dollar-bill, and says: ‘I never want you to be without money again. We’re going put you to work and you’re always going to have money and you’re going to have a good future.’ “Mike says, ‘Look, Freddie, we’re going to be down in Piney Point in about two weeks and we’ll be down there when you get there, so you’re not going to be alone.’ “Are you sure?” Reyes asked. “Joey grabbed me and says: ‘We’re going to be friends forever.’” Reyes attended Piney Point for 12 weeks and left for his first shipboard assignment. “My very first ship was the Sealand McLean, which was a brand-new SL-7,” he remembered. His first job was in the steward department taking care of the forward house. “We set sail from Port Elizabeth and got to the Verrazano Bridge, and the movement of the ship – I got seasick the minute we passed by the Statue of Liberty,” Reyes said. “Back then, they used to make the run from New Jersey to Rotterdam in four days. I was sick the whole trip over and I was sick the whole trip back. I got off that ship 11 days later and said, I quit. I’m not going on another ship. “I had money in my pocket and I went home,” he said. “I hung out for a couple of days. My mom asked me how the trip was, my uncle asked me how the trip was, and I saw my grandfather. I said, Man, I’m not going out there. This was wintertime, so I had my first ship crossing the Atlantic – a super-fast ship that was moving all over the place. Yeah, I was sick. “My grandfather says, ‘You are going back out there, now!’ So I went back to the union hall and grabbed another ship, and that was the Elizabethport,” another Sealand Service, Inc. ship. “That’s how my career started,” Reyes said. “When we were crossing the Atlantic, I was getting sick all over the place,” he said. “I thought I wanted to be a bosun or captain. I wanted to be in the deck department. I’d go down to the engine room, and when I went down to the engine room, because it’s a low point of gravity down there, I’d be comfortable. That’s how my engineering career started – I’d go down to the engine room because I didn’t feel seasick down there.” Reyes took one more shot at a career in the deck department, signing on as an ordinary seaman on a Jones Act tanker running from New York to Texas. He found himself getting bored standing the bow watch the entire trip. The next job he took, he signed on as a wiper and never sailed outside the engine department again. A few years later, Reyes returned to Piney Point to complete the required seniority program training to earn his A-seniority book with the SIU. This entailed a week or two of classes at the school followed by a week or two in New York going to the morning production meetings with Paul Hall and Vice President Angus “Red” Campbell, he said. “Red knew my father and my grandfather, so I had a lot of camaraderie there. During one of the morning meetings – there were four of us – it was (current SIU Executive Vice President) Augie Tellez, (current Vice President West Coast) Nick Marrone and two others…. Reyes sailed with the SIU for several years. He would typically sail for five or six months at a time, come home for a few weeks, and after routine prodding from his grandfather, would turn around and go back to sea. By 1979, Reyes had earned a license. But his introduction to working as an engineering officer commenced well before he sat for the exams. A few years earlier, he was assigned to attend a new course at Piney Point to qualify to sail on LNG carriers. He ended up working as a pumpman aboard three such ships coming out of the shipyard. He continued sailing on LNG carriers as a QMED, and with guidance from the engineering officers sailing aboard the ships – represented at that time by District 1 MEBA – learned a great deal about the roles and responsibilities of a marine engineer. “By the time I got a license, I was still sailing on an LNG ship in the capacity of a QMED,” Reyes said. “I got off that ship, went home for a few weeks, then jumped on an AMO ship as a third engineer.” Reyes had gotten married in 1980 and was living in Daytona Beach with his wife and their one-year-old child when, in 1983, he was contacted by American Maritime Officers (at that time District 2 MEBA) regarding that first job as a third engineer aboard the Cove Trader. He continued sailing both licensed and unlicensed in alternating voyages, returning to the LNG fleet between AMO job assignments to earn as much money as he could. “For two or three years, I was sailing as a QMED and as an engineer. I don’t know if you can do that anymore,” Reyes said. Reyes paused for a moment to identify both the captain of the Cove Trader, the late John “Black Jack” Flanagan, and the chief engineer, Alfred “Rocky” Miliano, with whom he still maintains a close friendship. Reyes also remembered meeting STAR Center Director of Training Jerry Pannell, who was sailing as a junior deck officer on the Cove Trader at the time. “Sailing back then was different,” Reyes said. “There was a lot of camaraderie – in the crew and in the officer ranks. There wasn’t a lot of communication, so we were mariners on a ship in the middle of the ocean. “It’s a whole new generation of mariners now. There’s a different level of sophistication. The technology onboard the vessels – it’s strictly business now. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it is different. “It’s been a great life voyage for me, personally, being a mariner – being in the crew, and I’ve been an officer for quite a few decades,” Reyes said. “I really care for the crew. I make sure to look after them…. Former Seafarer Fred Reyes is pictured with his wife, Nora. Reyes also reflected upon a situation which stemmed from the sealift operation during the first Gulf War – after Iraq invaded Kuwait – and identified a reality faced by the U.S. maritime industry to this day. “I was on the Cornhusker State. I was second engineer. We get to Saudi Arabia … and I was standing on the dock and there was a bunch of young soldiers there. One of them asked if I was CIA, because I was dressed in civvies, and I was, like, no. He says, ‘Well, what are you doing here?’ “I came on the ship,” Reyes said. “I’m a merchant mariner. Then I pointed to the ship and said, How do you think the war machine got from the United States to here? And he says, ‘The Navy.’ And I said no, the Navy are warriors. We are the civilian mariners who support you, the combatant. You see those helicopters coming off that ship? How do you think they got here? “Now I had their full attention and I explained it to them,” Reyes said. “Most people, most Americans, really don’t understand what the Merchant Marine is and what we do. “For me, going to sea is part of the fabric of my existence,” he said. “Whether it be alongside a dock or crossing the oceans, that’s what I do. I was born to do that and I’m very proud of it. “I appreciate and I love the SIU for providing the vehicle for me to have this wonderful life as a mariner, and I appreciate the AMO as an organization for taking care of me and my family,” Reyes said. “We as mariners are a certain breed of human being who do what we do.” Reyes addressed a final point to the next generation of the U.S. Merchant Marine, both junior officers coming out of the academies and hawsepipers beginning their careers as unlicensed mariners. “Within this industry, you can start at the bottom and work your way up to the top. And it’s possible to do it, because I did it,” Reyes said. “I’m very thankful that going to sea has given me a great life. Because I’ve had a ball.” USTRANSCOM Honors Retired SIU President SIU President Michael Sacco on Oct. 31 received the Pegasus Award, “which honors individuals or groups as strong proponents of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and its mission,” the agency reported. SIU President David Heindel (right) accepted the honor on Sacco’s behalf, during a joint meeting of USTRANSCOM and the National Defense Transportation Association in Orlando, Florida. USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (left) presented the plaque. She stated that people with “innovative visions, passion to fulfill them, and fearless dedication to win are the ones who will help us achieve the impossible.” She said Sacco “is one of those people who has been critical to all of us in achieving the impossible. Mike is a true American Patriot.…Thank you for being a terrific team player to USTRANSCOM, the [Joint Deployment Distribution Enterprise], and our nation.” DECEMBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU TALKING MARITIME IN D.C. – SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) chats with former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi at a recent gathering in the nation’s capital. Suozzi is trying to regain his former Long Island seat now held by Rep. George Santos. SPREADING THE WORD IN LONE STAR STATE - SIU Patrolmen Kirk Pegan (left) and Kelly Krick stand prepared to discuss the SIU and its affiliated school during a late-October career fair in Willowbrook, Texas. ABOARD ENERGY HERCULES – Meeting aboard the Seabulk vessel are (standing, from left) SIU Asst. VPs Chris Westbrook and Mike Russo, Capt. Chris Kibodeaux, Mate Nick Stickell, and (front) Engineer Mike Matte. RECRUITING IN GARDEN STATE – SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos (right) and Safety Director Ali Alhamyari man a table at a wellattended career fair in Elizabeth, New Jersey. ABOARD EL COQUI – Pictured aboard the Intrepid vessel are (above left, from left, starting in front): Recertified Steward Bryan Alvarez, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, SIU AVP Amancio Crespo. Back row, also from left: ABM Jorge Soler, ABW John Paul Mauras, Recertified Bosun Abel Vazquez, ABW Juan Chevalier Jr., ABM Raul Colon. In the other photo, in back, from left: Vazquez, Soler, Colon. In front: Crespo, vessel master Capt. Nicholas St. Jean, QMED Kevin Johnson, Electrician Rodney Passapera, Oiler Lance Gibson, Alvarez. WELCOME ASHORE - Longtime Seafarer Timothy Pillsworth (right in both photos) has decided to retire. He joined the union in 1978 and mainly sailed as an electrician, though in recent years he worked as a crane operator. He’s pictured with his son Kyle (also an SIU member) (left) and with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (second photo). 10 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 • SEAFARERS ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Another tempting meal is served up by (from left) Chief Cook Fernando Marques, SA Luis Perez and Recertified Steward Tony Mendez aboard the TOTE vessel, inbound to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Jacksonville, Florida. DECEMBER 2023 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WEST-COAST OUTREACH – SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman is ready to welcome industry newcomers during a recent career fair in Downey, California. NEW BOOK FOR ‘A-MAN’ IN CHARM CITY – Bosun Michael Kanga (right) picks up his replacement book at the Baltimore hall. At left is SIU Representative Jose Argueta. Kanga is an A-seniority member who filled his old book, hence the newly acquired one. NOTEWORTHY GATHERING - October 16 proved historic on the West Coast, as the Wilmington, California, hall hosted its first membership meeting as a constitutional port. Many of the attendees are pictured above. DISCUSSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS – In mid-October, Maj. Joe Rodriguez (right) from the Puerto Rico Army National Guard visited the hiring hall in San Juan to discuss potential maritime career opportunities for U.S. military veterans. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, who’s an Army veteran, and Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, a Navy veteran. GRASSROOTS SUPPORT – A number of Seafarers volunteered to support the campaign of John Whitmire, labor-backed candidate for Houston mayor. Whitmire received the most votes but is headed for a Dec. 9 runoff, something that had been widely predicted. Working the phones are (above, right, counterclockwise, starting at front right) OS Wageeh Saeed, OS Ibrahim Ahmed, Chief Cook Yohanes Pribadi, ABM Sirio Centino, SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala, SA Charles Hanohano, GUDE Darwin Santos Nunez, OS Ezzaddin Saeed, GUDE Irving Guerrero, and OS Richmond Almocera. Pictured from left in photo above, left are AB Daniel Hanback and Recertified Bosun Luis Garcia, while the remaining photo includes (from left) SA Fredy Ruiz and GUDE Ricky Guity. DECEMBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG•11 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 14, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14, 2023. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 20 1 3 18 4 6 9 28 25 28 4 2 17 8 3 0 5 17 2 21 7 0 3 10 0 3 2 15 21 9 0 0 13 5 0 1 5 6 1 6 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 3 4 1 0 0 4 1 0 1 3 2 0 3 11 0 3 12 3 3 4 17 21 17 2 5 14 8 1 1 4 17 0 19 5 0 2 10 0 3 0 8 11 8 1 1 8 3 1 0 0 5 1 5 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 1 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 1 6 0 2 3 12 13 12 2 0 5 3 2 1 4 8 0 6 29 3 2 30 3 16 15 42 39 37 3 11 27 17 7 1 9 24 4 45 6 3 3 12 0 6 5 35 33 9 2 5 19 3 1 5 10 8 0 9 3 0 0 1 1 3 1 6 7 2 0 2 7 2 0 0 3 5 1 7 TOTAL 221 107 26 162 72 16 85 364 174 51 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 2 1 1 5 0 1 4 11 13 8 2 1 10 7 4 2 4 4 0 10 90 1 1 1 3 0 2 2 6 13 4 2 1 7 1 0 2 1 1 0 7 55 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 0 1 9 3 1 0 0 2 0 5 32 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 7 3 0 0 4 0 0 2 1 4 1 6 36 4 2 2 10 1 2 8 17 24 13 5 2 24 5 3 4 7 9 2 19 163 1 2 0 4 0 3 2 11 17 3 2 4 9 4 0 0 1 3 1 8 75 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 3 2 1 0 1 9 3 1 0 0 4 0 5 34 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 8 10 3 0 1 5 3 1 0 2 5 0 6 50 7 0 1 10 1 3 6 18 28 14 3 2 19 17 3 4 2 11 1 35 185 2 0 1 4 1 3 2 12 23 6 0 1 17 5 1 7 10 4 0 12 111 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 5 1 0 0 8 2 1 2 2 0 0 2 29 5 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 5 2 1 0 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 3 13 1 2 10 1 4 4 33 52 20 1 0 13 7 1 6 1 9 1 19 15 1 0 15 2 10 8 39 136 27 1 2 51 11 0 14 4 7 1 14 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to (412) 899-8989. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to (412) 899-8989. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. December & January Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Monday: Dec. 4, Jan. 8 Friday: Dec. 8, Jan. 12 Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11 Thursday: Dec. 21 , Jan. 25 Friday: Dec. 15 , Jan. 19 Monday: Dec. 11 , Tuesday: Jan. 16 Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11 Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Port Everglades San Juan Wednesday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17 Tuesday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 Tuesday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 Friday: Dec. 8, Jan. 12 Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18 Wednesday: Dec. 6, Jan. 10 Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18 Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11 St. Louis Friday: Dec. 15, Jan. 19 Tacoma Friday: Dec. 22, Jan. 26 Wilmington Monday: Dec. 18, Jan. 22 Houston change due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Engine Department 4 0 2 8 0 0 2 4 14 4 0 1 10 6 1 0 1 4 1 4 66 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 3 8 3 1 0 10 1 0 3 1 3 0 5 44 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 17 Steward Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 4 0 0 7 1 2 4 12 22 9 2 2 10 12 4 2 0 3 0 12 108 2 0 0 3 0 1 1 6 13 2 0 1 10 2 3 5 6 3 1 9 68 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 4 2 1 0 0 17 1 0 0 4 1 3 6 10 10 6 0 2 6 7 2 4 1 4 0 12 79 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 2 1 4 1 2 4 17 19 10 1 0 15 2 1 5 0 4 1 14 13 1 2 8 1 5 7 17 67 11 1 1 18 7 0 18 2 4 1 9 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 8 2 0 1 8 0 2 1 4 3 1 5 41 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 18 Entry Department 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 11 12 8 1 0 8 4 0 8 0 4 0 3 8 1 2 3 0 0 2 8 22 5 2 0 10 7 0 7 0 2 1 2 TOTAL 9 112 193 4 62 82 24 18 198 358 GRAND TOTAL 428 342 268 311 219 133 195 730 558 472 12 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), August 26 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Abraham Mills. Chairman extended thanks to all, especially the steward department. Steward delegate thanked crew for helping to keep the ship clean and thanked the deck department for their cooperation when providing help to the galley gang. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to check all documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded members to attend SIU meetings for updated information. Crew gave thanks to union president for his good work securing a new contract. Members requested cost of living increases to occur every two years and an increase in vacation and pension pay. Crew reported nice weather and a safe voyage. GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations, LLC), August 29 – Chairman Antjuan Webb, Secretary Marcelo Param, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Engine Delegate Benjamin Thuringer. Chairman advised members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. Deck delegate encouraged crew to be familiar with work being done in each department and with overall vessel operations. Crew suggested modification in vacation benefits and expressed concern about reduced OT. Members discussed union health benefits and asked for coldweather jackets for freezer. GREEN BAY (Waterman Transport, Inc.), September 7 – Chairman Nicholas Turano, Secretary Kevin Bozis, Deck Delegate George Fababier. Members discussed port schedules, relief statuses and proper sanitation procedures. Educational director encouraged crew to stay on top of their physicals and to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Ship fund to be used to purchase snacks in Japan. Deck delegate reiterated the importance of safe working habits and the use of personal protective equipment. Steward delegate asked for crew’s patience while awaiting fresh stores. Members requested modification in vacation benefits. Next port: Vancouver, Washington. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), September 10 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. New treadmill received August 28. Refrigerator still needed in crew mess. Chairman informed crew of newly constitutionalized ports including Norfolk, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Tacoma. Secretary reminded members to pick up after themselves in both the crew mess and laundry room. Educational director advised crew to check for upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Relief crew members only get two sets of overalls, crew is asking for a minimum of three, as well as better-quality rain gear. Members asked to increase Wi-Fi allowance to 1 gigabyte per day and to also increase vacation days to 20 for 30. Crew would like to qualify for vacation after 30 days of employment and for the steward assistant pay scale to be equal to entry level positions in other departments. Members requested a new espresso machine. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management, LLC), September 10 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Nathan Brailsford, Educational Director Melvin Ratcliff, Deck Delegate Luis Garcia, Engine Delegate Shaun Castain, Steward Delegate Munassar Ali. Chairman complimented crew. Members asked for an updated contract. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew proposed contract revision to include penalty time for pumpman while performing certain tasks. Members requested 15 for 30 vacation days and commended steward department for putting out good food. the union’s ongoing recruiting efforts and asked members to be proactive in bringing in and training new members. Chairman gave thanks to steward department. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school. He asked them to give guidance to newcomers and to help each other when needed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed pension benefits and asked for 20 for 30 vacation days. Members expressed their dissatisfaction with entry-level pay increase as well as their frustrations working with Acuity. According to crew, it can take up to seven weeks for Acuity to clear them for work. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), September 10 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Oscar Gomez, Educational Director Derek Chestnut, Deck Delegate George Lammers, Engine Delegate Joseph Jacobs, Steward Delegate Oscar Ramos. Payoff scheduled September 12, per chairman. Educational director encouraged members to check course dates offered at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattress covers and gave a special thanks to the steward department for a job well done. TACOMA (Matson Navigation), September 17 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Andrew Gronotte. Chairman discussed various points regarding physical exams. Any ideas for changes, concerns, or disagreements pertaining to medical may be sent to Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. TWIC cards now may renewed online. Crew discussed requirements for upgrading in Piney Point. They noted that entry ratings will not be able to obtain A-seniority books without upgrading. Secretary advised crew to use the SIU portal to access sea time, union documents, direct deposit for vacation pay and scheduling physicals. Educational director urged members to upgrade often at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew made suggestions regarding permanent and rotary jobs, reliefs, and job calls. They requested free, unlimited Wi-Fi access. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), September 17 – Chairman Donny Castillo, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Marco Baez Milan, Deck Delegate Domingo Cazon, Engine Delegate Jean Paul Lozada, Steward Delegate Juan Poblete. Chairman encouraged crew to read the Seafarers LOG and reminded them that it is also available online. He mentioned Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return DECEMBER 2023 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •13 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class. That class included 11 Seafarers; the remaining five responses will be published in the next edition. Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Stephen Gately Recertified Bosun HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 I’m a third-generation sailor, and my two brothers had joined the union from the oil fields. I’ve stayed because this is better than riding crew boats. We have stability, good money, and you’re able to get your time in. The pension plan is another reason I’ve stuck with it. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 Ali Alhamyari Recertified Bosun GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 I’m second generation; my father was NMU. I joined because I was tired of deadend jobs, and I was looking for a career rather than just a job. This has kept me off the streets and out of trouble. I joined in 2008, Class 716. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Ricky Rivera Recertified Bosun JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 I joined the SIU mainly for work and travel. I mean, where else do you get to travel the world and get paid? I remained with the union because it has been a blessing for me and my family. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Godofredo Milabo Recertified Bosun To experience what my father did on ships and to see the world. I have stayed with the SIU because it’s a good way to make a living while seeing the world at the same time. Jabr Ali Recertified Bosun The best thing that has ever happened to me was joining the SIU. It has helped me and my family, especially when it comes to finances. Charles Ford Recertified Bosun I joined the SIU for the chance to make a great living, and have months off at a time. The job is fun and I enjoy sailing on the West Coast, as I can see family and friends when we get to port. I have remained in the union because I enjoy the work that I do. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Infamous for having once booed Santa Claus, Philadelphia sports fans undoubtedly would’ve given a standing ovation to this particular Seafaring Santa (seated in the back), pictured with guests at the hiring hall during a holiday celebration. This LOG office file photo is undated, but the staff hopes it engenders the holiday spirit for our readers. 14 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2023 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA ANTONIO ARIZALA Brother Antonio Arizala, 65, started his career with the union in 2004. He first shipped on the Cape Lobos and sailed in the deck department. Brother Arizala upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the Global Sentinel and makes his home in Brooklyn, Maryland. MUHIDDIN AWALE Brother Muhiddin Awale, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996 when he sailed aboard the USNS Antares. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Awale shipped in the deck department and last worked on the Cape Island. He is a resident of Tukwila, Washington. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. MARK FLEMING JUSTINO MARTINEZ DAVID PAPPAS Brother Mark Fleming, 68, became a member of the union in 1979. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed aboard the Mount Explorer. Brother Fleming upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the Cape Kennedy and lives in New Orleans. Brother Justino Martinez, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2000 and first sailed aboard the Bernard F. Fisher. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and sailed in the steward department. Brother Martinez’s final vessel was the Maersk Durban. He makes his home in New York City. Brother David Pappas, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1977 when he sailed aboard the USNS Potomac. Brother Pappas upgraded often at the Piney Point school. A steward department member, he last shipped on the USNS Capella. Brother Pappas settled in Davenport, Florida. LAWRENCE HOLBERT KELLY MAYO WILFREDO PEREZ Brother Lawrence Holbert, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1988, initially sailing on the OMI Dynachem. Brother Holbert was a member of the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Holbert last shipped on the Perseverance and lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Brother Kelly Mayo, 63, started his career with the union in 1970, initially sailing with Michigan Tankers Inc. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Mayo most recently shipped on the Overseas Nikiski. He lives in Inverness, Florida. Brother Wilfredo Perez, 65, signed on with the union in 2003. He was a steward department member and first sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise. Brother Perez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last shipped on the Maersk Durban. He makes his home in Dorchester, Massachusetts. GERALD HYMAN KENNETH MOORE CAMILO VILLAFANIA Brother Gerald Hyman, 61, donned the SIU colors in 1982 when he sailed aboard the Cove Leader. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hyman most recently sailed on the Independence. He is a resident of Newport News, Virginia. Brother Kenneth Moore, 66, became an SIU member in 1980 when he shipped on the John Tyler. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Moore’s final vessel was the Liberty Sun. He resides in Harvey, Louisiana. Brother Camilo Villafania, 66, became a member of the SIU in 1997 and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. He first shipped aboard the Independence and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Villafania’s final vessel was the USNS Bowditch. He resides in Honolulu. PAUL LONGLEY OMAR MUHAMMAD Brother Paul Longley, 66, joined the union in 2001. A deck department member, he initially shipped on the Kenai. Brother Longley upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Santorini and resides in Austin, Texas. Brother Omar Muhammad, 70, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing on the USNS Bold. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Muhammad last shipped on the Jack Lummus and makes his home in Detroit. LARRY MARTIN CHARLES MULL MICHAEL WILSON Brother Larry Martin, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977. He first sailed aboard the Ogden Challenger and worked in the deck department. Brother Martin upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last worked aboard the Cape Knox and is a New Orleans resident. Brother Charles Mull, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989 and initially worked on the Independence. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the American Phoenix. Brother Mull upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He calls Vero Beach, Florida, home. Brother Michael Wilson, 62, signed on with the union in 1981. He was a deck department member and first sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Wilson upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He was most recently employed with Seabulk Towing and settled in Groves, Texas. LEO BACALL Brother Leo Bacall, 65, joined the union in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Bacall’s final vessel was the Horizon Tiger. He calls Hayward, California, home. ROMEO BENDICO Brother Romeo Bendico, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2001 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bendico most recently sailed aboard the Gem State. He resides in Tukwila, Washington. BRAD BRUNETTE Brother Brad Brunette, 63, joined the union in 1978, initially sailing on the Overseas Natalie. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Brunette last shipped on the Green Cove and makes his home in Miami Beach, Florida. GODFREY EGODOTAYE Brother Godfrey Egodotaye, 69, started sailing with the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, he first worked on the Meteor. Brother Egodotaye upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His final vessel was the Overseas Houston. Brother Egodotaye is a Houston resident. DECEMBER 2023 INLAND MARK SHEFFLER Brother Mark Sheffler, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1979. A deck department member, he was employed with the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. Brother Sheffler lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MANUEL BEATA Pensioner Manuel Beata, 93, passed away September 6. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1966 and first sailed with Gulf Canal Lines. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Beata last shipped on the Pride. He retired in 1994 and settled in Maywood, New Jersey. WILLIAM CSAPO Pensioner William Csapo, 69, died June 24. He became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Commerce. Brother Csapo was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Cape Trinity in 1995. Brother Csapo became a pensioner in 2019 and made his home in Vancouver, Washington. ROY GREEN Pensioner Roy Green, 59, passed away September 29. He joined the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Green sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Bay State. He started collecting his pension earlier this year and was a Houston resident. WILFRED JEFFERS Pensioner Wilfred Jeffers, 82, passed away October 8. He became a member of the SIU in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Maersk Maine. Brother Jeffers worked in the deck department. He retired in 2013 after sailing aboard his final vessel, the Maersk Iowa. Brother Jeffers resided in Covington, Georgia. BRUCE KORTE Pensioner Bruce Korte, 70, died October 7. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Vindicator. Brother Korte was an engine department member and last sailed on the Texas in 2016. He went on pension the following year and settled in Orange, Texas. ROBERT LINDSAY Pensioner Robert Lindsay, 69, passed away October 29. He joined the SIU in 1990 and first shipped on the Cape Nome. Brother Lindsay was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Cape Ray. He went on pension in March of this year and made his home in Norfolk, Virginia. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. INLAND LAUREANO PEREZ Pensioner Laureano Perez, 90, died October 16. Born in Spain, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1955. Brother Perez was initially employed with Ore Navigation Corporation. An engine department member, he last shipped on the Long Lines. Brother Perez retired in 1988 and resided in Baltimore. JOSE SEPULVEDA Pensioner Jose Sepulveda, 74, passed away September 5. He donned the SIU colors in 1994 when he shipped on the USNS Algol. Brother Sepulveda sailed in all three departments. He concluded his career aboard the Liberty Star and became a pensioner in 2016. Brother Sepulveda lived in Houston. NICANOR SERENO Pensioner Nicanor Sereno, 82, died August 31. He became a member of the union in 2000, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Sereno was a steward department member. He last shipped on the Pacific Collector before retiring in 2013. Brother Sereno was a resident of Morton, Illinois. JOHN SHIVERS Pensioner John Shivers, 73, passed away September 19. He signed on with the SIU in 1997. Brother Shivers first shipped on the USNS Pollux. A deck department member, he last sailed on the Green Bay. Brother Shivers went on pension in 2017 and called Sun Valley, Nevada, home. GREAT LAKES ROBERT CHARTERS Pensioner Robert Charters, 85, died September 13. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1963, initially sailing with American Steamship Company. Brother Charters was a deck department member and last sailed on the Sam Laud. He became a pensioner in 2000 and settled in Frankfort, Michigan. 16 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS FREDDY HAMILTON Pensioner Freddy Hamilton, 85, died October 6. He started sailing with the SIU in 1983. Brother Hamilton initially worked with Dixie Carriers and primarily sailed in the steward department. He last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and became a pensioner in 2004. Brother Hamilton lived in Floral City, Florida. JACK LEE Pensioner Jack Lee, 91, passed away October 11. He joined the SIU in 1965. Brother Lee sailed in the deck department. He retired in 1997 after concluding his career with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Lee made his home in Frisco City, Alabama. ALBERT SCHMITT Pensioner Albert Schmitt, 75, died October 18. A deck department member, he signed on with the union in 1967. Brother Schmitt sailed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for most of his career. He became a pensioner in 2007 and lived in New Orleans. FORD SOLOMON Pensioner Ford Solomon, 95, passed away September 19. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 and worked in the deck department. Brother Solomon was employed with Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. He went on pension in 1990 and called Monroeville, Alabama, home. ALVERTIA WEST Pensioner Alvertia West, 71, died October 5. He joined the union in 1971 when he worked with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother West was a deck department member and last sailed with Martin Marietta in 1995. Brother West began collecting his pension in 2014 and resided in Fairhope, Alabama. NMU ABRAHAM COLON Pensioner Abraham Colon, 97, passed away September 26. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Colon began sailing in 1947. He sailed in the engine department, initially on the Ben F. Dixon. Brother Colon’s final ship was the Edgar Queeny. He became a pensioner in 1987 and settled in Deltona, Florida. JOHN GUIBORD Pensioner John Guibord, 69, died August 23. Brother Guibord was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Export Patriot in 1996. Brother Guibord began collecting his pension in 2019 and lived in St. James, Florida. DUDLEY JOHNSON Pensioner Dudley Johnson, 96, passed away September 2. Brother Johnson began sailing in 1965, initially aboard the Export Bay. He worked in the engine department and last shipped on the Jean Lykes. Brother Johnson went on pension in 1991 and settled in Winter Springs, Florida. VERNON MCLAUGHLIN Pensioner Vernon McLaughlin, 93, died August 18. Brother McLaughlin was a deck department member. He last shipped aboard the Cape Archway and retired in 1999. Brother McLaughlin lived in Sunrise, Florida. TERRY MCQUILLEN Pensioner Terry McQuillen, 81, passed away October 2. He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Brother McQuillen was a deck department member, sailing most recently aboard the Cape Henry in 2004. Brother McQuillen became a pensioner in 2014 and made his home in Fort Pierce, Florida. ANGEL MENA Pensioner Angel Mena, 101, passed away July 24. Born in Puerto Rico, he began sailing in 1945. Brother Mena first sailed on the Cape Flattery and worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Pasadena and began collecting his pension in 1973. Brother Mena resided in Orlando, Florida. HAROLD WASHINGTON Pensioner Harold Washington, 71, passed away September 7. Brother Washington sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Elizabeth Lykes before becoming a pensioner in 1990. Brother Washington resided in Mobile, Alabama, his home state. DECEMBER 2023 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 19 March 18 March 1 March 29 Able Seafarer - Deck January 22 March 11 February 9 March 29 AB to Mate January 22 July 12 Combined Basic/Advanced FF January 22 January 26 Medical Care Provider January 29 February 2 Basic Training Revalidation January 19 January 29 February 2 February 12 February 16 January 19 January 29 February 2 February 12 February 16 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation February 5 February 9 Government Vessels January 8 January 29 February 26 January 12 February 2 March 1 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL January 8 January 12 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG January 15 January 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT February 5 March 1 Junior Engineer January 8 March 1 Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Marine Refer Tech March 11 April 19 Machinist April 29 May 10 Pumpman April 22 April 26 Welding January 22 March 4 February 9 March 22 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook January 8 February 12 March 18 February 9 March 15 April 19 ServSafe Management February 5 March 11 February 9 March 15 Advanced Galley Ops January 8 March 18 February 2 April 12 Chief Steward February 12 March 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member COURSE ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. DECEMBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG17 • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos 900 APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #900 – Graduated October 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Ninesha Anderson, Jamal Boyette, Justin Brown, Alex Buchko, Nirel Escalante, Kenny Galeno, Theodore Hampton IV, DeCarlo Harris Jr., Joshua Higdon, Michael Migliore, Juan Murray, Ryan Nelson, Kevin O'Lone, Pablo Ovalle, John Smith, Jyheir Thompson, Trent Valentine and Tyler Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BASIC SAFETY: PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – Graduated October 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Masha Blas, Treavon Hampton, Levi Moore and Klaus Wigand Leguizamon. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Qiana Holmes, Kyle Jolivette, Jawonn Nicholson, Kyunjre Randall, Aquil Revell, Angelo Santos, Natasha Staton, and Paulette Thompson. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Noli Aguirre, Sameer FOWT – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Jordan Allen, Tomas Faller, Dominic Jones, Joseph McClam and Abdulrehman Shayef. 18 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS Ahmed, Rahsaan Alexander, Yunlay Bridges, Leighanne Deano, Jon Erichsen, Mowaffak Ghaleb, Jason Hanlon, Cody Higgs, Ruby Jones, Eileen Mendiola, David Mohamed, Rodante Niebres, Tyler Peyton, Tresten Porter, Willie Sam, Wilton Williams Jr. and Ali Mossed Yahia. (Note: Not all are pictured.) DECEMBER 2023 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW - PHASE 3 – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Travis Akins Jr., Richard Calderon, Rickay Channer, Jamari Chavis, Juan Cruz, Diego Diaz Florez, Jackson Freitas, Austin Gonzalez, Delmus James, Jayline Johnson, Alex Needham, Valerie O'Reilly, Andrew Pecheux, Brian Ransom Jr., Abdul-Qadir Shahid, Hector Torres-Rodriguez and Christian Westcott. MACHINIST – Graduated October 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Abad, Jonathan Bernardez WATER SURVIVAL (LIFEBOATMAN) – Graduated October 6: Habash Ahmed. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated October 6: Vannessa Curd (not pictured), Nadzeya Kuptsova (right) and Andrew Miller (left). BASIC SAFETY: PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – Graduated October 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Yunlay Bridges, Jon Erichsen, Jason Hanlon, Brian Nixon, and Arthur Peoples. DECEMBER 2023 Bernardez, Michael Clark, Marlon Green, Wilbert Hinton, Jared Johnson, Robert Lee Pendarvis, Marcelino Santos Bermeo, Bryan Wells, and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Patrick Coppola is also pictured. (Note: Not all are pictured.) JUNIOR ENGINEER - BASIC REFRIGERATION & HVAC – Graduated October 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Eshrak Dewan, Jade Ezera, Marvin Fabrizius, Danielle Gore, Tyson Richardson, Liam Richey and Ahbram Ventura-Bishop. (Note: Not all are pictured.) GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Yunlay Bridges, Vannessa Curd, Jessica Dunney, Treavon Hampton, Devin Hoerr, Randy Madrid, Michael Maldonado, Ja'tarvis McDaniel, Levi Moore, Vicente Ordonez, Cory Riley, Edward Shamburger, Brya Sparks, Matthew Vargas, Klaus Wigand Leguizamon and John Wilson. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG19 • 19 �DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO NY Waterway Launches New Service One day before Halloween, SIU members employed by NY Waterway helped start a new service that could be described as a treat for local commuters in South Amboy, New Jersey. The passenger service – which was decades in the making – provides direct routes between South Amboy and two stops in Manhattan (Brookfield Place, Midtown). It is augmented by free local shuttles. SIU members sail as captains and deckhands aboard NY Waterway ferries. “This is a great day for all involved,” said South Amboy Mayor Fred A. Henry. “This is something that we have waited quite some time for.” “We’re thrilled to bring this ferry connection to the South Amboy community and to the thousands of commuters who live in surrounding Middlesex County and seek fast, comfortableand reliable service,” said NY Waterway President and CEO Armand Pohan. “Free parking, easy South Amboy rail connections and free shuttles locally and in New York City make the ferry a highly attractive commuting option and we expect the South Amboy terminal to be a catalyst for economic development in that area.” “This is a historic day for South Amboy and the surrounding communities,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “This project is very personal for me. For most of my life I’ve heard from local business and civic leaders about what a regular ferry service could mean for my hometown, economically and culturally. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to coordinate local, state, and federal resources and I’m thrilled that a company of NY Waterway’s stature will be managing this operation. Generations of residents will benefit from this as our region thrives and grows.” A permanent ferry terminal is being built in South Amboy and is slated for completion in approximately 18 months, according to news reports. In the interim, boats are using a floating dock facility similar to ones that NY Waterway maintains at Pier 14 in Hoboken, New Jersey, and in the Paulus Hook section of Jersey City. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-New Jersey) successfully advocated for a grant from the Federal Transit Administration that helped fund the new service. He was among the dignitaries who attended the ceremonial launch. “I’m proud to join state and local leaders in South Amboy today to witness the launch of the ferry,” Pallone said. “This moment is the culmination of years of hard work from everyone joining us today. The South Amboy ferry will give residents a new way to commute between Central Jersey and New York City and reduce traffic congestion. The ferry will also bolster economic opportunities in the city and surrounding area.” The ferry is expected to service more than 1,000 daily riders during each weekday and 250 daily riders on weekend days. This roughly equates to an annual weekday ridership of 260,000 and annual weekend ridership of 26,000, with a total annual ridership of 286,000 that will greatly lower daily commuter traffic congestion between Central New Jersey and Manhattan, Pallone’s office reported. Capt. Mike Khann SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson, NY Waterway President/CEO Armand Pohan, NY Waterway VP of Operations Alan Warren U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson San Juan Celebration SIU President David Heindel (at podium in photo below and at right in remaining photo) was a featured speaker Nov. 4 at the 20th anniversary celebration of Seafarers House San Juan. With backing from both the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers Trust and the Norwegian Seafarers Union, Seafarers House San Juan commenced operation after a few years of planning and preparation. Heindel thanked the facility and its personnel “for your tireless efforts…. I truly believe there isn’t a greater mission than that of Seafarers House San Juan. Helping seafarers feel at home, giving them whatever assistance they need, allowing them to make the most of their time ashore – these are all extremely important pursuits. We are our own community, and we have to look out for each other. That’s exactly what you do.” Pictured with him in the photo at right are SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (left) and Safety Director Ricky Rivera. Deckhands Jonathan Gage and Ignazio Minutillo � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2023 Description An account of the resource UNION, SCHOOL TEAM UP WITH U.S. -FLAG GROUP FOR NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK UNION VOTERS POWER ELECTION WINS SIU CREWS HONORED AT NDTA MEETING SIU, OTHERS BLAST PROPOSED SECOND REGISTRY APPRENTICES INSTRUMENTAL TO VETERANS DAY CEREMONY FORMER SEAFARER MARKS 50 YEARS AS SEAGOING UNION MEMBER GARAMENDI REINTRODUCES BILL REQUIRING OFFSHORE ENERGYY DEVELOPERS TO HIRE AMERICAN WORKERS UNION MEMBER RIGHTS, OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT USTRANSCOM HONORS RETIRED SIU PRESIDENT NY WATERWAY LAUNCHES NEW SERVICE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOLUME 85, NO. 12 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/73e3cfc89c16a7dd96bb09aaf6273d14.pdf 2debc740538445c5504041d9d9281aee PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG NOVEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 11 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Welcomes New Tonnage Several vessels recently entered the Seafarers-crewed fleet, including the heavy-lift ship SLNC Star (top photo), operated by Chesapeake Crewing, and the Cape Sable (left, directly above), a roll-on/roll-off ship operated by Crowley. Some of the first SLNC Star crew members are pictured directly above at right. They are (from left): vessel master Capt. John Rodriguez, CE Aaron Simard, CM Jean Marien, CE Jeffrey Stanley, Bosun Jeromy Furnas, 3AE Daniel Govig, QMED Dillon Nelson, 2M Abigail Solomos, QMED Norman Middleton, AB Betty Sirait, and 3M Joseph Cerrato. Also aboard at that time (but not pictured): AB Josean Villarrubia, Steward/Baker Leone Buggage and GVA John Cabreros. Details about these two ships and a few others are reported on Page 3. (Cape Sable photo by Savannah Weston) REPORT: UNIONS BENEFIT ECONOMY • PAGE 4 // RECERTIFIED BOSUNS SHARE INSIGHTS • PAGES 10-11 �ITF Recovers Nearly $120M in Unpaid Wages President’s Report Delivering the Goods A s this edition went to press, SIU members stepped up to deliver vital cargo for the war in Israel. This type of voyage is never taken lightly, and while there’s no way to know how many additional trips may occur, I want to publicly thank those Seafarers who have already answered the call. As I mentioned in correspondence sent directly to the ship, you are a credit to the union David Heindel and to your profession. You have maintained the high standard of the Brotherhood of the Sea. I’m sure we’ll be at liberty to mention more details down the line, but for now, please know that your fellow Seafarers appreciate your dedication and your professionalism. As has been reported by our military, SIU-crewed ships also continue transporting materiel for the war in Ukraine. Here again, our members exemplify what it means to serve as part of America’s fourth arm of defense, in peace and war. Keep up the great work and please know that your union fully stands with you at all times. Making Progress If you follow our social media accounts, you undoubtedly have seen plenty of photos of our folks on the recruiting trail. We also are publishing several of those images on the back page this month, along with a short recap of some recent outreach. The bottom line is that we are making progress, and we’re committed for the long haul. It’s a lot of work and it is vital to the future of both our union and our industry. We are building new partnerships along the way, which stand to benefit all concerned, as well as the nation at large. America needs a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, for reasons you all know. We don’t need any further incentives to keep us energized for recruiting, but the importance of our industry does help stoke the fire. We’re also making some headway in our efforts to ease the regulatory burdens on individual mariners. As you can imagine, there isn’t a quick fix when tackling this sort of task, but I think we’re getting on the same page with allies from the Coast Guard (among others), and, as with recruiting, we’re not letting up. Finding a Home Be sure to read this month’s article about the newest class of recertified bosuns. Those members are among the ones who know our union the best, and their personal comments really say a lot about the life-changing opportunities available in the SIU. I particularly appreciated how many of the bosuns described how they found a home with the SIU, and how their careers enable them to provide for their families. That is really what we’re all about. As someone who has spent my entire life with the SIU, I understand that, like any organization, we have some imperfections. But I am genuinely proud of our many strengths, starting with our rank-and-file members, continuing with our dedicated officials, and extending to everyone who works at our affiliated school in Piney Point. I truly believe we are a winning team, and our best days are ahead. Seafarers LOG Volume 85 Number 11 November 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Inspectors from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) continue making a big difference in the lives of mariners around the world. That point seems clear in the immediate aftermath of a new report showing that the inspectors recovered more than $118.5 million in wages owed to mariners between the years 2020 and 2022. The federation published those figures on World Maritime Day, Sept. 28. The SIU is affiliated with the ITF; SIU President David Heindel chairs the federation’s Seafarers’ Section. ITF inspectors are officials who board vessels to educate seafarers on their rights; identify any violations of crew contracts, national laws or international conventions; and who then work with authorities to ensure that rights are enforced. The ITF has inspectors operating from 111 ports in 56 countries. According to the federation, 2,199 breach-of-contract cases were reported by mariners to the ITF in 2022 alone, with non-payment of wages the most common reason. “While we are proud that our inspectors have been successful in recovering almost $120 million for seafarers in the last three years, it’s unfortunate that we need to address wage underpayments at all,” Heindel stated. “We would prefer to see all seafarers paid in full, and paid on time in the first place. For some seafarers, a shipowner might miss a pay date here or there, but others can go months without receiving their salaries. ITF inspectors, supported by our seafarer and docker union affiliates, are here to help crews stand up for their rights wherever they find themselves in need of support.” In 2022, ITF inspectors conducted 8,667 ship inspections worldwide. Nearly 1,900 of those operations were in response to mariners’ calls, emails or other messages seeking for help from the ITF. An additional 3,771 were conducted as part of inspectors’ ongoing system of routine and responsive inspections, which ensure ships flagged to so-called flags-of-convenience (FOC) registries adhere to the same international standards expected of nationally flagged vessels. ITF President and Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy Crumlin said, “Pandemic-related restrictions had blocked most of our inspectors from boarding vessels in the way they had done pre-pandemic. We are now seeing a strong return to active and regular inspections of flag-of-convenience vessels – and still the same level of exploitation. It’s another stark reminder of the underbelly of our industry, and also that more ITF inspections taking place is good news for seafarers and their rights.” ITF President/Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy Crumlin SIU President/ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel IBF Agreement Boosts Pay for Mariners The International Bargaining Forum (IBF), the conference that negotiates the world’s largest global collective bargaining agreement, recently finalized terms for the 2024-2027 IBF Framework Agreement in Berlin, Germany. Mariners covered by the pact will receive a six percent total wage increase over the next two years; subsequent rates will be negotiated in 2025. In addition, the agreement includes reference to International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment, reinforcing a joint commitment for providing safe workplaces free of violence, discrimination and harassment for all mariners. Participants also jointly recognized the importance of safe working practices in cargo lashing. Moreover, a new working group was established that will focus on the future of seafaring and major challenges that the industry faces, including the impact of new technology, the introduction of alternative fuels, and ensuring a just transition as the industry responds to climate change. Concerns about mariners’ hours of work, crewing levels, fatigue and duration of employment will also fall under the sphere of the working group. Under the agreement, the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG, consisting of international maritime employers) also committed to remind their members of the importance of respecting national cabotage provisions, and committed to working together with the ITF on a strategy to build towards more mariners receiving a reasonable amount of internet access free of charge. ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel (who is also president of the SIU) said, “This has been a particularly complicated set of negotiations coming out of the Covid pandemic, which has taken a great deal of effort and compromise on both sides to get this right for the times. This is a fair deal. We have agreed on a working group that will look at future needs of a changing industry, with an eye on the needs of seafarers, with a focus on recruiting.” ITF President and Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy Crumlin stated, “The pay deal locked into this agreement provides concrete financial recognition for the critical contribution that seafarers make to the global economy and also recognizes the sacrifice that seafarers have carried over the past few years and throughout the pandemic. The relationship between ITF and the JNG remains in good shape despite the challenges that these negotiations faced.” ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton noted, “Over the four years of this agreement, we have a lot of important issues to discuss so that we can continue to enhance the living and working conditions of all seafarers on IBF-covered vessels. The biggest challenge we all face is the just transition and the move to alternative fuels. How the industry recruits and motivates our seafarers and ensures they have the skills for the future – this is firmly on our forwardlooking agenda.” Spokesperson for the JNG and Chairman of the International Maritime Employers Council, Captain Belal Ahmed said, ”Once again the resilient partnership between JNG and ITF produced an outstanding outcome in the latest IBF round which both sides and their constituents will be happy to bring to their respective members. Seafarers were rewarded for the sacrifices they made during the Covid pandemic, when they stood out as key workers.” NOVEMBER 2023 �New Ships Entering SIU-Crewed Fleet The union-built Alaskan Frontier is scheduled to return to the SIU-crewed fleet in 2024. Recently reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, the SLNC Star now carries an SIU crew. A recent influx of new tonnage – and a plan to revitalize an older ship – signals ongoing job security for SIU members. Among the recent developments are flag-ins of the SLNC Star (Chesapeake Crewing) and the Allied Pacific (Patriot), purchase of the Alaskan Frontier by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), and the impending additions of the Cape Sable and Cape San Juan (Crowley) into the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). The SLNC Star, a heavy-lift ship, is the replacement for the Corsica. Built in 2010 in Poland, the vessel is 403 feet long and can sail at 15 knots. The SLNC Star is equipped with two cranes, and formerly was named Breb Star. Meanwhile, the SIU represents steward-department personnel aboard the tanker Allied Pacific, also built in 2010 (in South Korea). Previously sailing as the Celsius Riga, the 600-foot-long ship supports Military Sealift Command operations in Hawaii under a five-year agreement (including options). It can sail at 16 knots. In mid-October, OSG announced its purchase of the Alaskan Frontier, a sister vessel to three other Alaskan-Class SIU-crewed tankers operated by OSG’s wholly The SIU represents steward-department mariners aboard the Allied Pacific, previously named the Celsius Riga. (Photo by scenicroutetrading) owned subsidiary, Alaskan Tanker Company. Following the expected early November completion of the transaction, OSG intends to reactivate the 1.3-million-barrel-capacity tanker, which has been in cold layup in Malaysia since 2019. OSG plans to make significant investments in the vessel for it to begin commercial trade by the fourth quarter of 2024. “The purchase of the Alaskan Frontier brings all four of the Alaska-Class crude oil tankers under OSG’s ownership at a time when the prospect for expanded crude oil production in Alaska offers great promise for continued and increasing demand for ships of her type,” said OSG President and CEO Sam Norton. “Upon completion of shipyard work, which will include lifecycle upgrades on the engines that will improve the performance and longevity of the vessel, we believe that the Alaskan Frontier will be primed to provide additional transportation capacity to suit the needs of our customers in a time of limited availability.” He added, “The full scope of reactivation work is expected to require a period of approximately one year and will, in addition to the engine upgrades, entail a ballast water treatment system installation and other improvements to prepare her for commercial use.” SIU Jobs Remain Secure Through Recent Transactions Multiple SIU-contracted companies are involved in unrelated recent business ventures, but the upshot for Seafarers is that their jobs remain secure and the union contracts stay in place. In late September, Maritime Partners, LLC announced that one of its managed funds acquired Norfolk, Virginia-based U.S. Marine Management (USMMI) from Maersk Line, Limited. USMMI operates six SIU-crewed ships (Acadia Trader, Badlands Trader, Ocean Trader, Pohang Pioneer, Yosemite Trader and USNS Seay) and recently was awarded a new agreement for the Tanker Security Program. As a result, the company plans to acquire another tanker. Also in September, two other Seafarers-contracted companies – Crowley and Seabulk, respectively – announced an agreement to form a new Jones Act service provider: Fairweather NOVEMBER 2023 Holdings LLC. Pending a regulatory review of the transaction, the new company plans to start operating in spring 2024. The Fairweather fleet reportedly will include the Seabulk ships Independence, Brenton Reef, Seabulk Pride, Seabulk Challenge, Seabulk Arctic, and Seabulk Mariner, plus two others currently sailing on a long-term bareboat charter to Chevron. The Crowley vessels slated for addition to Fairweather’s fleet include the Washington, California and Oregon. Additionally, as many as 20 articulated tug-barge units will be part of the Fairweather fleet: five from Seabulk, and 15 from Crowley. Another move that isn’t quite as far along in the regulatory process: Seabulk is selling a number of its tugboats to two different companies, including SIU-contracted E.N. Bisso & Son. In a news release announcing the purchase, OSG noted, “The engine upgrades for the Alaskan Frontier are considered a lifecycle upgrade, which will be completed by MAN Energy Solutions SE. This comprehensive modernization of each of the four engines onboard will improve performance and fuel efficiency and also prepare the engines for possible methanol fuel in the future. It is expected that the fuel efficiency gain will result in 15-20% fuel savings as compared to the vessel’s current consumption, leading to a meaningful reduction in carbon output. The significant capital investment being made will permit the Company to operate the vessel for a longer period of time and with fewer maintenance costs for its remaining life.” The Alaskan Frontier was built in 2004 by General Dynamics NASSCO (a union shipyard). It is 938 feet long and can sail at almost 19 knots. Finally, the roll-on/roll-off vessels Cape Sable and Cape San Juan are part of a recapitalization of the RRF. The 784-foot-long Cape Sable (formerly the Linea Messina) was built in 2013 in South Korea and can sail at nearly 19 knots. The Cape San Juan (Jolly Cristallo), built in 2012, also in South Korea, is 787 feet long and can sail at 21.5 knots. A-Book in Alabama Chief Cook Drushelia Finney (right) receives her A-seniority book from Port Agent Jimmy White at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama. SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Benefits Conferences Roll On Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (left) opens the conference at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Four more benefits conferences are scheduled to take place this month before a pause in the schedule. Beginning last summer, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), with support from the union, has been conducting conferences at various hiring halls. The meetings are designed to help SIU members, pensioners and their families get the most out of their respective benefits. Separate conferences also are being conducted for staff members. The upcoming schedule is as follows: Houston (Nov. 13); New Orleans (Nov. 14); Mobile, Alabama (Nov. 15); and Jersey City, New Jersey (Nov. 30). The conferences then will resume in 2024, with gatherings in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Feb. 20); Algonac, Michigan (March 8); and Wilmington, California (date to be determined). Seafarers are encouraged to keep in touch with their local hall for the latest information about the conferences. Most recently, the SHBP and the union hosted meetings in Piney Point, Maryland, on Oct. 2 and in Jacksonville, Florida, on Oct. 5. Both sessions were well-attended. Pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, conference are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, OS Christopher Ferguson, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, GUDE Altoria McKinney and SIU President David Heindel. In the photo at left, members, pensioners and their families meet at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. Treasury Dept. Issues Groundbreaking Report On Benefits of Unions to Nation’s Economy Editor’s note: The following article has been adapted from a press release from the United States Treasury Department. The Treasury Department recently issued its most comprehensive report to date focused on the role labor unions play in the American economy – and the findings strongly demonstrate how unions benefit not just rank-and-file members but the nation as a whole. The Department’s Office of Economic Policy released this first-of-its-kind report on Aug. 28, as one of more than 70 actions implemented by the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. The Task Force’s goal is to reduce barriers to worker organizing and demonstrate its commitment to worker rights, including the right to a free and fair choice to join a union and to preserving a worker’s right to dignity in the workplace. Key findings of the new report include: • Middle-class workers reap substantial benefits from unionization. Unions raise the wages of their members by 10 to 15 percent compared to unrepresented workers. Unions also improve fringe benefits and workplace procedures such as retirement plans, grievance policies, and predictable scheduling. These workplace improvements contribute substantially to middle-class financial stability and worker well-being. For example, one study has estimated that the average worker values their ability to avoid short-notice schedule changes at up to 20 percent of their wages. • Unionization also has spillover effects that extend well beyond union workers. Competition means workers at nonunionized firms see increased wages too. Heightened workplace safety norms can raise standards for entire industries. Union members improve their communities through heightened civic engagement; they are more likely to vote, donate to charity, and participate in a neighborhood project. And, the higher pay and job security of both union and nonunion middle-class workers can further positively spill over to their families and communities through more stable housing, more investment in education, and other channels. • Unions help create a fairer economy by benefiting all demographic groups. By encouraging egalitarian wage practices, unions serve to reduce race and gender wage gaps. And modern unions have broad representation across race and gender. In 2021, Black men had a particularly high union representation rate at 13 percent, as compared to the population average of 10 percent. The diverse demographics of modern union membership mean that the benefits of any policy that strengthens today’s unions would be felt across the population. • Finally, in addition to supporting the middle class, unions contribute to economic growth and resilience. They SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS do so in part simply by reducing overall inequality. Income inequality often feeds back into inequality of opportunity, the Treasury Department reported, which impedes growth if disadvantaged people cannot access the resources necessary to acquire job skills or start businesses. And unions can boost businesses’ productivity by improving working environments and by giving experienced workers more of an input into decisions that design better and more cost-effective workplace procedures. As the labor movement strengthens and public opinion of unions has reached its highest level since 1965, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken many measures to promote unions and acknowledges the importance of labor unions to reestablishing and strengthening America’s middle class, the Treasury Department reported. Actions taken by the current administration include: • Prioritizing the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Sector Freedom to Negotiate Act. • Appointing a General Counsel and Board Members to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) committed to protecting the right of workers to organize in the workplace. • Increasing the funding of the NLRB to enable them to expand enforcement activities. • Creating the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, which, under the leadership of Vice President Harris, works with agencies on ways to use their existing statutory authority to support worker organizing and bargaining. • Signing Executive Order 14063, which requires the use of project labor agreements on federal construction projects of $35 million or more. • Signing Executive Order 14003 to promote the rights of federal employees to collectively bargain. • Launching the Good Jobs Initiative to ensure the provision of critical information to workers, employers, and government – including about the union advantage – as they work to improve job quality and create access to good jobs free from discrimination and harassment for all working people. • Promoting “know your rights” initiatives to provide workers with better information about their organizing and bargaining rights. • Announcing a new rule to raise wage standards of construction workers by updating prevailing wage regulations issued under the Davis-Bacon and related acts, which require payment of locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits to more than one million construction workers. • Requiring employers to pay prevailing wages and abide by apprenticeship requirements to claim the full value of many clean energy tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, as part of the Treasury Department’s implementation of the law. NOVEMBER 2023 �Biden Becomes First Sitting President to Walk Picket Line I n an historic appearance, the first-ever by an incumbent U.S. president on any union’s picket line, Joe Biden told United Auto Workers members, “It’s time to get back what we lost” in winning wage and benefit hikes from Ford, GM and Stellantis/FiatChrysler. Sporting a black UAW baseball cap and blue windbreaker, the Democratic president joined red-shirt-clad members of UAW Local 174 in Michigan, outside Ford’s historic Willow Run Ford assembly plant for around 15 minutes on Sept. 26. “You guys, the UAW, have made a lot of sacrifices and gave up a lot,” Biden declared through a bullhorn. “The companies were in trouble, but now they’re doing incredibly well. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too. You deserve a significant raise. It’s time to get back what we lost. You’ve earned what you’ve earned and you should be earning a helluva lot more.” That means “the significant increase you need” in wages “and other benefits,” he added. “It’s time for them to step up for us.” The workers, who interrupted his brief remarks with cheers several times, are among the almost 18,000 UAW members nationwide who (at press time) were walking lines in the union’s growing “Stand Up!” strike against the “Detroit 3.” It’s UAW’s first-ever strike against all three. Combined, the car firms employ 150,000 UAW members, not counting those in non-Big 3 parts suppliers or 5,600 workers whom Ford employs in Canada, represented by Unifor. The UAW strike has political and class aspects, too, though neither Biden nor new UAW President Shawn Fain mentioned politics. Fain, who followed Biden to the podium, talked about economic class as well. “It’s a different kind of war we’re fighting,” not against the Axis powers of World War II, “but against corporate greed” here at home, Fain said. “Our people choose to stand up and fight for economic and social justice.” His Axis reference cited Willow Run’s enormous production of B-24 Liberator bombers during that conflict. If there is no movement by GM or Stellantis in the talks, the UAW will call more locals out on strike. Ironically, though Local 174 in Willow Run picketed the plant there, it’s the only Ford plant where workers were striking, because Ford had moved significantly in bargaining. Key issues in the talks with all three automakers are wages, restoration of traditional defined-benefit pensions and health care, an end to the hated two-tier pay system. Also of importance are a shorter work week, curbs on mandatory overtime and mandatory work on the third Sunday of every month, and restoration of cost-of-living (COLA) increases. The workers demand a 36% hike over four years to make up for losses to inflation since the 2008 financier-caused Great Recession. That crash forced GM and FiatChrysler into bankruptcy. The Obama administration loan guarantee plan saved the two, but at the cost of imposing the two tiers, eliminating COLAs, a freeze on retiree pensions which continues, and the sell-off of health care coverage to the UAW, among other givebacks. Ford agreed to the COLAs, the end of two tiers and several other UAW member goals, including the right to strike over domestic plant closures. GM and Stellantis have barely budged. Their sole reported agreement: Adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday. President Biden addresses the crowd of union members outside their workplace in Michigan. UAW President Shawn Fain is at front left. (White House photo) Seafarers and other backers demonstrate for (and with) UAW members in late September in Warren, Michigan. “President Biden is demonstrating once again that he is the most pro-union president in history,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement afterwards. “Working people know he has our backs every day and that he understands UAW members’ fight for a fair contract is deeply connected to the struggle over the soul of our country. We stand with President Biden, the UAW, and workers across the country who are sick and tired of getting the short end of the stick. Together, we’re organized to fight back against the corporate CEOs who have rigged the system against working people for far too long.” Biden’s remarks on the picket line also occurred though the union was a notable absentee from the giant AFL-CIO-organized joint union endorsement of the Biden-Harris ticket earlier this year. That conclave, in Philadelphia, even drew non-AFL-CIO unions, notably the Service Employees, but not the UAW. Both the union and the Detroit 3 back the shift to electric-powered cars, trucks and SUVs, a key part of Biden’s plan to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions which cause global warming. But the first two federal loans to build electric vehicle battery plants went to firms in anti-union Kentucky and Tennessee, not pro-union Michigan. The car companies also are using conversion of their plants to electric vehicle assembly, which will cost billions of dollars, as an excuse to both pause EV battery plant construction, and to deny workers’ demands for the big raises. The UAW also wants EV plant workers included in its contracts with the Detroit 3, rather than on separate and lower pay tracks for auto parts workers. University of Rhode Island labor history professor Erik Loomis told CNN that Biden’s picket line walk and talk was “absolutely unprecedented.” Unfair Labor Practices Charge Filings Up 10%, Union Petitions Up 3% in Fiscal Year 2023 Newly released case-processing data confirms that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) continues to see an increasing demand for its services. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 (Oct. 1, 2022–Sept. 30, 2023), 22,448 cases were filed with the agency, an increase of 10% compared to FY 2022. This was the largest number of cases filed since FY 2016. The agency saw increases in both unfair labor practice charges and representation-related activity. In FY 2023, the number of unfair labor practice (ULP) charges filed with NLRB’s 48 field offices increased 10% – from 17,988 charges in FY 2022 to 19,854 charges in FY 2023, continuing the increase from FY 2021 to FY2022 when the agency saw a 19% increase in ULPs filed. During the same period, 2,594 union representation petitions were filed – a 3% increase over FY 2022. This uptick in filings builds on last fiscal year’s dramatic surge in representation-related activity and represents the highest number filed since FY 2015. In FY 2022, 2,510 union representation petitions were filed – a 53% increase from the 1,638 petitions field in FY 2021. In another notable election-related development, after the board released its decision in Cemex, field offices received 28 filings (known as RM petitions) submitted by employers after being asked to voluntarily recognize employees’ unions. Under the Cemex framework, when a union requests recognition on the basis that a majority of employees in an NOVEMBER 2023 appropriate bargaining unit have designated the union as their representative, an employer must either recognize and bargain with the union or promptly file an RM petition. This increase in activity in the agency’s field offices resulted in a corresponding increase in workload for the adjudicative side of the agency. The board issued 246 decisions in contested cases during FY 2023, including more than a dozen significant precedent-setting cases, an uptick from 243 decisions in FY 2022. The board’s increased productivity also slightly lowered the median age of cases pending before the Board, from 108 days in FY 2022 to 106 days in FY 2023. As was the case at the end of FY 2022, however, the board’s case-processing achievements were overtaken by a significant jump in case intake. In FY 2023, the Board received 321 unfair labor practice and representation cases, up from 308 cases in FY 2022, driven by a 10% increase in representation cases brought before the board. As a result, although the board – even at static staffing levels – processed more cases than last fiscal year, the rise in case intake left 191 cases pending before the board at the end of FY 2023, an increase from 145 in FY 2022. The increased workload on both sides of the agency remains a challenge, according to the NLRB, and comes as the organization “continues to deal with funding and staffing shortages,” the agency noted in a mid-October news release. “In December 2022, Congress gave the NLRB a $25 million increase for FY 2023, ending a hiring moratorium, preventing furloughs, and allowing the NLRB to backfill some critical staff vacancies. However, the agency remains understaffed after almost a decade of flat funding. In the past two decades, staffing in field offices has shrunk by 50%,” the release pointed out. “Dedicated NLRB employees have continued working hard to increase the board’s productivity, but the continuing surge in case intake has again increased our year-end backlog. Although the agency tremendously appreciated the $25 million increase in funding for FY 2023, and used every extra dollar to address critical staffing vacancies and infrastructure needs, additional resources are necessary to enable the board to expand staffing capacity and continue processing cases more efficiently,” said Chairman Lauren McFerran. “Our committed and talented NLRB career employees continue to process cases with professionalism and care,” said General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. “The president’s budget requests $376 million for the agency, which is much needed to effectively and efficiently comply with our Congressional mandate when providing quality service promptly to the public in conducting hearings and elections, investigating charges, settling and litigating meritorious cases, and obtaining full and prompt remedies for workers whose rights are violated.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 5 5 �Recognized at Last: A Tribute to All Who Go to Sea Westbrook Appointed as Assistant Vice President Editor’s note: This article was written and submitted by World War II mariner Mark Gleeson, a longtime activist with the American Merchant Marine Veterans. C hris Westbrook, whose career with the SIU spans 30 years, is the union’s newest assistant vice president. SIU President David Heindel recommended Westbrook for the post, and the union’s executive board approved the proposal. “Chris has earned the complete confidence of everyone in the SIU,” Heindel stated. “I know he’ll continue doing great work and I congratulate him on the promotion, which is well-earned.” Westbrook, 52, started sailing with the union in the early 1990s, working aboard vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Mississippi River. He worked his way up from ordinary seaman to chief engineer during his sailing career. In 1998, he came ashore to serve the membership as a union official. He has worked as the New Orleans port agent for the last 18 years, and previously served as a safety director. Both as a rank-and-file mariner and as a union official, he has completed numerous maritime safety courses, graduating from many of those classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Westbrook has been involved in numerous organizing campaigns and has served on a multitude of bargaining committees, in capacities ranging from rank-and-file delegate to lead negotiator, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook for both the SIU and the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union. Moreover, he serves as the president of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s Port Council of Greater New Orleans and Vicinity. He is a member of the nominating committee for the Port of New Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parish Board of Commissioners. He serves on the executive board of the Louisiana State AFL-CIO as Special Assistant to the President on Maritime Affairs and on the executive board of the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO, respectively. Additionally, Westbrook has served on the U.S. Coast Guard’s New Orleans Area Maritime Security Committee and has received two gubernatorial appointments, from both a Republican and a Democrat. AOTOS Honorees Announced by USS The United Seamen’s Service (USS) in early October announced the recipients of this year’s Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. Slated for the honors are George Pasha IV, president of The Pasha Group; Adam Vokac, president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA); and Mark W. Barker, president of Interlake Steamship Company. The 54th annual awards dinner (scheduled to take place Dec. 1 in New York) also will recognize mariners who were involved in at-sea rescues, though those honorees hadn’t been selected at press time. Several SIU crews have been nominated by the union. “For more than half a century, the United Seamen's Service has annually presented the AOTOS Award, widely regarded as the most prestigious accolade in the maritime sector,” the USS said in a news release. “This award acknowledges exceptional contributions made by individuals and organizations towards the advancement of American seafarers and the United States' maritime industry.” Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle, USA (Ret.), who serves as chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee, stated, “We are proud to acknowledge the AOTOS awardees from the American maritime industry. Mark Barker has a strong sailing background in the trans-Atlantic trades and advocates for maritime interests at both state and national levels. George Pasha IV has made significant contributions to the maritime industry, especially in the Hawaii market. Adam Vokac has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a dedication to protecting the rights of merchant mariners during his MEBA career. They are an outstanding group of individuals who represent strength, leadership and commitment to the advancement of the American maritime industry.” The Pasha Group owns several SIUcrewed vessels operating in the Jones Act trade. Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine, mariners of all nations, and U.S. government employees and military members overseas. I admire good writing. There are thousands of books written each year, and thousands of speeches presented, but what do you remember? What was written or said that captured the feeling, the intensity of the moment? An example is in the relatively recent book written by former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher where he describes talking to his father, who is very ill. Bill was proposing further treatments for his father, but the father replies, “I’ve had enough, Billie.” The book is good, but those few words have stuck with me. Good writers probably read a lot, and it is important to read to see how other writers handle situations and emotions. President Franklin Roosevelt was a great writer and is forever remembered for his appeal to the nation to stay calm in the Great Depression when he said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Winston Churchill was a superb writer and the right man at the time. Those of us from my generation all remember him saying, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much been owed by so many to so few.” He was speaking about the role of the Royal Air Force in winning the Battle of Britain. Dr. Martin Luther King is remembered for the “I have a dream” speech, and the late Dr. Charles Krauthammer wrote on every subject, and no one was better. I have had several opportunities to be slightly creative in writing – to find the right words, the right phrase, for the right occasion. I was honored many years ago to be the main speaker at the first National Maritime Day program of the Mon Valley chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. I had been serving as co-chairman of a national committee seeking recognition of WWII merchant seamen. Even in those days, such memorial presentations couldn’t take long, as men are sitting in the sun – and what could I really say that was so important? In the audience were our shipmates and veterans from all the other services. We were so honored. I remember outlining what we had been doing to gain veteran recognition, and then listed a few specific events that few people knew about from WWII. Convoys that were famous, invasions participated in, the breakwaters formed on D-Day by sinking ships off Omaha Beach. I bemoaned the fact that most of these events were unknown to the public. I came to the end of my presentation and asked the attendees to pause at the end of a day, when the rivers were calm and quiet, and I said, “Tell me, shipmates, who tolls the bell for us?” I answered my own question when I said, “We do, only we here in Elizabeth do.” I finished my presentation and was expecting someone to comment on my using an inspiration from Ernest Hemingway. The only person who said anything was a local reporter who asked if I had a copy of the speech. I am pleased that through the years, others have picked up “who tolls the bell” and used it. It always fits. My last opportunity to say something significant in a few words came in 1990 when I was invited to address a monthly meeting of the John Brown Chapter of veterans in Baltimore. We had finished a 10-year congressional fight to pass legislation finally recognizing merchant seamen who had not gotten to sea until after August 15, 1945. The Department of Defense had refused to recognize the men although the war was not officially over until the end of 1946. I flew to Baltimore, and took a cab to the motel where the luncheon meeting was to be held. Some friends of mine from Pittsburgh, including some Armed Guard, had driven down to be with me. I remember several attendees were in their officer uniforms, including some captains. After lunch, I gave my presentation, which was really a listing of events over the prior 10 years. I came to the end of the talk, thanked everyone for their support, stopped for a few seconds, fixed the audience with my eyes, and said: “Recognized at last. Recognized at last. Thanks God almighty, we’re recognized at last.” I waited a few seconds, said thank you, and sat down. A polite applause, no requests for a copy of the speech, no interviews. No one said how fitting it was that I had drawn reference to Martin Luther King saying, “Free at last.” I came home with my citation. I write vignettes on the WWII merchant marine. I often include a phrase written by someone describing the wartime experience. I include, “Never again will the world see such a fleet of ships, and never again will the world see such a group of men who sailed them.” Whover first wrote that could not have said it better. Two years ago, Congress presented the WWII merchant mariners with a Congressional Gold Medal. We are the men of the WWII merchant marine. Recognized at last. Aboard Matson Kodiak Pictured on the vessel in the Pacific Northwest are (from left) Safety Director Danielle Woodward and AB Ayen Cabasag. The World War II Memorial in the nation’s capital includes this recognition of the U.S. Merchant Marine. (Alamy photo) SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS NOVEMBER 2023 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU MEETING WITH SENATOR – SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (right) meet with pro-maritime U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) during a Sept. 25 gathering in Jersey City, New Jersey. The senator earlier this year received the International Propeller Club’s prestigious Salute to Congress award. HEADING HOME– The SIU-crewed Cape Washington (Crowley) returns to Baltimore after a shipyard period in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by David Sites) WITH CIVMARS ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (back row, far left in group photo) and SIU Representative Jesse Ruth (crouching third from right in back) meet with members of the SIU Government Services Division in San Diego, aboard the USNS Washington Chambers (above, left). RECRUITING IN LAST FRONTIER – SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp and Anchorage-based SIU Representative Julie Leonard in early October made a recruiting trip to the University of Alaska Southeast’s Ketchikan Campus. The school features a maritime training center. Asp is standing in the classroom photo; pictured from left in the other snapshot are Leonard, Assistant Professor of Marine Transportation Chris Boss, Assistant Professor of Maritime Studies Mike LaBarge, and Asp. TALKING MARITIME IN JAX – SIU VP Dean Corgey (right) and SA Timothy Cooper meet at the hiring hall in early October. ABOARD USNS POLLUX - Pictured aboard the TOTE ship during a recent servicing are (from left) Houston Patrolman Kirk Pegan, Bosun Chris Nagle, Patrolman J.B. Niday, QEE Glenn Snow, GUDE Rogelio “Rodge” Jamora and GUDE Abad Martinez. SEAFARERS NOVEMBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 7 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU MILESTONE IN CHARM CITY – AB/SJ Arsenio Brecio (left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Baltimore hall with SIU Port Agent John Hoskins. WELL-EARNED RECOGNITION – Liberty Maritime Corp. President and CEO Philip Shapiro (second from left) was honored by the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation during its annual awards dinner Oct. 5 in New York. As noted by the agency, “Mr. Shapiro’s personal efforts and philanthropy have enabled the Coast Guard Foundation to directly assist tens of thousands of Coast Guard members and their families.” Pictured at the event are (from left) Liberty Maritime COO Josh Shapiro, Phil Shapiro, UIW Representative Jordan Esopa, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU VP George Tricker. ABOARD ISLA BELLA – ABM Angel Pagan snaps a Seafaring Selfie while painting deck hatches aboard the TOTE vessel as it sails from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico in mid-October. WELCOME ASHORE IN GARDEN STATE - Longtime Seafarer German Dolmo (left), who sailed in the steward department, receives his first pension check at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. NEW TONNAGE – SIU officials recently met with executives from Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Towing (GLT) at the parent company’s shipyard in Cleveland. Pictured from left in the group photo are SIU VP Bryan Powell, GLT Exec. VP of Operations Gregg Thauvette, SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and GLT Director of Operations and Compliance Lindsay Dew. In the background (and in the other photo) is the new tug Minnesota, which is slated for completion next year. TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA - Receiving their respective B-books at the September membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, are (group photo, facing podium, from left) Chief Cook Nikia Stripling, GUDE Tameka Scott, STOS Santana Schofield, GUDE Elvershon Williams and GUDE Jermaine Hayes. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is administering the oath. Pictured individually (above, left to right) are Stripling, Scott and Schofield. SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 88 • SEAFARERS NOVEMBER 2023 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BAY STATE SOLIDARITY – SIU personnel participated in the Massachusetts AFL-CIO convention, which took place Oct. 11-13 in Boston. Pictured from left (above, left) are newly elected Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch and SIU Representative James Bast. From left in the other photo are Bast, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (who spoke at the convention), and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson. VETERAN OUTREACH - The SIU this month is teaming up with the Acadiana Veterans Alliance and with Lafayette Veterans Assisting Others to help U.S. military veterans start careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Pictured at a recent networking event in Louisiana are (from left) SIU Asst. VPs Mike Russo and Chris Westbrook, SIU VP Bryan Powell, Anazia Andrus-Sam (head of Lafayette Veterans Assisting Others) and her husband. WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK – Recertified Bosun Ron Paradise (center), who began sailing with the SIU in 1976, picks up his first pension check. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and SIU Representative Sam Spain. NOVEMBER 2023 CATCHING UP IN OAKLAND – Pictured at the hiring hall are AB Walid Nasser (left) and SIU Port Agent Duane Akers. GATHERING IN WOLVERINE STATE – SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (left) recently attended the Michigan AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Lansing. He’s pictured with (from left) Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber, Michigan Maritime Trades Port Council President Jeanette Bradshaw, and Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devlin. A-BOOK IN ALGONAC - GUDE Osama Shamman (left) receives his A-seniority book the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Safety Director Jason Brown. HELPING AT THE HALL – QEE Scott Thompson assists with installation of the new job-board monitor in the Baltimore hall. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •99 �Bosuns Share Insights During Graduation Newest Class of Recertified Seafarers Wraps Up Coursework Pictured shortly after their arrival at union headquarters are (from left) Paul Brown, Stephen Gately, Ali Alhamyari, John Coleman Jr., Luis Garcia, Jabr Ali, Charles Ford, Ricky Rivera, Junior Augustin, Robert Hoppenworth and Godofredo Milabo. T he union’s newest group of recertified bosuns shared valuable insights during their respective graduation speeches Oct. 2 in Piney Point, Maryland. Completing the two-week curriculum – considered the top curriculum available to deck department Seafarers at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) – were Ali Alhamyari, Jabr Ali, Junior Augustin, Paul Brown, John Coleman Jr., Charles Ford, Luis Garcia, Stephen Gately, Robert Hoppenworth, Godofredo Milabo and Ricky Rivera. The coursework included wideranging topics such as leadership and teamwork, recruiting, how to prevent workplace harassment, the myriad ways in which politics affects the maritime industry, vessel operations, contracts, shipboard safety and more. The bosuns met with headquarters officials and with representatives from the Seafarers Plans and the SIU communications department in addition to PHC personnel. The following are excerpts from the graduation speeches, presented during the October membership meeting. Luis Garcia I was born in Colombia, and in 1991 I moved to the USA. At first, I worked in different jobs like school custodian, mechanic helper, etc., until a friend of mine who was an SIU member told me about the maritime industry. I decided to join the SIU in 2004; my first assignment was on NCL’s Pride of Aloha as an ordinary seaman. From the beginning, I was eager to learn as much as I could, so I asked questions to the bosun and ABs and watched how they worked. As soon as I had enough sea time to upgrade, I went back to the school to get my endorsement as AB so I’d have more opportunities to get a job. If you want to succeed in this career, you must have a positive attitude toward the job. Work hard, especially with your team, and take advantage of the school to upgrade. Our job relies on maritime laws, especially the Jones Act, so we have to support SPAD (the union’s voluntary political action fund. MDL (Maritime Defense League) donations are important, too. Since I joined the SIU, my life changed in a positive way. I have a better financial status, and I can spend more quality family time when I’m home. I thank this great SIU brotherhood, and I thank SIU President David Heindel as well as the school’s instructors and staff. Stephen Gately I am a third-generation mariner. My grandfather, father, and brothers sailed. This career has given me financial stability. To the trainees: Take pride in your work and develop a good work ethic. Always take advantage of opportunities to learn, and upgrade at the school when you can. Knowledge is good. Contribute to SPAD to help our union and keep shipping. I want to thank all the instructors and staff for a good experience and their support as a union member of SIU. Thank you! Jabr Ali Twenty years ago, I never could have imagined that one day I would be standing here. I started sailing in Hawaii on the cruise ships, in the steward department. Then I went to the Great Lakes and worked as a deckhand and a gateman. After that, I came here for upgrading; I took the welding class and the conveyorman class. Then I got my AB ticket. The best thing that ever happened to me was joining the SIU. It helped my family and myself financially. For the apprentices, when you go on a ship, every day is a learning day. Keep your heads up and learn, ask questions, and keep coming back here for upgrading, Make sure you pay your dues on time. Also, donating to SPAD will help keep our union strong like always. John Coleman I would like to thank the SIU – from the leadership to the instructors to the port agents and patrolmen – for allowing me to succeed in my career. It seems like I wanted to be here as long as I can remember! My maritime journey started down 10 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 • SEAFARERS in the oilfields of Louisiana on nonunion tugboats. It was low pay, long hours and no benefits. In hindsight, I should have gone through the apprentice program, but things work out for reasons, as my mom used to say. I was bored with the oilfield and asked one of our tugboat mates how could I see the world working on the water. He told me to go get my AB ticket and go talk to the SIU. The rest is history. Twenty-eight years later, I am here! With a lot of hard work and the SIU, I have created a good life in Thailand with a great wife and three kids and have been able to put my first kid through college. He will be graduating with a degree in aviation engineering this year. There are three major factors of why this is a great career: the money, you can live anywhere you want, and you have a flexible work schedule. It is hard to find those three in any other career. Lastly, I would tell the trainees to stay focused on your goals. Upgrading and hard work will help you achieve them. Ali Alhamyari Once I completed the apprentice program (in 2008) and got my AB rating, I had a better understanding of my career and where I wanted to go with it. I became addicted to the industry. I shipped out on tankers, bulk carriers, heavy-lift ships, MSC vessels, and containerships. Moving around from different classes of ships let me to gain the experience I needed to sail bosun and to be here today. Being a bosun is a big responsibility. Being the union chairman on the ship means you’ve got to know how to deal with any challenges for all SIU members on board, plus how to conduct union meetings and keep the union informed of any beefs. My brothers and sisters, I highly encourage all members to do their part in contributing to SPAD and MDL. It is a vital tool for our union to have the negotiating power. In the words of our retired president Michael Sacco: If we’re not sitting at the table, we’re on the table. To the apprentices, you are the future of this industry. Take advantage of this state-of-the-art school, and always upgrade. And remember to represent the SIU proudly in solidarity. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the president, vice presidents, and the officials in the union halls for the hard work that keeps this beautiful union going strong. There’s a lot of work that the average member has no idea about when it comes to running this powerhouse, and I commend our officials. Ricky Rivera When I first went to the hall in San Juan, I was looking for a better way of life – and I found it here at the Paul Hall Center. Thanks to the SIU, I’m another success story of progress and a life full of travel and experiences. Thanks to the SIU, my son can have a better education and a decent way of living. The SIU since its beginning has built a reputation of representing the most reliable, best-trained mariners. We support our armed forces in addition to helping with everyday transportation of consumer goods. We can support our union and the maritime industry by supporting SPAD and MDL and by making sure that our daily actions aboard the vessels show that the SIU’s training provides the most professional mariners in the world. For the trainees, the union is providing all the tools for you. Take advantage of this opportunity and take advantage of this facility so you’ll become successful in your careers. Also, do not forget that this is your home. Robert Hoppenworth I started my career here in Piney Point in 1995. I was in apprentice class 535. This is one of the few industries where you can consistently upgrade and enhance your skills. My advice to all you apprentices is to work hard and always work as a team. Don’t forget to support SPAD, because without SPAD, we don’t have a voice in Washington. Without that voice, politicians will get rid of the Jones Act. Without the Jones Act, we won’t have jobs. I want to thank the leadership, NOVEMBER 2023 �SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (left) addresses the bosuns during a meeting at the Paul Hall Center, including Godofredo Milabo (right). instructors and staff at headquarters and here at Piney Point for everything. Paul Brown I am a third-generation seaman. My father sailed, and his father sailed. I am honored to be here and also honored to be with these guys (his classmates) for the last two weeks. It has been a long journey. Along the way, I have been to so many places and met some great people. Some I call my friends and some were great mentors to me. I wouldn’t be here without them – they are people who really cared about the next generation of seamen. I do the same. I teach all that want to learn and master their craft. I am a UA graduate of class 652. If you are trying to figure out what year that was, it was January 2004. I was 18 years old. To all the trainees in here, take advantage of the opportunity that you have right now. Study hard while you are here and learn as much as you can. Your time is coming. Just be patient. To the members, keep up the good work. Contribute to SPAD. We all know how important the Jones Act is. Last but not least, I would like to thank all the staff, instructors and union officials. Charles Ford I started my career 23 years ago, right here as a trainee in class 609. In 2000, I graduated high school and had SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (right) meets with class members in Piney Point, Maryland, including Luis Garcia (left). no idea of what I wanted to do. I heard about the trainee program and SIU from a family friend; it sounded very interesting to me and I made the best decision of my life by joining. The SIU has given me a secure, great-paying job and a career I can be proud of. The pay, as well as benefits, and everything else the SIU has to offer has provided a great life for my family and me. To all the trainees: Work hard in class, and when you get on the ship do the same. Remember we are a team. Please take this opportunity seriously, work hard, and please keep upgrading your skills, as it will help you and your family for the future. To all SIU members: Donate to MDL and SPAD as much as you can donate. Donations help all of us. This gives us a voice and a leg to stand on. Lastly, I want to thank all SIU leadership top to bottom, along with all the instructors and staff for their help in getting me to where I am at today. In 1999, my cousin entered the apprentice program and introduced me to the industry. In 2003, I decided to join the SIU. At the time I joined, I was young – mid-twenties – and all I was really thinking is hey, this career would help me afford my expensive tastes. I have always liked nice things but could not afford them. My merchant seaman career and the union have been instrumental in making my dreams reality; I would not trade it for any other career. My advice to all the apprentices is to be very respectful of the industry and to support SPAD. Without SPAD, we cannot go any further. I am truly blessed to be part of this union. I am very thankful for all the leaders and instructors that I have come across during my career. Their passion for the industry and their professionalism has motivated and helped me throughout my career as well as inspired my growth in the industry. There are truly some monumental leaders in the union. Junior Augustin I was born in Haiti and was fortunate to move to the United States at age 15. We did not have much in Haiti. Both of my grandfathers were fishermen and they would both take me deep sea fishing with them from time to time. I used to see those big ships in the horizon, and say to myself, “It would be nice if I could work on one.” Godofredo Milabo I graduated from the trainee program in 1996 as a member of class 555. I joined because my father was an SIU member and had sailed for many years. After his passing when I was 18 years old, I wanted to see and know what it is like to be a merchant mariner. I have been with the SIU for 20-plus years. Obviously, it’s a great career in many ways. The number one reason is you can save a lot of money for your future. To all members, please do contribute to SPAD. It will preserve and further the American Merchant Marine with improved employment opportunities for all seamen and boatmen. To all trainees, welcome aboard to this great opportunity as you embark on this career as a U.S. Merchant Mariner. Listen to your instructors and study hard. When you get on your first ship, always be on time, every time. Be motivated every day. Listen to your department head to better your skill and to keep a good, safe working environment. After you sign off, save your money, period. And do not lag on the opportunity to upgrade. Lastly, I want to say thank you to the SIU for all you do. Thank you to all the office staff members who are always there to assist us in our needs to keep us working on the ships. Thank you to all instructors for all your hard work to educate new members and upgraders. Also, I want to take this moment to thank my mentor whom I sailed with for many years aboard the USNS Sisler, who gave me skills and knowledge. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here speaking in front of you all. His name is Recertified Bosun Kenneth Steiner. The newly recertified bosuns gather with union officials for a traditional group photo following the October membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. NOVEMBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG•11 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from September 16 - October 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of October 16, 2023. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 15 2 7 13 2 5 6 24 19 19 3 6 20 7 5 1 3 11 2 15 6 2 2 9 0 5 3 18 21 8 3 2 14 1 2 4 6 6 2 7 4 0 2 1 1 1 0 3 5 4 0 2 10 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 5 2 7 12 3 6 4 17 17 16 3 6 18 6 2 1 4 8 2 15 4 3 1 7 0 4 3 12 16 9 1 2 9 2 2 2 6 8 2 7 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 4 3 3 0 0 6 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 1 5 6 0 5 2 13 10 12 2 2 8 2 0 0 5 6 0 6 26 3 2 23 1 12 10 40 44 30 3 11 27 16 6 3 7 28 3 43 4 3 2 11 0 8 4 30 25 10 3 8 14 2 2 4 6 8 0 12 4 0 1 3 1 4 0 3 9 4 0 2 10 1 0 0 2 4 2 3 TOTAL 185 121 39 154 100 27 87 338 156 53 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 4 1 3 3 1 1 7 9 16 6 1 3 15 5 1 1 3 5 5 12 102 0 0 2 3 0 1 2 5 10 1 0 2 12 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 43 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 7 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 23 0 0 2 2 0 1 2 4 4 3 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 6 1 0 30 6 1 2 14 1 2 5 14 30 10 4 2 25 6 1 3 4 9 3 16 158 1 0 1 3 0 4 2 7 14 2 1 5 14 3 0 1 1 4 2 5 70 0 1 2 1 1 0 11 4 1 1 0 0 7 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 26 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 2 5 1 0 0 5 3 0 0 1 2 0 6 31 5 0 1 9 1 4 7 18 25 12 2 4 16 16 1 5 3 14 2 30 175 0 0 2 2 2 3 3 12 23 6 0 1 20 4 0 2 9 3 1 7 100 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 5 1 0 1 7 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 28 5 0 1 2 0 0 0 5 5 1 0 0 11 3 1 10 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 2 10 1 2 7 0 3 0 32 53 20 1 0 10 9 0 9 1 11 0 13 16 2 0 12 1 7 5 30 126 30 2 1 41 13 0 5 2 8 1 10 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 3 0 3 4 1 3 6 9 14 4 0 1 7 2 0 0 2 4 3 8 74 0 1 2 4 0 3 2 7 8 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 5 0 2 41 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 18 Steward Department November & December Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Monday: Nov. 6, Dec. 4 Monday: Nov. 13, Friday: Dec. 8 Thursday: Nov. 9, Dec. 7 Friday: Nov. 24, Thursday: Dec. 21 Friday: Nov. 17, Dec. 15 Monday: Nov. 13, Dec. 11 Thursday: Nov. 9, Dec. 7 Thursday: Nov. 16, Dec. 14 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Wednesday: Nov. 15, Dec. 13 Tuesday: Nov. 14, Dec. 12 Tuesday: Nov. 7, Dec. 5 Monday: Nov. 13, Friday: Dec. 8 Oakland Thursday: Nov. 16, Dec. 14 Philadelphia Wednesday: Nov. 8, Dec. 6 Port Everglades Thursday: Nov. 16, Dec. 14 San Juan Thursday: Nov. 9, Dec. 7 St. Louis Friday: Nov. 17, Dec. 15 Tacoma Friday: Nov. 24, Dec. 22 Wilmington Monday: Nov. 20, Dec. 18 Algonac and Norfolk changes due to Veteran's Day Guam change due to Thanksgiving Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 4 0 2 2 0 3 0 7 11 6 1 3 10 6 0 1 3 5 3 11 78 0 1 3 1 1 2 1 7 11 5 0 0 8 2 0 0 7 1 1 4 55 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 7 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 18 4 0 2 8 0 3 3 4 10 7 1 2 9 5 0 1 1 5 2 6 73 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 10 1 4 5 1 1 0 11 31 11 1 1 9 6 3 15 1 8 0 11 11 1 2 13 1 4 4 28 68 21 1 1 33 7 0 9 0 3 0 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 1 0 1 1 8 1 0 0 7 0 0 1 3 1 0 7 35 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 9 Entry Department 8 2 2 4 1 1 2 3 12 6 1 1 10 3 3 8 0 2 0 5 2 1 2 7 0 1 1 12 47 11 0 1 20 7 0 10 0 1 0 5 TOTAL 9 130 214 6 74 128 45 17 182 312 GRAND TOTAL 374 349 294 307 250 182 193 688 508 419 12 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS NOVEMBER 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management, LLC), April 14 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Michael Miller, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan. Members voiced concerns over transportation issues when going ashore. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for union’s assistance with transportation problem. GREEN BAY (Waterman Transport, Inc.), July 12 – Chairman Nicholas Turano, Secretary Kevin Bozis, Deck Delegate George Fababier, Engine Delegate Mario Santos. Members reviewed ship’s schedule and crew changes, and also discussed importance of workplace safety. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was shown locations of Seafarers LOGs and various union forms. Next port: Vancouver, Washington. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), July 29 – Chairman Michael Stein, Secretary Virnabeth Cano, Educational Director Ronald Embody, Engine Delegate Semere Debas, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Chairman thanked crew for a job well done. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increases to vacation time, faster internet service and for job boards to be made available online. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), August 11 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Nathaniel Simmons, Deck Delegate Yung Fan Haloski, Steward Delegate Stanford Drakes. Crew expressed concern with lack of internet-service upgrade. Payoff to take place in Charleston. Educational director urged crew to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to leave clean rooms for reliefs and to check medical certifications. Crew would like to see increases in vacation and pension benefits. Members gave thanks to the steward department and reviewed details pertaining to boot and taxi reimbursements. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. DELAWARE EXPRESS (Marine Personnel and Provisioning), August 20 – Chairman Linnell Coleman, Secretary Dylan Faile, Educational Director Alvin Cabahit, Deck Delegate Mohamed Sailan, Engine Delegate James Pascocello, Steward Delegate Quinsha Davis. Members voiced concerns with what they described as contractual inconsistencies between Delaware Express and her sister ships. Chairman advised crew to make sure documents are up to date and thanked everyone for all their hard work during and after shipyard period. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Ship fund expected to increase due to scrap metal sales. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases to vacation days as well as pension payouts. Crew gave a big thanks to steward department for a job well done and a special thanks to Chief Cook Quinsha Davis. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), August 20 – Chairman Carlos Gibbons, Secretary Hussain Nagi Ali, Educational Director Juan Rochez, Engine Delegate Anias Stanford, Steward Delegate Adrian Joseph. Chairman advised crew to read the Seafarers LOG for latest information. Educational director recommended members take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in vacation days and better Wi-Fi service. Crew would like a large “smart” TV as well as DVD players, and a printer on D deck. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management, LLC), August 27 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Nathan Brailsford, Educational Director Melvin Ratcliff. Chairman thanked the union for resolving transportation issue. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested 15 for 30 vacation. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), August 26 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Aljohn Fernandez, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Ronilo Monares, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. Members were given resources to replace any paperwork lost in Hawaii fires. There is a form and number available to help speed up the process. Chairman advised crew to make appointments early for medical certificates. He commended the steward department for quality service and great food. Secretary thanked members for good housekeeping and doing a great job during shipyard period in Korea. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and suggested applying for courses as early as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship gym needs a new treadmill, and a refrigerator is needed in crew mess. Members would like steward assistant pay rate to match entry level positions in other departments and for longer steward department courses to be offered at the Paul OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management, Inc.), August 28 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Kim Smith, Educational Director George Mardones, Deck Delegate Mohammed Haruna, Engine Delegate Angel Aranda Gamboa, Steward Delegate Joseph Huls. Chairman reminded members to leave clean rooms and supplies for reliefs. He urged them to go out and vote for elected officials that support the union and to keep documents up to date. Secretary asked crew to return dirty dishes to the galley and to wash hands before entering. Educational director advised members to upgrade and take advantage of all the opportunities offered at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman reiterated the importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Crew requested new bedding, new movies, a bigger refrigerator, and new furniture in crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department for all their hard work and good food. Next port: New Orleans. Hall Center. Crew discussed writing a 30-minute break period in the next contract, rather than 15. Next port: Port Angeles, Washington. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return NOVEMBER 2023 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •13 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by upgraders and one apprentice at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. For the apprentice, the question was modified to “what are you most looking forward to?” Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Question:What’s your favorite thing about being a mariner? Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Tiara Macklin Chief Cook Marcelino Pabito Chief Cook HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 My favorite thing about being a mariner is getting to meet new people and to travel. I like variety – I don’t like anything stagnant – and being a mariner allows you different types of interactions with different types of people from all over the world. Being a mariner helps a lot, especially with my family. It helps provide me with enough money for my family to survive. When I joined Seafarers, they helped me a lot so that I would be able to provide for my family. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 Robert Foster Chief Cook GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 I would probably have to go with the free travel, the health benefits, and the money. I spent a large amount of time in my life working in restaurants, living paycheck to paycheck, and this career allows me to work as much as I want or as little as I want, and to have the freedom to do whatever I feel like doing. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 Carlos Gomez Chief Cook JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 I like the diversity and the ability to travel and see different parts of the country. I also like that you don’t have to go to college or spend a lot of money to have a great career. Christian Smith Apprentice I like the crews, I like the experience, and I like the money, obviously. I like travelling the world and experiencing different ethnicities. I love that – being exposed to different kinds of food, different kinds of people, different levels of education. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Emanuel Spain Chief Steward I like that you can have travel experiences that can’t be accomplished by other industries. I am looking forward to learning about different cultures, trying new foods and learning the history of different places. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 “Even the cigarettes were on the house,” reported the Dec. 3, 1948 issue of the LOG, recapping that year’s Thanksgiving celebration that took place at SIU headquarters in New York. Officially, the gathering was hosted by the Maritime Trades Department – and it drew 1,200 guests from throughout the maritime labor movement. A few of the attendees are pictured above. 14 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS NOVEMBER 2023 �Welcome Ashore! We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. DEEP SEA ANDRE BENNETT CHRISTOPHER JANICS MICHAEL SORENSEN ANDREW VAN BOURG Brother Andre Bennett, 71, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Golden Monarch. Brother Bennett upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. He last shipped on the Lawrence Gianella and makes his home in Bakersville, Virginia. Brother Christopher Janics, 61, began shipping with the union in 1981. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Janics’ first vessel was the Thompson Pass; his last, the Mendonca. He settled in Clermont, Florida. Brother Michael Sorensen, 65, joined the union in 1979, first sailing aboard the Del Sol. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Sorensen’s final vessel was the Horizon Kodiak. He resides in Spokane Valley, Washington. Brother Andrew Van Bourg, 66, started his career with the union in 1990. He first shipped on the Independence and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Van Bourg was an engine department member. He most recently sailed on the Howard O. Lorenzen and makes his home in Northfield, Minnesota. MICHAEL MATTHEW JAMES THOMAS STAGG Brother Michael Matthew James, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2000. He worked in the steward department, initially aboard the Patriot. Brother Matthew James upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last worked on the Padre Island and makes his home in Miami. Brother Thomas Stagg, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1983. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Aquarius. Brother Stagg upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Flickertail State and lives in Surry, Virginia. MARIO BERTRAND Brother Mario Bertrand, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He shipped in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bertrand’s final vessel was the USNS Brittin. He lives in Chalmette, Louisiana. LEO SULLIVAN PAUL BURKE TYRONE MCCALLON Brother Paul Burke, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1976, initially sailing aboard the Cove Communicator. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped primarily in the steward department. Brother Burke most recently sailed on the OMI Champion. He is a resident of Mobile, Alabama. Brother Tyrone McCallon, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1978 and first sailed with Interocean American Shipping. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McCallon’s final vessel was the OMI Platte. He resides in New Orleans. JAMES BYNUM THOMAS MCCURDY MICHAEL THOMAS Brother James Bynum, 65, signed on with the union in 1982 and first sailed aboard the Taurus. He worked in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Bynum last shipped on the Green Island and resides in New Orleans. Brother Thomas McCurdy, 65, signed on with the union in 1975, initially working with Dravo Basic Materials. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother McCurdy last shipped on the Wilson. He makes his home in Connersville, Louisiana. Brother Michael Thomas, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1988 and initially worked on the Independence. He was a member of the steward department and last shipped on the Ambassador. Brother Thomas upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He calls St. Cloud, Florida, home. ROMEO RIVERA TERRY THOMAS Brother Romeo Rivera, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1994 when he sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Rivera upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. An engine department member, he last shipped on the Horizon Reliance. Brother Rivera settled in Las Vegas. Brother Terry Thomas, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980. He initially shipped on the El Paso Southern and sailed in the deck department. Brother Thomas upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Alaska and lives in McDonough, Geogia. JOHN GREUBEL Brother John Greubel, 65, started his career with the SIU in 2000. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Patriot. Brother Greubel upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently shipped on the American Liberty and makes his home in Conway, South Carolina. NOVEMBER 2023 Brother Leo Sullivan, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the William Baugh. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sullivan last sailed on the Maersk Atlanta. He calls Brooklyn, New York, home. INLAND ROBERT CARROLL Brother Robert Carroll, 67, joined the union in 2007. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Carroll was first employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He most recently sailed with Penn Maritime Inc. and resides in St. Augustine, Florida. DAVID GREGORY Brother David Gregory, 71, signed on with the union in 1992. He was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Greogry upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and last shipped on the Champion. He settled in San Angelo, Texas. MARAD Posts Update The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently announced that it has chosen the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) to lead research efforts in developing a new maritime strategy for the United States. The CNA has been tasked with conducting a study during the next year, throughout which they plan to engage with public and private stakeholders in the maritime industry to identify opportunities for growth. By the end of the year, they aim to determine new ways to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine and maritime industrial base to meet economic and national security needs, the agency reported. In accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023, MARAD was required to choose a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to commence this study. The CNA is an independent nonprofit FFRDC sponsored by the Department of the Navy, with expertise in researching sealift needs for national security. “MARAD will work closely with CNA on this historic effort that will set the foundation for future success of the U.S. maritime industry,” MARAD said in an online statement. The results from the CNA’s study will be used as a tool to develop an in-depth approach to begin identifying and prioritizing the elements for a strategy. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOEMARIE ABOY Brother Joemarie Aboy, 66, died March 21. He joined the SIU in 2007 when he sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha. Brother Aboy was an engine department member. He most recently shipped on the Pride of America in 2020 and was a Honolulu resident. VIRGILIO BANZON Pensioner Virgilio Banzon, 83, passed away August 20. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2005 and first sailed aboard the Seabrook. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Banzon last shipped on the Empire State. He retired in 2016 and settled in Chula Vista, California. JOHN BARNARD Brother John Barnard, 66, died July 24. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991, first shipping on the Sealift Pacific. Brother Barnard worked in the deck department, lastly aboard the Prestige New York. He called McKinney, Texas, home. EDWARD DESOUCEY Pensioner Edward Desoucey, 62, passed away September 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979. Brother Desoucey’s first vessel was the Leo. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the Horizon Enterprise. Brother Desoucey retired in 2005 and made his home in Pittsburgh. RUBEN GALLEGUILLOS Pensioner Ruben Galleguillos, 93, died September 9. Brother Galleguillos was born in San Francisco and began sailing with the SIU in 1979. He sailed in the steward department, initially aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Galleguillos last shipped on the Endurance and became a pensioner in 1996. He made his home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. RAYMOND GORJU HAROLD NELLI DAVID FEARS Pensioner Raymond Gorju, 74, passed away September 14. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1967, initially sailing aboard the Alcoa Commander. Brother Gorju was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the USNS Capable. He began collecting his pension in 2004 and lived in Gretna, Louisiana. Pensioner Harold Nelli, 96, died August 23. Born in Rockdale, Illinois, he joined the union in 1945. Brother Nelli initially sailed with Merritt-Chapman and Scott. He was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Robert E. Lee. Brother Nelli went on pension in 1988 and resided in Lacombe, Louisiana. Pensioner David Fears, 84, passed away September 1. He signed on with the union in 1973 and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Fears first sailed with Dravo Basic Materials. He was last employed with Western Towing Company and went on pension in 2011. Brother Fears resided in Mount Enterprise, Texas. ERNESTO GUARIN Brother William Rios, 55, passed away August 15. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and started sailing with the SIU in 1988. Brother Rios first shipped on the Aries and worked in the deck department. He most recently sailed aboard the Magothy and lived in New York City. Pensioner Ernesto Guarin, 83, died August 26. He donned the SIU colors in 1979 when he worked on the Panama. A deck department member, Brother Guarin last shipped aboard the Performance. He retired in 2005 and lived in the Philippines. WILLIAM RIOS BRIAN SENGELAUB CESAR GUTIERREZ Pensioner Cesar Gutierrez, 84, passed away September 20. He launched his career with the Seafarers in 1970, first sailing aboard the Steel Maker. Brother Gutierrez shipped in the deck department. He last sailed on the Sulphur Enterprise before going on pension in 2004. Brother Gutierrez was a resident of Kenner, Louisiana. Pensioner Brian Sengelaub, 72, died September 8. He joined the SIU in 1973, first working aboard the Overseas Progress. Brother Sengelaub was a member of the engine department and last shipped on the Maersk Kensington in 2016. He retired the following year and settled in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. GREAT LAKES RONALD LUPINACCI RUSSELL BROWN Pensioner Ronald Lupinacci, 78, died September 29. Brother Lupinacci signed on with the union in 1990. He was a steward department member and first sailed on the Constellation. Brother Lupinacci’s final vessel was the Prestige New York. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Darlington, Pennsylvania. Pensioner Russell Brown, 72, passed away September 29. He embarked on his Seafarers career in 1977 when he sailed on the JT Hutchinson. A deck department member, Brother Brown last worked on the H Lee White in 2006. He retired within the same year and made his home in Alger County, Michigan. DARRELL MCDONALD Brother Darrell McDonald, 64, has passed away. Born in Tampa, Florida, he began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1982. He sailed in the engine department. Brother McDonald’s first vessel was the Virgo; his last, the Lawrence Gianella. He called Old Town, Florida, home. 16 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS INLAND FRANK LYONS Pensioner Frank Lyons, 76, died September 10. He joined the SIU in 1996. Brother Lyons sailed in the deck department and worked with Crowley for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2009 and made his home in Willingboro, New Jersey. JOHN ZENTS Pensioner John Zents, 68, passed away August 26. He joined the SIU in 1974 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Zents worked for Moran Towing of Maryland until 1990. He started collecting his pension in 2019 and was a Baltimore resident. NMU JULIAN CASTRO Pensioner Julian Castro, 96, died September 7. Brother Castro was born in Puerto Rico. He sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Green Ridge. Brother Castro became a pensioner in 1990 and called Yonkers, New York, home. ALBERTO OLIVEIRA Pensioner Alberto Oliveira, 88, died March 30. Brother Oliveira shipped in the steward department, most recently aboard the Green Lake. He retired in 1992 and lived in Fall River, Massachusetts. Correction The October LOG contained an erroneous obituary for SIU pensioner Avell Brown, who in fact is alive and well. However, his twin brother - SIU pensioner Arvell Brown - passed away earlier this year. The correct information and correct photo appear directly below. GEORGE DALEY ARVELL BROWN Pensioner George Daley, 73, died September 3. He donned the SIU colors in 1981, initially working on the Padre Island. Brother Daley sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation in 1994. He became a pensioner in 2014 and lived in Douglasville, Georgia. Pensioner Arvell Brown, 77, passed away May 11. Brother Brown worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Green Point before retiring in 2013. Brother Brown resided in Prichard, Alabama. NOVEMBER 2023 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSE RFPNW November 13 November 13 Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES December 1 Basic Training Revalidation November 6 November 13 December 4 December 8 November 6 November 13 December 4 December 8 Government Vessels November 6 November 10 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG December 11 December 15 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSE RFPEW Latest Course Dates December 15 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook December 4 January 5 ServSafe Management November 27 December 1 Chief Steward November 13 December 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member COURSE ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. NOVEMBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG17 • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #899 – Graduated September 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Ricky Anderson, Kezavior Bryant, Brett Bundy, Elon Dancy-Mosley, Nathaniel Gasparini, Jonathan Graham, Nayor Griffin-Taylor, Nasir Harrell, Giveric Henderson, Josue Hernandez Cordero, Clint Langford Jr., Kassidy Mays, Andrew Mentzer, Tyler Morin, Tony Noble, Frederick Rivers III, LaToya Sanford-Leggs, Maurice Smith, Tavon Spence, Jyheir Thompson, Natanael Velez Cordero, Cedric Wallace Jr. and Xavion Young-Key. MACHINE REFRIGERATION TECH – Graduated September 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Alvin GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 15 (above, from left): Darrisha Bryant and Rubenia Flores. Alcasid, Haeven Bautista, Sherrod Frazier, Noah Hughes, Deidra Hunter, Tony King Jr., Thomas Koncul, Joshua Mann, Jep Sumpter, David Watkins and Jonathan White. Instructor Christopher Morgan is also pictured. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Faisal Ali, Masha Blas, James Boatner, Maimouna Diallo, Luis Flores Ramos, Shavonne Freeman, Peter Frimpong, Paul Harris, Ronda Jackson, Eric Johnson, Efrain Martinez, Charles McAllister III, Esstonia Moore, Edwin Pagan, Arnel Resurreccion, Gedrick Reyes, Fahd Saleh, Lekesha Stevenson, and Gladys Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 18 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS PUMPMAN – Graduated September 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Among those pictured are Jonathan Bernardez Bernardez, Michael Clark, Marlon Green, Jared Johnson, Robert Pendarvis, Marcelino Santos Bermeo, Bryan Wells and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Patrick Coppola is also pictured. NOVEMBER 2023 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated September 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Deirick Coltrane II, Elijah Crawford, Jerrame Delfin, Robert Foster, Tiara MacKlin, Helen Martinez, Kyara Nunez, Gedrick Reyes, Jonathan Slattery and Johnny Smith. ABLE SEAMAN DECK – Graduated September 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Parker Hampton, Kaylah Hill, La'Terri Kohn, Peter Pataki, De'Andre Peden, Darryl Shack Jr., José Soto-Ortiz, Chandler Williams and Michael Wilt. PHASE 3 DECK – Graduated September 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Coleman Brewer, Jacob TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated September 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Ismael Andriamasy, James Boatner, Shayanna Freeman, Michael John Valdez and David Watkins. PHASE 3 ENGINE – Graduated September 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Curtis Gilliard II, Anthony Burns, Stephen Chatten, Nailah Cundiff, Tevon Edwards, Isaiah Godette, Chase Greenawalt, Darlenzo Hines Jr., Owen Lehman, Juliette Mandal, James Shoats, James Stamper and Alexis Walker. Harrell Jr., Sierjohn Jove, Kamaria Lapread, Jylnn LeCounte, Keith Martin Jr., Mario Martin, Matthew McManus, Kevin Menendez Barrales, Amar Ogletree, Kaicee Proctor, Josh Neilsen Rivera, Tre Scott, Stephen Swaby and Ian Tarwater. RFPEW – Graduated September 8: Rommel Centura. WATER SURVIVAL (LIFEBOATMAN) – Graduated September 8: Johnathan Radzewicz. NOVEMBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG19 • 19 �NOVEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 11 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Union, School Maintain Recruiting Efforts From coast to coast and beyond, the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) are maintaining a steady pace – and a robust agenda – when it comes to recruiting. Union and school personnel regularly engage in community outreach through career fairs – mostly off-site, but also at some of the hiring halls. For instance, the Mobile, Alabama, hall recently hosted a well-attended open house, and the Jacksonville, Florida, hall conducts job-related seminars multiple times each month. The SIU and PHC also have secured creative partnerships with various educational institutions to benefit all concerned (most prominently the respective students). Moreover, the union and school regularly connect with military personnel who will soon separate from service and who are weighing career options. Although the maritime industry still faces a manpower shortage, the aforementioned recruiting operation is helping. For example, the PHC’s apprentice program has full rosters well into next year, and the union also has had some success SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (third from left) meets with students at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, New York, to chat about career opportunities in the U.S. Merchant Marine. SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) explains the apprentice program to an attendee at a job fair hosted by Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. attracting current mariners from various segments of the industry. Finally, as recently noted by SIU President David Heindel, informal/word-of-mouth recruiting has always been effective for the union. Members, pensioners and their families are encouraged to nudge prospective apprentices and potential Seafarers to visit the nearest hiring hall and also check out the website mymaritimecareer.org. SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (second from left) and Patrolman Kelly Krick (second from right) are pictured with attendees at a local festival in Houston. Guests pack the Jacksonville hall for a recruitment seminar hosted by the union. SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (at podium) addresses visitors during an open house at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama. Safety Director Andre MacCray (right) greets visitors at the Rowan University career fair. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and three rank-and-file members meet with Army National Guard personnel at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to discuss maritime job opportunities for veterans and for individuals separating from the military. Pictured from left are Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, Recertified Bosun Ricky Rivera, Crespo, Maj. Whesley Sepúlveda, Israel Romero (deputy director for personnel, Army National Guard), and Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2023 Description An account of the resource ITF RECOVERS NEARLY $120M IN UNPAID WAGES IBF AGREEMENT BOOSTS PAY FOR MARINERS NEW SHIPS ENTERING SIU -CREWED FLEET SIU JOBS REMAIN SECURE THROUGH RECENT TRANSACTIONS BENEFITS CONFERENCES ROLL ON TREASURY DEPARTMENT ISSUES GROUNDBREAKING REPORT ON BENEFITS OF UNIONS TO NATION'S ECONOMY BIDEN BECOMES FIRST SITTING PRESIDENT TO WALK PICKET LINE UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES CHARGE FILINGS UP 10%, UNION PETITIONS UP 3% IN FISCAL YEAR 2023 WESTBROOK APPOINTED AS ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT RECOGNIZED AT LAST: A TRIBUTE TO ALL WHO GO TO SEA AOTOS HONOREES ANNOUNCED BY USS BOSUNS SHARE INSIGHTS DURING GRADUATION MARAD POSTS UPDATE UNION, SCHOOL MAINTAIN RECRUITING EFFORTS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL 85, NO. 11 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3f94e7b01ee10004d00e636c40a821a7.pdf 82b1d543f0a0fdcf49e4fdcc4fbb6eb5 PDF Text Text SEPTEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Celebrates Reopening of Norfolk Hall Union members, pensioners, officials and guests joined together July 25 to commemorate the formal reopening of the hiring hall at 115 Third Street in Norfolk, Virginia. The ceremony (and luncheon) marked the culmination of a massive renovation that started last year. SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (above, right) oversaw the project, which met with very favorable reactions from the assembled guests. Pictured above, left, immediately after the ribbon-cutting portion of the ceremony are (from left) ITF Inspector Bobbi Shipley, Seafarers Trustee Tony Naccarato, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, Maersk VP Ed Hanley, retired SIU VP Kermett Mangram (who did the honors), Pastor O.L. Cromwell (rear), SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SIU President David Heindel, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Pages 10-11. New Pasha Ship Christened SIU President David Heindel (left) was a featured speaker Aug. 9 as Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii christened its new containership Janet Marie in Oakland, California. Pictured at the event are (from left) Heindel, company President and CEO George Pasha IV, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Elyse Pasha, wife of George. The ship is sailing in the Jones Act trade. Page 3. Philly Shipyard Event Underscores Administration’s Support of Maritime President Biden on July 20 expressed strong support for the Jones Act and the overall U.S. maritime industry as he delivered keynote remarks at Philly Shipyard. The ceremony marked the start of construction on a first-of-its-kind offshore wind vessel being built for SIU-contracted Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. SIU President David Heindel met with Biden before the ceremony – and the union got a shout-out from the commander in chief during his speech. Pictured at the shipyard are (from left) SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, U.S. Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania) and Heindel. Page 2. Food Aid Event Page 4 Stewards Graduate Pages 6-7 �President’s Report New and Improved In the very near future, Seafarers LOG readers will notice some changes to our official publication’s look. We are taking advantage of advancements in the printing industry to help improve our product while not appreciably adding to our costs. Our format won’t be radically different (slightly smaller in size) but I’m confident you’ll agree that the fresh look is an improvement. We’re not cutting back on the amount of content, either. Stay tuned. We regularly examine our methods of communication, and I believe it still makes sense for us to produce a monthly publication. When and if that changes, we won’t hesitate to adjust accordingly. Meanwhile, for those who don’t know, we also have a solid online presence and we’ve offered a text-alert service for the last decade. In addition to our website David Heindel (launched in 1997), we’re active on social media, including multi-platform posts every weekday and usually one day on the weekend. We also post every edition of the LOG online, going all the way back to the newspaper’s launch almost 85 years ago. The printed page remains valuable and viable for the SIU in part because connectivity at sea is, shall we say, still evolving. There is no doubt it is improving, and both the union and our contracted operators are fully committed to maximizing availability. But there are technological limits (just as there are ashore) that result in stretches of no cell service or no Wi-Fi or both. That’s not to say that online reading and skimming the printed page is an either/or proposition, but, let’s face it, when your phone or tablet or laptop won’t connect, it’s good to have another option. We also keep in touch with other unions about the most effective ways to stay in touch with rank-and-file members. What I’ve learned is that the organizations who abandoned their respective publications quickly regretted it. There may be an exception here or there, but the anecdotal evidence is solid. Similarly, the feedback we receive from the membership – across all age groups – strongly supports maintaining a periodical. Lastly and again for those who may not know, while the LOG first and foremost serves as a community newspaper, we also use it to spread the word to the outside world about your outstanding work, and about the union’s positions on maritime issues and workers’ rights. We do not skimp with our online efforts, but you can’t hand somebody a website. And if anyone doubts the effectiveness of direct mail, check your mailbox ahead of next year’s elections. I’m excited about the LOG’s upcoming revamp and I welcome your feedback once you’ve seen the new look. The SIU Turns 85 Next month marks 85 years since the Seafarers International Union received its charter. On a personal note, I am grateful to have been part of the organization for 50 of those years (and counting). We have a proud history and a bright future. Our members are second to none when it comes to professionalism, efficiency and (in my view) community-mindedness. We have a world-class training center to keep up with the times. We have solid working relationships with our operators, and we have political strength that helps ensure support for the U.S. Merchant Marine from our military and at every level of government. I am proud to be your president and I’m excited to continue working on your behalf. With union workers in the background, President Biden gives a pro-worker speech during a ceremony at Philly Shipyard. (Photo from White House Twitter feed) Biden Gives Shout-Out to SIU, Jones Act With SIU President David Heindel seated near the podium, President Biden on July 20 offered supportive remarks about both the union and America’s freight cabotage law during a speech at Philly Shipyard (which employs union workers). Biden was there to help celebrate the ceremonial start of construction of the first offshore wind vessel of its kind (a scour ship, the Acadia) to be Made in America and Jones Act-compliant. The vessel, which will place rocks on the seabed to secure the base for offshore wind turbines, is being constructed for Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. With hundreds of unionized workers in attendance, Biden noted that the SIU will provide shipboard manpower when the vessel is completed. He mentioned that several other unions will be involved in the ship’s construction. He also stated, “Some folks may not know, there was a law in 1920 called the Jones Act that was passed. It says ships travelling between U.S. ports have to be American-built, American-owned and have American crews. There are some who are content to rely on ships built overseas, without American crews to operate them. Again, not on my watch. We’re strengthening American shipbuilding, supporting good union jobs, and bringing offshore-wind supply chains back home.” Heindel met with Biden before the ceremony. “I thanked the president for his support of the Jones Act and the U.S. Merchant Marine. I also thanked him for bringing good union jobs for the wind industry,” Heindel stated. During the ceremony, Biden talked about “the progress we’ve made building an economy from the middle out and the bottom up.” He said unions “built the middle class, and it changed the economic direction of this country.” Turning his attention to recent job growth, Biden cited “over 13 million new jobs built across the country and nearly half a million of them here in Pennsylvania just in the last two-and-a-half years. Eight hundred-thousand manufacturing jobs (created in the U.S.), 28,000 here in Pennsylvania alone in the last two-and-a-half years. That’s more jobs in two years than any president has created in a four-year term. Unemployment is below 4 percent – the longest stretch of unemployment below 4 percent in the last 50 years. We’re beginning to come back, folks. We can because we’re giving workers a chance.” The president also said that his “Investing in America agenda is bringing our clean energy supply chains home. Since I took office, we’ve seen more than $16 billion in new offshore wind investments, including 18 offshore wind vessels, 12 manufacturing facilities, and 13 ports. Today, we announced the first-ever offshore wind sale in the Gulf of Mexico. We’re going to the Gulf…. Across the Delaware River in Paulsboro, New Jersey, workers are welding the steel foundation for another large-scale wind project. That’s going to create more than 3,000 good-paying jobs. A project off the coast of New York will use a vessel built in the shipyards of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida and rely on an electrical substation engineered in Kansas and made in Texas.” He added, “All this investment means good-paying jobs here at home. We’re making sure these new jobs come free and fair and (with) the ability to join a union if you’re not already in one. I made a commitment that I’d be the most pro-union president in American history – and I’m keeping that promise.” Expanding on that commitment, Biden said he routinely tells business leaders that “union workers are the best in the world…. You do the job right, and long-term, it costs (management) less than non-union labor.” Celebrating Maritime in Houston O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 9 September 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director, Nick Merrill; Assistant Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left in both photos) met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (right in photo above, right) and U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips (right in remaining photo) Aug. 4 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Houston for a federally funded container terminal expansion project. “It was a great opportunity to discuss the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime Security Program, recruiting and training, and port infrastructure grants,” said Corgey, a longtime member of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. September 2023 �Pasha’s Janet Marie Christened The SIU-crewed Janet Marie, pictured in Long Beach, California, is sailing in the Jones Act trade. (Photo courtesy Port of Long Beach) In commemoration of the Janet Marie’s first call to the Port of Long Beach, Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman (center) presents Pasha Hawaii President and CEO George Pasha IV (center) and Janet Marie Capt. Doug Fisher (standing next to George Pasha) with a plaque in honor of the captain and crew. (Photo courtesy Port of Long Beach) The SIU recently helped formally celebrate the addition of a new Jones Act vessel. Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii on Aug. 9 hosted a christening ceremony in Oakland, California, for its containership MV Janet Marie. SIU President David Heindel was a featured speaker at the gathering; SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone also attended, as did rank-and-file Seafarers. As reported in the August LOG, the LNG-powered vessel was delivered July 11. In addition to the christening, the company also previously conducted smaller commemorations for the Janet Marie’s first calls on the ports of Long Beach, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii, respectively. During the christening, Heindel underscored “the significance of brand-new, state-of-the-art, American-built tonnage entering the U.S. fleet and sailing with American mariners. This is truly something to celebrate.” He saluted the company’s “incredible commitment to our Seafarers, to our flag, and to our national, economic and homeland security. I know that our members are doing great work aboard this fine new ship, and George (Pasha IV, company president and CEO), you can count on us to continue taking good care of your mother’s namesake and to assure the delivery of her cargo.” Heindel also pointed out that “ships like the Janet Marie help our country maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen seafarers who are available to work aboard military support ships as needed.” The Janet Marie is the second of two new ‘Ohana Class, 774foot containerships built at AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas. The company’s first vessel in the class, the SIU-crewed MV George III, began service in August 2022, becoming the first LNG-powered containership to call on the Bay Area. Pasha Hawaii is a subsidiary of the 76-year-old, third-generation, family-owned company The Pasha Group, whose roots were planted in the Bay Area in 1947. The George III and Janet Marie are named in honor of the late parents of George Pasha, IV. “These ships represent the legacy of my parents and the company they helped build from humble beginnings in San Francisco,” said George Pasha IV. “The success of our family business has always been based on ingenuity, striving for excellence and doing what is right for our customers and the communities where we live and work. Both George III and Janet Marie provide our customers with best-in-class vessels, while setting the standard for environmental stewardship when it comes to ship design and construction. Today is a very proud moment for the entire Pasha team and our family.” Chris Connor, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities and board member of The Pasha Group served as emcee for the christening ceremony. Connor was joined by guest speakers Danny Wan, executive director of the Port of Oakland; Oakland Deputy Mayor Kimberly Mayfield; Heindel; and Pasha IV. Pastor Michael Ryan and Sister Judy Ryan, of St. James Cathedral in Seattle and siblings to the late Janet Marie Ryan Pasha, conducted a Catholic blessing, followed by a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Kahu (Pastor) Kordell Kekoa of Honolulu. George Pasha IV’s sister, Mary Jane Pasha, served as the ship’s sponsor, overseeing the breaking of the champagne bottle. Crowley Tug Artemis Signals New Jobs for Seafarers The new tug will mean additional jobs for SIU boatmen on the West Coast. Seafarers-contracted Crowley recently announced that it has entered into the company’s fourth long-term charter for its newest Tier IV ship assist tug, the Artemis, with SIU-contracted Brusco Tug & Barge. “The powerful, state-of-the-art vessel reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability while providing high performance,” Crowley said in a news release. According to Crowley, the 77-foot tug “will deliver 7,000 horsepower with a bollard pull of 96 tons using two Caterpillar Marine 3516 Tier IV-compliant engines, meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission standards. Artemis will also feature advanced technology to enhance maneuverability and provide operators with remote monitoring of its performance, making it highly efficient and versatile for various operations.” “Artemis will not only offer the most power for its size like its sister vessel Athena; it showcases our dedication to September 2023 providing environmentally efficient services while maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability,” said Paul Manzi, vice president, Crowley Shipping. “We are grateful to continue collaborating with Brusco Tug & Barge and Diversified Marine to bring new vessels that advance the industry’s capabilities.” The Artemis is slated to enter service later this year, serving Los Angeles and Long Beach with ship assists and escorts. “We are proud of our Hercules Class tugs and pleased to continue our partnership with Crowley and Brusco Tug & Barge,” said Frank Manning, president, Diversified Marine. “This will be the sixth DMI-built tug in Crowley’s fleet and the eleventh we have built for Brusco. Our company is based on relationships, and we are very thankful for the relationship we have with these forward-thinking operators.” Above: SIU President David Heindel expresses confidence in the union members sailing aboard the new ship. Below: Celebrating the ship’s first arrival in Honolulu Harbor are Pasha family members, Seafarers and SIU officials. Pictured from left are Savannah Pasha, George Pasha IV, Elyse Pasha, AB Eric Bell, AB Harold Harper, Pasha VP Ed Washburn, SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, SIU VP Nick Marrone and SIU Safety Director Amber Akana. Seafarers LOG 3 �Port Event Highlights Threat To Food for Peace Program SIU members and officials are pictured after the ceremony. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is sixth from left, while SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo is at far right. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (right) and Bosun Shatina Wright confer aboard the vessel. ica’s home-grown food to hungry families half a world away for 70 years and counting.” In remarks prepared for the ceremony, Marrone stated, “The Seafarers International Union proudly supports cargo preference and we strongly believe that the laws should be strengthened for the betterment of America’s national, economic and homeland security.” According to the latest data from the World Bank, across the Middle East and North Africa, one in five people are severely food insecure, including eight million children. Through Food for Peace, American farmers, millers, port workers, longshoremen and mariners sailing under the U.S. flag have played a critical role in the program to fight global food insecurity. In conjunction with the Longview event, Congressional representatives and other stakeholders offered their support for Food for Peace’s mission: Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) - “Eastern Washington’s agricultural community has a rich history of feeding the world, especially those in need. Thanks to the Columbia-Snake River system, our wheat farmers are able to send their products to hungry nations around the world, preserving their hard-earned legacy and ensuring America continues to shine as a beacon of hope. Thank you to our farmers, industry stakeholders, and maritime partners who helped make this tremendous humanitarian effort possible.” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) - “The United States must continue to provide robust international aid to meet the scale of need in the fight against hunger. I am inspired by the partnership of the maritime labor, carriers, and agriculture sectors in Washington and across the country to make this momentous contribution to global food security.” Congressman Adam Smith (D-Washington) - “I commend partners throughout Washington State for their continued commitment to USAID’s Food for Peace Program. Food for Peace plays an integral role in alleviating hunger throughout the world while also strengthening the United States’ diplomatic efforts. Thank you to the many partners, including Washington State agricultural producers and union workers, who make these efforts possible.” Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) “Washington State has long been a leader in agricultural production and has put us in a position to create positive change. With eight billion dollars in agricultural exports last year and partnerships between public, private, trade groups, and labor, our state is well positioned to extend beyond our geographic boundaries and touch the lives of individuals and families facing hunger emergencies.” Jane Shey, Senior Policy Consultant, World Food Program USA – “Food security is national security. We must increase our collective efforts to access the funding and commodities needed to meet the challenge of a food-insecure world. Committed leadership on the part of the United States, from Capitol Hill to the docks where we stand today, is essential to securing a peaceful and prosperous future.” Dan McKisson, President, Washington Area District Council of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union – “American-grown commodities, like the soft, white wheat loaded on the U.S.-flagged vessel Liberty Glory here today, have saved lives all over the world. This is a tangible symbol of our nation’s generosity, loading these cargos and sending them to those in need overseas, also provides much-needed living wage jobs for our union members and for their families.” Randy Suess, on behalf of the Washington Grain Commission and Washington Association of Wheat Growers – “Food aid not only benefits everyone around the world and American farmers, but it also involves everybody in the supply chain: the truckers, the warehousemen, the shippers and the longshoremen.... Right now, one U.S. farmer feeds 166 others across the country and around the world. I am proud to be part of this program, working to achieve long-lasting and sustainable food security for the world.” The SIU crew of the Liberty Glory included Bosun Shatina Wright, ABs Qaid Alnaawi, Guillermo Legra and Samuel Vera Davis, STOSs Jose Oliva Umanzor and Venancio Bonifacio Suazo, OS Sincere Williams, GUDEs Lacorie Ray, Nabil Said and Virgil Tudorache, Steward/Baker Isabel Sabio, Chief Cook Eliezer Estremera and SA Yawoub Shack. The Seafarers-crewed vessel prepares for its voyage to the Middle East. (All photos courtesy American Maritime Congress) Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison addresses the attendees. At the Washington Port of Longview, American farmers, port workers, millers, mariners, and state and federal policymakers stood together Aug. 15 to commemorate the significant humanitarian shipment of 28,000 metric tons of American-grown wheat on the SIU-crewed Liberty Glory (Liberty Maritime) as part of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Food for Peace program. The shipment comes as Food for Peace is under intense pressure from lawmakers working to eliminate shipments of food produced by American farmers aimed at alleviating the worst hunger emergencies around the world. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo attended the event, as did rank-and-file Seafarers. American-grown food has been the cornerstone of America’s foreign aid policy since Food for Peace was launched in the 1950s with crops like corn, sorghum, rice and wheat. The shipments represent an “unbroken chain of humanity” that stretches from America’s fertile fields to families facing an unprecedented crisis. During the last three years, the United States has donated more than one million tons of American-grown wheat per year through Food for Peace. Much of that wheat has gone to support hunger hotspots in the Middle East and East Africa, where food insecurity still persists. “Food for Peace is one of the most successful humanitarian programs because of the enduring commitment of America’s farmers, millers, port workers, longshoremen and merchant mariners to feeding the world,” said William P. Campbell, vice president of operations, Liberty Maritime Corporation. “However, there are some out there who want to eliminate the contribution of America’s farmers and mariners to Food for Peace or end the program entirely. World hunger is at its peak as conflict persists and the traditional breadbasket of Ukraine is disrupted. Against this backdrop, America must stand up and fight hunger and once again be the shining beacon of hope for those around the world. Food for peace is that hope.” “America’s farmers feed the world and this shipment will feed one million people facing starvation for an entire year; focusing on families who need it most,” said Washington Grain Commissioner Gary Bailey, a wheat grower in Whitman County. “Washington’s wheat farmers are proud to have connected Amer- 4 Seafarers LOG September 2023 �Merchant Marine Delivers Relief Cargoes in Hawaii At press time for this edition of the LOG (mid-August), Seafarers and SIUcontracted vessel operators were involved in the relief efforts in Hawaii, following the wildfires that devasted parts of the state. Additionally, the union is accepting voluntary donations via the Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund. More information about the fund is available on the SIU website (prominently linked on the home page). No SIU members are known to have been injured or to have lost their homes as a result of the fires. Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii reported that its supply chain routes were fully operational as support efforts for Maui wildfire relief continue. The company has enacted its emergency response plan “which includes prioritizing emergency rations, foodstuffs and medical supplies via available barge capacity to Maui and its direct vessel roll-on/roll-off service,” Pasha said in a news release. Additionally, Seafarers-contracted Matson reported that it had begun transporting emergency response equipment and supplies to Maui for the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the Hawaii Food Industry Association (HFIA). Also in mid-August, the American Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is affiliated, issued a “situation report” noting that state, local and federal authorities in Hawaii continue to respond to the needs of residents and the devastating impacts of several large wildfires, which had taken more the 100 lives and destroyed more than 2,200 homes and businesses. In what has been described as the deadliest wildfire incident in the U.S. in more than 100 years, the fires were exacerbated by extremely dry conditions and strong winds generated by the passage of Hurricane Dora. According to AMP, as of Aug. 14, all 10 ports within Hawaii’s Commercial Harbor System, including Kahului Harbor Piers 1, 2 and 3 on the island of Maui, remained operational. The coalition also noted the following, in addition to reporting about the respective efforts of Pasha and Matson: - Fuel availability, the movement of cargo and the flow of humanitarian assistance have not been restricted by the impacts of the wildfires. - Cargoes from the mainland U.S. to Maui are generally routed through Honolulu and transshipped to Kahului, Maui (the main harbor), but there is there is also direct U.S. barge service and roll-on/rolloff vessel service from the mainland to Kahului. - The American maritime industry is coordinating with county, state, federal, and emergency departments to prioritize and move cargo, and ensure safe and expedient delivery of disaster aid. - U.S.-flagged barges are arriving at Kahului Harbor in Maui to provide relief goods. - A barge with 20 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) containers arrived on Thursday, August 10, carrying pallets of bottled water and ready-to-eat meals. - Another barge arrived on Saturday, August 12, carrying 191 containers with generators, emergency supplies, and other equipment to assist the community response efforts. - The Hawaii Department of Transpor- Meeting with Labor Secretary SIU President David Heindel (right) and MM&P President Don Marcus (left) are pictured with Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su at AFL-CIO headquarters earlier this year. They discussed her solid support for workers’ rights, including the right to choose union representation. tation (HDOT) has waived all wharfage charges for cargoes inbound to Kahului Harbor through September 10, 2023 to support humanitarian relief in Maui. - HDOT will waive demurrage and storage fees and port entry and dockage for vessels displaced from small boat harbors on Maui, and have determined that the declared state of emergency is good cause for extensions of free time. - The National Guard has activated 134 troops, including 99 Army National Guard personnel and 35 Air National Guard personnel, to assist in the ongoing local and federal wildfire response efforts. - FEMA announced it had deployed more than 150 personnel, including search and rescue teams. LCLAA Elects SIU AVP Crespo As Puerto Rico Chapter President SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo recently earned an additional title. In August, Crespo was elected president of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) during the organization’s twentyfourth convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Also elected as LCLAA officials were Vice President John Navas (Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, or AMPR), SecretaryTreasurer Jose Ramirez (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees or AFSCME), Log Secretary Nadrischka Martinez (Secretary, AMPR), Board member Nelly Ayala (President, AMPR), Board Member Maria Ortiz (Teacher and Tech Support, AMPR), and Board Member Hector Reyes (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBEW). All members of the LCLAAPR Chapter are also members of the executive Board of the Puerto Rico Workers Federation (Federación de Trabajadores de Puerto Rico, or FTPR AFL-CIO). During the convention, the new chapter electees adopted policy priorities and resolutions meant to ensure dignity for working families. They resolved to prioritize workplace initiatives for long-term economic stability, foster strength and success for LGBTQ workers and help build a bright future for the middle class. The resolutions also emphasize building power with immigrant workers, empowering women in the trades, ensuring quality beginnings to education, and advocating for workers’ rights in a global economy. The LCLAA plans to work toward instating workplace initiatives for longterm economic stability, advocating for affordable and accessible health care for all, and fighting for equal rights on the job and humanitarian protections for those in harm’s way, the organization reported. The convention’s theme, “Together Towards Tomorrow: Trabajadores para un Futuro Justo,” focused on improving the quality of life of all Latin Americans in the U.S. and enriching the benefits necessary to achieve happiness, good living, and the peace to which all Americans are entitled according to our Constitution and Civil Rights. It commenced with a chapter president’s meeting, during which Crespo and the other new chapter mem- September 2023 LCLAA friends and guests pose for a picture during the convention. bers from Milwaukee, Greater Boston, Puerto Rico, and South Central Arizona were welcomed. Stephanie Sepulveda offered insights on citizenship clinics, while Lucia Gomez led a workshop on voter education and partnering with other organizations for effective voting efforts. With inspiring speeches and discussions by esteemed speakers including AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, the session set the stage for a dynamic and transformative convention experience, according to attendees. During the plenary session, Redmond and Weingarten effusively exalted the Jones Act in their respective speeches. They referenced Crespo’s effective work promoting the law, and they emphasized how necessary and vital that statute is for Puerto Rico’s economy. Speakers also mentioned what this means for U.S. national security, especially in cases of national emergency like the major, devastating hurricanes and earthquakes that have hit Puerto Rico in the past five years. Both Redmond and Weingarten were received and dismissed with standing ovations. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left in both photos) meets with (above, left) AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and with American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten (remaining photo). Seafarers LOG 5 �Eight SIU Stewards Reach Top Level Newly Recertified Seafarers Praise School, Union The latest class of recertified stewards, from left to right: Ingra Maddox, Natalie Delgado, Annie T. Nodd, Erwin Renon, Jermaine Robinson, J.D. Reyes, Bernard Butts and Dennison Dizon. T he newest class of recertified stewards graduated in August, and the group had plenty of good things to say about the experience. SIU members completing the top-level course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) were: Bernard Butts, Natalie Delgado, Dennison Dizon, Ingra Maddox, Annie T. Nodd, Erwin Renon, J.D. Reyes and Jermaine Robinson. They formally completed the class during the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. During their training, the stewards were instructed and tested on a variety of subjects, including leadership, baking ability, computer skills, social responsibilities, Coast Guard updates, and other department-specific workshops on healthy eating, safe work areas and more. During the two-week course, each member also gained new and additional insight into the functions of the various departments of the SIU as well as the Seafarers Plans, collective bargaining agreements, and the union’s affiliations with both the Maritime Trades Department and its parent organization, the AFL-CIO. As part of the graduation ceremony, each steward spoke to the assembled crowd of SIU officials, members and guests before receiving their certificates of completion. In each speech, the new recertified stewards described their experiences with the course, their careers as mariners and their time spent at the PHC. Without exception, each member of the class praised the curriculum, the staff and faculty of the school and the importance of upgrading and furthering their careers. Following are highlights of the respective graduation speeches. Bernard Butts Unable to attend the graduation ceremony in person, Butts nevertheless thanked the union’s executive board, staff and faculty for their assistance and instruction throughout the course. The Norfolk, Virginia-based mariner wrote, “I would like to thank the president, vice presidents, officials, patrolmen, chefs, instructors, my fellow recertified stewards and all the stewards that came before me that imparted wisdom, knowledge and guidance to help me reach this point in my career.” He continued, “It is an honor to stand before you as a new recertified steward. 6 Seafarers LOG I began my career as a mariner in 2001, after 12 years in the Navy. I embarked on my first ship, the USNS Bold, beginning what has become a prosperous and fulfilling career path in the SIU. “Since I joined the union, my life has excelled in many different ways. I have been able to provide the life for my family that I had always dreamed of. I have been able to see many different parts of the world that some only dream or imagine. I have been able to teach and mentor many along the way, sharing work knowledge, life lessons and insight into this great entity we call the SIU.” He concluded by offering advice to the apprentices and upgraders: “Continue to strive to become greater. Never limit yourself. Always press to take your career to the next level. Keep your head down, mouth closed and ears open. There is an opportunity in the SIU that you can’t find in a lot of places, called upgrading! Take full advantage of this opportunity, and don’t get stagnant or complacent in your current position.” Ingra Maddox Shipping from the Port of Tacoma, Washington, Maddox spoke about her career, as well as her family connection to the SIU. After thanking the officials seated on the dais, she reflected on her experiences in the program. “First, I’d like to say how honored I am to be here with my fellow recertified stewards, and humbly thank all of our great instructors, including Natalie (Delgado, who previously taught at the PHC during her shore time), for all they’ve done over the years to help me get to where I am today. I never could have imagined I’d be here. “My family has been a part of the SIU for 45 years,” Maddox continued. “I’ve been sailing for 20. Being a mariner has enriched my life in so many ways, but most importantly, by giving me the financial freedom to help in providing for my family. The long vacations don’t hurt, either.” To the apprentices, she said, “Please don’t waste the opportunity you’ve been given. Apply yourself, learn all you can and take full advantage of all our school has to offer. The school is here to help us all. When you get out on the ships, listen, learn and ask questions. The only stupid questions are ones not asked. Remember that we all had to start at the bottom. Never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, or that you can’t do it. Prove them wrong, like I did.” She concluded, “I thank the SIU, and will always stand behind my union, as it has done for me.” Jermaine Robinson Next to speak was Robinson, who sails out of the Port of New Orleans. He detailed his career, starting with his first job in the industry. “I’ve been sailing with the SIU now for 26 years and five months. I took my first job on February 27, 1997, with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. From there, my journey continued as I moved on to bigger deep sea vessels, where in 2004 I got a job aboard the USNS Altair.… Aboard that ship I was able to go completely around the world, where I got my chance to cross the Equator.” He thanked the union officials and the staff at the PHC, as well as talked about his family: “The SIU has been financially good to my family and me over the years. My wife and I have four kids and two grandkids, and my baby boy is about to graduate high school.” He then thanked the union for helping enable him to send all of his children to college. He also mentioned some of the skills he learned during the course, before turning to address the apprentices in the auditorium, saying, “Come aboard, work hard, listen to your supervisors, work alongside your fellow shipmates, learn as much as you can, don’t be afraid to ask questions and always remember to never stop there. Always come back and upgrade, upgrade, upgrade.” J.D. Reyes Sailing out of Tacoma, Reyes is another legacy mariner in this class, who followed his mother’s path to a career at sea: “I became a mariner in the year 2000, in New York, because my family’s history in the U.S. also began in New York. My mother was a sailor for more than 25 years, with the National Maritime Union,” he recalled. Reyes continued, “The most important part of being a mariner is to love what you are doing. If I wasn’t proud to be here, I wouldn’t still be sailing.” He then spoke about the importance of supporting the Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Finally, he offered the following advice to future mariners: “At sea, there is no such thing as half-[hearted]. That comes back to bite you, and gets you hurt. We want to send you back to your loved ones in one piece.” Dennison Dizon Dizon, hailing from the Port of Wilmington, California, was next to address the crowd, saying, “I am honored to be at this level in my career. It’s a dream come true to be a recertified steward. I became a merchant mariner because of my father, Bosun Dante Dizon. I joined the SIU and started sailing in 2009, and now I’m the permanent steward of the USNS Red Cloud. “The SIU provides a quality lifestyle, and I am evidence of that,” he continued, Continues on next page Recertified Steward Annie T. Nodd September 2023 �Recertified Stewards Dennison Dizon (left) and Jermaine Robinson “The SIU has helped me a lot, especially when it comes to supporting my family. It gives us a high standard of living, and financial security through our future.” He then offered advice to the trainees, saying, “Take advantage of the opportunity that you have right now, study hard while you’re here and learn as much as you can. Remember, ‘Talent wins games, but teamwork and hard work wins championships.’ Upgrading is a must, never settle for less than what you deserve, and you can’t be afraid to fail, because that’s the only way to succeed.” He also credited the union officials and staff of the PHC, before thanking his wife, who was in attendance: “She is the reason why I am here. She motivated me every single day. She’s my inspiration. I love you, and this is for you!” Annie T. Nodd After thanking the officials, Nodd talked about her history with the SIU. She hails from Mobile, Alabama. “I started as a trainee in the apprentice program – Class 563 – and that gave me the right amount of discipline that I needed, and the skills that I still use today,” she said. “I’m so grateful to God for guiding me in this direction. Without God’s guidance, I don’t know where I would be. “The SIU has given me a sense of stability and security,” she continued. “It has allowed me to travel the world and to continue to work and support my family, even when everything had shut down (during the COVID-19 pandemic). I am so grateful for that.” She also mentioned the importance of assisting young mariners, saying, “I had some great mentors, some old-timers who took me under their wing and taught me all they knew. To the trainees, I was once sitting where you all are now. The training and knowledge you all will learn here will take you throughout your career, if you apply it. Listen to your instructors and work hard. This school is not set up to fail you. If you fail, that’s on you.” She concluded by thanking the staff and instructors, saying, “Everyone here has always made me feel at home and safe. I grew up under you all, and I thank September 2023 you all for hosting this year’s steward recertification class.” Erwin Renon Renon began with the most important recognition, saying, “It is my distinct honor to be here, but, first and foremost I would like to thank my wife, who has stood with me all these years. I thank her, God, and my four beautiful daughters for helping me to be here today.” He quipped, “I have been a mariner for 23 years, longer than most of you have been alive.” He then spoke about his history with the union, saying, “I fell in love with my new career, and met so many wonderful people along the way. The union has become an important part of my family’s life. Without the support of the union, I would not have been able to provide for my family as well as I can, and I am forever grateful to the SIU for that.” He took a moment to thank the staff of his home port, Tacoma, before speaking Recertified Steward J.D. Reyes to the trainees: “All of us can agree that the road ahead is not going to be easy, but do try to do your best and take every opportunity that you are given. Your time here will teach you many skills, and connect you to many people. Payday is coming for you.” He concluded by urging his fellow mariners to contribute to SPAD, and by thanking the staff and instructors at the PHC. Natalie Delgado Last to speak, Delgado ships out of Wilmington, and has a long history with the union. Beyond her sailing career of more than 20 years, she also worked parttime at the PHC as an instructor for many years. “Prior to joining the union, I found myself struggling to stay above water financially,” she began. “I was working two full-time jobs…. Shortly after AHC went out of business, I got a call from a Navy captain, saying I came highly recom- mended. For the last 17 years, I’ve been loyal to the USNS Loyal as the permanent chief steward.” She added, “I consider myself truly blessed to have had the privilege of working with the chefs here at Piney Point: John Hetmanski, John Dobson, Paulie Gelrud, R.J. Johnson, and my mentor who took me under his wing, Ed White, God bless his soul. Gentlemen, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.” Delgado stated, “Thank you to my husband, Edwin, for holding down the hatches while I was at sea.” She then urged those in attendance to support SPAD, as well as backing politicians who support the Jones Act, and getting out to the polls to vote. She concluded, “To the trainees, don’t be the one who years from now says, ‘shoulda, woulda, coulda’ or wonder where you would be in life if you had just committed to this industry. Joining the SIU and becoming a mariner changed my life.” Pictured above, from left to right: Jermaine Robinson, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Dennison Dizon, J.D. Reyes, Erwin Renon, VP Contracts George Tricker, Natalie Delgado, Executive VP Augustin Tellez, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Annie T. Nodd, Ingra Maddox, VP Great Lakes Bryan Powell, President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, AVP Pat Vandegrift, Port Agent Jose Argueta and VP Nicholas Celona. Seafarers LOG 7 �ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Pictured aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated vessel following a safety meeting are Capt. Raymond Davis, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, Electrician Salah Saleh and GUDE Ruel Decrepito. ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE – Pictured aboard the Keystone vessel following a union meeting are Recertified Bosun Billy Yurick, AB/Tankerman Jimmy Hargrove, Capt. Michael O’Connell, SIU Houston Patrolman J.B. Niday, SIU Houston Patrolman Kirk Pegan and Second Mate Connor Shea. SHIPYARD SNAPSHOT – Many thanks to Recertified Bosun Adel Ahmed for this photo from the Alaskan Navigator’s recent shipyard period in South Korea. Pictured from left (standing) near the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel are QMED Ronilo Monares, AB Romeo Escalera, DEU Taher Ahmed, Bosun Ahmed, Recertified Steward Albert Sison, QMED Aljohn Fernandez, Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, AB Micheal Adote, AB Francisco Anacta, AB Zaid Said, SA Ammr Ali, AB Walid Nasser and AB Bonifacio Fortes. In front is DEU Paul Koomson. ENCOURAGING PROSPECTIVE APPRENTICES – SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (second from left) assists candidates at the San Juan hall who are applying for the apprentice program based at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Behind the lens is Seafarer Jose Encarnacion. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – SIU personnel (from left) Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Junior Engineer Luke Failauga spread the word at a job and wellness fair in Honolulu. TALKIN’ RECRUITING IN CRESCENT CITY – SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook (left) meets with Louisiana Workforce Commission Apprenticeship Division Director Stephen Peychaud at the hiring hall, where they discussed ongoing recruiting collaboration. A-BOOKS IN JERSEY CITY – Picking up their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall are QEE Jing Hui Huang (left in photo above, right) and Chief Cook Leonardo Bagnol (left in remaining photo). They’re pictured with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – These photos were taken during the August membership meeting at the hall. From left in photo above, both receiving B-books, are STOS Antione Clark and SA Shantracycia Stripling (and SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson). From left in the photo at left: Chief Cook Brittany Williams (B seniority), Steward/Baker Jeffery Toliver (A seniority) and Chief Cook Armon Bailey (A seniority). 8 Seafarers LOG September 2023 �SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS – SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona recently attended a change-of-command ceremony on the West Coast. He’s at right, with Brigadier General Douglas K. Clark, Commanding General, 4th Marine Division. WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – SA Budiman Chandra (left) receives his first pension check following a 20-year career with the SIU. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. ABOARD G&H TOWING TUG – SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan (left) greets Seafarer Clay Casteel aboard the Atlas. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Jose Ortiz (left) picks up his B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. ABOARD PACIFIC TRACKER – During a recent voyage on the TOTE-operated vessel, Seafarers (from left) MDR Brandon Maeda, Chief Steward Julito Crodua and Chief Cook Michael Gramer noted that they all started sailing in the 1980s, with American Hawaii Cruises. “It was really great seeing each other again and sailing on the same ship,” Maeda wrote. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD NATIONAL GLORY – These photos from the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship, taken while the vessel was headed to Puerto Rico, include Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo (left in both snapshots), Chief Steward Melissa McCartney (right in photo at right) and Electrician Joe Flotta (right in remaining photo). BOSUN CREDITS ABs – Many thanks to Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman for this snapshot of SJ Joe Horton, AB Paul Jimenez and AB Levi Gorokhovsky aboard the Global Sentinel (SubCom). Photo was taken during a recent trip from the West Coast to the UK. Hardman said it “was a long trip but time to catch up on some maintenance. They knocked it out of the park chipping the lifeboat davits.” All are graduates of the apprentice program who recently secured their respective AB tickets. September 2023 BACKING PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) greets John Whitmire, the labor-backed candidate for Houston mayor, during a gathering in support of the campaign. MILESTONE IN ALOHA STATE – QE4 Sean Carter (left) receives his A-book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with SIU Administrative Assistant Caitlyn Wharton. WORTH CELEBRATING – SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (left) attended a workers’ rights event earlier this year in Lansing, Michigan, featuring Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (right). The gathering celebrated Whitmer’s signing of legislation repealing the state’s so-called right-to-work (for less) law. Seafarers LOG 9 �From left to right: Maersk Line, Limited Vice President Ed Hanley, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU EVP Augustin Tellez show off a new addition to the (model) fleet. From left to right: SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Asst. Vice President Pat Vandegrift and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orezchowski stand ready to assist the members. Welcome to Your New Home, Norfolk The location and exterior bricks are quite familiar, but the rest of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, is essentially brand new, following a successful, months-long renovation. SIU members, retirees, family members and guests joined union officials July 25 for a ceremonial reopening of the facility, located at 115 Third Street. The union has operated from that spot since 1963, though it maintained temporary offices in nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, since late summer 2022, due to the refurbishment. As with any renovation of such extensive scope, this one included some figurative speed bumps, but the finished product elicited nothing but praise. Bosun Darrol Bates stated, “No joke, this looks really nice. It’s gorgeous, and I really like the desk area.” “It’s up to the times for the new generation coming in,” said Chief Steward Reynard Gibbs. “I think it’ll definitely bring a positive energy. The map of southeast Hampton Roads (behind the counter) is cool and the Wi-Fi works. I just logged in.” GUDE Blake Thrasher said, “Everything looks a whole lot better. It’s clean and more modern. The front desk is more organized and the hall has better spacing.” Retired Recertified Bosun Aubrey Davis noted, “The improvements make you feel good. I think it’s absolutely wonderful and beautiful.” The ceremony, which was followed by a catered luncheon, included remarks from (in chronological order) SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey, SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift (who oversaw the renovation), Seafarers Trustee Tony Naccarato, Virginia Delegate Jeion Ward, and SIU President David Heindel. Attendees then gathered outside the building, where retired SIU Vice President Kermett Mangram, long a mainstay in Norfolk, SIU President David Heindel (right) poses for a photo with Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays. 10 Seafarers LOG cut the ceremonial ribbon following a blessing from local Pastor O.L. Cromwell. Moments before the program started, Seafarerscontracted Maersk Line, Limited (which is headquartered in Norfolk) presented a new, glass-encased model of the Maersk Peary, unveiled by company Vice President Ed Hanley. Heindel commended Vandegrift’s work in overseeing the renovation, which included completely replacing most or all of the plumbing and drainage systems, electrical components, flooring and ceilings, windows, offices, counter and more. “The building started to show its age,” Heindel said. “We invested in our membership to make sure you had a comfortable place. It was time. “Pat did an excellent job,” he continued. “He dedicated more than a year to get this project to conclusions. It wasn’t easy, but Pat has the tenacity to keep things on track and he did a hell of a job.” Heindel said the refurbished hall “symbolizes improvements in the present and the hope for the future. This location is excellent, and now this facility itself is state of the art and will serve our membership well into the future. It’s a place where our members and their families can feel safe and proud to come and take care of their business.” He concluded by telling the crowd that plans are being made to improve a few more of the hiring halls in the near future. Naccarato, who has worked in the maritime industry for 58 years, said the hall is “a beautiful building – a building that will not only serve to provide good jobs to members, but a building that will be a testament to the excellent and valuable labor-management relationships that owners and operators enjoy with the SIU. Buildings of this quality do not happen without vision and determination.” He also thanked the rank-and-file members “for your service and for your willingness to sacrifice time away from family and friends. You serve a very vital role. Being a seafarer is not an easy life. Please rest assured that you are truly appreciated not only for providing a decent living standard for yourself and for your families, but also for your valuable contribution to our shipping companies and to the defense and security of our country. Your participation and support absolutely are indispensable, now more than ever in a very dangerous and uncertain world.” In addition to her position as a state delegate, Ward is president of an American Federation of Teachers local and serves on the Virginia AFL-CIO Executive Council, where she spearheads the labor movement’s support in the general assembly. She complimented the new-look hall and also said, “If you tell me labor wants it, I’m going to fight for it…. When labor speaks, I listen.” Orzechowski opened the festivities and stated, “We couldn’t be more pleased with the product and we really believe that this building is going to serve the SIU membership well in the next several decades.” He also thanked Vandegrift, as did Torrey. The port agent added, “I can truly say it’s good to be back home. We’ve got the best of all worlds. We have the same great location, a beautiful building, and decades of history. No one knows more about these upgrades than Pat Vandegrift, who’s been in charge of this operation since day one. He’s worked tirelessly.” Vandegrift mentioned that he already was familiar with the area, partly because of family, partly because of his time in the Navy. The hall “stood the test of time, but it needed an upgrade,” he said. “It needed a yard period. We got a great product in the end, and I’m honored to serve all of you.” One of the guests, American Maritime Officers Secretary-Treasurer Bob Rice – who sailed with the SIU for a dozen years – hit the deck and recalled getting his start at the Norfolk hall. “Spring of 1990, I walked through that very door right there,” he said. Rice added that when he subsequently went to the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, “I learned some of the best life lessons that I’ve ever learned. Hard work wins. You get out of life what you put into it. No matter how good you are, or how hard you work, bad things are going to happen to you. How you address those things largely will determine your character…. I just wanted to say how grateful I am to the SIU. It’s made me the man I am today.” A round of applause for the successful completion of the renovation project. September 2023 �Members, retirees and guests pose for a photo before the festivities. Bosun Mark Brownell (left) and AB Bartow Bridges enjoy the new hall. Virginia Delegate Jeion Ward speaks to a crowd which included many of her constituents. September 2023 Port Agent Mario Torrey Attendees partake of the provided luncheon after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Seafarers Trustee Tony Naccarato American Maritime Officers Secretary-Treasurer Bob Rice talks about his Norfolk Hall memories. Seafarers LOG 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 16 - August 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of August 16, 2023. Total Shipped Total Registered Port All Groups All Groups A B C A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (above) conducts a benefits conference in Norfolk, Virginia. Benefits Conferences Continue Representatives from the SIU and the Seafarers Plans are conducting a series of benefits conferences at various hiring halls (the first took place in July). Seafarers, retirees and their families are strongly encouraged to attend at least one of the gatherings. Most of the conferences will take place the same days as the respective membership meetings for the given months. Designed to educate rank-and-file members as well as union employees, the conferences focus on various Seafarers Plans. Conference goals include making enrollees aware of benefits available to them under each plan. Special emphasis is placed on points that plan participants may not know about. There may be an exception or two, but each staff conference takes place ahead of the membership meeting, and is followed by a separate conference for members, dependents and retirees immediately after the membership meeting. The remaining schedule is as follows: Port Conference Date San Juan Thursday, September 7 Piney Point Monday, October 2 Jacksonville Thursday, October 5 Houston Monday, November 13 New Orleans Tuesday, November 14 Mobile Wednesday, November 15 Jersey City Thursday, November 30 Ft. Lauderdale Monday, February 19, 2024 Algonac Friday, March 8, 2024 September & October Membership Meetings Piney Point *Tuesday: September 5, Monday: October 2 Algonac Friday: September 8, October 6 Baltimore Thursday: September 7, October 5 Guam Thursday: September 21, October 19 Honolulu Houston Friday: September 15, October 13 Monday: September 11, **Tuesday: October 10 Jacksonville Joliet Thursday: September 7, October 5 Thursday: September 14, October 12 Mobile Wednesday: September 13, October 11 New Orleans Jersey City Tuesday: September 12, October 10 Tuesday: September 5, October 3 Norfolk Friday: September 8, October 6 Oakland Thursday: September 14, October 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: September 6, October 4 Port Everglades Thursday: September 14, October 12 San Juan Thursday: September 7, October 5 St. Louis Friday: September 15, October 13 Tacoma Friday: September 22, October 20 Wilmington Monday: September 18, October 16 *Piney Point change due to Labor Day Observance **Houston change due to Columbus Day Observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m 12 Seafarers LOG September 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), May 27 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Casey Frederick, Deck Delegate Christopher Justo, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov. Crew reviewed ship’s fund. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested unlimited Wi-Fi access and a stronger connection via an additional router. Members would like medical exams to be required annually rather than every six months. Crew requested a chair for the gangway bridge, gym equipment, 30 for 30 vacation and wage increases. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. SEABULK PRIDE (Eco Tankers Crew Management), May 30 – Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary Moses Scott. Contract posted in crew lounge. Starlink internet has been installed, but minor issues and bugs are still being worked on. Chairman and secretary gave positive reports. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school and stay up to date on credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increases to medical and pension benefits. Members discussed rotary position procedures and commended the steward department for a job well done. Next port: Long Beach, California. JEAN ANNE (PASHA), June 4 – Chairman Frank Hedge, Secretary Samuel Sinclair, Educational Director Richard Huffman, Deck Delegate Robert Knowlton, Engine Delegate Julius Bollozos, Steward Delegate Brandy Clemons. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and keeping ship clean. He encouraged members to keep vaccination records up to date and to leave clean rooms for oncoming reliefs. Secretary thanked crew for separating garbage and advised them to donate to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed their appreciation for improvements to medical benefits. Members asked for annual physicals and commended steward department for providing good meals. Crew requested 30 for 30 vacation, increases to monthly pension payments, and expanded dental and optical coverage. Members discussed chiropractic care. Next port: Honolulu, Hawaii. KEYSTONE STATE (PacificGulf Marine), June 11 – Chairman Gheorghe Savencu, Educational Director Milan Dzurek. Chairman reminded crew to work diligently to prevent oil spills and commended their work on the deck plugs. Educational director suggested members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center to secure a lifetime of valuable benefits. Crew discussed ship’s wheel functional- The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. ity with autopilot. Members reviewed issues regarding missing-man pay and penalty pay. Crew requested new air conditioning in SIU rec room. MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), June 11 – Chairman Mario Ordonez, Secretary Charles Brooks, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang. Chairman reminded crew of upcoming raise, taking effect July 1. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increases in work boot allowances and for company-paid travel to ship. Members asked for raises in vacation pay and for physicals to only be required annually. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime Corporation), June 12 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Christopher Amigable, Engine Delegate Denzel Lalin, Steward Delegate Xander Farris. Payoff to occur June 15 in Tacoma, Washington, per chairman. Members were advised to keep documents up to date. Secretary thanked crew for keeping mess hall and lounge orderly and reminded everyone to leave fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director cautioned crew to allow extra time for renewing documents and to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. He also encouraged everyone to donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New fans in crew cabins and new mattresses have been formally requested. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for a job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), June 25 – Chairman Sergio CentenoAlvarez, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Randy Slue, Deck Delegate Michael Dibelardino, Steward Delegate Lamarai Jones. Chairman discussed starting a ship fund to purchase TVs. Educational director advised members to renew MMCs as soon as possible to avoid delays. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed years of service requirement for retirement and asked for equal access to WiFi. Members requested change in vacation benefit. Crew asked for clarification on extra meal pay. Internet unavailable since last union meeting and crew’s requests for new mattresses were denied. EVERGREEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 25 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary Roche Bonita, Educational Director Robert Noble. Ship Wi-Fi completion to occur in Jacksonville, Florida. Chairman addressed shipping rules by group and seniority in regards to sea days allowed by tour and reiterated the importance of SPAD. He also conducted a 401K worksheet exercise and advised crew to stay hydrated. Secretary reminded everyone to bag up dirty linen at sign off and to make sure to leave clean linen for oncoming members. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman reminded all rotary personnel to make sure to obtain a tour of duty form completed by captain at completion of tour. Chairman offered reminders about upcoming room sanitation inspection. Crew went over questions about retirement benefits. Members requested increases to vacation days and suggested a $200 boot allowance. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. SEABULK PRIDE (Eco Tankers Crew Management), June 29 – Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary Moses Scott, Deck Delegate David Chance. Chairman reported a smooth trip. Secretary praised crew for keeping ship clean and having good attitudes. Educational director advised members to attend upgrading courses at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed collective bargaining agreement. Members requested repairing or replacing the juice machine. Crew would like increases to optical benefits and for completion of tour bonuses to be offered to reliefs. Steward department doing a good job. Next port: New Orleans. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return September 2023 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 13 �Seafarers International Union Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by members and one pensioner in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are some things you like(d) about your job? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Frank Messick Pensioner (Sailed AB) I liked the travel. The pay was great and the education was fantastic. The brotherhood is another great thing. You see a lot of places you’d never even thought of. The friendships you get with your fellow union members. Julian Abreu Chief Cook Roslyn Anderson Chief Cook I like cooking and I like the people, my fellow crew members. Being able to cook with international products and experience different cultures – I love that. Michael Papaioannou Electrician Exploration and adventure. I would also say situations you don’t always run into, like making a barbeque for a lot of people on the ship. Keeping the customers happy, things like that. I actually enjoy that a lot. Traveling and working six months a year. The money is good, and you see new people all the time. I enjoy it. I’ve been with the union 20 years. Michael Jacob Caquias Chief Cook William Moran Chief Steward HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 It covers three things I like to do: I’m passionate about the sea, I love cooking, and I love providing the best for my daughter. With this job, I do all three with one shot. I get to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds and also get to play with food. I’ve been sailing since 2001 and have been with the union since 2014. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pics From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 The SIU-crewed Sea-Land Portland is pictured in 1970 (bow) and 1973 (stern). The containership typically delivered food cargoes to Puerto Rico. Altogether, Sea-Land ships during that era called on the island’s major ports every 13 hours. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 14 Seafarers LOG September 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA RICHARD BORDEN Brother Richard Borden, 65, started his career with the union in 1978. He first shipped on the Aries and sailed in the deck department. Brother Borden upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland and makes his home in Hampstead, Maryland. BUDIMAN CHANDRA Brother Budiman Chandra, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Alatna. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Chandra most recently sailed on the Overseas Martinez. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. JORGE ELLIS Brother Jorge Ellis, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1988. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Baltimore. Brother Ellis upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center and last shipped on the Seakay Star. He lives in Fort Pierce, Florida. ROBERT FIRTH Brother Robert Firth, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1970, first sailing with Michigan Tankers. He shipped in the steward department and up- graded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Firth most recently sailed on the USNS Seay. He resides in Powder Springs, Georgia. CAREY FOSTER Brother Carey Foster, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1979 and first shipped on the Merrimac. He sailed primarily in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Foster’s final vessel was the Sumner. He resides in Conyers, Georgia. JAMES MORGAN Brother James Morgan, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1987, initially working on the USNS Assertive. He was a member of the deck department and most recently shipped on the Jean Anne. Brother Morgan upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He calls Kamuela, Hawaii, home. ROLANDO SALAMAT Brother Rolando Salamat, 65, joined the SIU in 2007 when he sailed on the Pride of America. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Salamat last shipped on the Louisiana and makes his home in Riviera Beach, Florida. He primarily worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Solano last shipped on the Alliance St. Louis and resides in Houston. AHMED SULTAN Brother Ahmed Sultan, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997. He initially shipped on the USNS Capella and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sultan upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Columbus and lives in Staten Island, New York. INLAND JORGE BORGES DALMAU Brother Jorge Borges Dalmau, 70, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1976. He primarily worked in the deck department and sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career. Brother Borges Dalmau makes his home in Kissimmee, Florida. CHARLES HODGES Brother Charles Hodges, 62, signed on with the union in 1984. He sailed in the deck department and first worked with G&H Towing. Brother Hodges upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was last employed by Crowley Towing & Transportation and settled in Cuero, Texas. LONNIE KEYS Brother Lonnie Keys, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1976 when he sailed with National Marine Services. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Keys last shipped with OLS Transport. He lives in Potosi, Missouri. ALBERT LONG Brother Albert Long, 57, signed on with the Seafarers in 1986. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Long worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He makes his home in Robert, Louisiana. ANTHONY ROMAN Brother Anthony Roman, 64, joined the SIU in 1978. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Roman’s first and last employer was Moran Towing of Maryland. He is a Baltimore resident. NMU MICHAEL FOWLER Brother Michael Fowler, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Fowler’s final vessel was the Chesapeake Bay. He lives in Savannah, Georgia. STEVEN SANTOS Brother Steven Santos, 65, sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He sailed in the deck department and last worked with Boston Towing and Transportation. Brother Santos resides in Stuart, Florida. JOSEPH SHOEL Brother Joseph Shoel, 65, signed on with the union during the NMU/ SIU merger in 2001. He shipped in the engine department. Brother Shoel concluded his career aboard the Lykes Discoverer and makes his home in Seattle. With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Kinloss MARCELO SOLANO Brother Marcelo Solano, 65, signed on with the union in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. Promoting Maritime, Workers’ Rights SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (left) meets with U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) at a labor roundtable event in Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 15. September 2023 Pictured aboard the vessel in Newark, New Jersey, are (back row, from left) ABM Robert Dunton, Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado, ABM Mahmoud Elsayes, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and QEE Tijani Rashid. In front are (also from left) AB Chris Justo and SA Wilson Palacios. Seafarers LOG 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA CONSTANTINE BAILEY Pensioner Constantine Bailey, 81, passed away July 28. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Marine Chemist. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Bailey last shipped on the Overseas Chinook. He retired in 2021 and settled in Port Arthur, Texas. JOSE BAYANI Pensioner Jose Bayani, 97, died July 29. He became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Stuyvesant. Brother Bayani was a steward department member. He last shipped on the Horizon Pacific before becoming a pensioner in 2007. Brother Bayani made his home in San Jose, California. PAUL BURCKHARD Pensioner Paul Burckhard, 80, passed away June 27. He joined the union in 1970, initially sailing aboard the Topa Topa. Brother Burckhard primarily sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the El Faro in 2002. Brother Burckhard started collecting his pension in 2008 and was a resident of Tacoma, Washington. TOMAS DEL-ROSARIO Pensioner Tomas Del-Rosario, 81, died July 2. Born in the Philippines, he started sailing with the SIU in 1976. Brother Del-Rosario initially sailed with States Steamship Company and was a steward department member. He last shipped aboard the Independence and became a pensioner in 2001. Brother Del-Rosario lived in Bakersfield, California. JAY DILLON Pensioner Jay Dillon, 65, has passed away. First sailing aboard the Capricorn, he became a member of the SIU in 1979. Brother Dillon worked in the deck department. He went on pension 16 Seafarers LOG in 2018 after sailing aboard his final vessel, the Horizon Pacific. Brother Dillon resided in Gulfport, Mississippi. AMBROSIO FACHINI Pensioner Ambrosio Fachini, 80, died May 26. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1966, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Joyce. Brother Fachini was a steward department member and last sailed on the American Merlin in 1999. He retired the following year and settled in Brazil. HOWARD HARE Pensioner Howard Hare, 88, passed away June 30. He joined the SIU in 1961 and first shipped with Bulk Ships Inc. Brother Hare was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the William Baugh. He went on pension in 1996 made his home in Mobile, Alabama. JOHN MAHONEY Pensioner John Mahoney, 88, died June 5. Born in Ireland, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1961. Brother Mahoney’s first vessel was the Rockypoint. A deck department member, he last shipped on the Endurance. Brother Mahoney retired in 1999 and resided in Seattle. 89, passed away July 17. Born in Greece, he signed on with the SIU in 1961. Brother Psanis first shipped a Sea-Land vessel. He was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Psanis went on pension in 1998. He called Sebastian, Florida, home. died July 22. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1964, initially sailing on the Western Planet. Brother Vega shipped in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Horizon Discovery and retired in 2004. Brother Vega was a Cleveland resident. JOSEPH QUINTELLA Pensioner Joseph Quintella, 81, died July 23. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1964. Brother Quintella’s first vessel was the Overseas Rose. He sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Quintella became a pensioner in 2002 and settled in Buckley, Washington. DAWUD YAMINI Pensioner Dawud Yamini, 78, passed away July 23. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1991. Brother Yamini was first employed by Delta Queen Steamboat and primarily sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. and became a pensioner in 2006. Brother Yamini resided in Brookhaven, Mississippi. CALVIN REID Pensioner Calvin Reid, 59, passed away June 19. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991. Brother Reid first shipped on the USNS Contender. He was a deck department member and most recently sailed aboard the Louisiana. Brother Reid became a pensioner earlier this year and made his home in Nashville, North Carolina. RONALD MOORE Pensioner Ronald Moore, 79, passed away July 19. He donned the SIU colors in 1962 when he shipped on the Del Valle. Working in the steward department, Brother Moore concluded his career aboard the Robert E. Lee. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Mobile, Alabama. RONNIE RICHARDSON Pensioner Ronnie Richardson, 71, died July 25. He began sailing with the SIU in 1979. A steward department member, Brother Richardson first sailed aboard the Santa Maria. He concluded his career aboard the Blue Ridge and retired in 2016. Brother Richardson was a San Francisco resident. RAFAEL PEREIRA Pensioner Rafael Pereira, 83, died June 13. He became a member of the union in 1962, initially sailing with Sea Transport. Brother Pereira was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed with American Service Technology and retired in 2015. Brother Pereira was a Houston resident. PERCIVAL SHAUGER Pensioner Percival Shauger, 95, passed away July 8. Brother Shauger signed on with the union in 1947. He first shipped aboard the Alice Brown and was a member of the steward department. Brother Shauger’s final vessel was the OMI Wabash. He went on pension in 1989 and lived in Madisonville, Texas. CHRISTOS PSANIS Pensioner Christos Psanis, RAFAEL VEGA Pensioner Rafael Vega, 83, GREAT LAKES JOHN CLARK Pensioner John Clark, 73, died July 5. He joined the SIU in 1971 when he sailed aboard a Great Lakes Associates ship. Brother Clark was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Walter J. McCarthy. He went on pension in 2007 and settled in Duluth, Minnesota. INLAND JOHN BRYAN Pensioner John Bryan, 82, passed away July 22. He joined the SIU in 1980. Brother Bryan sailed in the deck department. He retired in 2003 after concluding his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Bryan made his home in Orange Park, Florida. WILLIAM CARTER Pensioner William Carter, 82, died July 19. Signing on with the union in 1966, he first sailed with Berg Towing. Brother Carter worked in the deck department. He was last employed with Express Marine before going on pension in 2007. Brother Carter lived in Smyrna, Delaware. AMOS DANIELS Pensioner Amos Daniels, 89, has passed away. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976 and worked in the deck department. Brother Daniels was employed with Moran Towing of Virginia for almost all of his career. He became a pensioner in 1995 and called Chesapeake, Virginia, home. ISRAEL DEJESUS Pensioner Israel DeJesus, 62, died July 8. He joined the union in 1993. Brother DeJesus was a deck department member. He retired in 2019 after concluding his career with Port Imperial Ferry. Brother DeJesus resided in Maywood, New Jersey. CHARLIE FOSTER Pensioner Charlie Foster, 85, passed away July 15. He donned the union colors in 1961 and first worked with Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Foster shipped in the deck department. He last worked with Express Marine and became a pensioner in 2002. Brother Foster was a resident of Belhaven, North Carolina. JAMES GODWIN Pensioner James Godwin, 82, died June 17. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1981. Brother Godwin was a deck department member. He retired in 2008 after concluding his career with Allied Transportation. Brother Godwin called Portsmouth, Virginia, home. CHARLES ROLLINS Pensioner Charles Rollins, 90, passed away July 20. He signed on with the union in 1961 and first sailed with Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Rollins was a deck department member and last worked for OSG Ship Management. He became a pensioner in 1995 and lived in Claremont, Virginia. FREDERICK TAYLOR Pensioner Frederick Taylor, 68, died July 3. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1970, initially sailing with Michigan Tankers. Brother Taylor primarily shipped in the engine department. He last worked with Allied Transportation and retired in 1993. Brother Taylor resided in Portsmouth, Virginia. BLAINE VALOIS Brother Blaine Valois, 64, passed away June 6. Born in Pineville, Louisiana, he joined the union in 1998. Brother Valois was employed by E.N. Bisso & Son Inc for the duration of his career. He lived in Cottonport, Louisiana. September 2023 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck October 23 November 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 25 October 23 October 6 November 3 RFPNW October 9 November 13 October 27 December 1 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training October 9 October 13 Basic Training (Revalidation) September 25 September 29 October 23 September 25 September 29 October 23 Government Vessels September 11 September 25 October 16 October 23 November 6 September 15 September 29 October 20 October 27 November 10 Tank Ship Familiarization DL September 18 September 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG September 25 October 9 September 29 October 13 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW November 13 December 15 FOWT October 2 October 27 Junior Engineer Program October 23 December 15 Marine Electrician September 18 October 20 Advanced Refer Containers October 23 November 3 Pumpman September 18 September 22 Machinist September 25 October 13 Welding October 16 November 3 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook September 25 October 30 December 4 October 27 December 1 January 5 ServSafe Management September 18 October 23 November 27 September 22 October 27 December 1 Advanced Galley Operations October 16 November 10 Chief Steward September 11 November 13 October 6 December 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. September 2023 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 9/23 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #897 – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Isaiah Jaim Balicha, Andrew Brown, D’Angelo Brown, Dedrick Carpenter, Patrick English, Christopher Flood, Lawrence Girard III, Theodore Hampton IV, Jacob Isaacs, Jonathan Jeronimo, Jacob Kemper, Victor Mak, Shaderricka McLaurin, Troy Mitchell, David Rojas and Ernest Ross Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated July 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Amado Paulito Estimada Angeles, Joseph Bowen, Randall Campbell, Joshua Chamorro, Wilbur Edwards Jr., Raymond Forse, Ronald Glenn Jr., Eric Hondel, Calvin Johnson, Montree Nakwichet, Fidel Saludo Pascua, Mused Saleh, Terry Taylor Jr., Lucas Tiderman, and Gerald Toledo. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Junior Engineer - Basic Electricity – Graduated July 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Majed Alsharif, Christian Fredrick, Mohammed Gir, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Michael Papaioannou, Corey Reseburg, Alonzo Devinn Sanz, Tara Trillo, Jorge Valencia Bon, Oscar Jan Vencer III and Roberto Wadsworth. Instructor Roy Graham is also pictured (far right). Water Survival (Lifeboatman) – Graduated July 14: Tammy Gammage. Instructor Charles A. Noell III is also pictured (right). 18 Seafarers LOG Fast Rescue Boat – July 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Kingdom Alozie, Aaron Burnett, Raymond Green, Vernon Humbles, and Terence Pitts. Phase III Deck – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Tahjarian Campbell, Ayman Elahi Jr., Tahj Horton, Stephen Hoskins, Adam Mason, Cody Miranda, Jawuam Mixon, Jovanny Otero Negron, Malik Oxendine Jr., Nick Randall, and Ubaydulwakeel Shambley. RFPNW – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Ryan Heimberger, Jamzie Shepard III, Dacobi Timmons and Marvin White. September 2023 �Students Helping Students Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently volunteered for an annual back-to-school event sponsored by the local NAACP. Pictured in the photo below are trainees Christian Smith, Laron James, Brize Agbayani, Robert Crain, J’lon Williams, Dallas Smith, Adam Mason, Marcus Olmedo, Nick Randall, Ayman Elahi, Tajh Horton, Jovanny Otero and Cody Miranda (along with longtime Paul Hall Center employee Howard Thompson, third from left). Standing at far right in the photo at right is Maryland Delegate Todd Morgan (from St. Mary’s County). Notice Members Approve Changes to 4 Ports During the August membership meetings, votes were taken at all of the union’s constitutional ports on a matter proposed by SIU President Dave Heindel and unanimously approved by the SIU Executive Board to change the status of four informational port facilities: the halls in Norfolk, Virgina; Jacksonville, Florida; Wilmington, California; and Tacoma, Washington. A majority of the voting membership concurred and, as a result, effective October 1, 2023, the port offices in Norfolk, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Tacoma will all be classified as constitutional ports – meaning that official actions can be taken at the meetings in those ports, along with all other constitutional ports, starting with the October membership meetings. Paul Hall Center, Union Host Military Sealift Command Officials The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in late July hosted a quarterly labor-management meeting at the school that also included personnel from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the MM&P and the MEBA. Attendees covered a wide range of topics pertaining to federal-sector mariners. Following the meeting, they toured the campus in Piney Point, Maryland. Among those pictured in the posed photo (right to left, starting at far right) are SIU Representative Sam Spain, SIU Counsel Jon Madden, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona and (far left) SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo. September 2023 Seafarers LOG 19 �SEPTEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Norfolk Hall Grand Reopening Pages 10-11 Greetings from the USNS Mary Sears Many thanks to AMO member Ed McDonnell for these snapshots from the USNS Mary Sears (Ocean Shipholdings). The group photo was taken in Sydney, Australia. SIU members in the various photos include Recertified Bosun Joe Gierbolini, ABs Julian Lina, Mark Bolitho and Toby Blunt, OS Mohamed Saleh, QMEDs Mackenzie Latta, Peter Solis and Russ Bravo, Storekeeper Ana Calma, GVA Chris Gonse and SA Surait Kajuna. Ed also offered special kudos to Gierbolini, who "is above and beyond. He's super safety-conscious and always taking care of everyone. Amazing guy and has his kids following him into the industry.” A creative approach to life ring storage. Recertified Bosun Joe Gierbolini, alongside a 35-lb Mahi Mahi he caught. Storekeeper 20 Seafarers LOGAna Calma The crew of the USNS Mary Sears poses for a photo while in Sydney, Australia. QMED Mackenzie Latta SA Surait Kajuna AB Toby Blunt QMED Peter Solis AB Mark Bolitho May 2023 OS Mohamed Saleh � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2023 Description An account of the resource NORFOLK HALL REOPENS PASHA CHRISTENS JANET MARIE PRESIDENT BIDEN GIVES A SHOUT-OUT TO THE SIU STEWARDS COMPLETE RECERTIFICATION EVENT HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF FOOD FOR PEACE CROWLEY ORDERS NEW TUG Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 85, No. 9 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5318d4e4b995f51bc1909dab2bc00af5.pdf 2461173c80bde13eef1b2f1295b43daa PDF Text Text JUNE 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers, Apprentices Featured in Maritime Day Ceremony The SIU came through with a typically strong turnout for this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony in the nation’s capital. In addition to union officials and Paul Hall Center apprentices attending (and participating in) the event, a half-dozen SIU members were featured in a well-received video shown to the in-person and online audiences. Pictured immediately after the ceremony at DOT Headquarters are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, FMC Chairman Daniel Maffei, DOT Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Carlos Monje, USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, USCG Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski and Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Tamekia Flack. Also pictured are members of Paul Hall Center Apprentice Class 894. Pages 3-4. Waterfront Classic: Back and Better than Ever Charitable Event Benefits Organization Serving Veterans, First Responders Captains preparing their vessels before dawn for the tournament. Event coverage and additional photos appear on pages 12-14. Badlands Trader Flags In Annual Funding Notice Page 5 Page 6 �President’s Report Focusing on Manpower The SIU is far from alone in working to boost our nation’s merchant mariner pool. This sentiment proved obvious during a recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives and throughout an industry panel that convened at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters later in the month, on National Maritime Day. At the time of writing this column, I was scheduled to participate in the panel, and the SIU weighed in at the hearing via joint testimony with other maritime labor organizations. The fact that people from so many segments of the industry, and from the military, congress and the administration recognize the seriousness of this issue is essential to solving the problem. It’s an enormously important topic, which is why I’ve touched on it in this space every month. And while there’s a lot of work ahead, I’m optimistic that our union will continue being part of the solution. Check David Heindel out our coverage of the hearing elsewhere in this edition for more information, and in the meantime, I’m happy to report that our ramped-up recruiting efforts are starting to pay off. We’ve got several months’ worth of apprentice classes filled and we’re pursuing creative ways to attract credentialed mariners. The best examples for a being a merchant mariner come from you, our members. You can play a vital role in making sure well-trained, well-paid American mariners continue to sail the high seas. Spread the word and please encourage prospective Seafarers to visit the halls and check out our online offerings. This is not only important for the nation’s security, but it also assures qualified Seafarers are available when you need a relief. No one denies that there’s a lot of red tape in maritime, which is something we’re working to improve. But the U.S. Merchant Marine remains a unique and rewarding career path, while the SIU offers industryleading benefits and solid contracts. Put those components together and I think we’ve got a lot to offer. We will continue doing so as we spread the message online, in print and in person. More Progress After many months of work, the extensive refurbishment of the Norfolk hiring hall is almost finished. Keep an eye on our website (and our Facebook page, for those so inclined) for an open invitation to a ceremonial reopening in the very near future. We hit a few speedbumps along the way (inevitable, given the scope of the project), but the hall is looking good and I’m very confident that Seafarers, retirees and their families will be pleased with it. Speaking of gains, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan recently announced new benefits for eligible SIU dependents. Those benefits pertain to mental health and to substance use disorder, two areas that are taking on more and more prominence in our society. My hope is that these benefits will help improve lives and perhaps even prevent tragedies. Details are contained in a participant letter that was mailed in midMay, and we’ve also got an article about them elsewhere in this edition. Kudos to everyone who helped make these benefits a reality. Hats Off to WWII Mariners In addition to being saluted at various National Maritime Day ceremonies across the country, the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II was scheduled to be recognized during Memorial Day gatherings in the nation’s capital (after this edition went to press). Several mariners and their respective caretakers were lined up to participate in a parade, lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and more. For anyone unfamiliar with the heroism of World War II mariners – including thousands of SIU members – it is a history worth learning. Quite simply, and without any overstatement, the Allies would not have won the war without the incredible bravery, dedication and sacrifices of our mariners. It’s always gratifying when they are acknowledged, and their prominent inclusion on Memorial Day in D.C. is most appropriate. Kentucky Backs Jones Act Kentucky state legislators recently came together across party lines to pass a resolution in support of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Governor Andy Beshear signed the new resolution, which affirms the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s support for the Jones Act and emphasizes the importance of the law’s impact, both to the state and to the United States as a whole. House Concurrent Resolution 5 passed by a vote of 93-0 in the state house in mid-February and by 35-1 in the state senate in mid-March. Sponsors of the new resolution underscored the improvements that a strengthened domestic maritime industry will make to both Kentucky’s economy and to national security. The Jones Act has aided U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. The law requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Kentucky’s 1,600-mile network of navigable waterways includes access to both the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, making it a critical hub for the nation’s marine transportation system, the resolution states. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is home to 20,730 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act, the fifth-highest per capita in the United States. According to the new resolution, these jobs generate $1.25 billion for workers and create accessible pathways to high-paying careers that do not require advanced formal education or the acquisition of exorbitant student loans. The more than 40,000-vessel Jones Act fleet supports more than 650,000 family-wage jobs across the nation and generates more than $154 billion in economic output, as well as providing an estimated $5.1 billion to Kentucky’s own economy. Moreover, the resolution points out that the United States’ ability to project and deploy forces globally, and supply and maintain military installations domestically also depends on the civilian fleet of the Jones Act vessels and mariners. The passage of House Concurrent Resolution 5 comes on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the importance of maintaining strong, resilient domestic industries and transportation services. AFL-CIO Releases Job Safety Report The AFL-CIO in late April released its 32nd annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” a national and state-bystate profile of worker safety and health. Key findings from the report point to a troubling rise in worker deaths, particularly among Black and Latino workers, and illustrate the urgency of funding and support needed for critical job safety oversight and enforcement, the federation noted. The report shows the fatality rate for Black workers grew from 3.5 to 4.0 per 100,000 workers and more than 650 died on the job, the highest number in nearly two decades. Latino workers have the greatest risk of dying on the job, with a fatality rate at 4.5 per 100,000 workers that has grown by 13% over the past decade. There was also a slight uptick in deaths for Latino workers in 2021, and the overwhelming majority who died were immigrants. “Every American should be alarmed and outraged by the tragic data unearthed in this report,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “It is unconscionable that in the wealthiest nation in the world, Black and Latino workers are facing the highest on-the-job fatality rates in nearly two decades. This report is more than a wake-up call, it is a call to action. No one should have to risk their lives for their livelihoods. There is no corporate cost-benefit analysis that should put human life and worker safety on the wrong side of the ledger.” Shuler added, “This report isn’t just about data points, it is about people. Every worker who died on the job represents another empty seat at a family’s kitchen table. Every worker accounted for in this report is a person who just went to work one day and never came home. It is our solemn responsibility to these workers to do everything in our power to honor their memories by making America’s workplaces safer – because that’s what unions do. It is our history, it is our responsibility and it is our cause to always put workers and their safety first.” This year’s report also reveals that in 2021: 343 workers died each day from hazardous working conditions; 5,190 workers were killed on the job in the United States; an estimated 120,000 workers died from occupational diseases; the job fatality rate increased to 3.6 per 100,000 workers; employers reported nearly 3.2 million work-related injuries and illnesses; the true impact of COVID-19 infections due to work- place exposures is unknown. Limited data show that more than 1.5 million nursing home workers have been infected with COVID-19 and more than 3,000 have died; and, underreporting is widespread – the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is 5.4 million to 8.1 million each year in private industry. The report, which includes data on the worker fatality rate in all 50 states as well as the most affected industries, also lays out recommendations for strengthening federal agencies tasked with enforcing worker safety. In 2021, there were 1,871 inspectors – 900 at the federal level and 971 at the state – for the more than 10.8 million workplaces under the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s jurisdiction. That equates to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) having the ability to inspect every workplace once every 190 years and just $3.99 in OSHA’s budget to protect each worker. Penalties for employer violations also remain too low to be a deterrent, and fewer than 130 worker deaths have been criminally prosecuted since 1970, according to the federation. The full report is linked on the SIU and AFL-CIO websites. TRANSCOM Leader Visits Seafarers O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 6 June 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director, Nick Merrill; Assistant Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The Seafarers-crewed USNS Watkins (Patriot) recently hosted Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (second from left), commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command. Pictured from left are Chief Steward Bill Moran, Gen. Van Ovost, Chief Cook Shafreda Thigpen and SA Juan Norales. June 2023 �Gen. Van Ovost: ‘Merchant Mariners are Patriots’ DOT National Maritime Day Ceremony Underscores Industry’s Importance Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost Commander, USTRANSCOM Daniel B. Maffei FMC Chairman PHC Apprentice Scott Haselbauer rings “eight bells” as part of the event. The United States has been well-served by its merchant marine for centuries, and must maintain a strong American-flag fleet with U.S. crews to preserve national and economic security. Those were among the key messages delivered May 22 at the annual National Maritime Day ceremony hosted at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The SIU had a strong presence at the event, both in person and on screen. Six SIU members – Recertified Bosun Robert Natividad, Electrician Michael McGlone, QMED Isaac Nugen, Storekeeper Christina Price, QMED/Electrician Ashely Burke and Electrician Yahya Mohamed – were featured in an SIU-produced video shown during the ceremony. Attending the gathering were SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Safety Director Jose Argueta, Trainee Commandant Craig Guy, and members of Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Class 894. Two of those class members – Emily Castellano and Scott Haselbauer – played highprofile roles in the ceremony. Castellano was the wreath-bearer, while Haselbauer handled the traditional ringing of eight bells. Featured speakers (in order of appearance) were Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Tamekia Flack (emcee), Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, DOT Under Secretary for Transportation Policy Carlos Monje, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Daniel B. Maffei, and U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost. The theme of this year’s DOT ceremony was “Mariners Move the Nation: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.” Approximately 250 people attended the gathering. Van Ovost discussed the maritime industry’s role in supporting “national defense objectives.” She said the industry is filled with “amazing people tirelessly serving in our shipyards, stevedores and port laborers, and the merchant mariners supporting the Jones Act and international trade. They are also keys to the success Continues on Page 4 Paul Hall Center Apprentice Emily Castellano (left) places a memorial wreath near the stage as dignitaries observe. Attendees convene at the DOT ceremony in the nation’s capital. June 2023 of our strategic sealift mission. They are part of our total force that we need with us all the way. Delivering on time is necessary to succeed.” However, they won’t achieve success “without a healthy merchant marine force,” Van Ovost added. “Why? Because the mariner truly moves the nation…. They continue to represent the difference between victory and defeat.” She cited the centuries-long history of reliable mariner service and pointed out how it continues today with sealift missions backing Ukraine. “At a moment’s notice, we stood in support of our allies and partners…. Nearly 70 percent of Ukraine’s total security cooperation material has been delivered by governmentowned ships or commercial vessels – all of which were operated by our U.S. Merchant Mariners,” she noted. Van Ovost concluded, “In the future, our nation will continue to rely on well-trained merchant mariners to meet the challenges of contested environments in the face of a persistent, capable adversary…. Mariners are patriots. They are people of deeds, not words. They will be there for us when we need them. When they are called, they will rise to the occasion.” Phillips said that since her confirmation last year, she has taken part in more than 80 “events and engagements” with maritime industry stakeholders. “I thank you for our thoughtful discussions and look forward to continuing to work together to support and advance this critical sector of our economy and our national defense,” she stated. “Our nation relies on us in ways that few understand for the success of our economy.” She noted the wartime service of mariners and added that MARAD is “working every day to foster, promote and develop the maritime industry in the United States to meet the nation’s economic and national security needs…. We are in the midst of long-overdue and critically needed recapitalization of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), and are implementing a major expansion of commercial sealift by bringing the Tanker Security Program online.” Monje thanked past and present mariners and noted their vital roles in the U.S. national Ann Phillips Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin USCG Asst. Commandant for Prevention Policy Carlos Monje DOT Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Tamekia Flack Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Seafarers LOG 3 �2023 Maritime Day White House Proclamation Editor’s note: The White House issued the following statement: On National Maritime Day, we honor the thousands of dedicated merchant mariners who serve on United States vessels around the world. During times of both peace and war, merchant mariners are always there – stepping up to transport equipment, troops, and goods across the globe to make our country safer and stronger. With professionalism and passion, merchant mariners have forged us into the maritime Nation we are today. During the Revolutionary War, merchant vessels joined the vastly outnumbered American fleet to help defend our independence. During World War II, as our brave service members battled the forces of fascism, more than a quarter-million members of the Merchant Marine volunteered to transport tanks, ammunition, and troops across the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of freedom. And today, merchant mariners not only help move hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of cargo through our 25,000 miles of waterways and more than 360 commercial ports annually – they also crew vessels of our United States Ready Reserve, ship- ping vital military cargo to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against Russia’s brutal war. My Administration remains steadfast in its support of the Merchant Marine as well as the Jones Act, which ensures American workers see the benefits of our domestic maritime industry. We are also making historic investments to improve our maritime supply chains by making it easier, faster, cheaper, cleaner, and safer for ships to get in and out of our ports. We are strengthening our support for licensed Merchant Marine Officers, including requesting $196 million in my 2024 Budget to upgrade the United States Merchant Marine Academy’s campus, expand training, and help prevent sexual assault and support survivors – because every person at the Academy deserves to feel safe and have their contributions fully valued. We are also working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the ranks of the Merchant Marine because our economy and national security are strongest when we draw on the full skillsets and diversity of our Nation. The United States Merchant Marine underpins our Nation’s prosperity and upholds our Nation’s highest principles – freedom, liberty, and dignity. Today, and every day, we honor merchant mariners’ service and sacrifice and renew our commitment to stand by their side, from sea to shining sea. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2023, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to celebrate the United States Merchant Marine and maritime industry with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. Maritime Day Celebrated Continued from Page 3 and economic security. He described DOT’s maritime-related work as “critical priorities for this department and this administration. We are working to strengthen the maritime industry and invest in our future…. This administration is working to grow our fleet and add essential new capabilities.” He added, “We are now in the process of implementing the new Tanker Security Program to address the risks of reliance on foreign-flag tankers…. This administration is unwavering in its support of the Jones Act, which is a cornerstone of our nation’s domestic maritime industry and its economic engine.” Arguin said, “I’m honored to be here today to celebrate the critical role maritime plays in our nation’s ability to lead around the globe. National security and economic prosperity are inextricably linked.” He pointed out that waterborne trade “reduces congestion on our roads and remains the most efficient way” to transport goods, and commended the work of mariners during the pandemic. He asked the PHC apprentices to stand and thanked them for choosing the maritime industry. He also encouraged them to recruit others. Maffei echoed thanks for mariners’ work during the pandemic: “We must not forget any of these sacrifices.” He applauded the heroism of World War II mariners, who were “so absolutely vital to winning that conflict and who suffered higher casualty rates than any other service.” Maffei concluded, “Serving on U.S.flag ships is more important than ever.” Flack said, “The United States has always been and will always be a great maritime nation…. We thank all Americans who have sailed the seas to defend our freedoms, and we remember especially those who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation.” Gen. Van Ovost (left) chats with Paul Hall Center apprentices after the DOT ceremony. SIU retiree Mary Lou Lopez attends the National Maritime Day ceremony in San Pedro, California. 4 Seafarers LOG In addition to the DOT ceremony, other National Maritime Day events took place across the country. One such gathering took place May 18 in Norfolk, Virginia, where retired Recertified Steward Tony Spain (second from left) was honored as the Propeller Club of Norfolk’s Seafarer of the Year. Spain sailed with the SIU for 45 years. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from right) and Maersk executives Dennis Houghton (left) and Travis Hansen. June 2023 �SIU Members Crew Up Newly Reflagged Tanker SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the newly reflagged vessel in Greece. SIU members are working aboard the Badlands Trader, a tanker that reflagged to United States registry April 17 in Piraeus, Greece. U.S. Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) is operating the ship for Maersk Line, Limited. Built in 2016 in South Korea, the Badlands Trader is 600 feet long and has a deadweight tonnage of 50,034. According to a USMMI spokesperson, the ship will replace the Maersk Michigan – though, at press time, the latter vessel remained in service. The first SIU crew members on the Badlands Trader included Recertified Bosun Basil D’Souza, ABs Faustino Cosby, Yoland Legaspi, Dean Diaz Sr., Donovan Armstrong and Richard Diaz Jr., Pumpman Tousif Khan, QMEDs Christopher Eason and Anson Johny, Steward/Baker Alba Ayala, Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed and GVA Desiree Wilson. “The crew is awesome,” said USMMI Risk Manager Henly Ervin. “Everyone stepped up and did an outstanding job to ensure a smooth reflag and certificate of inspection.” Diaz stated, “It’s a nice ship – a simple layout, nice and roomy as far as tankers go.” He added, “As far as the vessel’s condition, she was foreignflag, so she needs a little TLC, but it shouldn’t take much to get her looking good. We’re bringing the living conditions up to what U.S. mariners are accustomed to.” Armstrong said he appreciates the chance to assist with a reflag. “This is only my third ship and it’s my first trip as an AB,” he said in early May. “It’s a learning experience for the whole crew, but I’m personally really grateful to go through a reflag this early in my career. It has been unique and eye-opening.” Armstrong added that he expected the vessel to continue its shipyard period for at least a few more weeks. “We’ve been getting deliveries of stores and supplies almost every other day,” he stated. “We got 13 pallets’ worth of stuff today, including some TVs, and everything is coming along.” While there is plenty of work on the ship, the crew also has enjoyed time ashore – and they appreciate the strong internet connectivity that has been available since the reflag, Armstrong noted. Built in 2016, the tanker Badlands Trader is a new addition to the SIU-crewed fleet. Photos courtesy of AB Donovan Armstrong (above, left) and Maersk Line, Limited. Longtime Union Representative Dhooge Passes Away at Age 68 Gerard Dhooge, known for his versatility, insight and dedication throughout a 35-year career with the SIU, passed away April 22 at his home in Milton, Massachusetts, surrounded by family. He was 68 and had been stricken with brain cancer. Dhooge started working for the SIU as a field representative in 1985. He left in 1993 to work for pro-maritime Congressman Gerry Studds but returned to the union in 1995 and never left. At various times, he served as a port agent and consultant. SIU President David Heindel stated, “Our deepest sympathies go out to Gerard’s family for their loss as well as the loss of his special contributions over such a long period. On behalf of our entire organization, may he rest in peace.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said, “I worked with Gerard since he came aboard as a field rep replacing Joe Corrigan (who transferred to Honolulu) up in Boston. It was apparent from the beginning that he would be a good fit. Throughout his time with the SIU, Gerard proved to be a conscientious and effective operative in every project he took on, most recently the offshore wind industry. He was respected and admired by everyone he dealt with and he loved his family immensely.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski said, “Gerard was always ready to dive into the fight for maritime jobs. He had a great sense for the politics surrounding so many of the projects that the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and the Seafarers have worked on over the years. His insightfulness, his willingness to broker labor peace when needed and ultimately his professionalism will be missed.” Karen Horton-Genette, national director of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers, said, “Gerard was a very kind gentleman and strong June 2023 union man. He fought hard for what was right and put everything he had into representing our membership. I am proud to have worked with such an all-around great man! He will be missed.” Daniel W. Duncan, who recently retired after a similarly lengthy career (first with the SIU and then with the MTD), added, “Gerard spent his entire career with Seafarers making sure the political community and the labor community knew the SIU throughout New England. He was a well-connected, determined fighter for all working people.” SIU Political Consultant Terry Turner said that no matter the task, “Gerard has demonstrated throughout his professional life that he is just that: a true professional. But more importantly to me, he was my friend. I will miss him dearly and think of him often.” Dhooge earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston State College (which later merged with another school). He subsequently served as the city hall manager for Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 198081, then worked for the Boston retirement system from 1981-84 before serving as an SIU field representative based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from 1985-93 and again from 1995-2003. He became an SIU port agent in 2003 following the retirement of Henri Francois. As the union’s pursuits changed, he became a consultant in 2010 and from then on played a key role as the SIU explored rank-and-file job opportunities in the wind-energy sector. Additionally, he worked as the secretary-treasurer for the MTD’s Maritime Port Council of Greater Boston and New England Area from 19962000, then served as its president from November 2000 until his passing. He is survived by numerous family members and friends. Gerard Dhooge is pictured in June 2022 at the Maritime Trades Department convention in Philadelphia. Seafarers LOG 5 �Annual Funding Notice - Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022 (“Plan Year”). The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2022 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2023, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 18,766. Of this number, 7,384 were current employees, 6,724 were retired and receiving benefits, and 4,658 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breached. Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. 6 Seafarers LOG For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; 301.899.0675 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2023 �U.S. House Hearing Examines Maritime Manpower Shortages SIU, Other Unions Weigh in with Joint Letter Citing Suggested Changes The SIU teamed up with several other unions and labor organizations to deliver a unified message during a recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on May 11 conducted a hearing titled, “Assessing the Shortage of United States Mariners and Recruitment and Retention in the United States Coast Guard.” Guest panelists included U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Paul Thomas, deputy commandant for Mission Support; Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, USN (Ret.), administrator, United States Maritime Administration; Heather MacLeod, director, Homeland Security and Justice, United States Government Accountability Office; and Dr. Beth Asch, Ph.D., senior economist, RAND Corporation. Submitting joint testimony that was entered into the formal record were the SIU; American Maritime Officers; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marine Firemen’s Union; Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; and Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. The maritime labor organizations spelled out why the widely acknowledged manpower crisis is worthy of prompt action. “It is critically important that our government and the American people understand that without the U.S.-flag vessels and U.S. citizen licensed and unlicensed merchant mariners ready and available to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability needed by the Department of Defense, our nation would be forced to entrust the support, supply, and security of American forces deployed overseas to foreign flag vessels and foreign crews who may not support U.S. defense operations and objectives,” they stated. “It goes without saying that doing so would jeopardize the lives of American servicewomen and men who will no longer be guaranteed the supplies and equipment they need to do their job in support of our country.” They added, “It is therefore imperative that the downward trend in the number of SHBP Announces New Benefits for Dependents The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) recently spelled out new benefits for dependents of eligible SIU members. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen in mid-May sent a letter notifying participants that the SHBP Trustees “decided to add mental health and substance use disorder benefits for dependents of eligible mariners at the Core-Plus and Core benefit levels. These services will be covered in the same way as all other professional services and inpatient hospital stays.” The benefits took effect May 1, as follows, for the spouse and children of an eligible mariner at the Core-Plus or Core Benefit levels: • Outpatient counseling and/or psychotherapy, including applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy treatment for autism. The Plan will pay for these services for a dependent in the same manner as other outpatient professional services. The Plan will pay 90% of the network-allowed amount for in-network treatment; or 65% of the reasonable and customary charge for out-of-network treatment. • Hospitalization for mental health disorders. The Plan will pay for an inpatient hospital stay for a mental health condition of a dependent in the same way it pays for other hospital stays. At in-network facilities, the Plan will pay 100% of the network-allowed charge for the facility fee, and 90% of the network-allowed charge for professional fees. For out-of-network treatment, the Plan will pay 70% of the reasonable and customary charge for the facility fees, and 65% of the reasonable and customary charge for professional fee. There is a $450 copayment for all inpatient hospital stays. • Inpatient detoxification from alcohol or drugs. The Plan will pay for inpatient detoxification for a dependent in the same way it pays for other hospital stays. A $450 copayment applies to this benefit. • Inpatient substance use disorder treatment. The Plan will pay for inpatient substance use disorder treatment for a dependent in the same way it pays for other hospital stays. A $450 copayment applies to this benefit. • Prescriptions for mental health and substance use disorders. The Plan will pay for these prescriptions in the same manner as it covers all other prescriptions. The letter also points out that all mental health and substance use disorder benefits are subject to the annual deductible. Questions may be directed to the Plan by phone at (800) 252-4674, option 3. vessels operating under the U.S. flag must be stopped and reversed, and the American maritime manpower shortage must be addressed and resolved. Simply put, the current manpower shortage is a national security threat, and it is clear that the Department of Defense cannot do its job if private industry is unable to provide the civilian American merchant mariners DOD needs. This requires strong, positive action by the Congress and the Administration to support and fund existing programs that support the operation of U.S.-flag vessels, including the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program, and the Jones Act; to eliminate statutory and regulatory impediments to the growth of the maritime manpower pool; and to propose and implement innovative and effective programs and policies that will increase the number of commercially viable U.S.-flag vessels, increase the number of American maritime jobs, and increase the amount of America’s foreign trade carried aboard U.S.-flag ships. Simply put, more cargo means more U.S.flag ships, and more U.S.-flag ships means more American mariners!” To that end, they recommended several viable steps that would boost U.S.-flag shipping and help grow the manpower pool. Those suggestions included developing “a realistic maritime strategy that includes at its core a national cargo policy that increases the percentage of America’s foreign trade carried aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels and ensures that American mariners have jobs during peacetime. The treatment of U.S.-flag vessel operations and American mariners under the tax code should encourage rather than discourage the utilization of U.S.-flag vessels and American mariners, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements should reflect the strategic importance to our nation of a stronger, more active U.S.-flag fleet in the carriage of America’s exports and imports. Today, with the ongoing efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to secure domination over the world’s oceans and international trade as well as the proliferation of stateowned and controlled and foreign flag-ofconvenience vessel operations, including partial ownership in many security-sensitive foreign ports, we have seen the U.S.-flag share of America’s foreign trade fall to less than 2 percent. This situation threatens our security and threatens our economy, as China will only further increase its control over what cargoes move and at what cost unless we bolster our own U.S.-flag fleet and regain control over the carriage of our foreign trade.” The organizations further explained the importance of Congress “continuing to provide the Maritime Administration with the authority it needs to fully enforce and implement the nation’s U.S.-flag cargo preference shipping requirements…. Similarly, we recommend Congress increase the U.S.flag requirements for all other governmentgenerated civilian cargoes to 100 percent, the same percentage that covers the shipment of defense cargoes, with U.S.-flag carriage dependent, as it is today, on the availability of U.S.-flag vessels at fair and reasonable rates. Requiring 100 percent would greatly decrease the gamesmanship of U.S. government agencies intentionally violating cargo preference statutes , and will make Maritime Administration enforcement that much easier.” After highlighting additional recommendations, the groups concluded, “Finally, we strongly support provisions included by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in H.R. 2741, the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023. Reducing the time requirement for Able Seaman and authorizing additional funding for the Coast Guard to modernize its credentialing system are just two of the provisions that can and should help alleviate impediments to the efficient and timely availability of American mariners.” Video of the entire hearing is available on the subcommittee’s website. SIU-Crewed Tankers Will Remove Military Fuel from Red Hill Facility Seafarers-contracted U.S. Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) recently was awarded two agreements by the Department of Defense to help with removing fuel from a military storage facility in Hawaii. Both contracts were announced in April: one for the Yosemite Trader, the other for the Pohang Pioneer. Both vessels carry SIU crews. The U.S. Navy operates the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “supports military operations in the Pacific. This facility can store up to 250 million gallons of fuel. At the facility are 20 steel-lined tanks, encased in concrete, and built into cavities that were mined inside of Red Hill. Each tank has a storage capacity of approximately 12.5 million gallons. The tanks are connected to three pipelines that run 2.5 miles through a tunnel to fueling piers at Pearl Harbor.” However, a jet fuel leak from the station in late 2021 contaminated the local water supply. The Navy subsequently started implementing plans to empty the tanks in order to expedite repairs. In early 2022, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed the Department of Defense to “defuel” and permanently shut down the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. The Pohang Pioneer was awarded a five-year service contract while the Yosemite Trader received a three-year agreement. Great Lakes VP Powell Honored in Michigan SIU Vice President Great Lakes Bryan Powell recently received accolades from the Wayne County (Michigan) Commission. Powell on April 20 received a resolution signed by all 15 county commissioners. The document salutes his years of dedicated service to the state’s citizens, primarily in his role as vice chair of the board of directors for the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority. The commissioners also applauded his advocacy for maritime workers in the Great Lakes region and across the globe. The Wayne County Commission is the legislative branch of county government. Wayne County, the most populous county in Michigan, is divided into 15 districts, and commissioners are elected every two years in even-year elections. The text of the resolution follows: Whereas, it is with great pleasure that we, the members of the Wayne County Commission, recognize Bryan Powell for his years of investing in the city of Detroit, Wayne County, and the State of Michigan; and June 2023 Whereas, Bryan Powell presently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, and has served on the board since 2017 in roles including board member and secretary-treasurer; and Whereas, Bryan Powell serves as Vice President for the Seafarers International Union of North America AFL-CIO, which is the largest labor organization representing merchant mariners aboard U.S.-flag vessels, devoting himself to advocacy for maritime workers and promoting the industry as a whole; and Whereas, a leader, strategist, problem solver, and innovator, Bryan Powell has demonstrated the ability to leverage his extensive project development experience and engagement in the maritime transportation sector to help drive and support the Port Authority’s mission and objectives; therefore, be it Resolved, that the Wayne County Commission commends Bryan Powell for his years of unwavering and selfless service to the residents of Michigan. Pictured from left are Commissioners David Knezik, Joseph Palamara (Vice Chair), Martha Scott, Glen Anderson, Melissa Daub, Irma Clark-Colemen, Sam Baydoun, Alisha Bell (Chair), SIU Great Lakes VP Bryan Powell, Commissioners Terry Marecki, Monique Baker McCormick, Tim Killeen, Al Haidous, Cara Clemente and Jonathan Kinloch. (Also signing the proclamation, but not pictured: Ray Basham.) Seafarers LOG 7 �STOPPING BY THE HALL – Seafarer Antonio Ramos (right), a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, picks up his first vacation check at the San Juan hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. MEETING WITH MARITIME SUPPORTER – SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) in early May attended a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) (second from right), a leading backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Also pictured are (from left) Christian Yuhas and Duncan Ballenger of MEBA. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CONFERRING WITH MAYOR – Pictured with New York City Mayor Eric Adams (center) at a NY Central Labor Council event are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (right) and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. BOATMEN WELCOME ASST. VP – SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from left) meets with Seafarers employed by G&H Towing. Pictured from left are Mate Nathan West, Russo, Capt. Vincent Forbes, Engineer Matt McRae and AB Alex Kakaletris. TEAMING UP FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY – SIU officials recently visited SUNY Maritime for the signing of a cooperative MOU aimed at boosting training and shipboard manpower. Pictured from left are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson. BROTHERHOOD OF THE SEA – ABs (and brothers) Thomas and Ryan Drummond recently received their respective A-seniority books. They are both 2015 graduates of the apprentice program, and are pictured at the Philadelphia hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice. Thomas is at far left, Ryan is in the middle. 8 Seafarers LOG WELCOME ASHORE IN WILMINGTON – Longtime steward-department Seafarer Eusebio Avila Solano (left) receives his first pension check at the Wilmington, California, hall (SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel is at right). He started sailing with the union in 1989 and most recently shipped aboard the Alaskan Explorer, earlier this year. June 2023 �WITH SEAFARERS IN FORT LAUDERDALE – AB Mark Lettman (left in photo above, left) receives his A-seniority book, while AB Fred Hayston (right in other photo) picks up his first pension check. Both Seafarers are pictured at the hiring hall, with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CELEBRATING JOB CREATION – SIU Port Agent John Hoskins (left) is pictured with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore at a ceremonial groundbreaking April 21 in Sparrows Point, Maryland. The site will host a new plant where wind turbine foundations and other windenergy components will be constructed. According to news reports, the facility will employ 125 union construction workers and account for 20 professional staff jobs. RECRUITING IN THE LONE STAR STATE – Setting up at a career fair in La Porte, Texas, are (from left) SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. CELEBRATING MARITIME INVESTMENTS – SIU members employed by Great Lakes Towing were on hand April 3 as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited the Port of Monroe for a news conference announcing state and federal grants. Among other projects, some of the money will go towards building a container terminal. Pictured at the event, from left in front of (and aboard) the tug Georgia, are SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak, AB Jason Brown, AB Tugman Foaad Saleh and AB Tugman Jeff Davis. June 2023 BECKONING IN THE BAYOU – SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (left) and SIU Safety Director James Brown man a booth April 22 at a New Orleans career fair, hosted at the city’s convention center. ABOARD LURLINE – Recertified Steward Ruti De Mont is pictured aboard the Matson vessel, preparing another scrumptious meal for her shipmates. De Mont started her SIU career in 1988. Seafarers LOG 9 �MEETING WITH WEST COAST BOATMEN – Pictured from left aboard the Starlight Marine tug Jamie Renea are SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera, Deckhand Stevie Rossi, Chief Engineer Florian Schreier, Capt. Dave Cadiz, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday and Mate Brian Edmiston. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Longtime Seafarer Stephen Ackley (left) picks up his first pension check at the Tacoma hall (SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right). Ackley signed on with the SIU in 1979 and sailed for a dozen years in the deck department before starting work on a shore gang. He most recently was the lead bosun on the Matson shore gang in Tacoma. WITH SEAFARERS IN OAKLAND – Completing paperwork at the hall in Oakland, California, are MDRs (from left) Joseph Samonte and Yan Paing. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD TANKER WEST VIRGINIA – Pictured aboard the Seabulk vessel on the West Coast are (from left) SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera, QEP Scott Fuller, OMU Dana Thomas, Steward/Baker Munasser Ahmed, Chief Cook Torrika Devine and Oiler Oscar Vencer. READY TO SHIP OUT – New Seafarer Sandra Norato (left) recently completed the CCAP program in Piney Point, Maryland, and was about to head to her first vessel when this snapshot was taken in early May at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. “I met Sandra in the port of New Jersey in September 2022,” said SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta (right). “She asked tons of questions and I was happy to help out. I helped her obtain all the necessary documents to get into the CCAP program, as she had prior cooking experience.” WEST COAST FELLOWSHIP – Following the April membership meeting, Seafarers stuck around at the Wilmington, California, hall for a cookout. 10 Seafarers LOG June 2023 �6/23 June 2023 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers Waterfront Classic Worth the Wait Fishing Tournament Brings in Donations for Veterans Charity Boulder Crest Seventeen boats full of eager anglers gathered under a cloud-covered dawn at the Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, to participate in the 8th Annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic – all for a great cause. After a three-years-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seasoned sailors and spectators alike were happy to resume the fundraiser/fishing tournament on May 16, a decade after its inaugural event in 2013. This year’s iteration of the event generated funds for the Boulder Crest Foundation, which serves military veterans, first responders and their families. Seafarers and other excited fishers came from all over the country to participate in the tournament, some even hailing from as far as Canada. One such Seafarer was Vince Giannopoulos, the vice president for St. Lawrence and East Coast with the SIU of Canada. “I had a great time at the Seafarers Waterfront Classic,” he said. “We caught a few keepers and had a great time for charity. This was my third Waterfront Classic. I just think it’s a really cool initiative. It’s a lot of fun to be here, and the campus is as impressive as ever.” He added, “After three or whatever years of COVID, it was really nice to catch up with some people I hadn’t spoken to in a long time. Obviously, coming from Canada, we weren’t able to get down here during COVID. I met some new faces and was able to reconnect with some old ones as well.” The 161 fishermen and women who took to the Potomac River at 6 a.m. returned to the dock in the afternoon with a total of 139 fish, which combined weighed in at 521 lbs. Apprentices gathered at the pier to assist each boat with docking and bringing their catches of the day up to be measured by school staff. The largest catch of the day, in pounds, went to John Raggio from Sealift, Inc. He caught a 7.45lb rockfish while fishing with the rest of his crew aboard the Three Sons. When asked about his technique, Raggio stated, “I’m not a real fisherman; this is first-time luck. I was the fourth person to handle the rails and when my turn came up, I got the fish. It’s all luck, no talent. I just reeled him in and that’s it.” After a jubilant cocktail hour, where the participants and their families celebrated a successful day out on the river, attendees gathered in the PHC’s main dining room for the awards ceremony and seafood feast. Galley staff worked quickly to prepare the freshly caught rockfish into several dishes, including buffalo bites and fish tacos. This year’s event benefitted the Boulder Crest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to struggling veterans and first responders and their families. Boulder Crest uses the science of “Posttraumatic Growth” to help participants transform their traumatic stress and rediscover hope, purpose, and their belief in the future. SIU Vice President George Tricker, founder of the Seafarers Waterfront Clas- sic, formally introduced Boulder Crest as the new fundraising partner for the Waterfront Classic at dinner, saying, “For the first seven years of the tournament we were associated with the Wounded Warrior Anglers who have since changed their name to American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS). We have since parted ways with them. They’re a fantastic group, and we’re still in contact with them – they’re doing well, they send their regards and love. But this year we’re thrilled to be partnering with Boulder Crest Foundation, a wonderful new organization that we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know.” Tricker cited Maersk Line, Limited President and CEO Bill Woodhour as a major factor in the foundation’s collaboration with SIU for this fundraising event. “There are three things that I think make Boulder Crest a bit different, which is their clarity of mission, their passion, and their purpose,” Woodhour said. “I think they’re addressing a significant need in America today. I’ve been able to see this program on a personal level, volunteering on the weekends and working in the kitchens. I was reflecting with one of the past participants, when you see people on day one and when you see them on day five or six, there’s been a complete transformation.” Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation, was also invited to the podium to further explain the non-profit’s mission. “There is a growing epidemic in the United States,” she said. “You may have heard the sta- tistics that 22 veterans take their lives by suicide every day, and that’s a low estimate these days. More first responders die by suicide than those in the line of duty.” She added, “For a long time, we have accepted this narrative that once someone takes off their uniform, their life is diminished, it is not able to be fulfilling once their service is complete. The role of Boulder Crest is to change that narrative. We are the home of post traumatic growth – the exact opposite of what PTSD is. It’s the notion that what doesn’t kill you makes you wiser – that there is life after service and that you can find a fulfilling life after in the aftermath of trauma.” SIU Vice President Nicholas Celona then spoke and honored the United States Merchant Marine, citing their motto, “Acta non Verba,” which translates to “Deeds not Words” and presented an award with that same motto to Boulder Crest, which will be on display in the PHC. Later, a painting, courtesy of SIU Pensioner Nick Rossi, was auctioned off for $350. Following the auction, plaques were presented to the person with the largest catch on each boat. One of the winners, Hope Wines, who represented Boulder Crest, said of her first Seafarers Waterfront Classic, “I had an absolutely wonderful time. I would absolutely love to come back, but I definitely encourage others to participate as well.” Turn to Page 14 for additional photos. Participants shove off for a typically early start in Piney Point, Maryland. 12 Seafarers LOG June 2023 �Scenes from the 8th Annual Waterfront Classic Guests enjoy excellent weather as the charitable event returns after a pandemic-caused hiatus. Sealift CFO John Raggio (left) had the largest catch of the day (a 7.45 lb. rockfish). SIU VP George Tricker (right), founder of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic, congratulates him on the pier. A few of the 161 waterborne participants gather for a photo. As reflected by the banner, this year’s event benefited the Boulder Crest Foundation. Anglers and event supporters head to the pier. From left, Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation, addresses the attendees at the awards dinner while SIU VP George Tricker and Maersk Line, Limited President/CEO Bill Woodhour listen. June 2023 This unusual catch didn’t make it to the weighing station. Seafarers LOG 13 �Scenes from the 8th Annual Waterfront Classic Longtime labor relations official Tony Naccarato (left) and SIU VP Bryan Powell are pictured at the school as the boats return. Seventeen boats took part in the most recent Seafarers Waterfront Classic. Guests are seated for the awards dinner. PHC Advisory Board Convenes The day after the Seafarers Waterfront Classic, members of the Paul Hall Center Advisory Board conducted a meeting at the Piney Point, Maryland, campus. Above, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen addresses attendees. Topics included recruiting, an update on medical requirements for mariners, future training needs, and progress with various technical projects. 14 Seafarers LOG June 2023 �Medical Department Offers Important Reminders About Drug-Screen Success Editor’s note: The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s Medical Department provided the following article: SIU mariners are employed in safety-sensitive positions and must comply with the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) and U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) urine drug-screen (UDS) guidelines regarding workplace drug testing. Positive UDS results and refusal to test will result in time lost from shipping and may impact career goals. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 16 - May 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 15, 2023. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Ordering: UDS collections should only be requested when they are needed to prepare for shipping, if required for class, or to renew USCG merchant mariner credential (MMC). There are two types of drug tests that can be ordered: pre-employment and periodic. Periodic tests are ordered for issuance of USCG documents or new endorsements. Pre-employment tests are ordered to go to work. The member is informed when the exam order is recommended and may decline or postpone the exam. Scheduling: The acuity scheduler will confirm exam orders with the member when scheduling the clinic appointment. The member should not schedule an appointment for collection of UDS without reasonable certainty of negative results. Appointments should be made when the mariner’s schedule will allow the appointment to last at least three hours. The DOT guidelines allow three hours to complete the “shy bladder” protocol. Do not schedule the appointment on days when the member may be needed somewhere else within the threehour period. If necessary, the UDS may be rescheduled or cancelled. Be aware that no-shows or last-minute cancellations may cause a cancellation fee. Collection: Once the collection procedure is initiated at the clinic, it must be completed. This step is defined by DOT/SIU as the moment the donor is called out of the waiting room to the collection area. Failure to produce a urine sample, remain at the collection site, or cooperate with the collection process may constitute a refusal. A refusal to test will be reported to the USCG and investigated in the same manner as a positive result. Positive UDS: Positive UDS results will be reviewed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO). The donor will be contacted by the MRO to complete an interview. Prescription medications will be confirmed and the final exam results will be discussed. SIU members who have positive UDS results will be blocked from shipping pending USCG investigation and completion of requirements to meet USCG and DOT standards for return to duty. This is a lengthy process that takes at least one year to complete. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Monday: June 5, July 3 Friday: June 9, July 7 Baltimore Guam Thursday: June 8, July 6 Thursday: June 22, July 20 Honolulu Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston Monday: June 12, July 10 Jacksonville Joliet Thursday: June 8, July 6 Thursday: June 15, July 13 Mobile Wednesday: June 14, July 12 New Orleans Jersey City Tuesday: June 13, July 11 Tuesday: June 6, *Wednesday: July 5 Norfolk Friday: June 9, July 7 Oakland Thursday: June 15. July 13 Philadelphia Wednesday: June 7, July 5 Port Everglades Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Juan Thursday: June 8, July 6 St. Louis Friday: June 16, July 14 Tacoma Friday: June 23, July 21 Wilmington **Tuesday: June 20, Monday: July 17 *Jersey City change in July created by Independance Day. **Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m June 2023 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was posed to members at SIU Headquarters and upgraders at the Paul Hall Center. Question: Has being a mariner measured up to what you thought it would be when you first signed on? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Edward Williams QMED It definitely has. It’s been a great experience because of the education, training and opportunities that the union and industry have provided me. I’m especially thankful for the situation I’m now in with respect to training: being able to get my engineering license. That translates into a more lucrative income for myself and my family. My only regret is that I did not start sailing sooner. Aevon Branch Ordinary Seaman Yes, it has. Becoming a merchant mariner has been a life-changing experience for me. I am now able to provide better opportunities for my family and friends. Rather than going to a bank, I can just work hard, save the money I make and do it on my own. I also get to see the world, go to places that I used to see on TV but never thought it possible for me to actually visit. Wilbert Hinton QMED Absolutely not, but only because I started in this profession when I was 18 and had no idea what I was getting myself into. Over the years, however, all of that has changed. Through my training, I have gained more knowledge and a better grasp on how everything works. As a result, everything is now falling into place. Tyrone Ellis Pumpman I started with the union back in 2007. Everything I heard was very positive, so after getting into the profession, I began to see some of the things they had told me about. Like any job, working in this industry has its ups and downs, but there definitely are more ups than downs. For that reason, I’m still here. It’s a great career and I tell as many people as I can about it who are searching for a profession. Carlos Gutierrez QMED Being a mariner entails a lot more than I thought it would when I first joined up. I had no idea that the training would be so in-depth and thorough. There really are a lot of intricacies involved. It was kind of a challenge at first, but I now know that paying attention to detail and doing everything safely benefits me and my shipmates. I am glad that I made the decision to be a mariner. Benjamin Verrett Steward Assistant Being a mariner has impacted my life on a scale far greater than I ever expected. The SIU has opened up so many more avenues for me. As a result, I have been able to open up two more businesses aside from the one I had when I came in. So, at the end of the day, I end up doing the two things I enjoy most: traveling and cooking. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG Seafarer Eric Foultz (left) shakes hands with Vice Adm. Michael Kalleres, head of the Military Sealift Command, after presenting the MSC commander with an SIU white cap he signed at a National Maritime Day ceremony conducted May 19, 1993 in the nation’s capital. Kalleres requested the cap for his personal collection. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JOSE CANALES DAVID Brother Jose Canales David, 65, started his career with the union in 1994. He first shipped on the Global Mariner and sailed in all three departments. Brother Canales David upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Isla Bella and makes his home in San Juan, Puerto Rico. DONALD CHRISTIAN Brother Donald Christian, 69, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Cove Sailor. He was an engine department member and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Christian most recently shipped on the Cape Rise. He resides in Williamsburg, Virginia. DORENE DUNN Sister Dorene Dunn, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980 when she sailed aboard the Oceanic Independence. She upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. Sister Dunn also worked on shore gangs. She concluded her career with American Service Technology and lives in Port Hadlock, Washington. FERDINAND GONGORA Brother Ferdinand Gongora, 71, began sailing with the union in 1969. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gongora first sailed aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel and most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Atlanta. He is a resident of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. JOHN GRYKO Brother John Gryko, 82, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2000. He initially sailed aboard the Pride of America and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Gryko shipped in the engine department, most recently on the Pacific Tracker. He calls Port Charlotte, Florida, home. MARCO GUEVARA Brother Marco Guevara, 65, signed June 2023 on with the union in 1990. A steward department member, he first sailed with Sheridan Transportation. Brother Guevara upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Alliance St. Louis and settled in Houston. FREDERICK HAYSTON Brother Frederick Hayston, 65, became a member of the union in 2002, initially sailing aboard the USNS Dahl. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Hayston most recently shipped on the Texas Enterprise. He makes his home in Miramar, Florida. DANIEL HEINTZ Brother Daniel Heintz, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2008 when he sailed on the USNS Effective. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2013. Brother Heintz’s final vessel was the Global Sentinel. He resides in Meridian, Idaho. MOHAMMAD KHAN Brother Mohammad Khan, 72, donned the union colors in 2002 and first sailed aboard the Diamond State. He sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Rio Grande Express. Brother Khan is a Houston resident. ROBERT LINDSAY Brother Robert Lindsay, 69, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990. He sailed in the deck department, initially aboard the Cape Nome. Brother Lindsay upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Cape Ray and resides in Norfolk, Virginia. sailed on the American Freedom and lives in Honolulu. JOHN MENSAH Brother John Mensah, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2000, initially sailing on the USNS Wright. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mensah last shipped on the American Freedom and calls Olney, Maryland, home. ABRAHAM MILLS Brother Abraham Mills, 71, started sailing with the SIU in 1999 when he worked on the Maui. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mills concluded his career aboard the Haina. He resides in Houston. department. Brother Sims’ final vessel was the Charles L. Brown. He makes his home in Wailuku, Hawaii. LEO SULLIVAN Brother Leo Sullivan, 65, began sailing with the union in 1990. He sailed primarily in the deck department, initially aboard the William Baugh. Brother Sullivan upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Atlanta and settled in Boston. EDWIN TIRADO NIEVES Brother Edwin Tirado Nieves, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977 and first sailed aboard the Champion. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Tirado Nieves last shipped on the Columbia. He resides in Homestead, Florida. GREAT LAKES SAMUEL PORCHEA PATRICK BENSMAN Brother Samuel Porchea, 71, began his career with the Seafarers in 1997 when he shipped on the Allegiance. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Porchea last sailed aboard the Overseas Key West and settled in Florence, South Carolina. Brother Patrick Bensman, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1979. He initially sailed on the Columbia and was a deck department member. Brother Bensman last shipped on the American Mariner and resides in Alpena, Michigan. DUANE REBER Brother Duane Reber, 65, signed on with the union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Freedom. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Reber most recently shipped aboard the Overseas Key West. He calls Peoria, Arizona, home. MIGUEL RIVERA RICKY GUY Brother Ricky Guy, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1981. He first shipped on the E.M. Ford and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Guy’s final vessel was the Adam E. Cornelius. He calls Alpena, Michigan, home. ERIC NOETZEL Brother Eric Noetzel, 65, joined the union in 2010. He first sailed aboard the John Boland and worked in the engine department. Brother Noetzel upgraded at the Piney Point school often. He last shipped on the American Spirit and makes his home in Port Huron, Michigan. MARK MAHONEY Brother Miguel Rivera, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980. He was an engine department member and first shipped on the Producer. Brother Rivera upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Achiever and is a resident of Florida City, Florida. Brother Mark Mahoney, 71, began sailing with the union in 1999 when he shipped with Admiral Towing. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Mahoney most recently ALLANROY SIM MICHAEL BRENNAN Brother Allanroy Sim, 68, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1985 and first shipped on the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1992 and was a member of the steward Brother Michael Brennan, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2011. A deck department member, he was employed by Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. Brother Brennan lives in Palm Bay, Florida. INLAND GARY CORMIER Brother Gary Cormier, 58, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1993 when he shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Cormier most recently worked on the Zeus. He lives in Bridge City, Texas. CHRISTOPHER HARVEY Brother Christopher Harvey, 62, signed on with the union in 1982. A deck department member, he first worked on the Sugar Island. Brother Harvey upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2001. He concluded his carer on the Douglas B. Mackie and settled in Laramie, Wyoming. EDWIN HENLEBEN Brother Edwin Henleben, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1975, initially working for Higman Barge Lines. He shipped in the deck department and was last employed with National Marine Service. Brother Henleben calls Kirkwood, Missouri, home. DAVID JANKOWIAK Brother David Jankowiak, 69, started his career with the SIU in 1971. He was employed by Moran Towing of Maryland for most of his career and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Jankowiak is a Baltimore resident. ROBERT KING Brother Robert King, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and first worked on the Padre Island. Brother King upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1986. He last shipped on the Sugar Island and lives in Richmond Hill, Georgia. JOHN LLOYD Brother John Lloyd, 74, signed on with the Seafarers in 1972, initially sailing with Allied Transportation. A deck department member, he last worked for Overseas Shipholding Group. Brother Lloyd makes his home in Oriental, North Carolina. RUPERT PERRY Brother Rupert Perry, 55, joined the union in 1991, when he worked with Overseas Shipholding Group. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the deck department. Brother Perry remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Palm Coast, Florida. DAVE RICHARD Brother Dave Richard, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1981. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 1992. Brother Richard worked with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He lives in Melbourne, Florida. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA OSWALD BERMEO Pensioner Oswald Bermeo, 84, passed away March 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968, when he sailed aboard the Steel Age. An engine department member, Brother Bermeo last shipped on the National Glory. He retired in 2020 and settled in Miami. THOMAS BLUITT Pensioner Thomas Bluitt, 68, died March 21. Born in New York, he started sailing with the union in 1970. Brother Bluitt initially worked on the Jacksonville and was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Overseas Alice in 1995. Brother Bluitt went on pension in 2019 and was a resident of Harbor Beach, Michigan. WILLIAM CURTS Pensioner William Curts, 83, passed away February 25. He joined the SIU in 1967 when he sailed on the Bowling Green. Brother Curts was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Pacific in 1997. He became a pensioner the same year and made his home in Spokane, Washington. WILLIS GREGORY Pensioner Willis Gregory, 90, died April 9. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1956. Brother Gregory first CORRECTION An obituary in the May LOG was accompanied by the wrong photo. The correct one is included here. SALIM IBRAHIM Pensioner Salim Ibrahim, 75, passed away March 31. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 1976. Brother Ibrahim’s first vessel was the Overseas Joyce; his last, the Maersk Ohio. He went on pension in 2012 and made his home in Kissimmee, Florida. 18 Seafarers LOG shipped with American Trading and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Stonewall Jackson and retired in 1994. Brother Gregory resided in Jupiter, Florida. department. Brother Ramos last sailed on the Horizon Producer. He became a pensioner in 2004 and settled in Patillas, Puerto Rico. SAID MAJID Pensioner Said Majid, 84, passed away February 8. He donned the SIU colors in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. Working in the steward department, Brother Majid concluded his career aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. He became a pensioner in 2003 and settled in Dearborn, Michigan. CARL MERRITT Pensioner Carl Merritt, 87, died April 13. He became a member of the union in 1967. Brother Merritt was an engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. He first worked on the Bradford Island. Brother Merritt was last employed with Sealand Manpower and began collecting his pension in 2005. He was a Baltimore resident. ADAM NOOR Pensioner Adam Noor, 75, passed away April 3. Born in Singapore, he joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990. Brother Noor first shipped on the Independence. He was an engine department member and concluded his career aboard the USNS Seay. Brother Noor became a pensioner in 2014 and made his home in Atlantic City, New Jersey. RICHARD PATUREL Pensioner Richard Paturel, 85, died February 25. Sailing first aboard the USNS Wilkes, he donned the SIU colors in 1988. Brother Paturel worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the Horizon Trader in 2004 before going on pension the following year. Brother Paturel resided in San Francisco. JOSE RAMOS Pensioner Jose Ramos, 83, passed away April 10. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1978. His first vessel was Waterman’s A. Stephens and he primarily sailed in the engine JOHN ROPP Pensioner John Ropp, 93, died April 11. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Manhattan. Brother Ropp worked in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the American Tern. He retired in 2011 and made his home in Modesto, California. DERALL WILLIAMS Brother Derall Williams, 64, passed away April 29. He began sailing with the SIU in 1986 when he worked aboard the USNS Vindicator. Brother Williams was a deck department member and most recently sailed on the Gopher State. He lived in Norfolk, Virginia, his birthplace. INLAND KENNETH BARRON Pensioner Kenneth Barron, 84, died March 18. Signing on with the union in 1977, he first sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation. Brother Barron was a deck department member and last shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He became a pensioner in 2000 and settled in Macclenny, Florida. DAVID DEL BUONO Pensioner David Del Buono, 80, died March 23. Signing on with the union in 1977, he first sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Del Buono worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and became a pensioner in 2007. Brother Del Buono settled in Baldwin Park, California. UBIE HAMMACK Pensioner Ubie Hammack, 86, passed away April 13. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965 and worked in the deck department. Brother Hammack was employed with Dravo Basic Materials for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1998 and called Range, Alabama, home. CRAIG MELWING Pensioner Craig Melwing, 73, died March 27. He embarked on his career with the union in 1986 when he shipped on the USNS Algol. Brother Melwing sailed in the deck department. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before retiring in 2011. Brother Melwing resided in Harbor City, California. GEORGE REYNOLDS Pensioner George Reynolds, 88, passed away March 31. He joined the SIU in 1973, initially sailing with Norfolk, Baltimore and Carolina Lines Inc. Brother Reynolds worked in the deck department and concluded his career with Allied Transportation. He began collecting his pension in 1997 and made his home in Ennis, Texas. DOUGLAS SCOTT Pensioner Douglas Scott, 65, died April 2. In 1994, he became a member of the Seafarers International Union. Brother Scott was a deck department member and sailed with G&H Towing for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2022 and lived in Willis, Texas. NMU HENRY EBANKS Pensioner Henry Ebanks, 92, passed away November 28. Brother Ebanks concluded his career aboard the Texaco Minnesota in 1985. He became a pensioner the same year and settled in the Cayman Islands. BOBBY EDWARDS Pensioner Bobby Edwards, 80, died February 25. Brother Edwards sailed in the deck de- partment, and last shipped aboard the Lash Atlantico. He retired in 1997 and made his home in Lexington, South Carolina. FELIX MAS Pensioner Felix Mas, 93, passed away April 19. Brother Mas first shipped aboard the America in 1963. He was a steward department member and concluded his career aboard the African Dawn. Brother Mas went on pension in 1989 and lived in Puerto Rico, his birthplace. DOMINGO OQUENDO Pensioner Domingo Oquendo, 92, died February 11. He was born in Puerto Rico and began sailing in 1945. Brother Oquendo was a steward department member and first shipped on the John Ericson. He last sailed aboard the Constitution and became a pensioner in 1967. Brother Oquendo made his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. MILTON ROBERT Pensioner Milton Robert, 96, passed away April 11. Brother Robert was born in Oklahoma City and started sailing in 1966. A steward department member, he first worked on the Robin Mowbray. Brother Robert last sailed on the Aspen and went on pension in 1990. He resided in Antioch, California. WESLEY SAMUELS Pensioner Wesley Samuels, 89, died April 25. Sailing in the deck department, he concluded his career aboard the USNS Victorious and retired in 2011. Brother Samuels made his home in New Orleans. GEORGE WISE Pensioner George Wise, 95, passed away April 15. Born in Rockford, Illinois, Brother Wise first sailed aboard the Andrew Hamilton in 1945. He shipped in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Harry Culbreath. Brother Wise became a pensioner in 1965 and was a resident of Waynesboro, Tennessee. June 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), February 25 – Chairman Angel Centeno, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Randy Slue, Engine Delegate Christopher Waters, Steward Delegate Branden Williams. Chairman brought up various overtime issues, including considerations regarding department delegates and meetings. Members qualify for one hour of OT weekly for sanitary. Chairman talked about missing-man pay and advised crew to call meetings to settle any disputes. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, for a pay raise. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is requesting Wi-Fi access for their phones, rather than sharing one laptop among all SIU members. Members are being charged for home calls and asked why they aren’t covered by ship funds. Crew requested an additional phone line in crew lounge for outside calls, as well as new mattresses and TVs in all rooms. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 18 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Markese Haynes, Educational Director Mohsen Mohamed, Deck Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine Delegate Mark Canada, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Crew reviewed old business. Chairman asked for members’ patience for reliefs and reminded them to update their documents. Educational director encouraged crew to keep upgrading at the Piney Point school and reported a fleet-wide need for more ABs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members congratulated former SIU President Michael Sacco on his retirement as well as David Heindel on becoming the new president of the SIU. Crew requested more flexibility on rotation. Members asked to add penalty pay to extended MSC contract if a new contract cannot be achieved. They requested increases to vacation pay and day pay in lieu of day off. Chairman reiterated the importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Ship still waiting on Wi-Fi, and members requested refrigerators in their rooms. USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), April 2 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary Alphonzo Berry, Educational Director Ronald Sease, Deck Delegate Dhindo Faulve, Steward Delegate Hussain Nagi Ali. Ship arriving at Port Canaveral, Florida, April 3. Chairman read April’s president report in the Seafarers LOG. Educational director discussed the importance of attending upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. Chairman asked for suggestions for ship funds. A boom box was suggested by a crew member for the pier activities while in port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members are reportedly happy with the new OSI bridge contract. Everyone got a raise The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. and is looking forward to working with OSI in the future. Crew requested new box springs for state room single bunks. OCEAN GRAND (Patriot Shipping, LLC) April 18 – Chairman Lech Jankowski, Deck Delegate Fredrick Martinez, Engine Delegate Alonzo Sanz. Ship continues to have poor Wi-Fi service. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Piney Point school and referred them to the SIU’s website for further information about course dates and descriptions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed restricted pay for Pakistan. Safety bonus pay no longer in effect with new company. OHIO (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 25 – Chairman Ali Al Kassemi, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Damien Bautista, Deck Delegate Carlos Bonilla, Engine Delegate Florencia Tindugan, Steward Delegate Kevin Hubble. Ship should be getting hard copies of new contract during current port stay. Chairman announced an upcoming sanitary inspection and advised crew to get LNG-certified as more ships are coming on line. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to use word-of-mouth recruiting to bring new members in to the union. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew dryer and crew ice machine still awaiting parts for repair. New shower curtains to be ordered. Next port: Long Beach, California. Crowley to Flag In 3 Tankers At press time, three Crowley-managed tankers were selected by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to serve in its Tanker Security Program. The chosen medium-range tankers are part of a joint venture between Crowley and Stena Bulk USA. The vessels – Stena Immaculate, Stena Imperative (pictured above) and Stena Impeccable (below) – will be reflagged as U.S.-registered vessels with U.S. crews. The tankers will continue international commercial operations but can be chartered to serve the U.S. government’s operations. (Photos courtesy Crowley) Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- June 2023 ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook July 10 August 11 August 21 September 22 September 25 October 27 October 30 December 1 December 4 January 5 ServSafe Management July 3 July 7 August 14 August 18 September 18 September 22 October 23 October 27 November 27 December 1 Able Seafarer-Deck July 17 August 4 August 28 September 15 October 23 November 10 July 31 August 25 Advanced Galley Operations October 16 November 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival July 3 July 14 July 31 August 11 Chief Steward June 26 July 21 August 28 September 8 September 11 October 6 November 13 December 8 RFPNW June 26 July 14 August 14 September 1 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses October 9 October 27 Medical Care Provider June 12 June 16 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 Basic Training Revalidation June 19 June 19 July 14 July 14 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW August 14 September 8 November 13 December 15 FOWT June 12 July 7 October 2 October 27 Junior Engineer Program August 21 Marine Electrician September 18 October 13 Marine Refer Tech September 15 August 7 October 20 Advanced Refer Containers July 31 August 11 October 23 November 3 Government Vessels June 12 June 16 June 19 June 23 July 17 July 21 July 31 August 4 August 14 August 18 August 28 September 1 September 11 September 15 September 25 September 29 October 16 October 20 October 23 October 27 November 6 November 10 Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL June 12 June 16 September 18 September 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG June 19 June 23 September 25 September 29 October 9 October 13 Pumpman September 18 September 22 Machinist September 25 October 13 Welding July 17 August 4 August 28 September 15 October 16 November 3 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/23 June 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #894 – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order) Richard Calderon, Emily Castellano-Marquez, Ne’shawn Christopher, Qaadir GilletteJames, Colontae Hargrove, Scott Haselbauer, Lamar Johnson, Grant Lee, David Morris, Alex Needham, George Ortega, Sergey Sharov, Ian Trefry and Gary Wassel Jr. Able Seaman Deck – Graduated April 28 (above, in alphabetical order) John Joseph Alcos, Jordan Banks, Elijah Courtney, Robert Freer III, Levi Gorokhovsky, Ryan Henderson, Paul Jimenez, Travis Morris, Zion Oliphant, Darius Parker, Errol Wade-Cephas and Steven Ware (Note: Not all are pictured.) Instructor Dominic Hix is pictured at far left. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Roche Bonita, Howard Brooks Jr., Hyeyoung Choi Forrer, Dominique McLean, Anthony Parks and Sherley Rivera-Aguila. June 2023 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Advanced Refrigeration Container Maintenance – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Kirk Chambers, Angel Ivan Cintron Colon, Aleksander Djatschenko, Terren Fields, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez, Teon Shelton and Edwin Velez. Instructors Mike Fay and Roy Graham are also pictured. Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) – Graduated March 24 (above): Michael Martin. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated April 28 (photos above, in alphabetical order): Allan Acasio, Debra Bright, Marcus Dalton, Gregory Eady, Jasmin Franklin, Laura Katschman, Ricardo Petilo, Eugenia Porter, Shamprell Thomas and Benjamin Verrett III. (Note: Not all are pictured). FOWT (Apprentices) – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyree Carter, Christopher Emanuel, Danielle Gore, Ernest Grant Jr. and D’mitri Hill. (Note: Not all are pictured.) The course instructor, John Wiegman III, is also pictured (far right). FOWT (Upgraders) – Pictured March 24 (above, in alphabetical order) King Alfred Haber, Mikel Hatcher, Jaquan Jones, Ronald Jones, Luis Perez Garcia, Mukhtar Suwaileh, Daniel Ursitti and Darrell Whitaker. The course instructor, John Wiegman III, is also pictured (far right). 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) – Graduated April 21 (above): Brandon Bob, John Caulder, Robert Durant, Esraa Alaa Abdel Hafez Embaby, Abel Palacios and Matthew Tiderman. FOWT (Upgraders) – Graduated April 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Maria Guadalupe Escobar, D’mitri Hill, Jaquan Jones, Morey Lewis, Sean Wilson, and Michael Zabielski. June 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Samone Alston, Volodymyr Bendus, Reco Bennefield, Jasmine Donahue, Ricardo Antonio Escorcia, Simon Gathing, Jason Icasas, Eric Jackson, Diane MacDonald, Myles Otis, Arthur Peoples, Jose Perez, Andre Philippe, Paul Riley Jr., Dahiangely Rivas, Kenya Scott, Lovell Smith and Tahisha Watson. Machinist – Graduated March 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Elhassene Elkori, Crystal Higgs, Christopher Hinton, Justin Johnson, Mathew Palmer, Luis Sepulveda, Neil Tupas, and Michael John Estavillo Valdez. The course instructor, Patrick Coppola, is also pictured (far left). Government Vessels – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order) Tyvesha Dixon, Glenn Guthrie, Jermaine Ross, Brian Smith and Kendo Williams Sr. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Eric Jackson, Kim Tye, Paul Valiente and Tahisha Watson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Water Survival – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order) Shane Beal and Sammie Head. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamel BrownFaulkner, Johnnie Carswell, Theodore Cash Jr., Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Tyvesha Dixon, Christopher Emanuel, Torrie Florence, Manuel Cayetano Flores, Stanley Golden, Renato Calditara Govico, Dwight Hunt Sr., Dylan Jones, Erni Lizada, Michael Marrero, Jamaal McKenzie, Arturo Reyes, Marcus Rowe, Zaid Alawi Said, Tameka Scott, Samuel Clayton Tilles and Henry Ortua Wright Jr. June 2023 Water Survival – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order) Krystal Mosley and Nirale Rolle. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Glancy, Toddrick Harold, Ruben Haynes, Alexander Hunting, Julio Martinez, Mark Mitchell, Baltazar Sambaoa, Daryl Thomas Jr. and Brian Wendler. Welding and Metallurgy – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel Abad, Joshua Nino Bonita, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez and Daryl Thomas Jr. Instructor Chris Raley is also pictured (far right). Seafarers LOG 23 �JUNE 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 Seafarers Tackle ‘Labor of Love’ At Hawaiian Middle School More than 300 volunteers with membership in 23 different unions (including the SIU) teamed up in mid-April to participate in the Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Labor of Love event, a yearly gathering where union members contribute their skills to support the local community. This year, volunteers worked to rehabilitate the Dole Middle School campus, a local school in Honolulu. Dole Middle School is a Title I facility, which, according to the U.S. Department of Education, means that it serves a large percentage of students from low-income families. When asked about the event’s significance, SIU Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso said, “This year was special because Dole Elementary School – which is located in Kalihi, the same town as our union hall – was selected. We always look forward to participating and helping to beautify less fortunate, neglected public schools.” Affiliates of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council of the Maritime Trades Department (Hawaii PMC) often take part in this event. This year’s list of participating organizations included SIU, Marine Firemen (MFOW), Sailors’ Union of the Pacific (SUP), American Federation of Government Employees, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 142, Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1260, Hawaii Government Employees Association (AFSCME) Local 152, Elevator Constructors Local 126 and Laborers Local 368. The participation of fellow union members was a big plus for Engine Storekeeper Tanya Awong. “That was the first time I had ever gone to anything like that, because I usually am out of town. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of people. I thought it would be a smaller group, but there were a lot of other unions there, too. There were about 10 of us that showed up from SIU, but I wish that even more people came out. I would definitely do it again next year, if I’m on land,” Awong said. Bosun Jim Reynolds also appreciated the attendance at this year’s project. “The Labor of Love event was a great experience,” he said. “It’s always a worthwhile time to give back to the community by doing these types of projects. It was amazing how big a turnout there was from SIU and the other unions. I was happy to see fellow crewmates from the SBX there, too. The school staff was very emotional about the big response, and the turnout was so large that it took us way less time to repaint the designated areas around the outside of the school complex.” Dole Middle School received almost $80,000 worth of repairs during the Labor of Love event. In a single day, volunteers installed air conditioning units and laundry machines, renovated bathrooms, repainted several campus buildings and walkways, and set up new benches and picnic tables. “The school was a little run down,” observed Steward/Baker Marcus Rowe. “When the kids come to see the renovations, I hope it will uplift them and inspire them to do better in school and maybe in life because it showed that somebody cared.” Hawaii State AFL-CIO President Randy Perreira (of AFSCME) said of the event: “At a time when our community is facing ever-increasing costs and new challenges, Hawaii’s labor unions remain committed to fighting to raise living conditions and improve the quality of life for all citizens. Our Labor of Love project is where all unions bring their talents and resources together to improve a school in need. Today our union members proudly demonstrate that labor unions in Hawaii are more relevant than ever as we showcase our skills and commitment as valuable members of our local community.” After volunteers completed their work renovating Dole Middle School’s campus, the school hosted a Union Career Day. Members of several Hawaii PMC-affiliated unions took their places at booths to represent their respective organizations and educate future workers about the many possibilities for a career in which their labor will be rewarded. “You hear such bad things about kids these days, but these middle school kids that came out for career day were really interested – especially when I told them that I work with food,” Rowe noted. “The kids were asking questions about what it’s like going out to sea. I absolutely inspired some future Seafarers that day. I’m glad I did it, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” SIU volunteers at the Labor of Love outreach included (from left) Hazel Galbiso, Arturo Reyes, Marcus Rowe, Arjay Hermoso, Kent Arroyo, Jim Reynolds, Todd Lander, Amber Akana and Tanya Awong. Hawaii Governor Josh Green (left) and Steward/Baker Marcus Rowe were among the volunteers who helped beautify a local school. From left, Seafarers Todd Lander, Arturo Reyes, Tanya Awong and Marcus Rowe apply fresh paint to some sidewalk stripes. Seafarers take a photo at their booth during Union Career Day. Pictured from left to right are SIU Safety Director Amber Akana and SIU members Todd Lander, Arjay Hermoso, Jim Reynolds and Marcus Rowe. 24 Seafarers SeafarersLOG LOG SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (right) poses with two ILWU members and Hawaii AFL-CIO COPE Director Dion Dizon (left). May 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2023 Description An account of the resource KENTUCKY BACKS JONES ACT AFL-CIO RELEASES JOB SAFETY REPORT GEN. VAN OVOST: 'MERCHANT MARINERS ARE PATRIOTS' MARITIME DAY CELEBRATED SIU MEMBERS CREW UP NEWLY REFLAGGED TANKER LONGTIME UNION REPRESENTATIVE DHOOGE PASSES AWAY AT AGE 68 U.S. HOUSE HEARING EXAMINES MARITIME MANPOWER SHORTAGES SIU-CREWED TANKERS WILL REMOVE MILITARY FUEL FROM RED HILL FACILITY GREAT LAKES VP POWELL HONORED IN MICHIGAN SEAFARERS WATERFRONT CLASSIC WORTH THE WAIT MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OFFERS IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT DRUG-SCREEN SUCCESS SEAFARERS TAKE 'LABOR OF LOVE' AT HAWAIIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 85, NO. 6 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/02931b4e80d5fff782ac38af0ecd6d04.pdf d9fd8bb4a7abdc65e4e7c2aefe82e31a PDF Text Text MAY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Event Delivers Pro-Maritime Messages ‘Sail-In’ Returns to D.C. Following a pandemic-induced pause, the Maritime Congressional Sail-In returned to the nation’s capital March 30 – and the SIU turned out in force. Throughout the day, small groups of maritime labor and industry representatives met with members of Congress and their respective staffs. The maritime personnel explained or reiterated the importance of maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Pictured just before the meetings began are (from left) SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Pages 2, 10, 11. Seafarers to the Rescue (3 Times) It has been a busy stretch for SIU crews when it comes to rescues at sea. The SIU-crewed National Glory (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) handled two such operations, one in February involving 21 migrants (photo at left) and the other in early March involving 15 distressed individuals, while the Seafarers-crewed Overseas Long Beach saved 12 migrants on March 30. Standing in the photo below are Bosun German Nunez (right) and GUDE Allan Castillo aboard the OSG ship. Page 7. (National Glory photo courtesy AMO) Paul Hall Center Earns Award Page 4 Michigan Stands Up for Workers Page 5 �President’s Report Promoting Our Union and Our Industry The SIU had an outstanding turnout March 30 as our industry resumed a crucial event known as the Maritime Congressional Sail-In. Prior to the pandemic, the Sail-In took place annually for a decade before being forced into a three-year break. The Sail-In involves meetings with members of Congress and their staffs throughout a very full day on Capitol Hill. We send small groups that include representatives from various sectors of the industry, including maritime unions, vessel operators, shipbuilders and more. I’m glad it’s back. My overriding thought during the meetings was that we could stand to do more of that kind of outreach. It is that important. And it’s an eye-opener that reinforces the need for us to regularly educate Congress about who we are, what we do and why it matters to the nation. The individual meetings are longer than an elevator pitch, but in the same David Heindel vein. We conducted more than 100 this time around. Seafarers know that our industry is heavily regulated. The U.S. Merchant Marine depends on federal statutes including the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference laws and more. In part, that’s because we play a critical role in national, economic and homeland security. But even if that’s common knowledge among some members of Congress, we cannot assume that all senators and congressmen and their staffs automatically know about the industry. Between the regular, election-generated turnover in D.C. and the constant attacks on U.S.-flag shipping, we have a mandate to remain politically active (not just at the federal level, either). We must speak up for ourselves in order to preserve your jobs and to keep the U.S. flag flying on the high seas, on the coasts and on our inland waterways. This is a never-ending part of the job and I’m proud of the SIU’s very active participation year-round, not just during special events like the Sail-In. Nevertheless, the Sail-In is a big deal for us, and we’re all better off with its resumption. Next year we hope to have some rank-and-file members join us on Capitol Hill to meet with your representatives and share your experiences as Seafarers and what they mean to you and your community. Recruiting the Next Generation Along those same lines, recruiting is a constant undertaking. We all know about manpower challenges in our industry and others, and the SIU is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to meet the moment. Most recently, this has involved outreach in Texas, California, New York, Washington State, Alaska and elsewhere. Recruiting has always been part of our operation, but it has taken on added importance since the pandemic. With that in mind, we’ve invested additional resources and worked even more closely with our affiliated school and with our contracted operators to attract people. Obviously, there’s not an overnight fix, but I believe we’re making progress. We will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Also, as mentioned in last month’s column, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of word-of-mouth, informal recruiting. That’s also been part of our identity for as long as we’ve been in business, and I encourage our SIU sisters and brothers to be on the lookout for prospective members and send them our way. Finance committee members convene at headquarters and begin their work. SIU Financial Committee Signs Off on 2022 Records The SIU Constitution stipulates that a seven-person contingent of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) annually examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. That requirement was achieved this year in early April when seven SIU members successfully scrutinized and approved the union’s fiscal archives. After being duly elected by their brother and sisters during the union’s April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, members of the seven-person team converged on SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, April 4 to conduct the audit. Over the next several days, committee members met and reviewed the union’s financial records. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2022 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Timothy Pillsworth (chairman), Bosun Carl Pedersen, ABM Atm Zahid Reza, AB Mark Stabler, Chief Cook Kenneth Kelly, Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus Jr., and Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello. The members conducted their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their final report reads, “We find that the Headquarters of the Union is taking all steps possible to safeguard Union funds and to see that the disbursements of the Union are in accor- dance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU SecretaryTreasurer Tommy Orzechowski also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. In addition to Orzechowski, the union’s legal counsel also convened with committee members in the event any of them had questions. Progress Continues Last but not least, I’m happy to report that our Norfolk hiring hall renovation is moving along nicely. We remain on track for a reopening this summer, and I’m confident that our collective patience will be rewarded. Anyone who has been to that hall knows that the location is tough to beat. Renovating, rather than relocating, was the right call, and we’ll rechristen the building in style. After wrapping up their work, finance committee members joined SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski for this photo. Seated (from left) are Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Orzechowski, QMED Timothy Pillsworth and Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus Jr. Standing are Bosun Carl Pedersen, ABM Atm Zahid Reza, Chelsea Heindel from the office of the union’s secretary-treasurer, AB Mark Stabler and Chief Cook Kenneth Kelly. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 5 May 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Assistant Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Garamendi Offers Bill to Boost American-Flag Fleet Legislation Would Guarantee Cargo for Vessels During Peacetime A longtime champion of the United States maritime industry has introduced legislation aimed at bolstering the American-flag fleet. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on March 29, 2023, upon his introduction of the Rebuilding the U.S.-Flag International Fleet Act: I introduce the bipartisan “Rebuilding the United StatesFlag International Fleet Act.” This comprehensive legislation would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag international fleet of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guaranteeing government cargo during peacetime so that U.S.-flag vessels are available during wartime or emergencies. The United States has the world’s most capable navy able to operate in all five oceans, and we need an equally impressive fleet of commercial cargo vessels crewed by American mariners. For too long, Congress and both Democratic and Republican presidents have allowed the commercial fleet of U.S.-flagged, ocean-going vessels to dwindle. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of oceangoing U.S.-flagged vessels has declined more than 75 percent since 1985, following the 1982 treaty called the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The global supply chain crunch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of China’s island building in the South China Sea and saber-rattling in the Taiwan Strait have shown that the United States cannot remain reliant on foreign vessels flying flags of convenience. The “Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet Act” offers Congress the chance to enact the first comprehensive reform of cargo preference laws in decades. Our legislation incorporates recommendations for the Maritime Administration from the Government Accountability Office’s report published on September 14, 2022, entitled “Actions Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Oversight.” Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of the House to join me in cosponsoring this critical legislation to address this crisis facing the U.S.-flag international fleet. May 2023 �U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Florida) Ann Phillips Maritime Administrator Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Military, Government Leaders Emphasize U.S. Reliance on Strong Sealift Capacity A recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives focused on national defense capabilities, prominently including the crucial need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Jointly hosted by two subcommittees of the House Armed Services Committee (Readiness, and Seapower and Projection Forces), the hearing took place March 28. It featured testimony from Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), and from Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. Also weighing in with their support for American mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet were (among others) U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Florida), chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness; and U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. The hearing featured candid dialogue about the challenges facing not only the maritime industry but other components of the nation’s readiness systems. Waltz stated, “Recapitalization of our sealift fleet that we will rely on to carry ground platforms and materiel into theater is a pressing issue. Crewing these vessels is also of great concern. We have a significant shortage of credentialed mariners that, combined with poor vessel state, have resulted in less than impressive readiness rates during recent exercises. “We will also rely on this same pool of credentialed mariners to crew commercial vessels in the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program,” he continued. “We have a tough road ahead and I look forward to hearing how MARAD plans to administer these important programs and bolster the number of credentialed mariners.” Kelly noted, “I remain concerned with our aging sealift and air refueling fleet. This year’s budget includes money to purchase two additional sealift assets, but the fleet remains on average too old…. MARAD is also an organization punching above its weight. We are happy with the success of the Tanker Security Program and would like to hear your thoughts on increasing capacity…. Finally, I’m concerned with merchant mariner readiness and how we can increase the pool of credentialed mariners.” “The Department of Defense’s ability to project military forces is inextricably linked to commercial industry. Our industry partners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements. Sealift is vital to delivering the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent of military cargo will be transported via sealift.” - Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Van Ovost offered a comprehensive review of USTRANSCOM’s responsibilities and explained some of the threats facing the United States. She said that President Biden’s official National Security Strategy “makes clear that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia are working aggressively to undermine democracy and export a model of governance marked by repression at home and coercion abroad. In their own ways, both seek to erode the legitimacy of established international norms and laws that have persisted for almost a century. Geopolitically, the PRC remains our most consequential pacing challenge; followed closely by Russia, an acute threat. Other persistent threats including North Korea, Iran, and violent extremist organizations are developing or acquiring new capabilities and pursuing strategies that could challenge our ability to deploy and sustain the Joint Force. “The Department of Defense’s ability to project military forces is inextricably linked to commercial industry,” she added. “Our industry partners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements. Sealift is vital to delivering the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent of military cargo will be transported via sealift.” SIU Jobs Secure Aboard T-AGS Vessels, LMSRs The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced two contract awards that signal job security for SIU members. May 2023 She then explained that there are concerns about the ages of many vessels in the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). “Therefore, USTRANSCOM supports the Navy’s strategy to recapitalize the government- owned fleet by acquiring foreign-built used sealift ships from the commercial market and further requests to provide the Secretary of Defense discretionary authority to purchase foreign-built ships to expeditiously replace the aging ships under more favorable market conditions,” Van Ovost said. “This includes removing the overall limit on the number of used sealift vessels DOD can procure, currently authorized at nine ships. We are already a generation late in recapitalizing a ready sealift fleet to meet our national objectives.” The general spelled out various steps her agency and MARAD have taken to bolster U.S. sealift capability, including vessel purchases, implementing the Tanker Security Program and more. She said that maintaining a sufficient pool of mariners “requires continued assessment to ensure an adequately trained supply to crew our surge fleet while minimizing impacts to commercial industry. The supply of contract mariners is sufficient to meet the initial sealift surge when government reserve ships are activated but will be challenged with the ability to sustain crewing requirements over an extended period. The post-COVID recovery has highlighted significant workforce concerns to maritime stakeholders to include recruiting and retention.” Phillips touched on components of In both instances, SIU-contracted companies were chosen to continue operating ships that they already had been managing. In early April, Ocean Shipholdings was selected to operate seven government-owned oceanographic survey (T-AGS) vessels. Those ships are the USNS Waters, USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS Henson, USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS Mary Sears and USNS Marie Tharp (formerly named the Maury). President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget request that pertain to upgrading the RRF, and why doing so is vital to national security. She noted a plan to grow the fleet from its current number of 45 vessels to 51. The maritime administrator also underscored the importance of the Maritime Security Program, Cable Ship Security Program, and Tanker Security Program. Turning to shipboard manpower, she said her agency “is partnering with our stakeholders, both federal and non-federal, to work to identify strategies to help address the mariner shortage and ensure their readiness. Last fall, I hosted a summit with industry and federal stakeholders to discuss the mariner shortfall. Participants identified the need to address barriers to entry in the merchant marine as well as the need to ensure quality of life aboard ships such as ensuring internet connectivity for crew members. “We also note that the existing Coast Guard licensing system relies on laborintensive paper copies and manual entries and is not set up to provide critical data regarding the number of and availability mariners with various credentials,” she added. “We fully support the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to modernize the system to enable efficient issuance of mariner credentials and provide enhanced querying capabilities.” Phillips stressed the agency’s focus on “supporting our U.S.-flagged fleet through opportunities to carry cargo. As I said last year in testimony before the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, put simply, without cargoes, ships will leave the U.S. flag, and our modest fleet will continue to dwindle…. We are working with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Made In America Office to help agencies understand cargo preference requirements. In addition, I have written to all federal departments and agencies explaining how MARAD can help them ensure they meet their obligations under cargo preference laws and regulations.” The agreement is expected to expire at the end of September 2024. Previously, in late March, U.S. Marine Management received a contract for the operation of three government-owned large, medium-speed, roll-on/ roll-off (LMSR) vessels. Those ships are the USNS Seay, USNS Pililaau and USNS Brittin. As with the other award, this one is expected to last through September 2024. Seafarers LOG 3 �Members of the executive working group meet in New Orleans. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, the labor representative, is second from right, in front. (Photo courtesy USTRANSCOM) Industry Group Examines U.S. Wartime Readiness Mariners Hailed as ‘Backbone of Our Maritime Capability’ Officials from the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Transportation (DOT), along with executives from the American maritime industry met in New Orleans in mid-March to discuss wartime readiness and strengthen their strategic relationships. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez is the labor representative on the committee known as the executive working group, which is overseen by the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). He took part in the recent sessions. “When our nation goes to war, so too does the maritime industry,” said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Sullivan, deputy commander of USTRANSCOM. “Maintaining an adequate fleet of seaworthy ships is critical to TRANSCOM’s ability to deploy forces in a major conflict, as nearly 90% of U.S. military equipment would move by ship.” Sullivan led the group and also was joined by senior leaders from the Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command, and executives from U.S. commercial sealift carriers. The group is a subcommittee under the National Defense Transportation Association, where its members weigh how the DOD can improve its global transportation enterprise – specifically sealift and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). Tellez has been part of the group for more than two decades. VISA is a partnership program between the U.S. government and maritime industry. The agreement was established in 1997 to provide Paul Hall Center Receives County Food Safety Award we feed for each meal. With the continuous rotation of upgraders and apprentices, for us to always get that job done is a tribute to the staff and students.” The award recipients make up approximately 20% of St. Mary’s County’s licensed food service facilities. According to the county, “The Gold Star Program has recognized food establishments for superior food safety practices since the program’s inception in 2007. Environmental health specialists at the health department regularly inspect more than 500 food service facilities in St. Mary’s County to ensure food safety is being adequately addressed. During 2022, more than 1,400 inspections were conducted.” “These food establishments deserve recognition for achieving such high standards for their attention to food safety and sanitation,” stated Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County health officer. “We appreciate their extra dedication to ensure our community members can not only enjoy their food, but also have confidence in its safe preparation.” The food establishments that achieve this high level of compliance receive a certificate and a window sticker designating them as Gold Star establishments. The requirements The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) recently received accolades from the St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Health Department. School personnel were on hand April 3 for a local ceremony honoring the PHC and other recipients of the county’s Gold Star Awards. Those honors are given annually “to food service facilities that achieve superior food safety standards,” according to the county. PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski, who attended the ceremony in Leonardtown, stated, “It’s always a team effort with the upgraders, trainees and crew (staff), coordinating a daily sanitation checklist along with observations that are addressed immediately.” He added that the school, located in Piney Point, sees no shortage of meals or diners. “The level of activity that we have here is amazing,” Hetmanski noted. “We do three meals a day and we have hundreds of people 4 Seafarers LOG the DOD with assured access to commercial sealift and intermodal capacity to support emergency deployment and sustainment of U.S. military forces. Intermodal capacity includes dry cargo ships, equipment, terminal facilities, and intermodal management services. Sullivan expressed appreciation for the historic contributions delivered by civilian seafarers. “U.S. Merchant Mariners are the backbone of our maritime capability,” he stated. “The qualified mariners you employ are the lifeblood we rely on to power our strategic sealift portfolio.” USTRANSCOM, in coordination with MARAD, manages a strategic sealift portfolio that includes privately owned ships plus governmentowned vessels. The privately owned ships enrolled in VISA are one element of the broader collection. to earn a Gold Star include: no critical violations (based on the Code of Maryland Regulations), no temperature violations cited during a monitoring inspection; all violations noted by an inspector must be corrected by a 30-day The Maritime Security Program, a government retainer program for internationally trading ships, is another element of the commercial fleet, as the ships included in that program commit 100% of their capacity and support to VISA. According to USTRANSCOM, on any given day, approximately 30 commercial and military ships are providing support to the DOD, moving strategic resources and materiel worldwide. With that in mind, Sullivan said, “Sealift is essential not only in crisis, but in everyday operations.” He added, “Eighty percent of the 62 voyages supporting the delivery of aid and supplies to Ukraine were conducted by our commercial partners. While the air numbers (sorties flown) are larger, the largest volume has travelled by sea.” follow-up inspection, no confirmed unsafe food handling complaints, at least one food service worker completed a recognized and approved Food Service Sanitation and Safety Class within the last two years. Pictured at the awards ceremony are (from left) St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr. Meena Brewster and Paul Hall Center personnel Executive Chef John Hetmanski, Chef Robert Johnson, upgrader Hyeyoung Choi Forrer, and apprentices Cameron McNeil and Gregg Lamar Gethers. May 2023 �Michigan Lawmakers Deliver Legislative Victories for U.S. Unions, Working Families Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) on March 24 delivered a huge win for labor unions – and for all working families – across the United States when she signed legislation (Senate Bill 34 Restoring Workers Rights) that repealed the state’s so-called “right to work” law (RTW). In addition to this main bill, Whitmer also signed a pair of companion pieces of legislation. The first, House Bill 4004, erased the state’s RTW law for public-sector workers as well. That bill’s sponsors acknowledged public-sector unions will still be blocked from requiring government employees to join or pay dues under the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Janus v. AFSCME. Finally, the governor signed a third bill (House Bill 4007) as part of Democrats’ pro-labor package, restoring Michigan’s prevailing wage law to set minimum pay requirements for workers involved in statefunded construction and infrastructure projects. “Michigan workers are the most talented and hard-working in the world and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Whitmer said in a statement released by her office. “These bills will protect health and safety, ensuring healthcare workers can put patient care ahead of profit, construction workers can speak up when there’s a safety issue, and employees can call attention to food safety threats and other problems. “Today, we are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job and grow Michigan’s middle class,” the governor concluded after she signed the legislation. Reaction to the Michigan RTW law’s demise was swift, especially from those who supported the governor’s action. “Unions made Michigan a hub of American business, and an engine of America’s middle class,” tweeted President Joe Biden. “A strong middle class benefits everybody. Michigan is leading as a great place to be a worker and a great place to do business.” “Today, we are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job and grow Michigan’s middle class,” - Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the U.S., also chimed in. “This is what happens when we elect union members to halls of power,” she said. “We fight and we WIN for working people. Right to work, hit the curb!” Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber issued a statement outlining his stance shortly after the RTW law met its demise. In part, that statement read: “After decades of anti-worker attacks, Michigan has restored the balance of power for working people by passing laws to protect their freedom to bargain for the good wages, good benefits, and safe workplaces they deserve. Ten years ago, Governor Whitmer was standing side by side with well over 10,000 working people who showed up in Lansing to protest the devastating attack on their rights. Today, she has demonstrated yet again her unwavering commitment to putting working families first. After decades of attacks on working people, it’s a new day in Michigan, and the future is bright.” Passed more than decade ago, the Michigan RTW statute allowed people in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues and fees as a condition of employment, even if the union represented them in negotiations. According to several sources, Michigan State Democrats had long viewed the law as contentious, arguing that it allowed for “free riders,” or people receiving union representation without having to pay fees or dues for it. With the law now abolished, unions can require all workers in all unionized workplaces to pay fees for the cost of representation in bargaining. Michigan, when the RTW law was enacted in 2012, enjoyed the nation’s seventh-highest percentage of unionized workers, but that plummeted to 11th in 2022. Union membership over the last decade in Michigan has decreased by 2.6 percentage points; U.S. union membership overall has been falling steadily for decades, reaching an all-time low last year of 10.1%. Michigan became the first state in 58 years to repeal a RTW law, with Indiana repealing its in 1965 before Republicans Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) there restored it in 2012. In 2017, Missouri’s Republican Legislature approved a RTW law, but it was blocked from going into effect before voters overwhelmingly rejected it the next year. In total, 26 states now have so-called RTW laws in place. Washington State Senate: Jones Act ‘Critical’ to Prosperity and Security The Washington State Capitol, located in Olympia May 2023 The Washington State Senate in early February passed a resolution that recognizes the vital role of the Jones Act in the state’s economy and national security. The Jones Act, which was authored by then-U.S. Senator for Washington State Wesley Jones, requires that vessels transporting cargo between U.S. locations be American-built, American-owned and American-crewed – a boon for U.S. national and economic security. The bipartisan resolution, sponsored by Senator Karen Keiser (D) and co-sponsored by Senator Mark Schoesler (R), emphasizes the critical role of the Jones Act in cultivating a robust American maritime industry that is essential to the state and country. The resolution also notes that Washington is home to an estimated 22,500 jobs supported by the Jones Act, and the American maritime fleet supports approximately 650,000 family-wage jobs nationwide. “It was an honor to have so many members of the maritime community join us in Olympia as we celebrated the legacy of the Jones Act and recognized the importance and history of the maritime industries to our state’s economy and culture,” said Senator Keiser of Washington’s 33rd Legislative District, during her floor speech celebrating the bill’s passage. The Jones Act fleet contributes more than $154 billion in economic output nationally and $6.1 billion to Washington’s economy, according to the latest statistics by the American Maritime Partnership. The impact goes beyond the men and women who work aboard vessels in the area, as it also includes shipbuilding and ship repair industries as well as America’s equipment manufacturers and vendors, dredgers and marine construction contractors. The resolution also noted that the pandemic has raised the “critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services to the citizens and workforce of Washington state.” Peter Schrappen, vice president – Pacific Region of the American Waterways Operators, commented, “The Jones Act is the foundational law that makes it possible for American maritime to make these and many other contributions to Washington’s economy, security, environment and quality of life.” He added that U.S.-flag industry, including the tugboat, towboat and barge components, is a “critical economic engine and a committed leader in environmental sustainability” in Washington State and across the United States. In addition, the Jones Act helps to ensure the nation’s security by maintaining a domestic maritime industry capable of providing support to the military in times of conflict or national emergency. This is particularly important for a state like Washington, which is home to major naval bases, including Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, to name a few, all of which provide important support to the Pacific Fleet and the services both in peace and war. As one industry group put it, “Given the current tensions with China after the U.S. military took down a Chinese spy balloon, maintaining a strong Pacific Northwest keeps the United States ready in the event of a conflict.” The Washington State resolution is the latest of several state resolutions that have passed in recent months recognizing the Jones Act for its role as a crucial pillar of the nation’s economic and national security. Supporters say the resolution is also a testament to its enduring importance to Washington State and an affirmation of Sen. Jones’ legacy. Seafarers LOG 5 �ITF Pushes Governments to Heed Pandemic Supply-Chain Lessons The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is urging governments to apply lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath to secure reliable maritime supply chains for their citizens and the climate. In a new report from the federation – titled “Opportunities for Seafarers and National Maritime Policies: Navigating Beyond the Chaos of the Pandemic” – industry experts identify specific examples and propose practical solutions for bolstering supply chains. The SIU is an affiliate of the Londonbased ITF. “During the pandemic, in many countries, consumers and businesses experienced shortages, including of critical goods like medicines and fuel supplies,” said Chris Given, secretary-treasurer of the Seafarers International Union of Canada and one of the report’s authors. “But what we see is that in other countries, specifically those with robust national maritime policies, governments were able to harness well-laid policy levers to get their people fed, fueled and on a quicker path back to economic and health recovery.” Throughout the pandemic, many of the world’s shipping containers had been scattered – found in locations far from their intended destinations, the federation reported. The disarray resulted in record-high shipping prices and persistent port conges- NMC Issues Notice About Credentials Lost in the Mail Editor’s note: The following news release was issued by the National Maritime Center on March 20. It’s available on the SIU website. Credentials Lost in the Mail The National Maritime Center (NMC) mails completed credentials via standard USPS mail, which does not include a means of tracking, and delivery can take up to 21 days. In some cases, the credential may be returned or irreparably lost in the mail for a variety of reasons. Following are some important things you can do to reduce the chances of this happening: • Validate your address. When applying for a credential, make sure the address on your application form is accurate and legible. If you change your address after the applica- 6 Seafarers LOG tion, which quickly led to mass shortages of finished goods and left consumers at the mercy of overstretched supply chains, according to the ITF. At the same time, upwards of 400,000 mariners were essentially trapped aboard vessels due to pandemic restrictions, unable to return home and be relieved by a fresh crew. Tired and weary, some seafarers were stuck on board for more than a year at the crew change crisis’ peak, the report stated. “Amidst the chaos, some countries were able to use national flag fleets to shift critical cargo and get supply chains moving again. We have to remember that these are supply chains that remained logjammed elsewhere,” Given said. “In writing this report, we asked ‘Why?’ What was different about some countries that saw them come through faster and stronger, while others were very negatively exposed by these crises?” The report also identifies governments whom the federation describes as “struggling to navigate the turbulent waters of the crises due to poor planning and policy.” For instance, according to the ITF, Australia’s federal government “could only look on as its lack of a strategic fleet caused the country’s businesses and consumers to become hostage to an incredibly volatile global market for shipping services. Firms, households and the public sector were at tion has been submitted, notify us as soon as possible before your credential is processed and mailed by contacting our Customer Service Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Note, after the credential has been processed and mailed, we cannot change the method used for mailing. • Consider using an expedited mailing option. We strongly recommend you use an expedited mailing option. Please note, the cost incurred for expedited mailing is the responsibility of the mariner. Think your credential is lost in the mail? A replacement credential will be issued, free of charge, to mariners whose credentials were lost in the mail prior to receipt through no fault of their own. Affected mariners should follow the steps below to obtain an expedited replacement credential: 1. Confirm that we mailed out your credential. You can use the Credential Application Status tool. 2. If you have not received your credential by 21 days after it was mailed, provide a CG-719B application for a Merchant Mariner the mercy of the markets and their recordhigh prices, even for cargo critical to the nation’s economic or physical health.” “COVID-19 and the supply chain shocks which followed laid bare just how fragile our global supply chains are,” said SIU President David Heindel, who also heads the ITF Seafarers’ Section. “Sensible national maritime policies are an important insurance to safeguard a country’s economic, health, security, and environmental interests. After what the world has been through, what kind of government wouldn’t want that insurance for their people?” He added, “In the absence of sensible national maritime policies, governments put their economies and their communities at extreme – and unnecessary – risk. There is another way.” Heindel said some countries have already shown they had taken note of the pitfalls of an unprepared national maritime sector. The ITF’s report highlights recent moves by Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, South Africa, the UK and the United States to strengthen support for cabotage and other sensible national maritime policies in their domestic legislation and planning. “The standout performance of our domestic shipping sectors, not only in the U.S. but elsewhere too, throughout these cr ises shows that when you invest in your people … and your industry, you are better prepared to provide for your citizens come what may in the global headwinds,” Heindel concluded. Given added, “Ours is a success story. But there is more we can do, with more governments supporting our critical sector all over the world.” ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith agreed. “If the world is to step up to the collective challenge of cutting carbon emissions to a safe level, then shipping needs to do our part,” she said. “We can’t do that, however, if there aren’t seafarers coming through with the right skills to handle the fuels and ships of the future.” Smith said that up to 800,000 seafarers would require some form of retraining or familiarization by 2030 as the industry rapidly decarbonizes. “Now is the time for governments to invest in a secure future by putting in place sensible national maritime policies. They should do this not only for people but also Credential and affidavit of loss to the NMC within 60 days of mailing of the original credential in person or via e-mail to your servicing Regional Examination Center. The affidavit should contain the following: a. Mariner’s full name b. Mariner’s date of birth c. Mariner’s reference number d. The mailing address the replacement credential should be sent to e. Current phone number and/or e-mail address that the NMC can use to contact the mariner with questions, if necessary f. Description of the circumstances surrounding the loss, i.e., never received the initial credential. We will make every effort to have replacement credentials mailed out as soon as possible. If your original credential is subsequently received, you must immediately return the credential to the NMC. PLEASE NOTE: E-mailing your application is the preferred method. While the Coast Guard can accommodate e-mails with attachments up to 35 MB in size, verify any size restrictions your e-mail provider may have prior to sending. Miss- for the planet,” Smith said. The ITF has more than 700 affiliated trade unions from 153 countries. Collectively, they represent millions of workers. International Maritime Officials Tour PHC Campus, Facilities The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in late March hosted guests from the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and Nautilus International. Pictured during a tour of the school in Piney Point, Maryland, are (from left in photo above) SIU President David Heindel and Oleg Grigoryuk, president of the Ukrainian maritime union; and, from left in photo below, Maya Schwiegershausen-Güth and Anne Lindsay of the ITF along with Danny McGowan of Nautilus. Tomas Abrahamsson of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust also visited as part of the same group. ing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected. If you have questions regarding duplicate or replacement credentials, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center via our online chat system (scan the QR code below to open the chat website) or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). May 2023 �One of the doomed craft, filling with water after the migrants had been safely brought aboard the National Glory Some of the migrants are pictured aboard the SIU-crewed National Glory following their rescue on March 4. National Glory Crew Saves Lives – Twice The M/V National Glory, operated by SIU-contracted Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, was called upon to rescue two vessels full of migrants within a month. On March 4, the National Glory saved 15 Cuban migrants, adrift aboard a powerless raft near the Straits of Florida; and, just a month prior, the Seafarers-crewed vessel rescued 21 people from a doomed makeshift sailboat in the same region. SIU members sailing aboard the National Glory during the rescues included: Recertified Bosun Joseph White, ABs Kerry Bodden, Delroy Jose Fernandez Fernandez and Carlos Lasso, STOSs Dexter Arriola Arzu, Jet Delfin and Carlos Jones, QMED Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Oilers Reinaldo Timbal Fostanes, Mohammed Alam Gir and Benjamin Scott, Steward/Baker Cole Briggs and Chief Cook Yoaquin Antonio Gonzalez Dejesus. In the early hours of March 4, watchstanders noticed a flickering light among the waves. Once it was determined to be a signal for help, the crew was alerted and rushed into action as the National Glory created a lee to shield the raft from the waves. The stranded boaters were then brought aboard to safety, as the crew provided medical aid to one of the rescued migrants, who was having difficulty breathing. According to White, the bosun, “Our training is just what we do. We’re professional seamen, and I’ve been involved in maybe 20 rescues in my life. We just automatically kick into gear, and my crews have a system down at this point. It’s second nature.” The third mate, who was fluent in Spanish, served as a translator between the crew and the rescued migrants. He was told by the migrants that their craft’s engine had died and they had been drifting powerless for five days, and had run out of food and water. “They always say they’re sinking, and so we treat every rescue as if it’s life and death,” White explained. “One group was pretty far away from shore, and I don’t know if they would have made it without us.” He added that the Cuban Coast Guard personnel (to whom the migrants were transferred) were friendly and helpful, as usual. In both recent instances, the migrants were provided with food and dry clothing as the crew awaited the arrival of a Coast Guard vessel to transport the rescued boaters into Cuban custody. “You look at their boats, just plywood stuck together with no fiberglass on the outside, and it’s pretty clear that boat wasn’t going to make it,” White added. “But an American seaman is never going to leave anyone stranded in the water, not in a million years.” These snapshots, submitted by Bosun German Nunez, show the rescue operation involving the Overseas Long Beach. Overseas Long Beach Crew Rescues 12 On March 30, the crew of the OSG-operated Overseas Long Beach diverted course to rescue 12 individuals stranded on an adrift vessel approximately 185 nautical miles south of Louisiana. The SIU crew aboard the Overseas Long Beach included: Bosun German Nunez; ABs Kar Lee Arrington Jr., Kevin Chan and Elben Sandoval; OSs Samuel Lambert and LaMario McGhee; QMED Gilbert Johnson; GUDE Ahmed Ali and Allan Castillo; Chief Steward Jose Norales; Chief Cook Edgardo Padagdag; SA Tony Washington; and Apprentices Coleman Brewer and Anthony Harrell. According to OSG: “The Overseas Long Beach was on a voyage from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jacksonville, Florida, when at 1645 LT, the 4x8 lookout watch on the bridge spotted a small craft approximately 1.5 miles away with May 2023 occupants waving their arms. The officer on watch took immediate action notifying the Master and diverted from course to render assistance as necessary while the Master mustered the crew. The Master of the Overseas Long Beach maneuvered the ship close to the distressed craft to establish communications. U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans was immediately notified, and the craft with 12 persons aboard was brought alongside to assess the situation and to transfer food, water, first-aid supplies, blankets, flashlights, emergency signals and life jackets while awaiting further guidance from Sector New Orleans.” After consulting with the Coast Guard, the crew worked to bring all 12 migrants aboard. Then, following a security and medical evaluation, the rescued boaters were provided food, water, blankets and mattresses in the crew lounge. The rescued individuals relayed through a bilingual crew member that the doomed craft had been at sea for 12 days, and that they had run out of food a week prior to being saved. After 36 hours on board, the migrants were transferred to a Coast Guard Cutter off Key West, at which time the vessel returned to its original route. OSG CEO Sam Norton congratulated the crew, stating: “Universal human rights are protected in international law, but their effective enforcement is not universal. In similar circumstances, some may have chosen the easy way out of a potentially complex situation by turning a blind eye to the existence of a vessel in distress. The Overseas Long Beach did not choose this path. Rather, all on board chose to act with honest concern and empathy for those in need in a manner which affirms, in the most visible way possible, the standards of ethics and transparency that lie at the core of OSG’s culture. Thanks to the individuals involved for a job well done, for the care and attention that were offered those in distress, and for the level of professionalism exhibited by all in handling this matter effectively.” Seafarers LOG 7 �SPREADING THE WORD IN LONE STAR STATE – Houston-based members of Team SIU are on the recruiting trail, as reflected in these recent photos. Pictured at the conference table in photo above are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Houston City Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes and SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala. They discussed recruiting opportunities in District F. The snapshot at right includes SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick (standing) along with Bob Silva of AMO and Evangeline Broome of OSI. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU RECRUITING IN LAST FRONTIER – SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp (left) welcomes a prospective member to a career fair in Anchorage, Alaska. ABOARD GEM STATE – SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (seated at center) meets with SIU members March 20 aboard the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessel. Marrone thanked the Seafarers for their dedication in answering the call when MARAD activated the ship. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Dave “Hoss” Henson (right) is pictured at the hiring hall as he picks up his first pension check. He retired from Crescent Towing as a licensed engineer after 44 years of service. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook is at left. REPRESENTING SIU – SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson recently served on a NY/NJ Port Authority Workforce panel. He’s at the front table, far right (nearest the podium), with Capt. Jeffrey Spillane of SUNY Maritime and Sean Kerwick of Hudson County College. Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY and NJ served as moderator. Panelists and other attendees discussed various aspects of local transportation jobs, including retention and how different sectors can more effectively work together. ABOARD USNS CAPELLA – Pictured in late March aboard the Ocean Duchess vessel in San Francisco are (from left) SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, GUDE Rolando Dinong, SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera, Recertified Bosun Artis Williams, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, Electrician Salah Saleh, Recertified Steward Dante Cruz and Electrician Alex Canada. 8 Seafarers LOG May 2023 �FULL BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Three Seafarers received their respective B-books at the March membership meeting. They are (from left in photo at left) AB Jamison Pierce, Chief Cook Maurice Henry and (left in photo above) AB Kenneth Townsend. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right in both photos. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU MILESTONE IN TACOMA – Chief Cook Gervacio Antonio Simon (left) receives his A-seniority book from SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. WELCOME ABOARD – Chief Cook Elizebeth Chavez (second from left) receives her full book at the hall in Oakland, California. A graduate of the Paul Hall Center’s CCAP program, she’s pictured with (from left) SIU Patrolman Kathy Chester, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday and SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera. BOOKS RECEIVED IN GARDEN STATE – AB Yoland Legaspi (left in photo at left) picks up his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, while Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed (left in photo directly above) receives his B-book. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right in both photos. AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Newly certified Chief Cook Ramon Hilerio (left) receives his B-book in late March. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE HALL – AB Rossitza Zahariev (right) receives her A-seniority book. She’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. BOOKS GALORE IN WILMINGTON – Three Seafarers recently secured their respective full B-seniority books at the hiring hall. They are: AB Carlomagno Surigao (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman), QMED Jorge Valencia Bon (center photo) and Chief Cook Shadonna Jones (right in photo at right, also with Jarman). May 2023 SEAFARERS TEAM UP – The SIU-crewed, Pasha-operated Jean Anne (above) gets an assist from the SIUcrewed Crowley tug Scout in San Diego. Seafarers LOG 9 �Sail-In Sets Participation Record In Return to Nation’s Capital Event Carries Pro-Maritime Message to Capitol Hill Pictured left to right: SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff Mark Wooley, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York), MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and SIU Executive VP Augustin Tellez. Pictured above: SIU Representative Shane Sterry (second from right), U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) (middle), AMO’s Captain Kevin Stith, Winston & Strawn’s Bryant Gardner and Cottrell Contracting VP Government Relations Devon Carlock. Above: SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right), MM&P Pilot Capt. Nate Lammers, International Ship Masters’ Association Chairman of Legislative Communications Scott Skrzypczak, USMMA’s Jeff Surrell, Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley and a member of Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s (R-Minnesota) staff. 10 Seafarers LOG Gathering for a photo in between meetings, from left to right: USMMA Alumni Brian Foy, Hapag Lloyd USA Senior Sales Manager Gina Rivera and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. In the photo above: SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (third from right), SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman (right), U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois), Schuyler Lines CEO Dion Nicely, APL President Tony Padilla and MEBA President Adam Vokac. T he SIU strongly contributed to a record turnout as maritime industry leaders met with members of Congress and their respective staffs on March 30, in a return to the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In event which had been on hiatus since the onset of the pandemic. In total, 138 members of the maritime community – including 28 SIU executives and representatives – sat down with 139 senators, congressional representatives or their staffs, making this iteration of the event the largest in its 11-year history. Representing the SIU at the day-long outreach: President David Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez; Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski; Vice Presidents George Tricker, Nick Marrone, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell; Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman; Assistant Vice Presidents Amancio Crespo, Michael Russo and Joe Vincenzo; Political Consultants Terry Turner and Lanier Avant; Port Agents Joe Baselice, James Bast, Todd Brdak, DeCarlo Harris, Ray Henderson, John Hoskins, Gerret Jarman, Ashley Nelson, J.B. Niday, Mario Torrey, Chris Westbrook and Jimmy White; and Representative Shane Sterry. The Sail-In allows the maritime community to come together and speak to lawmakers on the issues that matter most to the industry. Each group typically features at least In the photo above: SIU Vice President Atlantic Region Joe Soresi (second from right), SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (third from left), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania) (third from right), Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Senior Vice President Bill Hanson, MM&P Rep Keith Poissant and USMMA Alumni Mark Remijan. Above: SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (third from right), MEBA VP Gulf Adam Smith, MM&P VP Jeremy Hope, Texas A&M Maritime’s RADM Mike Fossum and two legislative assistants from Rep. Lizzie Fletcher’s (D-Texas) staff. In the photo above: SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (second from left), Euro-America Shipping President Obaid Ahmad, Transportation Institute’s John Flynn and APL Trade Support Specialist Hannah Hass. one member from a different component of the maritime industry, including labor, management, retired Naval officers, and educators. This year, participants discussed (among other topics) the Maritime Security Program, and that it should be fully funded at the congressionally authorized level of $318 million; the Tanker Security Program being fully funded at the congressionally authorized level of $120 million; and increasing funding for international food aid programs, such as PL-480. They also touched on the numerous benefits of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, which protects U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (second from right), American Maritime Congress President Fair Kim, Schuyler Lines Counsel Emily Jones, Liberty Maritime Corporation VP Operations William Campbell and a member of Rep. Rick Crawford’s (R-Arkansas) staff. Pictured above: SIU Asst. Vice President Amancio Crespo (second from left), Crowley VP Caribbean Logistics Sal Menoyo, TOTE Maritime VP Caribbean Services Eduardo Pagan, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department’s Dale Troll and a member of Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon’s (R-Puerto Rico) staff. In the photo above: SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (second from left), U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-California) (middle), ARC’s Charles Diorio, USMMA Alumni Walter Egee IV and Federal Pilots’ Hank Webster. May 2023 Among those pictured: SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left), International Propeller Club Executive VP Adm. Joel Whitehead, Maersk General Counsel Pat McCaffery, USMMA Alumni Senior VP Marilyn Livi, Seacor’s Chris Johnsen, and a member of Rep. Andrew Clyde’s (R-Georgia) legislative staff. May 2023 From left to right: SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, SIU Port Agent James Bast, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins. Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from left), Rep. David Valadao (R-California) (middle), K&L Gates Government Affairs Counselor Jim Sartucci, Great Lakes Pilot Captain Jon Olney and Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s Captain Michael Surgalski. Pictured are SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (second from right), Crowley VP Maritime Solutions Gavin Hughes, USMMA Alumni Braddock Parks, DC Propeller Club President Jeff Vogel, and a member of Rep. David Rouzer’s (R-North Carolina) staff. Pictured above: SIU Port Agent James Bast (left), U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-North Carolina) (third from right), OSG VP and General Counsel Susan Allen, K&L Gates’ Brody Garland, Liberty Global Logistics Executive VP Paul “Chip” Jaenichen and Patriot Contract Services CEO Ryan Pereyda. From left to right: MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha, SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff Mark Wooley, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. (DNew Jersey) and SIU Executive VP Augustin Tellez. From left to right: Transportation Institute VP Pacific Coast Operations Sarah Scherer, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, U.S. Rep. Marie Perez (DWashington), MM&P’s Dan Twohig and SIU Assistant VP Joe Vincenzo. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Why did you apply for the apprentice program, and how’s the training going so far? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Robert O’Neal Apprentice I have family in the industry. The program is going great. At times, it feels tough, but it’s a good career and the SIU takes care of their people. It’s a good opportunity making amazing money. Jesus Fernandez Apprentice I signed up because I knew I needed a change in my life. It’s going great so far. We take our tests Friday and some people have ships (lined up) as soon as they head out. It’s been life-changing. Frances Mendez Apprentice I have family that works in the industry, and they told me it’s worthwhile. I think I’ll like the lifestyle. The training is really good. They prepare you for everything you’ll do on the ship. Wade Henry Apprentice I was in banking for five years before this. I signed up because that wasn’t my passion. So far, it’s better than I expected. I’m getting a lot of value and I feel more knowledgeable. It’s paying off for me. Darlenzo Hines Apprentice I really have a passion for the sea. I grew up fishing in the panhandle, and it’s second-nature to me. It’s more like a home than a job. I love the training – I’m learning a lot and doing a lot. The SIU is definitely delivering. Randall Cox Apprentice The apprenticeship is going really good. I signed up to further my education in a mechanical trade. I was an electrician before coming here, and just want to work my way up in the union. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 In this 1954 snapshot, SIU members on the Western Trader listen as the delegate (with envelope) presents a U.S. Army chaplain in Korea with donations from the crew for a new chapel. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG May 2023 �Supporting Our Troops Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 16 - April 16, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15, 2023. Port These photos of the Seafarers-crewed USNS Pomeroy (Patriot) were taken March 22 at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina (vessel is in the background in photo at right). The ship was preparing to load materiel as part of the U.S. Army’s Prepositioned Stocks Programs. (Photos by Airman 1st Class Caleb Parker) Important Notice to Seafarers: Make Sure Your Flu Vaccines Are Approved by the U.S. FDA The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) requires an annual flu vaccine for all mariners who sail aboard MSCcontracted ships. Specifically, the flu vaccine must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is due to other countries using different flu strains in their respective vaccines which may not be as effective against the types of flu seen in the U.S. If you are getting a flu shot in order to sail on MSC-contracted vessels, it is best to receive it in the U.S. (states or terri- tories). That is the only way to be certain that the vaccine is U.S. FDA-approved. Veterans who can access care on overseas U.S. military medical facilities may be able to obtain an FDA-approved vaccine, but in that case, be sure to verify its status. Flu vaccines administered in other countries are unlikely to be U.S. FDA-approved. Questions may be directed to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department at (301) 994-0010 or shbpmedical@seafarers.org May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: May 8, June 5 Algonac..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9 Baltimore............................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Guam.............................................Thursday: May 25, June 22 Honolulu..............................................Friday: May 19, June 16 Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups Jacksonville......................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Joliet...............................................Thursday: May 18, June 15 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 17, June 14 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: May 16, June 13 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 9, June 6 Norfolk..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9 Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 18, June 15 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 10, June 7 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 18, June 15 San Juan.........................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 St. Louis............................................Friday: May 19, June 16 Tacoma.............................................Friday: May 26, June 23 Wilmington.......................Monday: May 22, *Tuesday: June 20 *Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m B C A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 14 2 2 11 3 7 5 23 22 18 4 6 20 5 5 3 4 19 1 20 194 4 2 1 14 0 6 2 16 22 7 2 2 8 1 0 5 1 8 0 9 110 4 0 0 3 1 1 0 6 5 1 0 2 9 0 0 1 2 6 1 1 43 Deck Department 8 2 2 3 2 0 2 1 0 7 6 3 2 0 0 9 4 2 6 2 0 17 7 2 28 16 2 17 4 1 2 2 0 6 4 1 13 5 4 5 2 0 1 2 0 1 4 1 3 1 0 19 7 2 1 0 1 11 6 0 161 77 21 1 1 2 2 0 4 3 12 15 8 0 4 6 1 1 2 1 6 0 10 79 34 3 2 24 4 12 9 43 36 38 4 10 27 14 7 3 13 28 1 52 364 9 2 2 23 0 7 4 22 30 12 0 2 9 2 1 1 5 11 2 16 160 3 0 0 3 1 2 0 8 7 1 0 3 6 0 0 1 1 6 0 6 48 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 3 6 1 2 2 15 17 8 1 0 12 11 1 2 5 12 1 11 115 1 0 1 2 0 3 2 7 12 2 3 1 10 3 0 3 0 7 2 3 62 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 2 3 0 1 6 2 0 1 0 2 0 2 25 Engine Department 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 9 3 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 4 0 0 8 3 1 12 10 0 9 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 0 6 4 7 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 4 4 0 1 0 0 6 3 4 79 39 16 2 0 0 4 0 2 1 5 8 6 2 1 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 2 40 7 3 1 10 2 2 6 15 20 13 3 3 13 11 3 2 5 16 3 18 156 3 0 2 10 0 5 5 16 13 4 2 2 16 3 1 4 2 12 3 2 105 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 0 2 7 2 0 1 0 3 0 3 30 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 0 7 1 3 3 11 16 10 1 1 13 13 1 2 4 6 0 15 110 3 0 0 5 1 0 2 4 13 5 1 1 9 7 1 8 7 5 1 5 78 0 1 3 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 19 Steward Department 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 7 4 2 0 0 1 5 0 0 3 0 1 8 5 1 10 14 1 7 4 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 11 11 0 9 2 1 0 0 0 4 3 1 1 3 1 6 3 2 1 1 0 6 6 0 83 60 14 0 2 0 6 0 0 1 3 7 5 0 2 3 1 0 1 1 4 1 4 41 5 0 0 10 1 3 7 20 29 14 2 2 20 18 2 3 6 14 1 29 186 2 0 1 7 1 1 3 4 23 5 1 2 15 9 1 5 8 6 1 7 102 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 5 3 0 3 1 1 0 4 23 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 16 5 2 0 3 1 2 2 8 22 6 0 0 10 4 1 4 0 9 1 10 90 6 0 1 8 3 2 1 13 64 14 1 0 22 5 1 17 0 6 1 4 169 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 5 Entry Department 3 3 1 0 0 2 5 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 7 7 10 39 5 12 2 0 0 2 8 13 1 0 1 0 7 10 0 0 4 1 0 0 5 3 62 99 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 6 10 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 24 2 1 0 0 0 3 1 3 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 2 25 15 2 0 3 0 2 6 18 47 13 0 0 17 8 0 2 1 15 2 20 171 15 1 2 10 2 2 1 26 110 20 3 1 31 10 2 11 3 10 2 10 272 340 256 328 184 731 538 373 May 2023 GRAND TOTAL: 435 238 C 150 Reliefs All Groups A Houston...............................................Monday: May 15, June 12 B Registered on Beach Trip A B C Seafarers LOG 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), February 8 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Educational Director Imran Khan, Engine Delegate Saddam Yahia, Steward Delegate Roberto Coronado. Crew requested upgraded Wi-Fi to better maintain internet connection. Members applauded the new changes to medical benefits. Chairman reminded crew to be mindful of rules at the halls and on vessels. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, and reviewed the requirements to sign up for courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew displeased with delays in medical reports from CHS. Members are reportedly having a hard time receiving communications and have not been receiving their “FFD” status on time to join vessels. Crew also discussed penalty pay. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), February 11 – Chairman Hanapiah Ismail, Secretary Ali Matari, Educational Director Kelly Percy, Engine Delegate Troy Hubbard, Steward Delegate Christopher Coston. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for members who will be signing on. Secretary thanked everyone for separating garbage. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in vacation time and a 10G data plan. USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), February 18 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Educational Director Terry Taylor, Deck Delegate Richard Flores, The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Steward Delegate Charles Crawford. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which is affiliated with the SIU. Beef reported between bosun and OSI about bonus check requirements. No OT disputes reported. Members wished SIU President Emeritus Mike Sacco a wonderful retirement and gave a warm welcome to the SIU’s new president, David Heindel. Crew reviewed repairs needed for galley. Vote of thanks given to chief cook for a job well done. If members take flights to ship that exceed twelve hours, rest is needed before signing on. Aboard Perla Del Caribe AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management) February 26 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Gamal Asaad, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Michael Garcia. Crew discussed various concerns pertaining to getting timely reliefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members very pleased with food provided by steward department. Crew requested faster internet service. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), March 1 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Erwin Renon, Educational Director Imran Khan, Deck Delegate Nathaniel Rivera, Engine Delegate Saddam Yahia, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. TVs have been installed in crew state rooms. Bosun talked about new contract. He went over the course schedule at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and advised crew to upgrade. Chairman discussed procedures available to mariners for expedited passport renewals, and thanked the steward department for Many thanks to Chief Mate Doug Voss for these snapshots from the SIU-crewed TOTE vessel. The individual photo (bottom left) shows Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez running mooring winches. Pictured in the fire fighting drill (top left) are SA Edna Bakhos, Oiler Eric Jackson, AB Julio Perez and AB Mark Smith. The remaining photo (above) includes QMED Ronaldo Quinones, AB Pedro De Jesus, SA Bakhos and Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz prepping for lifeboat drills. good meals. Steward department thanked crew for maintaining good housekeeping. Steward delegate reviewed shipping rules with members. If a mariner receives a job assignment and rejects it after 48 hours, their shipping registration card shall be forfeited for the next 60 days. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew still waiting for improved Wi-Fi service aboard ship. Members requested 30 for 30 vacation days, better dental and eye care coverage and for all entry level positions to be at an equal pay scale. Next port: Long Beach, California. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), March 6 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Dapiriye Oruamabo, Educational Director George Velez, Deck Delegate Melvin Smalls, Engine Delegate Fidel Pascua, Steward Delegate Milton Sivells. Chairman extended thanks to all departments and especially thanked the steward department. Crew discussed various shipboard conduct including interactions between officers and unlicensed personnel. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested TVs in each room, a washer and dryer and coffee machines. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- 14 Seafarers LOG ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 May 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA TAWRENCE ABRAMS Brother Tawrence Abrams, 57, started his career with the union in 2001. He first shipped on the Global Link and sailed in the engine department. Brother Abrams upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the Cape May and makes his home in Baltimore. STEPHEN ACKLEY Brother Stephen Ackley, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 and initially sailed aboard the Delta Venezuela. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ackley shipped in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked as the lead bosun on Matson’s shore gang in Tacoma, Washington, and is a resident of Olympia, Washington. ROBERT BOOMER Brother Robert Boomer, 71, joined the union in 2006, initially sailing aboard the Coastal Reliance. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Boomer most recently sailed on the Resolve. He calls Mariposa, California, home. CHARLES BROOKS Brother Charles Brooks, 58, signed on with the SIU in 1986 when he sailed on the USNS Desteiguer. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Brooks’ final vessel was the Maersk Sentosa. He resides in Bluefield, West Virginia. WILLIAM DOWZICKY Brother William Dowzicky, 65, joined the union in 1978, initially sailing on an Alton Steamship vessel. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Dowzicky most recently shipped on the Cape Wrath and makes his home in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. May 2023 MICHAEL FUNK Brother Michael Funk, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1987 and first worked on the Charles L. Brown. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1990. Brother Funk’s final vessel was the Gus W. Darnell. He resides in Merrick, New York. KENNETH MARICH Brother Kenneth Marich, 65, became a member of the union in 1988. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the USNS Assertive. Brother Marich upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the USNS Able and lives in Wamsutter, Wyoming. ALVIN MARTIN Brother Alvin Martin, 68, joined the Seafarers in 2001. He initially sailed on the Kenai and was a member of the deck department. Brother Martin upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Alaskan Legend and lives in Prairieville, Louisiana. DOMINGO MARTINEZ REYES Brother Domingo Martinez Reyes, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Sealift Atlantic. He sailed in all three departments and last shipped on the Overseas Santorini. Brother Martinez Reyes is a resident of Naples, Florida. DIONICIO MEJIA Brother Dionicio Mejia, 65, joined the union in 2001. A deck department member, he initially shipped on the Mormacsun. Brother Mejia concluded his career aboard the Overseas Houston. He resides in Cypress, Texas. ANTHONY OBESEM Brother Anthony Obesem, 67, signed on with the SIU in 2004. He first sailed aboard the USNS Heezen and worked in the deck department. Brother Obesem upgraded at the Paul Hall Center the same year he joined the union. He most recently shipped on the Liberty Peace and is a New Orleans resident. FLOYD PATTERSON Brother Floyd Patterson, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Cape Clear. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Patterson’s final vessel was the Golden State. He makes his home in Liberty, Mississippi. CONRADO QUILAO Brother Conrado Quilao, 65, started his career with the union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the USNS Bowditch. A steward department member, he last shipped on the USNS Dahl. Brother Quilao lives in Murrieta, California. RANDY SNAY Brother Randy Snay, 65, became an SIU member in 1982 when he worked with Michigan Interstate Railway. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002 and worked in the engine department. Brother Snay’s final vessel was the Overseas Philadelphia. He resides in Miami. STANLEY WILLIAMS Brother Stanley Williams, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1979, initially sailing on the El Paso Southern. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Williams last shipped on the Seabulk Trader and calls Pearland, Texas, home. GREAT LAKES KEVIN HOLLENBECK Brother Kevin Hollenbeck, 60, signed on with the SIU in 1984. He was employed by Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career and sailed in the deck department. Brother Hollenbeck upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He settled in Frankfort, Michigan. DAVE JARVIS Brother Dave Jarvis, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1976 when he shipped on the J.A.W. Igle- hart. He sailed in all three departments and last shipped aboard the American Mariner. Brother Jarvis makes his home in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND CURTIS CARRABY Brother Curtis Carraby, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1981. He sailed in the steward department and worked with Delta Queen Steamboat Company for the duration of his career. Brother Carraby is a resident of La Place, Louisiana. DAVID HENSON Brother David Henson, 64, signed on with the union in 1979. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Henson was employed with Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He makes his home in Covington, Louisiana. GEORGE HOFMANN Brother George Hofmann, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He initially sailed aboard the Long Lines and was a deck department member. Brother Hofmann upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Dodge Island and resides in Callahan, Florida. DAVID JANKOWIAK Brother David Jankowiak, 69, started his career with the SIU in 1971. He was employed by Moran Towing of Maryland for most of his career and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Jankowiak is a Baltimore resident. began sailing with the SIU in 1971. He first shipped on the Rob Trent and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother McClenton upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Liberty Island and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. CHRIS MCKAY Brother Chris McKay, 62, signed on with the union in 1989. He first sailed with Stc Little Curtis Company. Brother McKay shipped in the deck department. He last sailed with Penn Maritime and makes his home in Scotland, Maryland. JAMES MCNEIL Brother James McNeil, 58, started his career with the SIU in 1984, initially working with Higman Barge Lines. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1995. Brother McNeil’s final vessel was the Athena. He lives in Orange, Texas. ROBERT SADLER Brother Robert Sadler, 59, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991 when he worked for Virginia Pilot Corporation. He sailed in the deck department and continued to work for the same company for his entire career. Brother Sadler resides in Norfolk, Virginia. LEE WALLACE Brother Lee Wallace, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1979. A deck department member, he was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Wallace is a resident of Sulphur, Louisiana. DAVID LYTLE Brother David Lytle, 67, joined the Seafarers in 2002 when he sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation. He primarily sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Lytle resides in Gray, Louisiana. BRET MATTEI Brother Bret Mattei, 62, became a member of the union in 1981. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mattei worked for Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He calls Metairie, Louisiana, home. NMU PATRICK MCGAUGHEY Brother Patrick McGaughey, 67, embarked on his SIU career in 1980. He shipped in the engine department and was last employed by Woods Hole Shipping. Brother McGaughey lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts. TIMOTHY WATKINS Brother Timothy Watkins, 65, began sailing in 1978. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. Brother Watkins last worked with Boston Towing and Transportation. He resides in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. RICKY MCCLENTON Brother Ricky McClenton, 68, Seafarers LOG 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA DANA BROOKS Pensioner Dana Brooks, 64, passed away February 8. She signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. A deck department member, Sister Brooks first sailed aboard the Lykes Explorer. She last shipped on the Ocean Glory in 2016. Sister Brooks began collecting her pension the following year and settled in New Orleans, her birthplace. MICHAEL CLAPSHAW Pensioner Michael Clapshaw, 80, died January 9. He started sailing with the union in 1978, initially working for Anchorage Tankship. Brother Clapshaw primarily sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career with American Service Technology and went on pension in 2007. Brother Clapshaw was a resident of Port Angeles, Washington. ALPHONSO DIXON Pensioner Alphonso Dixon, 66, passed away March 14. He joined the SIU in 1986 when he sailed on the USNS Dutton. Brother Dixon was a member of the steward department and last shipped on the Maui. He became a pensioner in 2016 and made his home in Alpharetta, Georgia. MITCHELL FRENCH Pensioner Mitchell French, 66, died March 2. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1990. Brother French first shipped on the Sealift Arctic and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Kodiak and retired in 2021. Brother French resided in Bellingham, Washington. SALIM IBRAHIM Pensioner Salim Ibrahim, 75, passed away March 31. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 1976. Brother Ibrahim’s first vessel was the Overseas Joyce; his last, the Maersk Ohio. He 16 Seafarers LOG went on pension in 2012 and made his home in Kissimmee, Florida. in 2020 and made his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. sioner in 2000. Brother Potts lived in Orange, Texas. ABUBAKAR IDRIS MANUEL TAN WILLARD RANSOM Pensioner Abubakar Idris, 71, died March 24. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1997, initially sailing on the Overseas Philadelphia. Brother Idris was a deck department member and last shipped on the Overseas Key West in 2019. He began collecting his pension in 2022 and lived in Beaumont, Texas. Pensioner Manuel Tan, 84, passed away March 17. Sailing first aboard the Mobile, he donned the SIU colors in 1980. Brother Tan sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He most recently was employed by World Crane Services before going on pension in 2002. Brother Tan resided in Lancaster, California. Pensioner Willard Ransom, 79, died March 21. He embarked on his career with the union in 1966 and shipped in the engine department. Brother Ransom worked with G&H Towing for most of his career. He retired in 2021 and resided in Pearland, Texas. KONSTANTINOS KOSTOUROS FERDINAND VINIEGRA Pensioner Konstantinos Kostouros, 88, passed away February 16. Born in Athens, Greece, he donned the SIU colors in 1968. Brother Kostouros first shipped on the Western Hunter and worked in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the Frances Hammer in 1999. Brother Kostouros became a pensioner the same year and settled in Fort Myers, Florida. Brother Ferdinand Viniegra, 68, died November 18. He joined the union in 1997 when he sailed aboard the USNS Gilliand. Brother Viniegra was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the Mercury and lived in Chester, Virginia. ROMULO DIAZ JOHN MARTH Pensioner John Marth, 73, died March 8. He became a member of the union in 1968 and worked in the deck department. Brother Marth’s first vessel was the Volusia; his last, the Value. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and lived in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania. CARLOS PEREZ Brother Carlos Perez, 57, passed away February 20. Born in Camden, New Jersey, he signed on with the SIU in 1990. Brother Perez was an engine department member and first sailed aboard the Overseas Valdez. He concluded his career aboard the Steven L. Bennet and was a resident of Crestview, Florida. MARK RUHL Pensioner Mark Ruhl, 68, died February 24. He was born in Washington, D.C., and joined the Seafarers International Union in 1974. Brother Ruhl first shipped on the Yukon and sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career on the Cape Washington in 1997. Brother Ruhl became a pensioner JOHN WILLIAMSON NMU Pensioner Romulo Diaz, 103, passed away February 8. Brother Diaz was born in Venezuela and started sailing in 1942. His first vessel was the Spidoleine; his last, the Texaco Montana. Brother Diaz became a pensioner in 1985 and settled in Garland, Texas. WILLIAM DENNY INLAND WILLIAM HEILIG Pensioner William Denny, 92, died March 3. Brother Denny was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He joined the union in 1963 and first sailed aboard the Pioneer Tide. Brother Denny was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the American Hawaii. He went on pension in 1987 and lived in Cheriton, Virginia. Pensioner William Heilig, 79, died January 10. Brother Heilig sailed in the deck department, and last shipped aboard the Greenpoint. He retired in 2008 and made his home in Boston. Pensioner Connie Peters 82, died March 4. He joined the union in 1963 and initially sailed with Dravo Basic Materials. A deck department member, Brother Peters concluded his career with Higman Barge Lines. He went on pension in 1997 and called Iota, Louisiana, home. Pensioner Larry Mann, 83, passed away March 6. Brother Mann shipped in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Kennedy before going on pension in 1997. Brother Mann lived in Kissimmee, Florida. WELDON POTTS GEORGE MARTIN Pensioner Weldon Potts, 84, passed away March 19. He started his career with the SIU in 1966. Brother Potts worked in the deck department and was first employed by Higman Barge Lines. He last worked with Seabulk and became a pen- CHARLES POLK Pensioner Charles Polk, 88, died January 11. Sailing in the deck department, he concluded his career aboard the Adabelle Lykes in 1988. Brother Polk made his home in New Orleans. JOHN SLOAN Pensioner John Williamson, 68, passed away March 17. Born in Boston, he signed on with the Seafarers in 1971. Brother Williamson sailed in the deck department. One of his first vessels was the Sealand Newark. He last sailed on the Pearl and became a pensioner in 2017. Brother Williamson resided in Passadumkeag, Maine. CONNIE PETERS Moody last sailed on the Thompson Lykes. He went on pension in 1998 and resided in Emporia, Virginia. LARRY MANN Pensioner George Martin, 94, died March 13. A deck department member, Brother Martin last shipped on the American Resolute in 1986. He became a pensioner the following year and called Norfolk, Virginia, home. Pensioner John Sloan, 82, passed away February 14. He was a member of the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Kittanning. Brother Sloan became a pensioner in 1996. He was a Philadelphia resident. ALEXANDRU TOLNACI Pensioner Alexandru Tolnaci, 81, died February 7. He last shipped on the Lykes Liberator and worked in the engine department. Brother Tolnaci retired in 2006 and lived in Romania. FREDERICK WOLFMAN Pensioner Frederick Wolfman, 97, passed away February 21. He worked in the deck department and shipped on his final vessel, the Almeria Lykes, in 1989. Brother Wolfman went on pension the following year and settled in Houston. GRAHAM WRIGHT Pensioner Graham Wright, 92, died February 16. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Cape Diamond. Brother Wright retired in 1994 and lived in Perry, Florida. WILLIAM WYLIE Pensioner William Wylie, 75, passed away February 1. He concluded his career with Woods Hole Shipping and went on pension in 2012. Brother Wylie called Fairhaven, Massachusetts, home. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Cormier, Joseph 86 Davis, Van 95 Figueroa, Hermene 87 Kenney, John 78 Sanchez, Rafael 96 DOD 02/07/2023 03/16/2023 01/17/2023 05/02/2021 02/28/2023 WILLIAM MOODY Pensioner William Moody, 78, passed away February 10. Brother May 2023 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Welding June 5 June 23 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook June 5 July 10 August 21 September 25 October 30 December 4 July 7 August 11 September 22 October 27 December 1 January 5 ServSafe Management May 29 July 3 August 7 September 18 October 23 November 27 June 2 July 7 August 11 September 22 October 27 December 1 Able Seafarer-Deck June 5 July 17 August 28 October 23 June 23 August 4 September 15 November 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival June 5 July 3 July 31 June 16 July 14 August 11 RFPNW May 15 June 26 August 14 June 2 July 14 September 1 Advanced Galley Operations Fast Rescue Boat July 17 August 28 July 21 September 1 May 22 July 31 October 16 June 16 August 25 November 10 Chief Steward Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 June 26 September 11 November 13 July 21 October 6 December 8 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Medical Care Provider June 12 June 16 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 Basic Training Revalidation May 22 June 2 June 19 July 14 May 22 June 2 June 19 July 14 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19 Government Vessels May 22 June 5 June 12 June 19 July 17 July 31 May 26 June 9 June 16 June 23 July 21 August 4 Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 22 June 12 September 18 May 26 June 16 September 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 15 June 19 September 25 May 19 June 23 September 29 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW May 15 August 14 June 9 September 8 FOWT June 12 October 2 July 7 October 27 Junior Engineer Program June 5 August 21 July 28 October 13 Marine Electrician September 18 October 20 Marine Refer Tech August 7 September 15 Advanced Refer Containers July 31 October 23 August 11 November 3 Pumpman September 18 September 22 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. May 2023 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/23 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #892 – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Abubakar Bockarie, Dayshaun Brown, Marc Joseph Dadich, Ricky Gamble Jr., Gregg Gethers, Dajah Gosha, Jon Kavanagh, Harry McKever II, Cameron McNeil, Sara Mesa, Tyrone Simms and Danielle Vidal-Garrido. Able Seaman Deck – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Spencer Bailey, Laura Bess, William Borders, Padgett Carpenter, Declan Gallagher, Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren, Justin McClellan, Alexander Reay and Jaime Rios. Course instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. 18 Seafarers LOG May 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamel Brown-Faulkner, Theodore Cash Jr., Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Tyvesha Dixon, Christopher Marsh Emanuel, Torrie Florence, Renato Calditara Govico, Dwight Hunt Sr., Michael Marrero, Julio Cesar Martinez, Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren and Samuel Tilles. Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – Graduated March 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Patrick Dean, Lamonte McKinnon, Patrick Schoenberger and Edwin Velez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Small Arms – 9MM – Graduated March 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Tomas Merel, Deja Lashay Taylor and Robert Lee White III. Certified Chief Cook Module 5 – Graduated March 24 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Cris Arsenio, Kevin Bozis, Ervin Flynn, Ramon Hilerio Rosa, Austin Leamer, Raymond Murphy, Abraham Pena, Lenford Royes, Wilma Lunzaga Smith, Tyler Willette and Arkala Williams. May 2023 Seafarers LOG 19 �MAY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 18-19 President Joe Biden Congratulates President Emeritus Sacco on Retirement President Sacco is pictured (below) at the union’s headquarters building shortly after taking office in 1988, and (above) at a Maritime Trades Department meeting in mid-February in Florida, which took place the week he retired. Congressman Thompson Honors Retired SIU President Sacco U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (DMississippi) entered the following remarks into the U.S. Congressional Record on March 22, 2023. Whereas, Sacco is universally recognized throughout the American maritime industry as one of its most effective leaders; and longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, where his guidance proved beneficial to numerous other labor leaders; and Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record the following proclamation honoring the career of Michael Sacco, who recently retired after serving for nearly 35 years as president of the Seafarers International Union. Whereas, his long list of noteworthy achievements includes helping secure enactment of the U.S. Maritime Security Program, leading the historic merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union, powerfully defending the Jones Act, and protecting mariners’ rights not only in the United States but also around the globe; and Whereas, Sacco also played a crucial role in helping develop the SIU’s affiliated school – the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education – into one of the world’s finest, most modern facilities for new and experienced seafarers alike; and Whereas, Michael Sacco recently retired following nearly 35 years as president of the Seafarers International Union; and 20 Seafarers LOG Whereas, Sacco also had been the Whereas, Sacco proficiently promoted the success of his union’s contracted companies, though never at the expense of his own rank-and-file members; and Whereas, Sacco’s immense popularity both within the union and throughout the labor movement and the maritime industry reflected a healthy respect and admiration for his lifetime of service; now, therefore be it Resolved, That the United States Congress salutes Michael Sacco for his work, his dedication, and his achievements. I appreciate everything he has done on behalf of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I wish him the best in retirement. May 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource MARITIME CONGRESSIONAL SAIL-IN RETURNS TO D.C. SIU JOBS SECURE ABOARD T-AGS VESSELS, LMSRS INDUSTRY GROUP EXAMINES U.S. WARTIME READINESS PAUL HALL CENTER RECEIVES COUNTY FOOD SAFETY AWARD WASHINGTON STATE SUPPORTS JONES ACT NATIONAL GLORY SAVES LIVES -- TWICE OVERSEAS LONG BEACH CREW RESCUES 12 WHITE HOUSE, CONGRESS HONOR SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS SACCO Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 85, No. 5 Title A name given to the resource May 2023 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4875b68c6fbd8fddbb925898498149f6.pdf 67fe61c03eb3579bb5412bf4a9d2c565 PDF Text Text APRIL 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O ‘Steady As She Goes’ Heindel Pledges Unyielding Support of Rank and File SIU President David Heindel (right), appointed to the office in mid-February, is a career Seafarer. In his introductory column, he offers some personal background and spells out his vision for the union which includes building upon the SIU’s sound policies so the union thrives and grows. The photo at right was taken Feb. 17 in Florida, during a meeting of the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board. Page 2. SIU Crew Rescues 8 Migrants Seafarers aboard the ATB Legacy (Crowley) recently saved eight Cuban migrants who’d been stranded at sea for nearly a month. The photos at right show the migrants’ raft under a searchlight provided by a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft, and a closer view of the makeshift watercraft as it neared the ATB after dawn. Page 4. PRO Act Reintroduced Page 3 Remembering Chet Wheeler Page 8 �President’s Report A Winning Team Although I am new to the office of president, the SIU – along with my family – has been the focal point of my entire adult life, as many of you know. I started sailing as a teenager, eventually came ashore to work for the union, and am grateful to have enjoyed the membership’s support which allowed me to remain part of this great organization for nearly 50 years. Following in the footsteps of Mike Sacco is no easy task. However many accolades Mike receives for his 35 years at the helm as our president and his lifetime of service, he deserves all of those and more. He’s truly one of a kind and he did a fantastic job. Longtime Seafarers know what Mike has meant not just to us but to the broader U.S.flag industry. In particular for those of you who are new to the SIU, be sure to take the time to read the tributes about Mike in this David Heindel issue of the LOG and in last month’s edition. They’re worth your time and they’ll help give you some appreciation for his work. It’s no overstatement to say that Mike stabilized the industry. He came in at a difficult time and began turning things around right away, even though it wasn’t easy. Those of us who worked for Mike know that he was tough but fair. He demanded results, but he was reasonable. Mike’s charisma and energy are readily apparent to anyone who’s met him. He always made himself available to talk with Seafarers. Something else that has always stood out to me is his foresight. His vision and determination were the foundations of so many key developments for the SIU, from being the industry’s spokesperson for the Maritime Security Program to updating our hiring halls to merging with the NMU to constantly modernizing Piney Point and so much more. While Mike and I have different styles, his policies will continue in my administration. Mike designed a winning model and put together a winning team. I’m not about to fix something that isn’t broken. At the same time, I of course will bring my own vision and my own approach to the office. And don’t think for a minute that I’m too proud to call Mike if I need advice. He is the ultimate lifeline, and I’m grateful to know he’s available. Throughout my entire time with the SIU, I’ve always believed that the first priority of every official should be supporting the rank-andfile members. You have my pledge that I will continue doing so to the best of my ability – and we will get the job done. We will stay on our toes and we’ll win the battles so that Seafarers can continue working on American-flag vessels. Many of you know about our current challenges. Manpower is at the top of that list, and of course that’s not just for our union or our industry but for so many different occupations around the world. We are formally recruiting all over the country, but word of mouth is still effective. Please keep an eye out for the next generation of prospective members. Bring them to the halls and show them what we’re all about. Something else we’ve been working on is new job opportunities in the wind-energy sector. This may sound like a far-off development but it’s actually here now. I think this sector will be vital for us moving forward, and that’s why we’ve been involved and we’ll remain involved. Brothers and sisters, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead our union, but I also know that it’ll continue to be a team effort. We are, as always, stronger together, and at the same time I will work day and night to keep the SIU strong. Mendonca Delivery Highlights U.S.-Flag Sealift Capabilities A recent mission involving the SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca demonstrated the solid reliability and vital capability of U.S.-flag sealift operations. The Mendonca – a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR) operated by Ocean Duchess for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) – delivered more than 1,200 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including M1 Abrams main battle tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and a range of wheeled vehicles belonging to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division deployed to Europe, at the port in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The delivery was part of an ongoing mission known as Atlantic Resolve. AB Jeremy Smoot told the LOG, “It was a long trip, essentially a 60day trip. We went from the U.S. to Europe, then across to the Middle East, back to Europe and then headed back home to the U.S. We were able to visit ports not normally visited by commercial U.S.-flag ships, such as Riga, Latvia and Vlissingen, Netherlands. We were met with some adversities, including the Wi-Fi being controlled and only a few members having access at all times. Despite the communication issues, all of the crew members were proud to do our part in supporting our military, as well as allied military missions.” SIU members sailing aboard the Mendonca during the operation included: Recertified Bosun Christopher Janics; Bosun Hector Cumba Concepcion; ABs Ibrahim Abubaker, Antonio Donald, Shawana Mills and Smoot; QE4s Vincent Freeman, Tommy McGahe and Randy Pearson; QEE Nakesha Miller; GUDEs Ashanty Castillo, Joseph Hendricks and Jamil Wright; Oilers Emmanuel Adeoti, Tracy Mitchell and Emmanuel Nuez; Wipers Richard Gould and Donnell Marsh; OSs Ronnie Brickhouse, Leroy Chatman and Tito Mallory; Chief Cook U.S. soldiers in the Netherlands scan military vehicles that were part of a cargo of more than 1,250 items safely transported by the SIUcrewed Mendonca. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Yeadon) Korey Jackson; Steward/Baker Eileen Mendiola; Storekeeper Lally Manalo; SAs Makesa Jones and Lavon White; and ACU John Reid. “We appreciate the Netherlands’ strong dedication to enhancing military mobility,” said 21st Theater Sustainment Command Commanding General Maj. Gen. James Smith. “A strong NATO ally with excellent port facilities and infrastructure, today’s operation once again demonstrates our ability, with host nation support, to rapidly deploy equipment and personnel into and across the European continent.” According to MSC, “Soldiers from 21st TSC’s 260th Movement Control Team, in coordination with the 598th Transportation Brigade (Surface Deployment and Distribution Command), hosted nation support and commercial organizations, discharged the vehicles and equipment, efficiently executing its reception, staging and onward movement (RSOM). Additionally, according to 260th MCT Commander Capt. Karl Bliven, Vlissingen’s facilities and the Netherlands’ infrastructure make it possible to rapidly offload an entire brigade’s worth of equipment and quickly stage it for transport through- out the European theater. “Once the vehicle gets offloaded from the ship, we as an MCT use what is called a DRAM (Distribution Retrograde Adaptive Planning and Execution Management) tablet to scan the military shipping labels on these vehicles,” said Bliven. “This will ensure that we know all the information relating to the vehicle and that it gets on the correct truck, barge or train to get to the final location. It’s important that we do this smoothly and safely to allow for the equipment to arrive ready, in terms of maintenance, and in the most efficient way possible.” Dutch Sea Port of Debarkation Commander, Lt. Col. Peter van Dorst, said experience working with the U.S. Army at Vlissingen is paying dividends, as this is the fourth time the port has supported an Atlantic Resolve rotation. “As a representative of the 13th Light Brigade from the Netherlands, we enjoy working together,” said van Dorst. “Cooperation with [598th] SDDC, 21st TSC and members of the 2nd Armored Combat Brigade is going very well. The Dutch military are already showing their experience in an operation like this, and it is going better each time.” Union Leaders Meet with Lula O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 4 April 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The AFL-CIO on Feb. 10 hosted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil (left) for a discussion with officials from the federation and its affiliates, including the SIU. He’s pictured with then-SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel (who has since been appointed as the union’s president). Following the meeting, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “Lula has spent his entire life fighting for the working class as both a union and political leader…. The significance of today’s meeting is heightened as a momentous step forward in the longstanding bond between our two movements. Four years ago, while Lula was wrongfully imprisoned, the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka traveled to the country’s federal police building to demand justice and organize for Lula’s release. We stood by him then and we will continue to stand alongside Lula, his Workers’ Party and the Brazilian labor movement in their fight to defend democracy and build a better world for working people.” April 2023 �PRO Act Introduced in Congress Again Legislation Aims to Boost Workers’ Rights A bipartisan group of legislators on Feb. 28 introduced a comprehensive proposal to protect workers’ right to come together and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. The bill, dubbed the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2023 (H.R. 20), was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia), ranking member on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Scott was joined by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, (R-Pennsylvania). The Senate companion bill was proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), who serves as chair, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. “Congress has an urgent responsibility to ensure that workers can join a union and negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces,” said Scott. “Passing the PRO Act is the most critical step we can take this Congress to achieve that goal,” he continued. “I urge my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in advancing the most significant update for workers’ labor organizing rights in more than eight decades.” “At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when too many workers are falling further and further behind, we need to make it easier for workers to exercise their constitutional right to form a union and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Sanders. “We need to hold CEOs accountable for flagrantly violating labor laws, illegally firing pro-union workers, and closing down pro-union shops,” the Vermont senator continued. “If we are going to reverse the 40-year decline of the middle class, reduce the widening gap between the billionaire class and everyone else, and take on the unprecedented level of corporate greed in America, we have got to rebuild the trade union movement. That is what the PRO Act is all about and I am proud to be introducing this bill in the Senate.” “The PRO Act is how we level the playing field,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. “It is how U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) we stop the intimidation, the lies. This is how we let workers, not wealthy corporations, decide for themselves if they want the power of a union.” Named after the late labor leader and longtime friend of the SIU, the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act, would protect the basic right to join union. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the bill, if passed into law, would: Create a roadmap to a first contract Terms of the new bill state that employers and workers have a set process to follow to negotiate a first union contract, and if they can’t reach an agreement, they go to binding arbitration. workplaces. Yet, overall union membership has waned in recent decades. The decline is due in part to the decades-long, systematic attack on foundational labor laws that has created a hostile environment for workers seeking to organize. An EPI analysis found that employers were charged with violating federal law in 41.5% of union election campaigns, by firing, threatening, or otherwise retaliating against workers who dared to come together in their workplaces to bargain collectively. The penalties for violating current labor law are not sufficient to deter employers from infringing on workers’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The PRO Act is needed to restore the basic rights of workers to organize their workplaces and bargain collectively for better pay, benefits, and working conditions, advocates say. The PRO Act passed the House in both 2020 and 2021 but never reached the floor for a vote in the Senate. In that chamber, the legislative filibuster requires at least 60 votes to pass most bills. Last year, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and Senate Republicans refused to back the bill. Give workers more control Under the PRO Act, workers and the National Labor Relations Board, not employers, control the timing of union elections and employers can’t force employees to attend anti-union meetings. Impose real penalties when employers break the law According to the proposed legislation, employers and corporate executives would be penalized for illegally retaliating against workers trying to organize, and workers would get monetary damages or other remedies if they are illegally fired or harmed; fired workers must also be reinstated while their cases are pending. Strengthen the right of workers to strike Under the PRO Act, employers are prohibited from permanently replacing workers when they strike, and workers are no longer banned from engaging in so-called “secondary” activity, such as boycotts, seeking leverage in negotiations. Crack down on worker misclassification Details of the new bill specify that workers can’t be wrongly deprived of their organizing and bargaining rights by being misclassified as supervisors or independent contractors. The move to pass the PRO Act comes on the heels of a year that was characterized by an unprecedented spike in strike activity by organized labor and historic public support for unions. A recent Gallup poll showed that more than 70% of Americans approve of labor unions and many workers want to have them in their ITF Reinforces Support For Ukrainian Mariners The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Trust has awarded another humanitarian grant to Mortrans, part of the Marine Transport Workers’ Union of Ukraine (MTWTU), “for financial support for seafarers and their families in need during the ongoing conflict.” The ITF Seafarers’ Trust made the announcement in late February. “When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the Trust was swift to send an emergency grant for essential medical support for seafarers and their families caught up in the conflict,” the organization noted in a news release. “We followed up with a transportation project to enable families to make the hard decision to escape from danger and have some breathing space to decide on their future plans. The collaboration with MTWTU and V-ships allowed around 500 family members to travel to Romania and stay for a week in hotel accommodation with meals and advice provided. The Canada Steamship Line also contributed funds to this initiative.” The release added, “Today the conflict continues creating untold misery for the Ukrainian people as a whole and specific challenges for seafarers inside the April 2023 country, unable to pursue their maritime careers and earn an income for their families.” SIU President David Heindel, who also serves as chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, said, “It is vital to recognize the sustained economic and psychological damage caused by the acts of aggression against civilians and the country’s infrastructure. We must do all possible to support the fortitude and morale of the Ukrainian people. The Trust is on standby to support MTWTU in its tireless work to protect the livelihoods and wellbeing of the seafarers and their families.” MTWTU Chairman Oleg Grygoriuk said, “We are proud to be part of an international family that trusts in us to deliver for our members and for all Ukrainian maritime workers. We are convinced that we will succeed in the end and emerge in a stronger position than ever before. We could not imagine that we would be at war in the 21st century but the world has seen the resilience of the Ukrainian people and we are counting on our friends to go the distance with us.” The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is a UK charity established in 1981. SIUNA Announces New Appointments The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) Executive Board on March 7 unanimously approved several new appointments. During an online meeting, the board named David Heindel as the SIUNA’s new president; Tom Orzechowski as secretary-treasurer; and Todd Brdak, Mike Given and Jeff Richards as vice presidents. Brdak fills Orzechowski’s old position, while Given replaces the recently retired Jim Given. Richards succeeds the recently deceased Joe Gremelsbacker. There are four-and-a-half years left on their respective terms. The SIUNA’s autonomous affiliates include the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Wa- ters; the American Maritime Officers; the Marine Firemen’s Union; the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union; the Seafarers International Union of Canada; the United Industrial Workers; the Sugar Workers Union; the Industrial, Professional, Technical Workers International Union; and others. In addition to the aforementioned officers, the SIUNA board includes the following vice presidents: Paul Doell, Nicole Walsh, Anthony Poplawski, Dave Connolly, Nicholas Celona, Dean Corgey, Nick Marrone, Joseph Soresi, Augie Tellez, George Tricker, Pat Vandegrift, Marcus Woodring, Monte Burgett, Karen HortonGennette and Laura Lopez. Seafarers LOG 3 �A few crew members are pictured with most of the men they helped rescue. AB Thomas Tramutola is at front left, Chief Mate James Steltzlen at far right, and AB Jarred Moylan in the back, fourth from left among those standing. ATB Legacy Crew Rescues 8 Migrants in Gulf Of Mexico Rescues at sea are nothing new for longtime SIU member AB Donnie Collins, but that doesn’t mean he takes them lightly. That point was reinforced March 1 when Collins and his fellow Seafarers aboard the Crowley-operated ATB Legacy saved eight Cuban migrants who’d been stranded at sea aboard a makeshift raft for nearly a month. The rescue took place in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 145 miles south of Southwest Pass, one of the channels at the mouth of the Mississippi River. “They said they had left Cuba on Feb. 2, supposedly to go to Mexico,” recalled Collins, a 33-year SIU member who’d previously assisted in three other rescues. “They figured it would take them five days. When we found them, they thought they had been at sea for 18 days. We told them, no, it’s March 1.” Taking part in the rescue were Capt. Gus Cramer, Chief Mate James Steltzlen, Second Mate Brett Stepanski, Third Mate Devon Haffner, AB/Tankermen Collins, Thomas Tramutola, Jarred Moylan and Dominique Calvy, Chief Engineer Cle Popperwill, First Assistant Engineer William Ziadeh, Second Assistant Engineer Andrew Burns, Third Assistant Engineer Joseph Krajnik, and Cook America Cacho. “The crew did an excellent job,” Cramer said. Collins and Stepanski were on watch at approximately 1:30 a.m. when they spotted a flashing light. “I went outside and could hear someone screaming,” said Collins. “I yelled to them that we’d be coming back.” The Legacy approached the raft while contacting the U.S. Coast Guard; the agency then dispatched an aircraft. Cramer later determined The SIU-crewed ATB Legacy nears a makeshift raft carrying eight migrants. 4 Seafarers LOG Tom Donahue speaks at a Maritime Trades Department gathering in 1995. Labor Movement Mourns Passing of Tom Donahue Some of the rescued individuals rest and eat aboard the ATB. that the most prudent means of bringing the migrants aboard was to deploy a pilot ladder on the vessel’s barge. “The seas were getting bigger, and [the migrants] weren’t going to make it to the next night, the way we saw it,” Collins recalled. “You could tell they were grateful when they came aboard. They said they’d originally had an engine on the raft, but lost it.” “When we got really close to them, we were going to hand them supplies and food, but it was obvious to me that the raft was in pretty bad shape,” Cramer said. “We weren’t going to leave them out there; we were going to get them on board.” Cramer noted that the original estimated time of arrival for the Coast Guard cutter that had been dispatched was upwards of 14 hours. The eight males told the Legacy crew that they had survived largely by grabbing food scraps from the water (available perhaps because of the large number of cruise ships in those waters). With Cacho and Ziadeh serving as interpreters, they mentioned that numerous vessels had passed them. “They were in pretty bad shape,” Collins added. “We weren’t sure if they’d have the strength to climb up the ladder. Once they were aboard, we fed them, gave them liquids, and mustered up some old coveralls and rubber boots. They didn’t have shoes.” As a safety matter, the Legacy personnel also searched the migrants for contraband (and found none). “You always have to double-check people,” Collins said. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with, so you have to be safe.” Roughly 10 hours after the migrants boarded the Legacy, they were transferred to a Coast Guard vessel. The transfer only took about 45 minutes, Cramer said. Reflecting on the experience, Collins stated, “We all felt great about helping. A lot of us were probably emotional about it, because people don’t understand that others are desperate to leave that country and its totalitarian system…. If the one migrant didn’t have an LED flashlight, he’d have never been seen.” AFL-CIO President Emeritus Thomas R. Donahue, one of the most influential leaders of the postwar labor movement, died Feb. 18 in a Washington, D.C., hospital at the age of 94. Donahue served as secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO under Lane Kirkland, who led the national labor federation for 16 years. He was AFL-CIO president from August to October 1995. “Tom Donahue was a good man and a strong fighter for all working people,” stated SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco. “Tom was someone you could count on. You always knew where he stood and that was on the side of workers.” The Bronx, New York-born Donahue began his labor career as a part-time organizer with the Retail Clerks International Union in New York City. He joined the Building Service Employees International Union in 1960. From 1967 to 1969, he was Assistant U.S Labor Secretary. In 1973, then AFL-CIO President George Meany tapped Donahue to be his executive assistant. When Meany retired in 1979, Donahue said, “My hopes for the labor movement are growth, dynamism, militancy.” One of his most often quoted remarks was “The only effective answer to organized greed is organized labor.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond released the following joint statement on Donahue’s passing: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of former AFL-CIO president Tom Donahue and extend our condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. “Tom was an innovator, intellectual and a visionary labor leader who was ahead of his time. Long before the future of work and the impact of technology on workers became a robust policy debate, Donahue was creating a blueprint for unions that encouraged experimentation with new approaches and technology to expand worker organizing and increase the labor movement’s influence. “That blueprint served as a guide that still influences union innovation today. He was a brilliant strategist who had the keen insight to foreshadow challenges and opportunities workers would face well into the future, and our movement is much better for it today. “In a career that spanned six decades starting as a part-time organizer with the Retail Clerks International Union in New York City and rising to secretary-treasurer and president of the AFL-CIO, Donahue put every ounce of his being into the labor movement he loved from the moment he joined it. A tireless champion of organizing, he helped create the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute which opened doors for a new generation of organizers. Throughout his distinguished career as an organizer and labor leader, Donahue always pushed the labor movement to embrace innovation and change to keep propelling workers forward. “Donahue’s influence extended well beyond our nation’s borders. He served as chairman of an advisory group on labor and diplomacy with Secretaries of State Madeline Albright and Colin Powell, powerfully advancing the cause of democracy and ensuring the link between anti-democratic movements and worker oppression was clear to leaders here and abroad. He helped lead the labor movement’s support for the independent Polish trade union Solidarnosc in the 1980s and was a vocal critic of oppression in any form, leading a call for unions to boycott apartheid-era South Africa. “Throughout his legendary career, he never forgot his roots in the Bronx. His father was a union deckhand with the Staten Island Ferry, giving him an early education in the movement that would shape his life. He believed deeply in the collective power workers wield when we have a union on the job. Everyone in the labor movement who knew Donahue respected both his absolute commitment to working people and his formidable intellect. All of us in the labor movement today in a new age of organizing and technological change stand on his shoulders. “Our thoughts are with his wife Rachelle, daughter and grandchildren during this difficult time.” Donahue leaves behind his wife of nearly 44 years, Rachelle Horowitz; his daughter, Nancy Donahue (Tom Fogarty), and six grandchildren: Matt Fogarty, Kerry Fogarty (Kevin Carrig), Kate Fogarty, Erin Donahue, Megan Donahue, and Mary Clare Donahue, and their mother, Emily Donahue. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Reilly Donahue III, in 2018. Donahue’s funeral mass was held March 2 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia. He was interred March 4 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, New York. April 2023 �President Joe Biden Nominates Julie Su To Become Next U.S. Secretary of Labor President Biden in early March nominated another pro-union individual to head up the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Following the news that Labor Secretary Marty Walsh (a lifelong trade unionist) is leaving his post for the top job at the National Hockey League Players Association, Biden nominated Deputy Secretary Julie Su to succeed him. During a press conference announcing the nomination, Biden stated, “Julie knows in her bones [that] the people who get up SIU Assistant VP Mike Russo (center) is pictured earlier this year with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh (right) and Deputy Secretary Julie Su during a gathering at a Houston-area union hall. every morning and go to work and bust their necks just to make an honest living deserve someone to fight on their side to give them an even shot…. Julie has spent her life fighting for that vision, her entire professional career. He added that at the DOL, Su has “led the effort to ensure jobs of high-growth industries like semiconductor manufacturing, broadband, healthcare, and so much more – making sure they’re good-paying jobs, high-quality jobs, and union jobs. Union jobs.” Biden stressed that using union labor ultimately saves employers money by having well-qualified workers and less turnover. He also pointed out that Su, like Walsh, comes from a union family. At the same news conference, Su stated, “I believe in the transformative power of America, and I know the transformative power of a good job. I know because it was the kind of job that my mom got that had predictable hours, paid sick leave, health benefits, a secure income, and a pension when she retired. A union job that gave my parents a path to the middle class and gave our family the kind of breathing room that the president talks about.” She continued, “We have never had a president who has made workers, worker wellbeing, and worker power so central to his vision of a strong nation and a strong economy. Mr. President, when you said you wanted to be the most pro-worker, pro-union president in history and restore decency and build the middle class, I said, ‘Sign me up for that.’ I want to help do that, and it has been my honor to be the Deputy Secretary. Those shared values are what I will work to make real every day.” At press time, the Senate had not set a date for Su’s confirmation hearing. Senate Labor Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) noted, “I’m confident Julie Su will be an excellent Sec- State Department Provides Passport Update for Mariners The following communication has been issued by the U.S. Department of State. It also is available on the SIU website. Updated Notice to Mariners With International Voyages To ensure timely service for mariners, Passport Services provides the following streamlined passport renewal provisions. These provisions are subject to change. Qualifications n Be a credentialed merchant mariner; n Be eligible to apply on a DS-82 application for passport renewal. (Check eligibility at https://travel.state.gov/ content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html); and n Have a current passport that is expired or expiring in 7 months or less. Application and Mailing Instructions 1. Applicants must submit the following: n DS-82 application completed, signed, and dated. Please use the online form filler tool to fill out and print your form: https://pptform.state.gov. This tool produces a barcode to help us process your application faster; n Passport photograph taken within the past six months; n Current passport; n Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front and back. n A check or money order in the amount of $209.53 April 2023 President Biden (left) introduces Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su at a White House news conference. (Photo courtesy White House) retary of Labor. I look forward to working with her to protect workers’ rights and build the trade union movement in this country.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “From her beginnings protecting immigrants and other vulnerable workers, to fiercely combatting wage theft and abuse of low-wage workers in California, to her leadership [at DOL], Su distinguished herself as a principled fighter for the basic rights of every worker, no matter where we’re from or what kind of work we do. At this pivotal moment in history, that’s precisely the leadership America’s working people need in their next Secretary of Labor.” Walsh issued the following statement before Su’s nomination became official: “I am grateful to President Biden for announcing his intent to nominate my dear friend and colleague, Deputy Secretary made payable to U.S. Department of State if applying for a passport book only. If applying for both the passport book and card, the total fee is $239.53. This amount includes the passport fee, expedite fee, and 1-2 day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please visit travel.state.gov). n Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union. 2. The supervisor letter should include the following details: n Applicant’s full name; n Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union representative; n Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature; and n Date the letter was issued. 3. Applications must be sent by traceable overnight delivery service to: El Paso Passport Agency (PPT/EP) 44132 Mercure Circle, PO Box 1073 Sterling, Virginia 20166 – 1073 Attention: Mariner Program Service Expectations Completed passports will be mailed using a 1-2 day delivery service. Please be sure the application includes a physical U.S. mailing address and not a P.O. Box. Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be completed and sent out by Friday of the same week. Requesting a Second Passport Mariners may wish to apply for a second limited validity passport (4 years). Second passports provide greater flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas when traveling domestically and overseas. For more information, please see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/ en/passports/have-passport/second-passport-book.html Julie Su, to succeed me as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Julie has been a true partner in leading the Department of Labor, and her drive and vision have been central to everything we have achieved over the past two years. “As Deputy Secretary, Julie’s achievements – prioritizing rights and protections for the most vulnerable workers; driving our equity work; attracting diverse, world-class talent into public service; modernizing workforce development and unemployment insurance systems; and deepening our engagement with state and local governments – have been broad and deep. “She is a lifelong champion of America’s workers, and I have the utmost confidence in her ability to sustain the work of the department and advance the President’s vision of an economy that puts workers first and leaves no one behind.” Following are the two options for applying for a second passport. Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport To apply for a second passport, applicants must also include: n A second DS-82 application (with photograph) completed, signed, and dated; n Signed statement describing the need for a second passport. (This is required in addition to the company letter authorizing use of these special procedures); and n Include payment for both applications in a single check totaling $419.06 ($209.53 per application). Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current Valid Passport If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying for their second passport, they can apply at a passport acceptance facility using a DS-11 form. They can expect to receive the second passport within the expedited timeframe posted at travel.state. gov. To apply at a passport acceptance facility, applicants need: n Completed (not signed) DS-11 application; n Passport photograph; n Photocopy of their 10-year passport data page; n Signed statement of need for a second passport as outlined on our website; n Payment of $209.53 to the U.S. Department of State, which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional $19.53 for 1-2-day return delivery; and n Additional payment of $35 to the passport acceptance facility to execute the application. To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility, see https://iafdb.travel.state.gov. Please note that many passport acceptance facilities require customers to schedule an appointment ahead of their visit. Seafarers LOG 5 �ABOARD USNS BUTTON – Seafarers aboard the Crowley-operated vessel gathered for this shipboard photo in Guam, and they also extended thanks and congratulations to recently retired SIU President Michael Sacco “for all he’s done with the SIU. We wish him all the best. We would also like to congratulate new SIU President David Heindel.” Pictured are (front, from left) SA Abdulhamed Musa, SA Lashay Creekmore, Bosun Franz Eder and SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon. In the back are (from left) AB Noel Gemo, Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont, AB Nicholas Selle, AB Rhiannon Buttrum, AB Douglas Vaughn, OS Kaylah Hill, AB Montavis Harold and OS Charles Catunao. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD TANKER LOUISIANA – Pictured above in the galley of the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are (photo at left, from left) Chief Steward Matthew Conyac and Chief Cook Yolanda Martinez. The photo at right includes Bosun Pablo Borja (left) and SIU Tacoma Safety Director Duane Akers. AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Chief Cook Eliezer Estremera (right) receives his B-seniority book at the hiring hall. He is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. AT THE HONOLULU HALL – AB Ronaldo Ramos (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso) receives his A-seniority book while GUDE Theodore Cash (left in photo above, with SIU Safety Director Amber Akana) picks up his full B-book. 6 Seafarers LOG PROMOTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS – SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) is pictured with AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Fred Redmond at a Department of Labor (DOL) event in the nation’s capital. Titled “Making Equity Real: Black Workers and Good Jobs,” the event took place Feb. 21. According to the DOL, “Black labor leaders and workers engaged in discussion with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Deputy Secretary Julie Su about the importance of centering equity and job quality in the implementation of historic federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and technology. Panelists also discussed the potential of these investments to expand economic opportunity and equity, and the historic role of unions and worker organizing in strengthening and expanding a Black middle class.” ON THE JOB AT WATCO – Crane Operator Saleh Mothana explains the operation to a guest. April 2023 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime Seafarers recently picked up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall. Steward/Baker Leslie Davis (right in photo at left) sailed with the SIU for 40 years, while Bret Mattei (right in photo above) sailed with Crescent Towing for 42 years, almost exclusively as a captain. Both members are pictured with SIU Safety Director James Brown. TAKING THE OATH IN OAKLAND – AB Jody Owens (left) receives his full book at the hiring hall in Oakland, California. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – SA Eric Trinemeyer (left) receives his full book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. WITH MEMBERS IN WILMINGTON – QMED Steven Benavides (right in photo at immediate left) picks up his A-seniority book at the hiring hall, while AB Noel Engo (left in photo above) receives his full B-book. Both members are pictured with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Many thanks to Chief Mate Cullen Bozza for this snapshot of SIU and AMO members aboard the ship. The Seafarers (below, from left) are Recertified Boson Gregorio Cudal, ABs Tomas Robinson, Fernando Haber and Andres Martinez, Chief Steward Marcelino Pabito, Pumpman Walden Galacgac, QMEDs Josh Bonita and Arvin Heras, AB Vener Pelayo, Chief Cook Cody Younghans and GVA Abdulrahman Omar. Behind the name board (also from left) are Second Assistant Engineer Tim Cook, Third Assistant Engineer Mahlon Glidden, First Assistant Engineer Graham Monohan, Chief Engineer Chris Gill, Captain Wayne Archer, Bozza, Second Mate Aaron Lamb and Third Mate John Dufrene. April 2023 Seafarers LOG 7 �Norfolk Hall Taking Shape Progress continues with the months-long refurbishment of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, as reflected by these photos from early March. The hall tentatively is scheduled to reopen this summer (the union has been operating in temporary quarters in nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, while construction is happening). Chet Wheeler Retired Government Services Official ‘Chet’ Wheeler Dies at 77 The union is mourning the loss of retired SIU Assistant Vice President Chester “Chet” Wheeler, who passed away March 10 in California at age 77. He had had been battling cancer. Wheeler retired in 2019, following 22 years of service as an official. Previously, he sailed with the union for 32 years, beginning in the mid-1960s, mostly as a civil service mariner with MSC. SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona stated, “Chet was absolutely tireless in his work on behalf of the membership. He set a high standard and consistently did a great job handling issues in an often-complex sector of the industry. He will be missed.” SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Joe Vincenzo said Wheeler “was a friend who made a real difference in the lives of CIVMARS. Whether in the everyday routine of handling premium pay disputes or sorting through pending disciplinary matters to make life a little easier for our mariners, his impact can hardly be overstated. It was a privilege to observe him up close and personal and to accompany him servicing ships up at the Navy base in Bremerton, Washington, and to work with him on issues of consequence both abroad and right here at home.” Wheeler came ashore to work for the union in 1997, first as a representative and soon thereafter as an assistant vice president. Prior to the SIU’s merger with the National Maritime Union in 2001, he handled all West Coast representational efforts for MSC and the Suisun Bay reserve fleet. In fact, since 1997, Wheeler was involved in every MSC and Suisun Bay contract negotiation and “instruction and policy” negotiation until he retired. Colleagues described him as instrumental in ensuring the safety and health of mariners by negotiating afloat and ashore habitability agreements, watch hours, standards for shipboard water potability and air quality, and shipyard working conditions. He was a guiding force in the three-year negotiation of Civilian Mariner Personnel Instruction (CMPI) 610, a key document covering hours of work and overtime pay. Wheeler also played leading roles in representing mariners aboard joint high-speed vessels, and in securing significant compensatory time for travel for many CIVMARS. Retired SIU Counsel Deborah Kleinberg, who was a close friend and worked with Wheeler day-to-day for 22 years, noted, “Chet was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Chet’s life was filled with purpose and the desire to be of service. He was a natural teacher and shared his vast knowledge freely. In his personal life, and over the course of his career, he helped many thousands of people. His legacy will be how he aided people through their most difficult times, his incredible generosity, integrity, and most of all, loyalty to his family, friends, and the mariners he represented throughout his lifetime and the SIU.” Upon his retirement, Wheeler offered the following advice for those entering the industry: “Get as much out of it as you can. It’s an adventure; make this your adventure. The other thing is, learn everything you can. We have a great school (the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education). Look out for your fellow shipmates. It’s a wonderful occupation and I’m really glad I did it.” Donations in Wheeler’s memory may be made to: Hospice Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, California 95453, Phone (707) 263-6222. 8 Seafarers LOG April 2023 �Maritime Community Reacts to Sacco Retirement Accolades Attest Accomplishments of SIU President Emeritus You were there all 50 years I sailed. Brother, it’s been a great ride. Enjoy your retirement. - Retired Bosun John Wells It was a pleasure meeting you. Your guidance to help seamen in our future gave us confidence and was much appreciated. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the Brotherhood of the Sea. You are appreciated and never will be forgotten. - Cleavern Brown, former FOWT Allow me to be on board the ship to send President Sacco my wishes for a happy retirement. Smooth sailing, sir. - Antoinette Saucier, former Cook and Baker I first met Mr. Sacco at a union meeting in Houston in 1982. Mike and his brother Joey chaired a meeting. The union was knee-deep in a strike with Dixie Carriers. Mike had a way of speaking to the membership and has had that gift my whole career. Even in the early 80s when shipping was tight, Mike pushed members to fill jobs. And how important it was to keep the SIU on top of all the contracts under our umbrella. As a longstanding member (42 years) I’ve always made it a point to make union meetings at Piney Point to hear Mike’s and Augie’s reports. I have a permanent job but still make meetings when I’m off. Even at the last meeting I saw Mike, he was pushing the membership to fill the jobs. And like every meeting, Mike let the membership know the importance of the Jones Act. Mr. Sacco has been the driving force behind the SIU. I personally thank Mike for all the years of looking out for us. - Recertified Bosun James K. Walker I have been a member of the SIU for 44 years. I have seen the best and worst of economic times. Mike led us through the roughest times when others faltered. Mike was steadfast with keeping the last piece of the puzzle intact, the Jones Act. I wish Mike well going into retirement. - John Bilich, Master, M/V Rocketship From my early days as a trainee until the day Mike retired, he was a constant inspiration and motivational force in my development as a Seafarer and eventual official of our great organization. Everyone needs to be uplifted and encouraged to become successful, and Mike’s steady hand brought that not only to me but hundreds, if not thousands of young Seafarers. Thank you for the years and best wishes for a long and healthy retirement! - SIU President David Heindel As a young man entering a phase in my life where I was looking for a new career or simply a career, I entered the trainee program in Piney Point. Back then it was known as the trainee program and it had not yet graduated to the term or structure we use today, known as the apprentice program. Upon arrival there were the normal formalities of haircuts and uniforms, etc. But the charge really hit me when I attended my first SIU union meeting. It was then, listening to Mike, that I knew I had found my home and calling. After going to sea, I had come ashore to work as a patrolman and organizer. Over the years, Mike had always given me great latitude to make decisions and learn. He is a great communicator with a vision to constantly grow our organization through hard work and influence. After many years of working for him and many years of “talks” and conversations we have had over a cup of coffee (and maybe a beer or two), he had become my mentor and friend. Accountability and responsibility were always part of his daily lesson. His passion and energetic outlook on the day’s task at hand will continue through those of us he has trained and mentored. Mike’s contribution to labor, maritime labor and the SIU are unsurpassed. In short, his career has been iconic. -Tom Orzechowski, SIU Secretary-Treasurer I’ve known Mike Sacco 46 years. He was my union teacher in 1977 when I was in Piney Point as a trainee, and again when I came ashore in 1983 and worked as a young patrolman in New Orleans – working with his brother Joey, who was the vice president of the Gulf region. Mike inspired me and gave me insight and knowledge of the maritime industry as a whole. He was a mentor, and his leadership was from the heart. One of his favorite sayings – and I use it all the time – is, “Money, marbles and chalk!” Godspeed, Mike. - SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona Mike Sacco is the only president that has been at the helm since I came to work for the Seafarers 30-plus years ago. From the beginning, he always inspired me to work hard on behalf of the mariners. His passion for the industry and the men and women that work in it has always been something I have admired. When he spoke at membership meetings or conventions, I was always willing to be part of the mission, whatever it might be! You couldn’t help but be moved into action. Mike has taught me so many lessons over the years, whether it was to “keep my eye on the bouncing ball” or letting him or others know when I needed help. Every time I saw Mike, the first question was, “How’s it going, kid”? And I felt like he genuinely wanted to know. It might sound corny but he was a great leader with vision for the future and he provided me an appreciation for an industry that I didn’t know about when I first came aboard. - Maggie Bowen, Seafarers Plans Administrator I have known Mike and have worked closely with him for the last 48 years. My introduction to Mike was at Piney Point when I was a trainee in 1975 and he was vice president of the school. What impressed me most about Mike at that time was his aptitude for public speaking. It was amazing to watch him engage the audience and hold their attention while he spoke, and I realized then that this was a special talent. Mike gave me my first opportunity to come work ashore for the school as a union ed teacher in 1979. My confidence in teaching that class came from the skills I learned from Mike. Over the years, I was fortunate to witness many of Mike’s public speaking engagements in which he was able to captivate the audience, engage them at their level, and produce the results he was aiming for. One of the most memorable moments (and there have been many) was back in 1990 when I was a lobbyist for the SIU. Mike had only been president for two years, and the congressional budget process had done away with the operating differential subsidy program. This was a real threat to the U.S.-flag fleet in the international trades. Through Mike’s dynamic leadership and relationship skills, he spearheaded an effort with the American-flag shipping companies, the Maritime Administration and the newly created U.S. Transportation Command to create a new program to maintain the U.S.-flag presence in the international trades, and to provide the Department of Defense with sealift assets that they desperately needed. After many meetings with DOD officials, our congressional representatives, and our shipping company CEOs and never giving up on our objectives, we all were successful in the birth of our current Maritime Security Program, which has stood the test of time. Being with Mike during this time and watching him (along with others) orchestrate this objective was one of the proudest memories I have of Mike’s leadership abilities. I wish him all the best of health and fair, following seas in his retirement years. - Nick Marrone, SIU VP West Coast My first day with the LOG coincided with the June 1991 membership meeting in Piney Point. When Mike spoke at the end, I had no idea what he was talking about – but I knew I was ready to run through the proverbial brick wall for him. I spent a lot of time with Mike behind the scenes, and always came away impressed. He was totally dedicated to the membership, and as I observed his tireless commitment year after year, I couldn’t bear the thought of ever letting him down. It was a blessing to work for him, and if there were a hall of fame for bosses, Mike would be a first-ballot inductee. - Jordan Biscardo, SIU Communications Director June 1979 was the first time I heard Mike Sacco speak. It was at my first membership meeting; I was an 18-year-old trainee in Piney Point. His passion had a way of making me believe not only in the greatness of the SIU, but the potential within myself. Throughout the next 44 years, I spent a lot of time around Mike, first as a member, then ultimately serving as part of his executive board. His lifetime devotion to the SIU and dedication to the men and women has paved the way for so many of us to live a prosperous life, filled with dignity and purpose. Thanks to your example we all show up with passion and devotion every day to make our members’ lives better, but no one will ever measure up to you, sir. Thank you. - George Tricker, SIU VP Contracts I have been with the SIU for more than 36 years, almost all of it with Mike Sacco at the helm. Over the years, I have heard three sayings that sum up April 2023 SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco Mike. “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!” He never forgot what the union is all about, and he made sure none of us ever did – making sure our members are working, with good, safe jobs, and their families are taken care of. I remember how proud he was in 1990 when new general agreements were ratified with the first raises for members in years. Under his leadership, the union was able to expand its benefits to members and gradually extend benefits to families. The difference between what members had in 1988 to today is amazing. “Money, Marbles and Chalk!” Mike made sure that members and friends knew where the SIU stood. When he gave this declaration, our friends and allies knew the Seafarers would be solid. From white caps marching on a picket line to financial help to members and families hurt by a natural disaster to solidarity for a worthy cause, Mike made sure the SIU cared for its members and all workers. “Brawn to Brains.” Like the previous saying, this one has years of history behind it. Mike came to the union at a time when muscle settled many beefs. Under his leadership, he realized the times had changed. To survive, the SIU needed brainpower, and he was not afraid to have people around him who would give him the information needed to win at the negotiation table. Sure, there were plenty of headaches with this approach, but aspirin is a lot cheaper than setting broken arms and legs. Personally, I was lucky enough to travel with him over the years when he would visit crews aboard ships. His whole attitude would lighten up as he climbed the gangways to visit with the members. He loves being around the members, whether on a vessel or at Piney Point. Mike, smooth seas and following winds to you, Sophie, and your entire family. - Daniel Duncan, Retired MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer, former SIU Communications Director I worked with Mike Sacco for over 40 years. I have always been inspired by his dedication to the union and its membership. I also appreciated his leadership approach, which was always collaborative in nature. In addition, he never shot the messenger when I had to indicate that we could not do something legally that people were proposing and I certainly appreciated that. He believed in me and my ability to be general counsel at a time when very few unions were elevating women into that role - Leslie Tarantola, SIU General Counsel We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Michael for his great leadership of the SIU and his work at the forefront of protection for seafarers all over the world. His advocacy and determination to defend the Jones Act and constant support in helping us establish cabotage in Australia and around the world has never waned. - Paddy Crumlin, President, ITF Seafarers LOG 9 �Q&A With SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco Editor’s note: Following his retirement, SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco on Feb. 14 did an interview with the LOG in Florida. Excerpts from the discussion follow. Additional coverage of his career is available in the March edition of the LOG. Sacco served as SIU president from 19882023. Q: Why did you decide to retire? A: I’m 86 years old and I believe it’s time for me to retire. I’m leaving the union in good hands, that’s the main thing. The people who have been elected are going to do a great job in growing this union and maintaining its policies. Q: How did you get involved with the SIU back in the late 1950s? (Sacco served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-58.) A: I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was younger. Paul Hall (who was the union’s president) was the one who actually recruited me. I was one of these kids in Brooklyn that used to hang around the hall. One day, I ran into him. He said, ‘Why don’t you go inside and talk to some of the boys? See if you can get your documents, and you can go to work on a ship.’ I talked to one of the patrolmen, and they gave me a letter. I went down to the Coast Guard and got my papers. Before you know it, I was washing dishes and pots and pans on a ship running from New York to Puerto Rico. I really didn’t have any intention of staying, until I got my first pay. Once I got that first paycheck, I said, ‘Hey, this is not a bad deal. Let me think about it.’ As time went on, Paul took a special liking to me. He put me on an organizing campaign…. Finally, after I don’t know how many campaigns, he calls me in the office and says, ‘Why don’t you come to work for us?’ But even then, I really didn’t know how long I was going to stay. Q: You served as the vice president of the Lundeberg School in Piney Point during its formative years. What do you remember about those days, and why do you think the school is still important for the SIU’s future? A: In order for us to meet our contractual obligations, and with the way the industry changes, we have to have a training facility to meet the needs of the (vessel-operating) companies. Piney Point is the future of the SIU. As new technology comes into the industry and the job requirements change, we have to have the courses ready and available to teach our people to meet those needs. What Piney Point really did for me is, it opened my eyes to what the industry is all about. When you work in a port and that’s all you see, that’s all you understand…. That’s when I realized that if we didn’t help keep the industry strong and profitable, in time, we’d all be out of a job. I grew up in Piney Point. Q: Paul Hall recruited you, but what other officials influenced you? A: E.B. MacAuley. He was my main man. He was our headquarters representative in Brooklyn. I used to go on payoffs with him. He used to tell me, write down all the questions you couldn’t answer. After we get done with the payoff, you and I will sit down and review them. Same thing with the beefs – write it all down. He made sure I read the constitution and knew it from A to Z. He used to say, after six months, the questions all repeat, and he was right. Suddenly it comes easy, and you know the answers. of? Q: You have no shortage of accomplishments as president. What’s one you’re especially proud we were so transparent with everybody. Q: You said you weren’t sure how long you’d stick with the SIU, and that you sailed but also did other jobs after serving in the Air Force. Ultimately, what made you stay during those initial years? A: The money (from sailing) was good, but it wasn’t only the money, it was the people. No one ever asked where you came from or who you were. As long as you did your job, nobody bothered you, and that was good enough for me. A: When I was invited to the White House to meet the Queen of England (Elizabeth II, in 2007). That was a highlight of my whole life. My wife (Sophie) and I get there, and we’re waiting in line to get in. (Congresswoman) Nancy Pelosi sees me, and I know what she’s thinking: ‘What the heck are you doing here?’ I was the only labor guy. You could see it on her face. (Senator) Trent Lott yells, ‘Your mother is going to be proud of you.’ But there have been so many experiences. It’s hard for me to believe I did all those things. Q: What is something you enjoyed about being president? A: How people looked to me for leadership. I provided hope for a lot of people at that time (when first taking office). There was a lot of insecurity (years ago). Paul Hall would fire you in a minute, ship you out. Even E.B. MacAuley had to go to sea for six months because we couldn’t make payroll. We needed security and stability. I felt it all the time – my job was in jeopardy every day when I was a patrolman. Q: What are your plans for retirement? A: I really don’t know. After a couple of months, I’m thinking of going to my church and seeing how I can help and volunteer – on a very limited basis. I don’t want to put myself in a position where it’s going to be a work day, but I’d like to help as much as I can. Whatever I could do to help. But at first, I want at least two or three months to calm down. I’m going to miss everybody. I don’t know anything but this work. Q: Looking back on when the NMU merged into the SIU in 2001, what comes to mind? A: The NMU merger was a turning point. It eliminated the competition on bids for government contracts. Before the merger, the NMU would bid, we would bid lower, then they would come back and bid lower. It was crazy. But every promise that I made to the NMU, I kept. The fact that it worked out so well is an example of timing being on our side – maybe it’s fate, maybe it’s luck. Maybe because we always try to do the right thing, and Prior to signing on with the Seafarers, Michael Sacco (left) served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-58. Michael Sacco (above) calls the most recent Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meeting to order, earlier this year. Among those pictured in this lifeboat class photo from 1965 (below) are Michael Sacco (second from right in the second row) and his brother, Joey (far left, second row). In 2007, SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo above) and his wife, Sophie (far right), were among the guests invited to the White House to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (third from right) and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (second from left). President George W. Bush is second from right, while First Lady Laura Bush is third from left. In photo below, AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland (standing) addresses Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland, as newly appointed SIU President Michael Sacco (left) listens. Elaine L. Chao (center), who served as a cabinet secretary in two different administrations, always stood up for the U.S. Merchant Marine. She is pictured with SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and his wife, Sophie, at the SIUNA convention in Piney Point, Maryland, in 2017. 10 Seafarers LOG April 2023 April 2023 Seafarers LOG 11 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by members at the Jacksonville hall. And for anyone wondering, the Slues are father (Randy) and son (Donald). Question: What is your favorite port and why? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Duane Washington Chief Cook Tampa, especially Ybor City. We would be in port for a day and a half. You could run around the city and walk to Ybor City. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Dominic Jones Wiper Germany and Belgium because of the love they show. They are respectful – once you show respect, they give it back. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 James Blitch Recertified Bosun Puerto Rico because I was able to surf and dive on my off time. And I would be home within a week to see my family. Donald Slue Wiper Germany. There are multiple things to do there and a lot of fun activities. You get to go out with your shipmates. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 Anthony Newbill Bosun Australia. It’s nice, fun and enjoyable. I had a great time. JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Randy Slue Electrician Cape Canaveral. It’s close to home and surrounded by water. Everywhere you travel, you see water, and – now and then – you see a launch. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG Jose Norales Chief Steward I have a couple – the ports of Jacksonville, Tampa, Port Everglades and Long Beach because they are all easy to go ashore and get personal items. Pic From The Past The SIU-crewed Vantage Horizon is shown in 1974, following a shipyard period in Newport News, Virginia. The vessel had recently become the first U.S. ship to load wheat in Australia since World War II. It also had carried grain from the Gulf of Mexico to Germany, India and Iran, among other ports. According to the July 1974 edition of the Seafarers LOG, “The fully air-conditioned ship is one of the 50 American ships which carry grain to the Soviet Union as part of the trade agreement between the U.S. and Russia signed in 1972.” If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org April 2023 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 15 - March 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15, 2023. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C The Lilac is pictured in 1969. (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard) Lilac Preservation Project Execs Solicit Memorabilia For Historical Exhibition Editor’s note: The following communication was submitted by the Lilac Preservation Project. This is for SIU members who trained at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship between 1972 and 1984. The ex-Coast Guard Cutter Lilac is celebrating her 90th year in 2023 with an exhibit about the ship’s history. After her decommissioning in 1972, she was donated to the Lundeberg school and used as a dormitory. Little was changed on this steamship during her tenure there since training in her reciprocating steam propulsion system was no longer necessary. She was sold by the school on Oct. 24, 1984 to Atlantic Towing. We are seeking photos, reminiscences and other memorabilia from SIU members who were familiar with the Lilac during her days at Piney Point. We have very little information about this period in her history and hope that you can help fill the blank. If you have material to share, please contact Museum Director Mary Habstritt at mary@lilacpreservationproject.org. The Lilac is the last surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender in America and the oldest Coast Guard black hull afloat. Her significance has been recognized by her enrollment in the National Register of Historic Places. The Lilac served as a lighthouse and buoy tender from 1933 to 1972 and is now owned and operated by the non-profit Lilac Preservation Project. The ship is currently being restored for maritime education and community activities and is berthed from May to October at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 in New York City, where she is open to the public for tours and other events. To learn more and view our schedule of events for 2023, see www.lilacpreservationproject.org April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: April 3, May 8 Algonac..................................................Friday: April 7, May 12 Baltimore............................................Thursday: April 6, May 11 Guam.............................................Thursday: April 20, May 25 Honolulu..............................................Friday: April 14, May 19 Houston...............................................Monday: April 10, May 15 Jacksonville......................................Thursday: April 6, May 11 Joliet...............................................Thursday: April 13, May 18 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: April 12, May 17 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: April 11, May 16 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: April 4, May 9 Norfolk..................................................Friday: April 7, May 12 Oakland...........................................Thursday: April 13, May 18 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: April 5, May 10 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: April 13, May 18 San Juan.........................................Thursday: April 6, May 11 St. Louis............................................Friday: April 14, May 19 Tacoma.............................................Friday: April 21, May 26 Wilmington........................................Monday: April 17, May 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m April 2023 Seafarers LOG 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OCEAN GRAND (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 18 – Chairman Lech Jankowski, Secretary George Egbert, Educational Director Christopher Eason. Educational director reminded crew to take Coast Guard physical before taking any classes at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew change to take place in Tampa. Members requested better Wi-Fi and free calls. Crew suggested overtime pay rates for apprentices. The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. upgrading opportunities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increases to vacation and pension benefits. Steward department was thanked for doing an excellent job during the holidays. LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty Maritime), November 20 – Chairman Victor Eligio, Secretary Gregory Melvin, Deck Delegate Dwayne Harris. Chairman advised members to keep upgrading. Payoff date scheduled for November 27. Crew is working on finishing engine repais. Secretary reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses, new shower curtains, new refrigerators, new TV for crew lounge, new lamps and new power supply for state rooms. Members discussed possibly modifying requirements for pension qualification. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited) January 29 – Chairman Linnell Coleman, Secretary Norma West, Educational Director Charles Packer, Deck Delegate Muafa Musad, Engine Delegate Lateef Sanusi, Steward Delegate Carl Royster. Chairman urged crew to check their documents and to take advantage of the upgrading courses held at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Not all crew quarters have heat. New linen and various PPE items needed on ship. Members requested a change in rider gang pay and vacation time. Crew asked for increases in pension payout and increases in vacation days. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for providing good food. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), January 22 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Derek Chestnut, Steward Delegate Steven Laubach. Chairman reminded crew to keep rooms clean. Members were instructed to place dirty linen in bags on B and C deck when departing ship. Educational director reviewed credential expiration dates and LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty Maritime), February 12 – Chairman Victor Eligio, Deck Delegate Dwayne Harris, Engine Delegate Travis Houston, Steward Delegate Delphine Simmons. Chairman recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, the union-affiliated school located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several items to be ordered including mattresses, washing machines, new pillows, shower curtains and towels. Four refrigerators also to be ordered. Crew reviewed and discussed retirement benefits. Aboard Kaimana Hila MISSOURI EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), February 12 – Chairman Nathaniel Sherrill, Secretary Vincent Chavez, Educational Director Jimmie Williams, Deck Delegate Michael Brisco, Engine Delegate Yves Nsuami. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members are unhappy about paydays being moved from the end of the month to the seventh of the following month. Crew needs better Wi-Fi for a stronger signal. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), February 24 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary James Cameron, Educational Director George Mardones, Deck Delegate David Brady, Engine Delegate Julio Zapata, Steward Delegate Maurice Henry. Crew reviewed subjects under “old business,” including orders for new pillows, new comforters and a new refrigerator in crew mess hall. Chairman reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for oncoming members and to know when documents expire. He encouraged crew to go out and vote for people that are going to support unions. Secretary also advised members to stay on top of documents and to keep ship clean. Educational Pictured aboard the Matson vessel are Recertified Steward Alan Hollinger (right) and SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon. director urged members to advance their careers by upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, which offers upgrading courses for mariners in all three shipboard departments. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed importance of fulfilling contractual obligations. They encouraged fellow members to donate to the Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and to the Maritime Defense League. Crew requests DVD players in rooms with USB drives, along with fitted sheets for bigger beds. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), January 17 – Chairman John O’Shaughnessy, Secretary Memo Elfeky, Educational Director Jan Morawski. Crew reported smooth trip. They discussed upgrading opportunities available at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- 14 Seafarers LOG ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 April 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA home in Summerfield, Florida. FERNANDO ABUAN LESLIE DAVIS Brother Fernando Abuan, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2007 when he sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Abuan last shipped on the John Paul Bobo and lives in Woodland, California. Brother Leslie Davis, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1983 and first shipped on the Boston. He was a steward department member and most recently sailed on the American Liberty. Brother Davis upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He is a New Orleans resident. MOHAMED ALSINAI Brother Mohamed Alsinai, 65, embarked on his career with the union in 1990, first sailing on the Independence. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Alsinai concluded his career aboard the Horizon Kodiak. He makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. MARIO BATIZ Brother Mario Batiz, 60, started sailing with the SIU in 1988 when he shipped aboard the Economy. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Batiz last sailed on the Pennsylvania. He is a Houston resident. HENRYNILO BECODO Brother Henrynilo Becodo, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2002, initially sailing on the Global Link. Working primarily in the deck department, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Becodo most recently shipped on the Maersk Atlanta. He calls Severn, Maryland, home. EVAN BRADLEY Brother Evan Bradley, 68, joined the union in 1975. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Bradley’s first vessel was the Erna Elizabeth; his last, the Alliance Fairfax. He makes his April 2023 CHRISTOPHER FENNELL Brother Christopher Fennell, 65, joined the union in 1976. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Boston. Brother Fennell upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Long Lines and resides in Pilot, Virginia. MICHAEL HINTON Brother Michael Hinton, 66, became an SIU member in 1975 when he sailed on the Venture. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Hinton was last employed by Moran Towing of Texas. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. JOSEPH JONES Brother Joseph Jones, 58, signed on with the union in 1988. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Jones’ first vessel was the Bonny; his last, the Pacific Reliance. He makes his home in Fort Worth, Texas. MOHAMMAD KHAN Brother Mohammad Khan, 66, joined the SIU in 1998. He sailed primarily in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Khan first shipped on the Global Mariner. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Atlanta and makes his home in North Brunswick Township, New Jersey. TOMAS MARTINEZ Brother Tomas Martinez, 67, signed on with the union in 1989, sailing first aboard the Independence. He worked in all three departments and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Martinez last shipped on the Sam Houston and is a Houston resident. CLEOTILDE MARTINEZ MEJIA Brother Cleotilde Martinez Mejia, 67, joined the SIU in 2001. He initially worked aboard the Chemical Pioneer and sailed in the steward department. Brother Martinez Mejia upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the President Truman and lives in the Bronx, New York. STEVEN MCKITTRICK Brother Steven McKittrick, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1978. He first sailed aboard the Maryland and was a member of the deck department. Brother McKittrick upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the Endurance. He settled in Signal Hill, California. GEORGE PINEDA Brother George Pineda, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1991 and was a deck department member. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Pineda worked on the Independence for the duration of his career. He lives in Honolulu. JOSE ROJAS Brother Jose Rojas, 65, joined the union in 1994 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2005. Brother Rojas’ final vessel was the Liberty Grace. He resides in Reading, Pennsylvania. LEVI ROLLINS Brother Levi Rollins, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped on the Cape Nome. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rollins last shipped on the Patriot and settled in Pembroke Pines, Florida. RICHARD SANDERSON Brother Richard Sanderson, 66, became an SIU member in 1974. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the steward department. Brother Sanderson’s first vessel was the Keva Ideal. He most recently sailed on the North Star and is a Seattle resident. MILTON SIVELLS Brother Milton Sivells, 66, joined the SIU in 1989. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Sivells first shipped on the USNS Indomitable. He most recently sailed on the Resolve and makes his home in Suffolk, Virginia. MARSHALL TURNER Brother Marshall Turner, 55, signed on with the union in 1993, sailing first aboard the USNS Denebola. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Turner most recently shipped on the Perla Del Caribe and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. the SIU colors in 1976. An engine department member, he was first employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Compton upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1997. He concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. HOWARD HAWREY Brother Howard Hawrey, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1982 when he shipped on the Manhattan Island. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hawrey most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Island. He lives in Deland, Florida. CHARLES MILLS Brother Charles Mills, 65, became a member of the union in 1995, initially sailing with OSG Ship Management. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mills most recently shipped aboard the Innovation and settled in Baltimore. GIL PRUITT Brother Gil Pruitt, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1979 when he worked with Steuart Transportation. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Pruitt concluded his career with Express Marine. He lives in Onancock, Virginia. CHARLES WILLIAMS GREAT LAKES EDWARD DERRY Brother Edward Derry, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1987. He initially sailed on the Steel T. Crapo and was a steward department member. Brother Derry last shipped on the Alpena. He resides in Watertown, New York. ABDO MASHRAH Brother Abdo Mashrah, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He first shipped aboard the Paul Thayer and worked in the deck department. Brother Mashrah upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed aboard the Presque Isle and makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. INLAND DENNIS COMPTON Brother Dennis Compton, 63, donned Brother Charles Williams, 56, started his career with the SIU in 1990, initially working with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Williams was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in Jasper, Florida. STEPHEN WILLIAMS Brother Stephen Williams, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Williams worked with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He resides in Orange, Texas. Seafarers LOG 15 �Departures Final Departures DEEP SEA ABRAHAM ABAS Pensioner Abraham Abas, 90, passed away February 20. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1969, when he sailed aboard the Transcolumbia. An engine department member, Brother Abas last shipped on the Manhattan. He retired in 1994 and settled in Lacey, Washington. DEEP SEA Wilkes and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Pacific and retired in 2009. Brother Inskeep resided in Reno, Nevada. Final Departures MARION KAMINSKI Wilkes and96, was Pensioner Marion Kaminski, a member of the passed away February 28. He donned deck department. the SIU colors in 1951 when he He last sailed Pensioner21. Abraham Abas,sailing 90, passed February He started with shipped with Blid- aboard the Horiaway February 20. He signed on the union in 1952, berg Rothchild. zon Pacific and with the working Seafarers International initially retired in 2009. Working in the Union in 1969, when he sailed for Alcoa Steamsteward depart- Brother Inskeep aboard the Transcolumbia. An enship Company. ment, he concludedresided in Reno, gine department member, Brother Brother Allen was his career aboard Nevada. shipped on the Manhattan. aAbas decklast departthe Seattle in 1982. He retired in 1994 and settled in ment member. He became aKAMINSKI penMARION Lacey, Washington. He concluded his sioner the followPensioner Marion 96, career aboard the ing year and settledKaminski, in Baltimore. passed away February 28. He donned Stonewall JackJAMES ALLEN the SIU colors son before going Pensioner Allen, 91, died SHAN MOON in 1951 when he on pensionJames in 1994. Brother Allen February 21.DEEP He sailing with Pensioner shipped with Blidwas a resident ofstarted Baton Shan Moon, 92,and diedwas JanuSEARouge, Wilkes the union in 1952, berg Rothchild. aary Louisiana. 25. He of became member the initially working Working in the a member of the deck department. ABRAHAM ABAS for Alcoa Steamsteward depart- He union 1989 and lastinsailed EPIFANIO HIPOLITO ship Company. Pensioner Abraham Abas, 90, passed ment, he concludedaboard workedthe in the enHoriBrother Allen was Pensioner Epifanio Hipolito, away February 20. He signed94, on his career aboard zon ginePacific department. and a deck passed away December 11. He with thedepartSeafarers International the Seattle in 1982. retired BrotherinMoon 2009. ment member. joined the SIU in 1978hewhen Union in 1969, when sailedhe He became a pen- Brother worked aboard Inskeepthe He concluded his sailed on Overseas Washington. aboard thethe Transcolumbia. An ensioner the follow- resided Independence for in Reno, career aboard themember, Brother Hipolito was a member of gine department Brother ing year and settledNevada. in Baltimore. the duration of his Stonewall Jack- on and the deck last shipped Abas lastdepartment shipped the Manhattan. career. He began sonthe before going on Enterprise 1993. He in beHe retired in 1994inand settled collecting his SHAN MOON MARION KAMINSKI on pension in 1994. Brother Allen came a Washington. pensioner the following year Lacey, pension in 2001 and lived in Sandy, was made a resident of Baton Rouge, Shan Moon, 92, died and his home in Daly City, Pensioner Marion Kaminski, 96, JanuUtah. Louisiana. ary 28. 25. He Hedonned became California. passed away February JAMES ALLEN a member of the the SIU colors MAHER OMAR Pensioner James Allen, 91, died in 1951 when he union in 1989 and EPIFANIO HIPOLITO LONNIE GAMBLE February 21. He started sailing with shipped worked the enPensioner Maher 76,inpassed with Blid-Omar, Epifanio Hipolito, Pensioner Lonnie 78,94, died the union in 1952,Gamble, gine awayRothchild. November 21. Hedepartment. joined the berg passed away December 11. He February 8. Signinitially working Brother Moon SeafarersinInternational Union in Working the joined the SteamSIU in 1978 when ing on withhe the for Alcoa worked aboard the 2001. Brother first shipped on steward depart-Omar sailedCompany. on the Overseas unionWashington. in 1967, ship the Cape Alexan- Independence for ment, he concluded was a member he first sailed of Brother Hipolito Allen was dercareer and sailed in the duration of his his aboard deckdepartdepartment andBloomlast shipped the with athe deck bothSeattle the deck and career. He began in 1982. on themember. Enterprise in 1993. He befield Steamship. ment engine departHe became a pen- collecting his came a pensioner following year Brother Gamble He concluded his the pensionthe infollow2001 ments. His final and lived in Sandy, sioner and made his home in Daly City, dea steward career aboard the was Utah. vessel ing yearwas andthe settled in Baltimore. California.Jack- partment member Stonewall Mercury. Brother son before going and last shipped Omar became a MAHER OMAR SHAN MOON onBrother the Delta Maron pension GAMBLE in 1994. Allen pensioner in 2014 LONNIE Maher Omar,92, 76,died passed iner.aHe became pensioner in 2006 Pensioner was resident ofaBaton Rouge, Moon, Januand made Shan his Pensioner Gamble, 78, died away November 21. the and settledLonnie in Mobile, Alabama. Louisiana. aryHe 25.joined He became home in Jersey February 8. SignSeafarers Unionofinthe City, NewInternational Jersey. a member ing on with the 2001. Brother Omar first on union inshipped 1989 and JAMES INSKEEP EPIFANIO HIPOLITO union in 1967, the Cape Alexan- worked in the enheHipolito, first sailed RICARDO James Inskeep, 77,94, died Pensioner Epifanio der and sailedQUINONES in gine department. with Octoberaway 5. HeDecember began hisBloomcareer passed 11. He both the deck and Brother Pensioner Ricardo Quinones, 73, Moon field Steamship. with thetheSeafarers in 1991. Brother joined SIU in 1978 when he engine depart-21. Sailing died January aboard workedfirst aboard the Brother Inskeep onWashington. theGamble USNS sailed onfirst the shipped Overseas ments. His final Independence for wasa amember stewardof deBrother Hipolito was vessel was the the duration of his partment the deck department and lastmember shipped Mercury. Brother career. He began and last shipped on the Enterprise in 1993. He beOmar became a collecting his Final Departures Correction on the Delta Marcame a pensioner the following year pensioner 2014 pension in in 2001 and lived in Sandy, iner.made He became a pensioner in 2006 Utah. and his home in Daly City, and made his The February included thehome obituary of the late SIU penand settled in Mobile,LOG Alabama. California. in Jersey sioner Herbert Scypes – but it ranCity, withNew a photo of his son by the Jersey. JAMES ALLEN ABRAHAM ABAS Pensioner James Allen, 91, died MAHER OMAR same name, who also sailed with the SIU. The write-up with the JAMES INSKEEP LONNIE GAMBLE Pensioner Maher Omar, 76, passed correct James photoInskeep, follows. We apologize for the error and sincerely RICARDO QUINONES Pensioner Lonnie Gamble,77, 78,died died away November 21. Heabout joinedit. the appreciate younger Scypes being a very good sport October 5. He the began his career February 8. Sign- PensionerInternational Ricardo Quinones, Seafarers Union 73, in with the Seafarers ing in 1991. Brother on with the SCYPES died January Sailing aboard 2001. Brother21. Omar firstfirst shipped on HERBERT Inskeep first shipped on the USNS union in 1967, the Cape AlexanPensioner Herbert Scypes, 91, died December 18. he first sailed der and sailed in donned the SIU colors in 1956 and sailed in the withHe Bloomboth the deck and department. Brother Scypes first worked fieldsteward Steamship. engine departFinal Departures Correction with Waterman Steamship Corporation. He last Brother Gamble ments. His final on the Harriette before going on wassailed a steward de-Overseas vessel was the pension in 1996.the Brother Scypes Mobile, The February LOG included obituary of resided the lateinSIU penpartment member Mercury. Brother Alabama. sioner Herbertand Scypes – but it ranOmar with became a photoaof his son by the last shipped on the Marsame name, who alsoDelta sailed with the SIU. The write-up with the pensioner in 2014 iner. He became pensionerWe in 2006 correct photoa follows. apologize for the and made hiserror and sincerely andappreciate settled in Mobile, Alabama. the younger Scypes being a very good sport about it. home in Jersey City, New Jersey. 16 Seafarers LOG JAMES INSKEEP HERBERT SCYPES Pensioner HerbertRICARDO Scypes, 91, died December 18. QUINONES Pensioner James Inskeep, 77, died Hecareer donned the SIU colors in 1956 and sailed in the October 5. He began his Pensioner Quinones, steward department. BrotherRicardo Scypes first worked73, with the Seafarers in 1991. Brother died January 21. Sailing with Steamship Corporation. Hefirst last aboard Inskeep first shipped on theWaterman USNS sailed on the Overseas Harriette before going on 79203_SEAFARERS_LOG_APRIL_2023.indd 16 pension in 1996. Brother Scypes resided in Mobile, Alabama. Final Departures Correction 16 The February LOG included the obituary of the late SIU pensioner Herbert Scypes Seafarers LOG – but it ran with a photo of his son by the same name, who also sailed with the SIU. The write-up with the correct photo follows. We apologize for the error and sincerely appreciate the younger Scypes being a very good sport about it. the Warrior, he donned the SIU colors in 1971. Brother Quinones worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the Horizon Navigator in 2009 before going on pension the following year. Brother Quinones resided in Puerto Rico. the Warrior, he donned the SIU STUART SCHROEDER colors in 1971. Brother Quinones Pensioner Stuart Schroeder, 73, worked in theFebruary 7. He signed passed away deck department. on with the Seafarers in 1980. A He last shipped steward department member, he first on the Horizon shipped on the Oceanic IndepenNavigator in 2009 dence. Brother Schroeder last sailed before going on on the Independence in 1990. He bepension the fol- in 2014 and settled came a pensioner lowing year. Brother Quinones rein Honolulu. sided in Puerto Rico. LEONARD STEINHARDT STUARTLeonard SCHROEDER Pensioner Steinhardt, 79, Pensioner Stuart Schroeder, 73,on his died January 23. He embarked passed awaythe February 7. He signed career with SIU in 1964, initially the Warrior, he on with the SIU Seafarers in 1980. A an sailing aboard donned stewardindepartment member, he first Isco Inc. vessel. colors 1971. shipped Quinones on the Oceanic IndepenBrother SteinBrother dence. Brother last sailed hardt worked worked in the Schroeder on thedepartment. Independence He bein in the1990. engine deck came 2014 and settled and He lasta pensioner shipped indepartment in Honolulu. also worked on on the Horizon Navigator in 2009 shore gangs. He concluded his before going on LEONARD STEINHARDT pension the fol- career working Pensioner Leonard Steinhardt, 79, with World Crane lowing year. Brother Quinones redied January 23.Rico. He in embarked on his Services and retired 2000. Brother sided in Puerto career withmade the SIU 1964, Steinhardt his in home in initially Omaha, sailing aboard an Nebraska. STUART SCHROEDER Isco Inc. vessel. Brother SteinPensioner Stuart Schroeder, 73, CLYDE THOMPSON hardt7.worked passed away February He signed in the engine Pensioner Thompson, 70, on with theClyde Seafarers in 1980. A department and passed away February 22. He he joined steward department member, first also worked on the uniononinthe Oceanic shipped Indepenshore gangs. He 2001 and first Schroeder dence. Brother last sailed shipped aboard concluded on the Independence in 1990. his He bethe Navigator. came a pensioner incareer 2014working and settled Brother Thomp- with World Crane in Honolulu. Services and retired in 2000. Brother son worked Steinhardt made his home in Omaha, in the steward LEONARD STEINHARDT Nebraska. He department. Pensioner Leonard last sailed aboard Steinhardt, 79, died January 23. He embarked on his the Freeport CLYDE THOMPSON career the SIU in 1964, initially before with becoming Pensioner 70, an sailing aboard a pensionerClyde in Thompson, passedBrother away February He joined Isco22. Inc. vessel. 2014. Thompson was a New the union in Brother SteinOrleans resident. 2001 and first hardt worked shipped aboard in the engine JERRY VAN ETTEN the Navigator. department and Brother ThompPensioner Jerry Vanalso Etten, 66, died worked on son worked December shore gangs.13. He in the steward A deck departconcluded his department. He career ment member, working last sailed aboard with he signed Worldon Crane the Freeport the SIU in Services and retiredwith in 2000. Brother before becoming Steinhardt made his1974. homeBrother in Omaha, a pensioner in Van Etten first Nebraska. 2014. Brother Thompson was New worked onathe Orleans resident. Chas C. West. CLYDE THOMPSON He last shipped Pensioner Clyde Thompson, aboard the70, DeJERRY VAN ETTEN passed away February 22. He veloper in joined 2002. Pensioner Jerry Van Etten, died the unionVan in Brother Etten went on 66, pension December 2001 andand first in 2021 made his home in 13. Las A deck departshipped Vegas. aboard ment member, the Navigator. Brother Thomp- he signed on LEROY WOODSwith the SIU in son worked 1974.77, Brother Pensioner Leroy Woods, passed in the steward Van Etten afirst away JanuaryHe17. He became department. worked on the member the Seafarers Internalast sailedofaboard Chas C. West. tional Union in 2001. Brother Woods the Freeport before becoming He last shipped aboard the Dea pensioner in veloper in a2002. 2014. Brother Thompson was New Brother Van Etten went on pension Orleans resident. in 2021 and made his home in Las Vegas. JERRY VAN ETTEN Pensioner Jerry Van Etten, 66, died LEROY WOODSDecember 13. Pensioner Leroy Woods, 77,departpassed A deck away January 17. He became a ment member, member of the Seafarers Internahe signed on tional Union in 2001. Brother Woods with the SIU in 1974. Brother Van Etten first worked on the Chas C. West. He last shipped aboard the De- first sailed with Marine Personnel and Provisioning. He was a deck department member and last shipped on the Alliance Norfolk. Brother Woods went on pension in 2015 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. Union. Brother Severs was a deck department member and sailed with OLS Transport for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2020 and lived in Hawesville, Kentucky. first sailedGREAT with LAKES Marine Personnel and Provisioning. DANIEL NATTO He was a deck dePensioner Daniel partment memberNatto, 74, died January 13. He joined and last shipped on the Seafarers in 1988 and first worked with the Alliance NorDunbar and Sullivan. folk. Brother Woods Brother Natto sailedon in pension the deck department. He went became a pensioner in 2015 and lived in 2011 after concluding his in Jacksonville,career with Great Lakes Towing. Brother Natto made Florida. his home in Cleveland. GREAT LAKES Union. Brother NMU Severs was a deck department memOLMEDO ber and sailedALVAREZ with OLS Olmedo Trans- Alvarez, 92, Pensioner port foraway his entire passed November 30. Brother career. He became Alvarez first sailed aboard the Amoco a pensioner in Illinois and worked in the engine 2020 and lived department. He in concluded his career Hawesville, Ken- Keystone. Brother aboard the Chelsea tucky. retired in 1995 and made his Alvarez home in Coral Springs, Florida. PAUL SHA DANIELPaul NATTO Pensioner Sha, 90, passed away Pensioner Daniel Natto, 74, colors died March 6. He donned the SIU first sailed January 13.with He joined in 1966, initially sailingthe withSeafarGreat Marine Personnel ers in 1988 and first Lakes Associates. He worked shipped with in the and Provisioning. Dunbar and Sullivan. Brother deck department and last sailed Natto aboard He was athe deck de-department. He sailed deck the St. in Clair. He retired in 1997 and partment member becameina Carson pensioner inNevada. 2011 after resided City, and last shipped on with Great concluding his career the Alliance NorLakes Towing. Brother Natto made folk. Brother Woods his home in Cleveland. INLAND went on pension in 2015 and lived PAUL SHA RUBY HOWARD in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner Paul 90, passed away RubySha, Howard, 79, passed MarchFebruary 6. He donned the SIU colors away 5. She began sailing GREAT LAKES in 1966, sailing withAGreat with the initially Seafarers in 1994. steward Lakes Associates. He Sister shipped in the department member, Howard DANIEL NATTO deckemployed department andOrgulf last sailed aboard was with Transport the St. Clair. He of retired in74, 1997 and Pensioner Daniel Natto, died for the duration her career. She resided Carson City, Nevada. January He joined theand Seafarwent onin13. pension in 2014 called ers in 1988Kentucky, and first worked Ledbetter, home. with Dunbar and Sullivan. Brother Natto INLAND sailed in thePRIMEAUX deck department. He LAODIS became a pensioner in 2011 after Pensioner Laodis concluding his career with Great RUBY HOWARD Primeaux, Lakes Towing. Brother Natto 93, made Pensioner Ruby Howard, 79, passed died February 7. his home in Cleveland. away February 5. She sailing He began embarked on with the Seafarers in A with steward his1994. career PAUL SHA department member, theSister unionHoward in 1967 was employed Orgulf Transport Pensioner Paul with Sha,and 90, passed away shipped in the for the 6. duration of her She March He donned thecareer. SIU colors deck department. went on initially pension sailing inBrother 2014with and called in 1966, Great PrimeLedbetter, Kentucky, home. Lakes Associates. He in with the auxshipped worked deck department and last sailed aboard Dixie Carriers for the Clair. He retired in 1997 and his St. entire career. He retired in 1994 LAODIS PRIMEAUX resided in Carson City, Nevada. and resided in Kaplan, Louisiana. Pensioner Laodis Primeaux, 93, WESLEY ROSSdied February 7. INLAND He embarked on Pensioner Wesley Ross, 64, passed his career with away January RUBY HOWARD the union in 1967 13. He joined and shipped in the the SIU in Ruby 1988,Howard, Pensioner 79, passed deck department. initially sailing 5. She away February began sailing Brother PrimeMariner Tow-in with the Seafarers 1994. A steward worked with ing. Brothermember, Ross aux department Sister Howard Carriers for worked in the withDixie was employed Orgulf Transport his the entire career.ofHe 1994 deck department for duration herretired career.inShe resided in Kaplan, and concluded hisin 2014Louisiana. went on pension and called career withKentucky, Penn Ledbetter, home. Maritime in 1999. WESLEY ROSS He began collectLAODIS PRIMEAUX Pensioner Wesley Ross,and 64, made passedhis ing his pension in 2020 away January Pensioner Laodis home in Bayboro, North Carolina. 13. He joined Primeaux, 93, the SIU in 1988, died February 7. DALE SEVERSHe embarked on initially sailing with Mariner TowPensioner Dale Severs, 64, died his career withJaning. Brother Rosshethe uary 2. In 1993, became unionainmem1967 worked in Seafarers the ber of the International and shipped in the deck department deck department. and concluded his Brother Primecareer with Penn aux worked with Maritime in 1999. Dixie Carriers for He collect-He retired in 1994 his began entire career. ing pension in 2020 Louisiana. and made his and his resided in Kaplan, home in Bayboro, North Carolina. WESLEY ROSS DALE SEVERS Pensioner Wesley Ross, 64, passed Pensioner Dale Severs, 64, died Janaway January uaryHe 2. joined In 1993, he became a mem13. ber SIU of the International the in Seafarers 1988, initially sailing with Mariner Towing. Brother Ross worked in the deck department and concluded his career with Penn JOSE BRITONMU Pensioner Jose Brito, 90, died OcOLMEDO ALVAREZ tober 30. A stewPensioner Olmedo ard Alvarez, 92, Union. Brother department passed 30. Brother Severs away was aNovember deckmember, he first Alvarez firstmemsailedshipped aboard the department on Amoco the Illinois workedTexaco in the engine ber andand sailed Maryland. department. He concluded career with OLS TransBrother his Brito’s aboard Keystone. port forthe hisChelsea entire final vesselBrother was Alvarez retired in 1995 and made his career. He became the Valley Forge. home in Coral Florida.a a pensioner in Springs, He became 2020 and lived in pensioner in 1997 Hawesville, Ken- and lived in PawJOSE BRITO tucky. Rhode Island. tucket, Pensioner Jose Brito, 90, died October 30. A stewJACK COLSONard department NMU member,95, he first Pensioner Jack Colson, shipped on the passed away OLMEDO ALVAREZ Texaco Maryland. December 26. Brother Colson Pensioner Olmedo Brother Alvarez,Brito’s 92, was was born in November Los final vessel passed away 30. Brother Valley Angeles.first Hesailedthe Alvarez aboard theForge. Amoco a workedand in worked the He Illinois in became the engine pensioner 1997 deck department department. He concluded hisincareer lived inBrother Pawand initially aboard the Chelseaand Keystone. tucket, Rhode sailed aboard Alvarez retiredIsland. in 1995 and made his the Flying Scud. home in Coral Springs, Florida. Brother Colson JACK COLSON concluded his JOSE BRITO Pensioner Jackthe Colson, 95, career aboard Key Tanker passed going away Pensioner Joseon Brito, 90, died Ocbefore pension in 1968. December 30.Hills, A stewHe resided 26. in Killtober Devil BrotherCarolina. Colson ard department North was born in Los member, he first Angeles. He shipped on the SIDNEY worked inDAVIS the Texaco Maryland. deck department Pensioner Sidney Davis, died Brother82, Brito’s and initially December 26. Brother finalDavis vesselsailed was sailed in both aboard the deck and theengine ValleydepartForge. the Flying Scud. He his ments. He concluded careera became Brotherthe Colson aboard Cape Knox and went on pensioner in 1997 concluded his Brother pension in 2002. Davis was and lived in PawaboardIsland. the Key Tanker acareer New Orleans resident. tucket, Rhode before going on pension in 1968. He resided in Kill Devil Hills, JACK COLSON PEDRO DEL CASAL North Carolina. Pensioner 95, 99, Pensioner Jack PedroColson, Del Casal, passed away passed away SIDNEY DAVIS December 26. January 28. PensionerColson Sidney Davis, 82,Ecuadied Brother Born in December 26.Los Brother sailed was born in dor,Davis he first in both theHe deck and engine on departAngeles. shipped the ments. He his career worked inconcluded the Great Fall Vicaboarddepartment the Cape Knox went on deck tory.and Brother pension in 2002. Brother Davis was and initially Del Casal sailed a New Orleans sailed aboard resident. in the deck dethe Flying Scud. partment. His Brother Colson final vessel was PEDRO DEL concluded his CASAL the Blue Ridge and he retired in career aboard the Key Tanker Pensioner Pedro Casal, 99, 1985. Brother DelDel Casal called before going on pension in 1968. passed Peotone, Illinois, home. away He resided in KillJanuary Devil Hills, 28. North Carolina. Born in Ecuador, he first SIDNEY DAVISshipped on the Great Fall VicPensioner Sidney Davis, 82, died tory. Brother December 26. Brother Davis Del Casal sailed sailed in both the deck and departin engine the deck dements. He concluded his career partment. His aboard the Cape Knox wentwas on finaland vessel 3/20/23 pension 2002. and Brother Davis was the BlueinRidge he retired in a1985. New Brother Orleans resident. Del Casal called Peotone, Illinois, home. April 2023 PEDRO DEL CASAL April 2023 Pensioner Pedro Del Casal, 99, passed away January 28. Born in Ecuador, he first 9:00 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck April 10 June 5 July 17 August 28 October 23 April 28 June 23 August 4 September 15 November 10 April 10 May 8 June 5 July 3 July 31 April 21 May 19 June 16 July 14 August 11 May 15 June 26 August 14 Fast Rescue Boat Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 31 October 23 August 11 November 3 Machinist September 25 October 20 Pumpman September 18 September 22 Welding May 8 June 5 May 26 June 23 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook May 1 June 5 July 10 June 2 July 7 August 11 ServSafe Management June 2 July 14 September 1 April 24 May 29 July 3 August 7 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 Advanced Galley Operations July 17 August 28 July 21 September 1 May 22 July 31 October 16 June 16 August 25 November 10 Chief Steward Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 April 17 June 26 September 11 November 13 May 12 July 21 October 6 December 8 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 Lifeboat/Water Survival RFPNW Engine Department Upgrading Courses Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Medical Care Provider June 12 June 16 Basic Training April 17 April 21 Basic Training Revalidation April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19 Government Vessels April 10 April 24 May 8 April 14 April 28 May 12 RFPEW May 15 August 14 June 9 September 8 FOWT June 12 October 2 July 7 October 27 Junior Engineer Program June 5 August 21 July 28 October 13 Marine Electrician April 24 September 18 May 26 October 20 Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18 Marine Refer Tech August 7 September 15 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 22 May 26 Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 15 May 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. April 2023 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4/23 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #891 – Graduated January 27 (above, in alphabetical order): John Stephano Moris Adarayan, Taher Albaneh, Jacob Burns, Trinity Carter, Jacob Devers, Tevon Edwards, Jesus Fernandez, Chase Greenawalt, Antonio Johnson, Jayline Johnson, Sierjohn Caba Jove, Owen Lehman, Jabar Mohamad, Darriona Noisette, Valerie O’Reilly, Robert O’Neal, Andrew Pecheux, Josh Neilsen Templonuevo Rivera, Nakari Smith-Barnard, Jermal Torney and Eric Willey. Junior Engineer – Graduated January 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Reco Bennefield, Shawn James Diaz Benosa, Kevin Brown, Jarvis Carter, Zachary Ali Cartwright, Ricardo Antonio Escorcia, Dennison Forsman, Joshua Glancy, Malcolm Haynes Jr., Eric Jackson, Anson Johny, Daryl Thomas Jr., and Paul Valiente. 18 Seafarers LOG April 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to Able Seaman-Deck – A pair of apprentices recently completed their requirements in this course. Graduating January 27 (above, from left) were Cordera Deandre Looney and Brandon Coleman. Important Notice to All Students Basic Training (First Aid, CPR & AED) – Graduated January 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Rasheed Groden, Donald Harwerth, Reyna Lee Mendez, Jorge Morales, Perrin Proctor, William Rackley, Jocelyn Ramos, Zachary Rosenthal and Joseph Alvarez Samonte. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Government Vessels – Graduated January 20 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Nassr Hassan Ahmed, Angel Manuel Berrios Jr., Marsheta Brooks, Gionet Dennis, Steven Ellis Jr., Timothy Fogg, Tammy Gammage, Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, Donna Hickman, Sheena Borinaga Jumamil, Michael Knight, Sedell Mitchell-Reynolds, Jesus Alberto Morales Izquierdo, Joseph Alvarez Samonte, Dequan Vanandez Smith Jr., Jayson Velez-Cruz and Kenneth Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook (Module 5A) – Graduated January 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Xavier Burgos, Richard Dolan, Tkeyah Elliot and Xander Balian Farris. (Note: Not all are pictured.) April 2023 Certified Chief Cook (Module 5B) – Graduated January 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Khiry Jamal Bivins, Raymond Gregory Forse, Kenneth Paul Von Kaenel, Ali Mohamed Mossed Yahia and Cody Younghans. Seafarers LOG 19 �APRIL 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 18-19 The Ronald H. Brown, above, is NOAA’s largest vessel, at 274 feet long. (Photo courtesy NOAA). Deck gang members aboard the vessel, photo at right, from left are: Michael Lastinger, Gregory Jackson, Michael Burke, Harrison Bruce, Jared Van Borgen, John Hampton and Jeff Greely. Members Team Up Aboard NOAA Ship W hen Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson earlier this year took a temporary job aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) vessel, he didn’t know what to expect. It turned out that working side-by-side with members of the SIU Government Services Division aboard the Ronald H. Brown agreed with him. “It was a pleasant experience,” Jackson stated. “It reinforced that we are all just merchant seamen and never too old to learn new things.” The Brown is NOAA’s largest vessel. Its mis- sions include collecting and assessing scientific data above and below the ocean surface, “allowing us to simultaneously measure the atmosphere and the ocean and increase our understanding of global climatic changes and other issues,” the agency noted. Some of the crew members are represented by the SIU. “The food was great,” Jackson added. “Just working alongside the NOAA crew was enjoyable. No matter where we come from or who we work for, we’re all seamen and all here for a reason.” AB John Hampton – like Jackson a member of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters – was part of the same voyage and came away with a similar outlook. “The NOAA crew were some of the most generous, fun-loving people I’ve ever sailed with,” he said. “We took the ship from Rhode Island to Brazil and it was a really good experience. We had guys from all walks of life when it comes to sailing. We all shared our experiences and our knowledge with one another. I enjoyed my time and learned a lot.” Executive Officer Aaron Maggied, Commanding Officer Marc Moser Anna McAuliffe, NOAA Scientist Chief Engineer Alan Currie, Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson 20 Seafarers LOG OMU Mark Watson Chief Cook Deandre Speight, Chief Steward Emir Porter, Second Cook Ashley Pape April 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource APRIL 2023 Description An account of the resource MENDONCA DELIVERY HIGHLIGHTS U.S.-FLAG SEALIFT CAPABILITIES PRO ACT INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS AGAIN ITF REINFORCES SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIAN MARINERS SIUNA ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS ATB LEGACY CREW RESCUES 8 MIGRANTS IN GULF OF MEXICO LABOR MOVEMENT MOURNS PASSING OF TOM DONAHUE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN NOMINATES JULIE SU TO BECOME NEXT U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR RETIRED GOVERNMENT SERVICES OFFICIAL 'CHET' WHEELER DIES AT 77 MARITIME COMMUNITY REACTS TO SACCO RETIREMENT Q&A WITH SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS MICHAEL SACCO LILAC PRESERVATION PROJECT EXECS SOLICIT MEMORABILIA FOR HISTORICAL EXHIBITION MEMBERS TEAM UP ABOARD NOAA SHIP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 85, NO. 4 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a3a0f2a4e824736655c8ed9f6139d884.pdf 2a659877de63b8e9736760154bc0e713 PDF Text Text FEBRUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers Step Up During Emergency Five SIU members employed by NY Waterway played vital roles in safely evacuating hundreds of passengers from a Staten Island Ferry that caught fire in late December. In background photo, passengers board the NY Waterway ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Page 2. (Photo courtesy Baris Barlas, Big City Tourism) SIU Helps Brighten Holidays For U.S. Military Families ‘Santa’s Castle’ Outreach a Rewarding Success The union’s annual participation in a winter holiday project benefiting service members and their families in the Pacific Northwest once again proved fruitful late last year. AB Samed Kassem (center in photo below) is one of many Seafarers who donated to Santa’s Castle, a charitable project that primarily supports military families E-4 and below. Kassem, who donated three bicycles in December, is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (left) and SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp. Page 24. Members Applaud Updated Contract at G&H Towing The SIU recently finalized a contract extension with G&H Towing, a major employer of Seafarers in the inland division. The agreement features significant pay increases and has been widely commended by rank-and-file members. Pictured from left aboard the tug Haden II are Chief Engineer Leo Borror, Capt. Juan Gonzalez, Oiler Taj Scott, Mate Ignacio Barcenas and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. Page 3. Remembering John Gallagher Page 4 Tax Tips for 2023 Pages 11-14 �President’s Report Union Membership Grows This year’s government report on union membership showed an increase of 273,000 members across the nation in 2022 a relatively modest gain that nevertheless carries significance. It’s also worth noting that some of last year’s landmark organizing efforts aren’t showing up in the Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers yet because workers are still fighting for a first contract. Even when there’s a pro-worker administration in Washington, it’s usually difficult to win a traditional organizing campaign. That’s true even when there’s overwhelming support for unionization within a potential bargaining unit. I won’t repeat the details as to why that’s the case, but the short version is that our nation’s various labor laws are either badly outdated or rarely enforced, or both. Corporations spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year to stop workers from joining unions, often illegally. That’s why the AFL-CIO and its affiliates, including the SIU, continue pushing for enactment of the Protecting Michael Sacco the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which will hold union-busting companies and organizations accountable and give workers the negotiating power they deserve. Those bills will help ensure that anyone who wants to join a union on the job can do so. Meanwhile, a report released by the National Labor Relations Board late last year found that in fiscal year 2022, union election petitions increased by 53% from the previous year. And, as you may know, according to a recent Gallup poll, union approval is at its highest level in nearly 60 years, with 71% of Americans supporting labor unions. Studies show that 70% of hourly workers say they would join a union if given the opportunity. These are positive trends, and our movement must and will capitalize on them. The SIU will continue working with Congress and the administration and the rest of the labor movement to make it happen. Manpower and Recruiting As I’ve mentioned more than once recently, both the union and our affiliated school are heavily engaged in efforts to improve and expand our recruiting strategies. The U.S. maritime industry, like so many others, is dealing with a shortage of workers. Recent data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shows there are more than 10 million job openings across the country, but only around six million unemployed workers. This means that if everyone who wanted to work did in fact find a job, there would still be four million openings. Additional data shows that there are three million fewer Americans participating in today’s labor force compared to three years ago (before the pandemic). While there isn’t a once-size-fits-all answer, we are ramping up and refining our approaches for in-person and online recruiting. And I’m confident we’ll meet the challenge, sooner rather than later. Saluting Great Work We are in the midst of a noteworthy stretch for our union – one that includes multiple rescues, generous philanthropy, contract gains, and major improvements at one of our hiring halls. These developments don’t happen without terrific work by our rank-and-file members, dedicated leadership from our officials, and strong working relationships with our contracted operators. Collectively, they’re good examples of why I’m so proud of the SIU. Lastly for this month, I’d be remiss in not praising the respective work of two longtime colleagues: Jim Given, who recently retired as president of the SIU of Canada, and Jack Gallagher, head of the SARC, who passed away following a brief illness. Jim worked as hard and as passionately as anyone I’ve ever met. He earned immense respect not only in Canada but on the global maritime stage, where he regularly went to bat for the world’s mariners. He did a great job and will be missed. I wish him well in his retirement, and I also offer our unwavering support for, and confidence in, the new administration. The same is true of Jack and his work, as reflected by the tremendous outpouring of appreciation that followed his death. He made such a positive difference in so many lives, and he’ll always be part of our legacy. May he rest in peace. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 2 February 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The former Overseas Texas City has a new name (Seakay Sky) but still carries an SIU crew. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard) Union Members Retain Jobs On Three Contracted Tankers SIU members are sailing aboard three vessels formerly operated by OSG and now operated by Keystone under bareboat charters. Those vessels, which are owned by American Shipping Company, are the Overseas Los Angeles, the Overseas Texas City, and the Overseas New York. They’re covered by the SIU standard tanker agreement and they also have new names, as follows: The Los Angeles is now the Seakay Star; the Texas City is the Seakay Sky; and the New York is the Seakay Valor. SIU Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins led the union’s effort during the transition from OSG to Keystone, which wrapped up in December. He met with crew members several times in Tampa and stated the following: “It defi- nitely was a challenging transition but we got it done, and any time we maintain jobs for the membership, it’s good news. We actually picked up some GUDE jobs, so it’s a win-win.” SIU members may be aware that not only are those vessels union-crewed, they’re also unionbuilt. The tankers were constructed at Philly Shipyard, which is a union shop. NY Waterway Crew Rescues Hundreds From Burning Staten Island Ferry Vessel Thoroughly trained SIU members working aboard NY Waterway-operated ferries yet again answered the call, and helped rescue hundreds of passengers aboard a Staten Island Ferry (SIF) vessel which had caught fire during a recent holiday rush hour. On Dec. 22, the SIF ferry Sandy Ground experienced a fire in the mechanical room which left the vessel inoperable and at anchor off the St. George Terminal dock in New York Harbor. The NYPD and FDNY responded to the incident by requesting aide from other ferries in the harbor, and the SIU crew of NY Waterway’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt rushed to help the passengers in peril. Making multiple trips to ensure safety, the smaller ferry helped rescue 558 passengers throughout the course of about 90 minutes. In total, 868 passengers were evacuated off the Sandy Ground, with five reported injuries among the passengers. The crew of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt included Capt. Tom Beckedorff and Deckhands Elio Pineda, William Capko, Jonathan Lowman and Amer Abouzeid. Beckedorff said, “I was just responding to a NYPD harbor unit’s call for assistance. Credit for the transfer of passengers belongs with my crew members, the crews of the two tugs that enabled us to safely bow up to the SIF Sandy Ground – Capt. Chris Mitchel of the tug Mr. Jim was outstanding – and of course the captain and crew of the Sandy Ground, who not only were able to contain and extinguish the fire but also maintained an atmosphere of calmness amongst their passengers. It was a highly unusual situation for all involved, and it went very smoothly considering all the circumstances.” NY Waterway said on Twitter, “This evening, NY Waterway assisted with the evacuation of a Staten Island Ferry that experienced an engine room fire. NY Waterway’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt ferry evacuated 558 passengers, who are now being brought to St. George on Staten Island…. We’re grateful to the captain and crew of the FDR, and for all our partners in the harbor, who worked together to ensure all passengers on the disabled Staten Island Ferry got home safe tonight.” Meera Joshi, NYC Deputy Mayor for Operations, also expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the rescuers, saying, “Adding my gratitude to the crew and passengers, as well as NY Waterway for ensuring everyone is getting home safely to their families after this experience. We will learn what exactly transpired to ensure the continued safety of all SI Ferry riders.” The SIU crew of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt consists of Capt. Tom Beckedorff and Deckhands Elio Pineda, William Capko, Jonathan Lowman and Amer Abouzeid. (Photo courtesy NY Waterway) February 2023 �SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from right in photo at left, second from left in photo above) meets with G&H boatmen to discuss the contract extension. SIU, G&H Towing Agree to Significant Pay Increases Capt. Phil May said the pay increases are “going over exactly as you’d imagine. We went from some of the guys struggling to maybe being the highest-paid in the nation. This is a credit to the union and the company. All parties knuckled down and said, ‘We’re going to be the premier company in the industry.’” May, who has sailed with G&H for almost 16 years, added, “The union is changing lives, and I’m living proof of it.” With millions more job openings than job seekers nationwide, many employers are taking extra steps to recruit and retain workers. SIU-contracted G&H Towing is one such outfit. Near the end of last year, the union and the company finalized mid-contract pay increases that are unprecedented in size. “This came after months of good-faith negotiations,” stated SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. “Concern for the mariner was the top priority. Now, G&H is the industry leader in wages, benefits and work- ing conditions for the most modern, powerful state-of-the-art tugs in the country.” He added that the company is hiring. More information is available through the SIU’s Houston hall. The current contract between the SIU and G&H originally was set to expire in 2024, but (following ratification by rank-and-file members) has been extended through September 2026. It covers more than 300 SIU boatmen. Capt. Mark Kazin served as a delegate during the recent negotiations. He said the Capt. Mike Zepeda, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Chief Engineer Roy Wick SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (second from right) pauses for a photo with rank-and-file members during recent talks about the wage increases negotiated by the union. pay increases are “great. This is unprecedented and it seems like G&H is really trying to step up their game. Money helps take care of your family. This definitely convinces me to stay here.” Fellow delegate Chief Engineer Chris Wootton stated, “I would say that G&H Towing is leading the industry on making sure their mariners have better lives aboard and at home. These wage increases are life-changing for us and our families. Everyone I’ve talked to in the fleet is very happy and grateful.” Norfolk Hall Renovations Significantly Progressing The renovations taking place at the SIU hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, are moving along, with the months-long project recently entering a new phase. “The renovations have been extensive, and the members can expect a much-improved facility when we reopen,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift. “From below the floors to above the These photos from early January show some of the recent progress on the hall in Norfolk, Virginia. February 2023 ceilings, windows to walls, the crews have been hard at work modernizing and improving the building.” These modernizations undoubtedly will be welcomed, as the building first opened for business as a hall on Nov. 4, 1963. At the time, the Seafarers LOG reported, “Included in the fully air-conditioned structure is an expanded hiring hall … with ample space to handle all membership and business functions of the union.” Since then, the building has been spruced up from time to time, though nowhere near as extensively as now. The improvements include upgraded, more energy-efficient windows, as well as fully renovated restrooms, plumbing, concrete, and electrical wiring. When the project is completed, members and guests can expect to see a brand-new counter, as well as new furniture and other furnishings. Vandegrift said, “It’s a complete interior renovation, and it’s moving as expected towards reopening.” Of course, one thing that won’t change is the prime location. The hall is situated near the waterfront and close to main roads, which undoubtedly are factors in the other local development taking place near the hall. Until the hiring hall at 115 Third Street reopens, the temporary facility located at 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, Virginia, will remain fully operational and ready to serve members in the area. Seafarers LOG 3 �Revered SARC Director Gallagher Dies at 67 A mainstay of both the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, John “Jack” Gallagher Jr. passed away on Dec. 16, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. A proud Philadelphian, Gallagher was 67 years old. Gallagher joined the SIU in 1973, following in his father’s footsteps, and sailed on tugboats for most of his career on the water. In 2003, he became the director of the Seafarers Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center (SARC) in Valley Lee, Maryland, where he worked with his fellow SIU brothers and sister to help them regain their sobriety and/or drug-free status. During his tenure, Gallagher also taught courses for the SIU, Navy, and several colleges. Among his many accomplishments, he was especially proud of earning his Doctor of Education degree. Longtime SIU member Mike Fay, who occasionally teaches at the Paul Hall Center, said, “I have had the pleasure of having Jack as a dear friend and co-worker for over 40 years. We started our careers sailing together in the early 70s, on coastwise towing vessels out of the Port of Philadelphia. Jack was genuine; he never falsely presented himself to win your favor. We negotiated a few contracts together with Crowley and Jack always did his homework – he always had the numbers ready during the debates. “Jack was known to most as the Director of the ARC program, helping members with substance dependency issues,” Fay continued, “but I really admired how many young mariners he helped that simply made a dumb mistake drinking or smoking one night, and their career and livelihood was in jeopardy because of today’s regulations. Jack was an expert at navigating the process of restoring their documents, and was a true ‘Brother of the Sea.’” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said, “John was a selfless man who sacrificed to obtain the highest credentials in his field for the sole purpose of providing the best service to the membership. He inherently understood the plight the Seafarer was going through, and poured his heart and soul into helping them obtain a better life. His legacy is the countless sober Seafarers making a living today. He will be sorely missed.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel said, “I knew John for over 40 years and in that time, John has always had a penchant for assisting others in their time of need, even before coming on as the SARC’s certified counselor. He was a consistent advocate for our Seafarers with the Coast Guard and DOT, while also providing a calming welcome to anyone arriving at the Center. While professionally his presence is already missed, my sympathies go out to (widow) Maureen and their children for their loss.” Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen, who worked closely with Gallagher for years, said, “The first things that come to mind when I think about Jack are his smile, his professionalism and his concern for the mariners. He was genuinely kind, and a pleasure to work with. His loss will be felt by everyone who knew him.” Paul Hall Center Vice President Tom Orzechowski said, “Jack had a great passion for the work that he did. It wasn’t a job to him; it was a vocation. He truly believed in what he taught, and believed in the members and helping them in any way he could. He was a mainstay here on campus, and would do anything for a member in need. His compassion towards Seafarers was unrivaled, and he leaves behind big shoes to fill.” He is survived by his wife, Maureen, as well as his six children. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the SARC, to which Gallagher dedicated his life. Checks should be made out to SARC and can be mailed to Margaret Bowen, SARC, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camps Springs, MD 20746. In photo above, SARC Director Jack Gallagher is pictured at the Paul Hall Center in 2009, with his wife, Maureen. In the photo at left, he addresses the school’s advisory board in 2018. In photo below, Gallagher (left) chats with Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan at an employee appreciation event in Piney Point, Maryland, in the early 2000s. SIU-Crewed Sagamore Rescues 15 Near Florida Fifteen Cuban Nationals today are safe, thanks to the efforts of SIU crew members and officers aboard the Sealift Inc.-operated and union-contracted Sagamore. Watch standers aboard the vessel caught glimpses of the 15 individuals during the afternoon hours of Jan. 3, while transiting the western reaches of the Straits of Florida en route to Houston. The Cubans were hailing for assistance by frantically waving their arms. All were aboard a makeshift watercraft which was stranded and at the mercy of the straits’ currents. Sagamore vessel master Capt. Paul Bon- ney immediately notified officials at the U.S. Coast Guard Group in Key West, Florida, and briefed them on the situation. Bonney was advised that the agency would immediately dispatch the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Ethridge to the location to assist in rescue and recovery operations. Bonney then maneuvered the Sagamore into position alongside the stranded craft, and the SIU crew sprang into rescue mode. “Members of the crew performed like a welloiled machine during the rescue operations,” said Bosun Brian Ebanks. “I was so proud of everyone involved because each person knew exactly what to do and when to do it. “Thanks to their collective quick and decisive efforts – both byproducts of their training – the rescue went off smoothly and without any negative incidents,” Ebanks concluded. “All involved deserve kudos for a job well done.” Ebanks added that once the stranded migrants had been extracted from their vessel, they were brought aboard the Sagamore and given water, food, blankets and clothing. Not long thereafter, the Richard Ethridge arrived on the scene and crew members transferred the migrants to the cutter. In addition to Ebanks, the following SIU members were aboard the Sagamore at the time of the rescue: ABs Sixto Avila Castro, Erwin Joiner and Matthew Martinson; OSs Richard Russ and Stephanie Vidrio; OMUs Mario Jojo Anden Dela Cruz and Kim Tye; Steward/Baker Herminio Gutierrez Vasquez Jr.; Chief Cook Brandy Griffin; SA Jess Rillera; and Apprentice Michael Wilt. The migrants’ raft is seen next to the Sagamore in both photos above – from a distance (left), and directly from the deck. 4 Seafarers LOG February 2023 �NDAA Contains Big Wins for Maritime The most recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), along with the related Consolidated Appropriations Act, contained several key victories for mariners and the maritime industry as a whole. Among other bipartisan achievements, these annual bills provide full funding for vital U.S.-flag maritime packages including the Maritime Security Program and the much newer Cable Security Fleet. Increased funding also is provided for U.S. food-aid programs, the primary source of such cargoes for American-flag ships. One of the particularly noteworthy developments is the doubling of the new U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP) from the initial 10 ships later this year to 20 in the year 2024. Not only will this mean more shipboard jobs, it also will strengthen U.S. national security by reducing potential reliance on foreign ships and crews. In addition, those bills also feature new safeguards for the Jones Act and cargo preference; funding for badly needed studies pertaining to U.S.-flag fleet growth; largely sensible improvements for promoting maritime workplace safety; rules to facilitate the entry of military veterans into civilian maritime jobs; and renewed examination of methods to reduce Coast Guard backlogs for merchant mariner credential processing. One of those Jones Act safeguards boosts enforcement through procedural mandates, including: explicitly giving the MARAD Administrator the sole authority to make non-availability determinations; limits waivers to specific vessels, as opposed to blanket waivers; and prohibiting the issuance of waivers for vessels already at sea with a cargo that would be covered by the Jones Act if it lands at a U.S. port. U.S.-flag proponents have stated that this should help preserve American jobs while making it harder for foreign-flag interests to attempt “crisis arbitrage” – taking advantage of situations such as natural disasters in order to increase profits. SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman said, “It’s worth mentioning that these new legislative changes are borne out of hard work – in this case, a years’ worth of working with friends and allies of the maritime industry on Capitol Hill to make sure the importance of our issues was not lost on them. These achievements underscore the never-ending need for grassroots political action, and these results are a testament to the effectiveness of those efforts.” Moreover, the legislation includes this “Sense of Congress on Merchant Marine” that is straightforward and powerful: “It is the sense of Congress that the United States Merchant Marine is a critical part of the national infrastructure of the United States, and the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine are essential workers.” Domestic shipbuilding also got a boost in the NDAA, according to the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA). Matthew Paxton, the organization’s president, said the bill “represents a critical investment into our national defense and domestic security. The $4.7 billion increase authorized in the Navy’s shipbuilding account, as well as provisions that support our U.S. Coast Guard and fund opportunities for the expansion of the U.S. shipyard industrial base and workforce development, Kudos to Galley Gang demonstrates that Congress recognizes the industry’s capacity and readiness to support the Navy fleet.” He added, “The single most critical factor in the capacity of the shipbuilding and repair industrial base today is people. The most effective mechanism to ensure that the industrial base is stable and resilient is through a consistent demand signal and a recognition that the cost of doing business has changed. The U.S. new construction and repair SIU of Canada President Retires The SIU of Canada in mid-December announced the retirement of President Jim Given (pictured above), who’d held that post since 2012. Given joined the union in 1979, sailed for 13 years, then came ashore to work for the organization. He is succeeded by Mike Given. Additionally, the union announced the retirement of Executive VP Patrice Caron. His successor is Charles Etienne-Aubry. SIU CIVMARS Aboard USNS John Lewis Help with Rescue SIU CIVMARS from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis helped give an early holiday gift to a boater stranded at sea, when the ship answered a distress call off the coast of Southern California, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) reported. The Lewis received a distress call from a man whose sailboat had been damaged in a storm that tore the sails and caused the boat to take on water. Once the boater was located, the ship maneuvered next to the damaged sailboat. The man on the sailboat then climbed the Lewis’ pilot ladder. After boarding the ship, he was given a security check, a medical examination, a shower, a hot meal, clothes and a ride to San Diego. “Once we got this poor guy on board, we found out that he had been stranded for five days!” said Capt. Dan Glazier, Recertified Bosun Adel Ahmed submitted these photos along with his praise for the steward department’s outstanding work aboard the Alaskan Navigator (ATC). The galley gang treated fellow mariners to delicious holiday meals for Christmas and New Year’s Day and did “a fantastic job,” the bosun noted. Pictured from left in the posed photo are Chief Steward Roberto Coronado and Chief Cook Nasr Almusab. (Additional photos from the feasts are available on the SIU’s Facebook page.) February 2023 shipyards that provide 650,000 American jobs with direct economic impact in every Congressional district in the nation will meet a demand signal that is clear, consistent and predictable. Shipyards are not incentivized today to invest in facilities in an unpredictable environment with routine shifts in fleet size and mix. Moreover, once these skilled people are lost, as production lines are stopped and started, it is more and more difficult to replace them.” the John Lewis’ civil service master. “I’m glad we were in the area and were able to help. Everything has a purpose, and now this guy can make it home for the holidays rather than the alternative, stuck on the ocean.” The 746-foot Lewis is the first of the new John Lewis-class of fleet replenishment oilers, and one of MSC’s newest ships, having been christened in 2021 and accepted into MSC’s fleet in 2022. It has the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel and dry stores cargo. The upgraded oiler is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills, and it features strengthened cargo and ballast tanks. The crew of the USNS John Lewis includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. Notice Officials Provide Update on SARC With the death of Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Director John Gallagher, the SIU-affiliated facility has been left without an immediate replacement for him. In an effort to ensure uninterrupted assistance, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Trustees took immediate action to provide for inpatient coverage. Therefore, effective Dec. 8, 2022, eligible SHBP participants who want to attend the SARC under the Plan’s Rules and Regulations shall be eligible to re- ceive inpatient rehabilitation services for substance use disorders at other facilities. These services will be covered at the same levels as other inpatient medical services. This action shall remain in effect until the SARC resumes full services. If a member is in need of a substance abuse professional (SAP) in the meantime, there are links on the Department of Transportation website (www.transportation.gov/) which can direct those members to available resources. Seafarers LOG 5 �MDR Yan Paing conducts COVID tests for shipboard guests. AB Robert O’Connell enjoys a well-earned break. SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (left) and MDR Yan Paing review paperwork in the crew mess. SIU-Crewed CS Decisive Plays Key Roles for USA During routine times, the SIU-crewed cable ship Decisive (operated by SubCom) helps keep the world connected to high-speed internet. The vessel’s mariners do so by installing and repairing undersea fiberoptic cables. Additionally, for the last year, both the Decisive and the SIU-crewed Dependable (also operated by SubCom) have shared new responsibilities as the first enrollees in the new U.S. Cable Security Fleet (CSF). Those tasks primarily consist of installing, repairing and maintaining U.S. Defense Department communications cable systems. Writing for the Naval Institute of the United States – in an article headlined “Repairing Submarine Cables Is a Wartime Necessity” – Navy Capt. Douglas R. Continued on next page OS Levi Gorokhovsky (left) OS Anthony Johnson OS Darius Parker helps ensure smooth operations as the vessel prepares for a shipyard period. 6 Seafarers LOG Chief Engineer (and SIU hawsepiper) Greg Thomas OMU Eric Mose OS Habash Ahmed Chief Electrician Igor Yakunkov Cable is loaded into a hold aboard the Decisive. February 2023 �OMU Xyla Jimenez OMU Kasim Ahmed Chief Steward Wesley Head High-Speed Internet Users Worldwide Reap Benefits of Cable Ship Continued from Page 6 Chief Cook Paul Erickson SA Calvin Johnson The Decisive preps for a voyage down the East Coast, from Baltimore to Charleston, South Carolina. February 2023 Burnett (Ret.) pointed out, “The information packets transmitted at the speed of light on garden hose–diameter international fiberoptic cables are as critical, if not more, to the nation’s economy and defense as U.S. trucks, railroads, and shipping…. Not providing for cable repair ships in wartime is like building firehouses in a town, but not providing for fire trucks and firefighters to extinguish the fires. It is an undeniable emergency when the glass fibers in fiber-optic submarine cables are broken, whatever the cause. Putting the internet and critical voice, data, and video communications back in order after hostile action requires U.S.-flagged cable ships crewed by U.S. mariners. The CSF accomplishes this vital national goal.” Editor’s note: The photos accompanying this article were taken in Baltimore in late December. Additional snapshots from that shipboard visit will be published in an upcoming edition of the LOG. The vessel sails under the Stars and Stripes and is part of the U.S. Cable Security Fleet. Seafarers LOG 7 �IN THE ALOHA STATE – AB Desmond Unutoa (right) picks up his full B-book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. BOOKS SECURED IN HOUSTON – Steward/Baker Cole Briggs (left in photo at left) receives his A-seniority book while AB Juan Solis (left in other photo) picks up his full B-book. Both members are pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD HORIZON SPIRIT – Pictured aboard the Sunrise Operations vessel in Hawaii are, from left, Relief Bosun Rezk Mohamed, ABM Richard Grubbs and ABM Zaid Said. Photo was taken a few days before Christmas. ABOARD USNS JOHN GLENN – Pictured aboard the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel Dec. 13 in Oakland, California, are (from left) Recertified Bosun Dana Naze, QEE Rahsaan Alexander, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, QE4 Isaiah Thomas and CC Ammar Sailan. ABOARD ATB LIBERTY – Looks as if spirits are high aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel. Pictured from left in the back row are ABU Paa Kwakye, 2AE Peter Hudak, ABT Travis Stringer, ABT Victor Martinez, 2M Manny Wilson and CS Ed Pinnace. In front are (also from left) CM Lindsey Austin and ABT Matthew Harris. 8 Seafarers LOG FULL BOOK IN NJ – SIU member (and Watco crane operator) Larry Rizzo (right) receives his full book in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU New Jersey Safety Director Jose Argueta. HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED – SIU member Vernell Cornell (second from left in photo at immediate left) took part in the Wreaths Across America event Dec. 17 at the Philadelphia National Cemetery. SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime regularly sponsors Wreaths Across America observances. An estimated 3,400 such ceremonies took place across the country Dec. 17. The snapshot above is from a related event in Puerto Rico, where SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and SIU ABs Ruben Gonzalez and Victor Velez placed flowers on veterans’ graves. Crespo is second from right, along with Crowley officials and members of the late Roberto Clemente’s family. Clemente served as a Marine Reserve while playing Major League Baseball. February 2023 �COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN JERSEY CITY – Seafarers and guests kick off a Toys for Tots drive while also gathering for a holiday celebration at the hiring hall in early December. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN – AB Jonamie Encarnacion (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. KUDOS FOR SEAFARER – SA Ruby Jackson, pictured aboard the Keystone-operated RocketShip (formerly Delta Mariner), is ready to serve Christmas dinner plus a banana split pie “that was out of this world,” according to Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson (no relation). ABOARD MAERSK HARTFORD – The steward department offered an extensive menu for Christmas. Pictured from left are Chief Cook Chris Coston, SA Nilza Chavez and Recertified Steward Ali Matari. (Additional photos from the meal are available on the SIU’s Facebook page.) February 2023 ABOARD TANKER WASHINGTON – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are Chief Cook Abdul Qwfan, SA Rolando Roldan, vessel master Capt. Daniel Goodwin and Recertified Steward Fakruddin Malahi. The steward department went all-out with its Christmas menu and received accolades for it. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – The galley gang put out a wellreceived New Year’s feast (photos above and at right) aboard the TOTE vessel. Pictured from left in the group photo below are Steward/Baker Ingrid Ortiz, Chief Cook Kevin Valentin and SA Edna Bakhos. (Additional photos from the meal are available on the SIU’s Facebook page.) HONORING WWII MARINER – Former SIU member Lawrence Abrams displays his replica of the Congressional Gold Medal for World War II mariners (along with the edition of the LOG that reported the formal ceremony in Washington, D.C.). Abrams, 97, was featured in the August 2022 issue of the LOG (the article also is available on the SIU website). Seafarers LOG 9 �AB James Schulte is sworn in for his Bbook. ABM Stanley Bailey (left) receives his B book from SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. With Seafarers in Jacksonville The photos on this page were taken late last year and earlier this year, both at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, and during a couple of nearby vessel servicings. Both of the ships – the Perla Del Caribe and the Liberty – are operated by TOTE Services. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left), Oiler Brianna Ashley on board the Perla Del Caribe Pictured from left aboard the Liberty are Chief Cook Norma Baucan, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Steward/Baker Cynora Hunter and Steward/Baker Rondell Richardson. Aboard the Perla Del Caribe (from left), SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo meets with Recertified Bosun Noel Otero and ABM Thyron Dy as the Seafarers fill out Coast Guard applications related to their respective endorsements. ABM Jose Chumpitaz Perla Del Caribe 10 Seafarers LOG Pictured at the November membership meeting are (from left) QEE Robert Neff, GUDE Henry Brown and STOS Terry Jackson, along with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (administering the oath). Neff received his A book while the other members got their respective B books. ABM Shantaz Harper Perla Del Caribe MDR Edwin Lashley (left) receives his full B-book. SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman is at right. Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz Perla Del Caribe Oiler William Means Perla Del Caribe Bosun Michael Pockat MV Liberty SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo (left) and SA Diana Perez confer near the Liberty. February 2023 �What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2022, along with provisions that remain in effect from prior years. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations The following is a list of tax legislation and considerations affecting the current and future tax years as noted. Provided in parenthesis are the abbreviations that will be used throughout this document in reference to the respective legislation. nThe Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Described as the largest major tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuals and businesses. n The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed by President Trump on December 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions that were set to expire. n The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law by President Trump on December 20, 2019 significantly modifying many requirements for employer‐provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax‐favored savings accounts. While some of the modifications went into effect retroactively or upon enactment (December 20, 2019), many of them carry future effective dates. n The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that was signed into law by the President Trump on March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of the COVID19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. n American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: In response to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the ARPA was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to deliver taxpayers immediate and direct relief from related hardship. As discussed in further detail below, the ARPA provided for additional Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), advanced payments of the Child Tax Credit, housing assistance, and other employment-related relief. n Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022, providing numerous tax credits related to green energy, most of which go into effect until 2023. It has also extended some current credits, detailed below. n Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA): Signed into law December 29, 2022. The act expanded existing automatic enrollment programs, enhanced various retirement saving credits, modified RMD (required minimal distribution) that will help retirees with plan selection and decision making. Due Date of Returns File a 2022 Form 1040 and pay any tax due by April 18, 2023. An automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return can be made by filing Form 4868 and paying an estimate of tax owed to avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 by October 16, 2023. n Net Investment Income Tax (NII): In 2022, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the individual’s net investment income for the year or the amount the individual’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount. Net Investment Income can be further categorized into three: n Category 1 (investment income) income interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents n Category 2 (passive and trading income) -gross income from a trade or business that is a passive activity with respect to the taxpayer, or is a trade or business of trading commodities or financial instruments n Category 3 (gain on dispositions) net gain from disposition of property MAGI for the purpose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is a person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign earned income exclusion or foreign housing exclusion added back in. MAGI threshold amounts for the additional tax are as follows: n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) Investment income reduced by deductions properly allocable to the items of income and net gain that make up the NII. Social Security Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and employer are each subject to a 6.2% tax on wages for Social Security. The maximum wages subject to the Social Security are as follows: n $147,000 (2022) n $160,200 (2023) Medicare Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and employer are each subject to a 1.45% tax on wages for Medicare, unchanged from 2021. There is no wage base limit for Medicare tax. In 2022, in addition to the standard Medicare tax, there will be an additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the following threshold amounts: n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) Self-Employment Tax Rate: The Social Security portion of the selfemployment tax is 12.4% in 2022. The Medicare portion of the SE tax is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the amounts above the applicable thresholds as noted above. A taxpayer can take an above the line deduction for a percentage (Maximum is 50%) of self-employment tax paid during the year. Kiddie Tax: The kiddie tax changes introduced by the TCJA were repealed by the SECURE Act. For taxable years beginning in 2022, the first $1,150 of the net unearned income of Standard Deduction The standard deduction adjusts annually for inflation. The standard deduction for taxpayers who are at least 65 years old and/or blind at the close of the year can be increased with an additional deduction added for each taxpayer for each qualifying condition. For dependents, the standard deduction cannot exceed the greater of (1) $1,150, or (2) the sum of $400 and the individual’s earned income. See the current amounts below. Filing Status Married Filing Jointly Head of Household Single/Married Filing Separately 2022 $25,900 $19,400 $12,950 Additional Standard Deductions Age 65+ and/or Blind (MFJ) Age 65+ and/or Blind (Single/HOH) $1,400 $1,750 a child meeting certain requirements is not taxed, the next $1,150 is taxed at the child’s marginal tax rate and amounts over $2,300 are taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate. A child is defined as younger than 18 or 19-23 if fulltime student at the end of the tax year and does not provide more than half of his/ her own support with unearned income. Itemized Deductions If more advantageous than the standard deduction, an individual may elect to claim certain itemized deductions. The most common itemized deductions are listed below: n Medical and Dental Expenses: Unreimbursed medical expenses to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended this threshold. n State & Local Tax Deduction: For tax years 2018-2025, the itemized deduction for taxes paid or accrued by an individual during the tax year that are not directly connected with a trade or business, or with property held for the production of income is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of the aggregate of (1) state and local property taxes, (2) state and local personal property taxes, (3) state, local, and foreign income taxes, as well as state and local general sales taxes deducted in lieu of state and local income taxes. n Mortgage Interest Deduction: The deduction for mortgage interest is limited to underlying indebtedness of up to $750,000 ($375,000 for MFS) for tax years 20182025. The deduction for interest on home equity indebtedness is eliminated. The lower limit doesn’t apply to any acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017, which is limited to $1 Million ($500,000 for MFS). n Mortgage Insurance Premiums: The itemized deduction for mortgage insurance premiums has expired. n Charitable Contribution Deduction: The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations is 60% of an individual’s contribution base for tax years 2021-2025. The CARES Act temporarily increased the limitation to 100% for tax years 2020-2021. The contribution base is an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not including the charitable deduction or any net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks. The limit depends on the aggregate contributions of the spouses if married filing jointly. Excess contributions are generally carried forward and deducted for up to five years, subject to the later year’s ceiling. n Above-the line Charitable Deductions. During COVID, standard deduction taxpayers could take up to a $600 charitable donation tax deduction on their tax returns. This is no longer applicable to 2022. n Miscellaneous Deductions: Jobrelated expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to the 2%-of-adjustedgross-income floor, are no longer deductible for tax years 2018-2025. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees. n Gambling Losses: All deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling losses, are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings. n State Itemized Deductions: The TCJA modified or eliminated several popular itemized deductions. It is important to note that although the federal deductions have been adjusted, you may still qualify for deductions at the state level. Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Other Deductions n Exemptions: Under the TCJA, for tax years 2018-2025, the deduction for the personal exemption is reduced to zero. Furthermore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction, instead, releasing the dependency exemption does make the noncustodial parent (Continued on next page) Child Tax Credit Phase Out when the taxpayer’s MAGI exceed the following amounts. In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above these thresholds: Filing Status MAGI Phase-out Married Filing Jointly $400,000 All other Filing Status $200,000 Tax Rates & Thresholds 2022 Tax Brackets: Below are the tax brackets for tax year 2022, including the taxable income range for each bracket. Married Filing Jointly 10% $0 – $20,550 12% $20,551 – $83,550 22% $83,551 – $178,150 24% $178,151 – $340,100 32% $340,101 – $431,900 35% $431,901 - $647,850 37% $647,851+ Head of Household $0 – $14,650 $14,651 – $55,900 $55,901 – $89,050 $89,051 – $170,050 $170,051 – $215,950 $215,951 – $539,900 $539,901+ Single $0 – $10,275 $10,276 – $41,775 $41,776 – $89,075 $89,076 – $170,050 $170,051 – $215,950 $215,951 – $539,900 $539,901+ Married Filing Separately $0 – $10,275 $10,276 – $41,775 $41,776 – $89,075 $89,076 – $170,050 $170,051 – $215,950 $215,951 – $323,925 $323,926+ Estates & Trusts $0 – $2,750 N/A N/A $2,751 – $9,850 N/A $9,851 – $13,450 $13,451+ 2022 Net Capital Gains & Qualified Dividend Tax Rates: Below are the 2022 net capital gains and qualified dividend rates per taxable income range for each type of filing status. Married Filing Jointly 0% $0 – $83,350 15% $83,351 – $517,200 20% $517,201+ Head of Household $0 – $55,800 $55,801 – $488,500 $488,501+ Single $0 – $41,675 $41,676 – $459,750 $459,751+ Married Filing Separately $0 – $41,675 $41,676 – $258,600 $258,601+ Estates & Trusts $0 – $2,800 $2,801 – $13,700 $13,701+ Capital gains and losses are reported on Form 8949 and then totaled on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2022, your broker will report the cost basis on your Form 1099-B. Refer to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/form8949 for additional information and other new developments affecting this form and Schedule D. February 2023 Seafarers LOG 11 �What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season (Continued from Page 11) eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child. Child Tax Credit American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 modified CTC for tax year beginning 2021 in a few significant ways: n Partially Refundable. In 2021, if a taxpayer had a principal place of abode in the United States for at least one-half of the tax year; or is a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico for the tax year, the credit was fully refundable. In 2022, the tax credit will be refundable only up to $1,500, depending on your income. n No More Advance Payment. From July to December 2021, parents were able to receive half of the child tax credit they qualified for in advance of filing their returns. In 2022, the advance payment option is no longer available, and parents will receive their credit as usual when they file their returns for the 2022 tax year. Maximum Child Tax Credit has reverted to: n $2,000 for each qualifying child under the age of 17 n $500 for any other dependent Definition of a Qualifying Child: MUST meet all 5 criteria n Relationship: The person must be your child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew). n Residence: For more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do. n Age: must not have attained the age of 19 by the end of the year, or age 19-23 and be a full-time student for at least five months out of the year, or any age if totally and permanently disabled. n Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. n Valid Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a Social Security number (SSN). Individuals may get a SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two - six weeks to receive a SSN. Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual SSN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Child and Dependent Tax Credits: The Child and Dependent Care Credit is a federal tax benefit that helps families pay expenses for childcare needed to work or to look for work. The credit also is available to families that must pay for the care of an incapacitated spouse or an adult dependent. There must be earned income to take the credit. The credit is equal to 35 percent of up to $3,000 in employment-related expenses for a taxpayer with one qualifying individual, or up to $6,000 in employment-related expenses for a taxpayer with two or more qualifying individuals. Thus, the maximum credit is $1,050 or $2,100, respectively. The credit percentage is reduced by one percentage point for each $2,000 of AGI or fraction thereof over $15,000. Definition of a Qualifying Person: meet one criterion n Qualifying child under the age of 13 n Taxpayer’s spouse who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself. n Dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself and meets below tests: n Relationship: the person must be your parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/ uncle, in-law, or an individual who has the same place of abode as the taxpayer for the entire year n Gross Income: The individual’s gross income for the year must be less than $4,400 in 2022. n Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. n Cannot be claimed as Qualifying Child: The individual must not be the qualifying child of the taxpayer or of any other taxpayer for the tax year. Adoption credit: The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,890 per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $223,410, and fully phasing out at $263,410 or more. The credit is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried forward for five years. In general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply. In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2022 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents. IRS Refund Claim: The IRS has additional time to review refund claims based on the EIC or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax Credit in order to reduce fraud and improper payments. No credit or refund for an overpayment shall be made to a taxpayer before February 15 following the close of the tax year, if the taxpayer claimed the Earned Income Credit or additional Child Tax Credit. A SSN is not valid for EIC purposes unless it was issued on or before the due date of the return. For tax years beginning after 2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC under the rules for taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child for the EIC who is claimed as a qualifying child by another taxpayer. Deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI): An individual generally may deduct 20% of qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership income. The 20% deduction is not allowed in computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a deduction reducing taxable income. When taxable income exceeds a threshold amount, the wages/capital limit may reduce the deductible amount of QBI from each business; A disallowance of the deduction with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold amounts of taxable income. Premium Tax Credit: Individuals with low to moderate income who get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be eligible for this refundable credit if meeting the following requirements: n Purchased coverage in the Marketplace for someone in their tax family (taxpayer, spouse, if married filing jointly and dependents for which a personal exemption is claimed) for a month that person was not eligible for minimum essential coverage (other than coverage in the individual market). n You are within certain household income limits. For tax years 2021 and 2022, the American Rescue Plan of 2021 temporarily expanded eligibility for the premium tax credit by eliminating the rule that a taxpayer is not allowed a premium tax credit if his or her households income is above 400% of the Federal Poverty Line. for 2021, for Deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI) For tax years beginning in 2022: Filing Status Married Filing Jointly All Other Filling Status Threshold amount $340,100 $170,050 individuals receiving unemployment compensation, advance premium tax credits will be provided as if the taxpayer’s income was no higher than 133 percent of the federal poverty line (FPL), regardless of their actual income. This provision is no longer effective for 2022 n An exception, a resident alien who is ineligible for Medicaid and has household income less than 100% of the federal poverty line can take the credit. n If married, individuals must file a joint return. Exceptions apply to victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and to individuals who are considered unmarried. n Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person. Education Credits, Deductions and Other Related Issues Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from educational institutions to claim the American opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit or the above-the- line deduction for qualified tuition and fees. The tuition and fees deduction does NOT apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2020. Qualified higher education expenses generally include tuition, fees, and related expenses such as books and supplies. The expenses must be for the student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar program, at an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution includes most colleges, universities, and certain vocational schools. The American Opportunity Tax Credit: For tax year 2022, the maximum credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to 40% of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years of post-secondary education in a degree or certificate program. The credit is calculated by taking 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified tuition and related educational expenses and 25% of the next $2,000 of such expenses. The credit is gradually phased out if your Modified AGI is between $80,000-$90,000 ($160,000-$180,000). Taxpayers cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit for any tax year if the individual or a student did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Taxpayers must report the (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made. Lifetime Learning Credit: For tax year 2022, the maximum credit amount per tax return can be up to $2,000. The credit is calculated by taking 20% of the educational expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing joint return) and is completely eliminated if your Modified AGI exceeds $90,000 ($180,000 if married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on the number of years for which the credit can be claimed for each student. Expenses that are claimed for the American Opportunity Credit are not eligible for the lifetime learning credit. 529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses: The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For pur- Earned Income Credit (EIC) The EIC is a refundable tax credit available to low-income individuals meeting certain requirements including income amount, income source, and filing status. The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2022: Number of Qualifying Children Three or More Two One None Credit Amount Up to $6,935 Up to $6,164 Up to $3,733 Up to $560 Income Less Than: $53,057 ($59,187 if married filing jointly) $49,399 ($55,529 if married filing jointly) $43,492 ($49,622 if married filing jointly) $16,480 ($22,610 if married filing jointly) Phase in ceiling $440,100 $220,050 poses of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher education expenses now include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000 for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per student. Under the SECURE Act, qualified higher education expenses now also include student loan repayments as well as the expenses of registered apprenticeships. Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account): Taxpayers can contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly with modified adjusted gross income between $190,000 and $220,000, and between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers. The contribution is not deductible. Educator Deduction: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible grade K-12 schoolteachers. In 2022, the annual limit increased to $300 per year ($600 if you and your spouse were both eligible educators) for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, computer and other equipment, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/she teaches. Student Loan Forgiven: President Biden has announced an expanded student loan forgiveness program. In most circumstances, the forgiven student loans should not be taxable as cancellation of indebtedness income in 2022. Retirement Savings and Distributions Below is information regarding current tax year contribution limits, required distributions, and various legislation updates to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans. Retirement Savings Contribution Credit: Lower-income individuals (AGI below $68,000 for MFJ, $49,500 for HOH and $33,000 for all other filling status) may be eligible for the retirement savings contribution credit for contributions and deferrals to certain retirement plans. The taxpayer’s qualified contributions may be reduced by distributions from qualified retirement plans. The maximum credit is $1,000. The maximum credit for joint filers is $2,000. Qualified contributions include but not limited to contributions to traditional or Roth IRAs and elective contributions and deferrals to 401(k) plans, 403(b) annuities, section 457(b) plans, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEPs. n Small Incentives: Under CAA, employers can now offer small immediate incentives, such as gift cards in exchange for employees making elective deferrals. n Matching Student Loan Payments: The CAA provides that employers may make payments to qualified plans that match qualified student loans payments by employee. Traditional IRAs: For 2022, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is the lesser of $6,000 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50+ at year end, lesser of $7,000 or compensation. Deduction may be limited if taxpayer or spouse are covered by a retirement plan at work and income exceeds certain levels. When a taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range in 2022 is $68,000-$78,000 ($109,000$129,000 for married filing joint). Roth IRAs: The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $6,000 (increased to $7,000 for taxpayers age 50+ at year end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs (Continued on next page) 12 Seafarers LOG February 2023 �What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season (Continued from Page 12) are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is gradually phased out for taxpayers with Modified AGI between $129,000-$144,000 ($204,000-$214,000 for married filing joint). Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on the timing and reasoning of the distribution. Excess IRA Contributions: if a contribution is made to an IRA in excess of the allowable amount, that contribution is referred to as an excess contribution and is subject to a 6% excise tax. These excess contributions may be corrected without penalty, however, provided the correction occurs within a certain time frame. Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs: For rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015, distributions to employer sponsored retirement plans or a traditional IRAs may be rolled over to a SIMPLE IRA after two years of participation in the plan. Special Charitable Contributions: An IRA owner age 70½ or older can directly transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to eligible charities. Known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), this option is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible to be treated as a qualified charitable distribution. To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the transfer. Not all charities are eligible. For example, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients. Remember to check eligibility of the charity before requesting a QCD. All QCDs from an IRA to eligible charities are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions. IRA Updates for SECURE Act and CARES Act: n The starting age for individuals to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) has been increased to 72 years old from 70½ years old, effective for taxpayers turning 72 years old January 1, 2020 or later. Starting in 2023, the age is increased to 73 for individuals who turn 72 after 2022 and age 73 before 2033. For individuals who turn 74 after 2032, RMDs must begin at age 75. n The 70½ age limit for contributions to an IRA has been eliminated. n Non-spouse individuals who inherit an IRA after December 31, 2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years, subject to certain exceptions. n Early Withdrawal 10% Penalty: In 2020, the CARES Act waived the penalty on early withdrawals up to $100,000 from qualified retirement plans for COVID-19 related distributions. Starting in 2021, the early withdrawal penalty of 10% is reinstated, with exceptions related to non-COVID disaster relief. The SECURE 2.0 Act would make permanent the ability of a taxpayer to make an early withdrawal without incurring a 10-percent penalty as result of a federally declared disaster. After 2023, early withdrawal by a victim of domestic abuse, up to the lesser of $10,000 or 50 percent of the present value of the accounts. A penalty-free early withdrawal may also be made by an individual diagnosed with a terminal illness, within a period of 84 months after a physician certifies the diagnosis. After 2023, a penalty-free withdrawal of up to $1,000 is also allowed due to a personal financial emergency 401(k) Updates for SECURE Act and CARES Act: n Long-term, part-time employees may now qualify to participate in elective deferral plans in plan years beginning after December 31, 2020. SECURE ACT 2.0 reduced SECURE Act length-of-service requirements for part-time participants in sponsored plans from three years to two years (plan years beginning after 2024) February 2023 n Early withdrawal penalty exemption of $5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 n Included in compensation for purposes of determining retirement plan contributions are taxable non-tuition fellowships/ stipends and nontaxable “difficulty of care payments” earned by home healthcare workers in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 n Increased cap to encourage higher auto-enrollments in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 Energy Credits The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has renewed many energy-related provisions that were set to expire at the end of 2021. Below are common energy credits. Pre-2023 Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit Through 2022, a credit is allowed for 10% of the amounts paid/incurred for qualified energy improvements of principal residences (windows, doors, skylights, and roofs). Taxpayers can take $50-$300 fixed dollar amount credits allowed for energy-efficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat pumps, water heaters, central A/C, and circulating fans, subject to a lifetime cap of $500. Starting in 2023, this credit will be restricted as the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: For property placed in service after December 31, 2022, and before January 1, 2033, a credit can be claimed equal to 30% of costs paid or incurred for: n Energy efficient improvements include, but not limited to, insulations, windows and doors (subject to category limits) n Qualified residential energy property expenditures ex: electric or natural gas heat pump, water heater, biomass stove, central AC, etc. n Amounts paid or incurred for home energy audits which is an inspection and written report on significant and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, including estimates of their energy and cost saving the taxpayer owns or uses as a principal residence in the US n $1,200 annual credit, effective for 2023 through 2032. Residential Clean Energy Credit: An individual may claim this credit for qualified residential clean energy efficient property placed in service before January 1, 2035. The credit applies to qualified solar electric property, qualified solar water heating property, qualified fuel cell property, qualified small wind energy property, geothermal heat pump property, and biomass fuel property, as well as expenditures made after December 31, 2022, for battery storage technology. The credit is equal to 30% of eligible property placed in service in 2022 through 2032, 26% percent for 2034, and 22% for 2034. The only limitation that applies is a $500 limit with respect to each half kilowatt of capacity of qualified fuel cell property expenditures per year Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (FKA as Residential energy efficient property credit): An individual taxpayer may claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing non-hydrogen alternative vehicle refueling property at the taxpayer’s principal residence. The credit is limited to $30,000 for property that is subject to depreciation and $1,000 for any other property through the end of 2022. Starting in 2023, the credit will be limited to property located in rural or low-income census tracts. Energy Efficient Home Credit (Builders): The new energy-efficient home credit is available to eligible contractors for the construction or manufacture of new energy efficient homes that are acquired after 2021 and before 2033, as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Certified sin- gle member homes will qualify for a credit of up to $5,000. Clean Vehicle Credit (FKA Plug- In Electric Vehicle Credit): The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 established a maximum credit of $7,500 for a new clean vehicle under Code Sec. 30D, effective for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2022. Similarly, a business credit under Code Sec. 45W is available qualified commercial clean vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2022. A tax credit of up to $4,000 is also available for the purchase of certain used clean vehicles after December 31, 2022 under Code Sec. 25E. Qualifying vehicles must be manufactured by a qualified manufacturer regulated by Code Sec. 25E. Both manufacture and dealers are subject to reporting requirements. Consult tax professionals for details on the code section. Used Clean Vehicle Credit: A credit is also available for a qualified buyer who purchases a previously owned clean vehicle after 2022 and before 2033 and may be able to claim a nonrefundable tax credit for the year the vehicle is placed in service. The credit is equal to 30% of the vehicle’s purchase price, up to a maximum credit of $4,000. To be a qualified buyer, the taxpayer: must be 1) an individual 2) buy the vehicle for use and not for resale 3) not qualify as any other taxpayer’s dependent, 4) not have claimed the credit during the three years preceding the purchase. Other Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions: Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence: Cancellation of indebtedness income is generally includible in taxable income. However, extended by the Tax Extenders Act of 2020, income from cancellation of debt on a qualified principal residence of up to $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately) may be excludable for tax years 2021-2025. Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit: The first-time homebuyer credit is not available for new home purchases. However, taxpayers who previously claimed the credit, which was available for homes purchased during 2008-2011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits over a 15-year period. Moving Expenses: For tax years 20182025, moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty (and their spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station. Moving expenses are claimed on Form 3903. Transit Benefits: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include commuter highway vehicle benefits, transit passes, and qualified parking. For taxable years beginning in 2022, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $280. Standard Mileage Rates: For 2022, there has been a mid-year adjustment to the standard mileage rate to address the increased inflation during the year. Therefore, business miles will have to be separated into two periods to apply the two rates as listed in the table at the bottom of this page. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption: In 2022, the AMT exemption amounts increased to $118,100 for married filing jointly, $59,050 for married filing separately, and $75,900 for single or head of household filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at $1,079,800 for married filing jointly and $539,900 for other filers. Foreign Income Foreign Financial Assets: If you had foreign financial assets in 2022, you may have to file Form 8938 with your return. In addition, a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by April 18, 2023 if the aggre- gate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 in any time during the calendar year. An automatic extension to October 16, 2023 is allowed if you fail to meet the April 18th annual deadline. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: A qualifying individual who lives and works abroad may elect to exclude from gross income certain foreign earned income attributable to their residence in a foreign country during the tax year. For tax year 2022, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is $112,000. This exclusion amount is increased to $120,000 for tax year 2023. Foreign Tax Credit: Taxpayers may elect to claim foreign tax credit if opted out foreign income exclusion. The foreign tax credit, which may be claimed in lieu of a deduction, is a dollar-for-dollar credit against the U.S. tax liability. This limits the combined rate of tax on foreign-source income to the greater of the foreign tax rate or the U.S. tax rate. The credit may be taken for foreign taxes paid directly by U.S. persons. Consumer Alert The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for emails and phone calls they may receive which claim to come from the IRS or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund. These are almost certainly scams whose purpose is to obtain personal and financial information (such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card numbers, or even PIN numbers) from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers to commit identity theft. The emails and calls usually state that the IRS needs the information to process a refund or deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The emails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS website or an IRS “refund application form.” However genuine in appearance, these phonies are designed to elicit the information the scammers are looking for. The IRS does not send taxpayers emails about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does not request detailed personal information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration toll-free at 1-800366-4484 or TTY/TDD 1-800-877-8339. If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, you can report the incident with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc. gov/complaint or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877438-4338). Visit IRS.gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the National Taxpayer Advocate helpline at 1-877-777-4778. Standard Mileage Rates: Category Business Medical Charitable Moving (Armed Forces only) 1/1/2022—6/30/2022 58.5 cents per mile 18 cents per mile 14 cents per mile 18 cents per mile 7/1/2022—12/31/2022 62.5 cents per mile 22 cents per mile 14 cents per mile 22 cents per mile Seafarers LOG 13 �Tax Tips for Members During 2023 Tax Filing Season How to Prepare A Tax Return Step 1. Gather all records for the current tax return filing year. Income Records n Forms W-2/W-2G n Forms 1099 (Interest, Dividends, Brokerage Statements, Unemployment Compensations, Misc.) n Schedules K-1 (Investment in Partnerships/SCorporations) n Other income documents and records of digital asset transactions (Crypto, NFTs) n Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance payments or claims Premium Tax Credits for 2022 Marketplace coverage. Itemized deductions and tax credits n Medical and dental payment records n Real estate and personal property tax receipts n State and local tax payments n Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan n Charitable contributions n Records of payments for childcare so an individual could work n Educational expenses CP01A Notice with your new Identity Protection PIN: only applicable to taxpayer who opted-in to receive an IP PIN or Tried to e-file your tax return and it was ‘rejected because you did not include an IP PIN. Step 2. Gather any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS website at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Cents may be rounded to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50-99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Step 4. Review the return for accuracy. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. File Return. Filing Electronically (E-file) n Due to staffing issues, processing paper returns can take several weeks longer. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. n Information regarding available e-filing options can be found at www.irs.gov/efile-options Filing Paper Return n Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R to the front of the Form 1040. n Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. n If paying any balance due by check, do not staple or attach the payment or Form 1040-V (payment voucher) to the return. Instead, just put them loose in the envelope. Write your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and form number on your check or money order. n Private Delivery Services - Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as DHL Express, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service. Electronic Payment Options n Visit www.irs.gov/payments for full listing of electronic payment options. n Direct Pay – Payment can be directly withdrawn from a bank account through the IRS website or through the software/website the taxpayer or paid preparer used to electronically file the tax return. n Debit/Credit Cards – The IRS website listed above provides links to pay by debit or credit card. All major cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted, fees apply. n Payments by Phone – The IRS website also lists toll-free numbers available to make payments by phone. 14 Seafarers LOG Refunds n Taxpayers can request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out the refund section on Form 1040, which includes the taxpayer’s bank account number and the bank’s routing number. n For electronically filed returns, a refund will typically be received in about 2 weeks if deposited directly into a checking or savings account. n Paper checks will be mailed to the address listed on the tax return if direct deposit is not requested. Paper check refunds may take several weeks to arrive by mail. n Where’s My Refund - If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the website at www. irs.gov/refunds. Filing an Extension Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 18, 2023, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. Change of Address If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person’s last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 2022, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who oversees the taxpayer’s property. Your Online Account To access your online account, you must authenticate your identity. To securely log in to your federal tax account, go to IRS. gov/Account. View the amount you owe, review 24 months of payment history, access online payment options, and create or modify an online payment agreement. You can also access your tax records online. Which Income to Report In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: n Jones Act settlements for lost wages n Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy n Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid n Canceled debts n State income tax refunds n Rents n Repayments n Royalties n Unemployment benefits n Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts n Endowments n Original Issue Discount n Distributions from self-employed plans n Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services) n Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act n Lump-sum distributions n Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains) n Accumulation distributions from trusts n Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings) n Earned income from sources outside the United States n Director’s fees n Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate n Embezzled or other illegal income n Social Security benefits Which Income Need Not Be Reported The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: n Benefits from government welfare programs n Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs n Maintenance and Cure n Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness n Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans Administration n Child support n Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed n Dividends on veterans’ life insurance n Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death n Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home n Loan repaid to you What Items Are Considered Deductions and Credits The following are common deductions and credits, which are discussed in more detail in above sections: n Standard Deduction n Itemized Deductions n Qualified Business Income Deduction n Student Loan Interest n Education Credits & Deductions n Earned Income Credit (EIC) n Child & Dependent Care Credit n Energy Credits Which Records to Keep Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (such as canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. Away at Tax Time Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in various countries (refer to IRS website for details). Why Seafarers Must Pay State Income Tax Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners working aboard U.S.flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108(11)] provides that “no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercostal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer.” The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year— was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. Where to Get IRS Information General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information between 7am-7pm your local time. Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status of your refund; send the IRS comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele- Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. February 2023 �Notice New Online Tool Available For Finding In-Network Providers, Determining Costs The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is pleased to announce a comprehensive new “cost and quality” tool that is available to all SHBP participants, via mycigna.com, as of Feb. 1, 2023. This tool should prove beneficial by allowing participants to find in-network providers in their respective areas, see ratings from other consumers, and view information about quality and cost of services. Participants can search by type of service, category of provider, or by nature of medical symptom(s). The tool contains information about hundreds of services, and will be expanded at some point. The tool generates information that is specific to Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec. 15, 2022 - Jan. 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 15, 2023. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C SHBP participants. Users can see actual costs for specific services (with variations depending on whether annual deductibles have been met). It will list the top five rated providers in the user’s geographic area (and includes options to expand the list). Users also may change the parameters for searching by various distances between a provider’s office and their respective residences. The SHBP encourages all participants to set up an account on mycigna.com. Once a user is logged in, click on “Find Care and Costs” to start using the cost and quality tool. Additional information will be available at the hiring halls and from Cigna. February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................Monday: February 6, March 6 Algonac...................................Friday: February 10, March 10 Baltimore.................................Thursday: February 9, March 9 Guam................................Thursday: February 23, March 23 Honolulu.............................Friday: February 17, March 17 Houston................................Monday: February 13, March 13 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: February 9, March 9 Joliet.................................Thursday: February 16, March 16 Mobile............................Wednesday: February 15, March 15 New Orleans...........................Tuesday: February 14, March 14 Jersey City..................................Tuesday: February 7, March 7 Norfolk........................................Friday: February 10, March 10 Oakland................................Thursday: February 16, March 16 Philadelphia......................Wednesday: February 8, March 8 Port Everglades.....................Thursday: February 16, March 16 San Juan.................................Thursday: February 9, March 9 St. Louis...................................Friday: February 17, March 17 Tacoma....................................Friday: February 24, March 24 Wilmington.........*Tuesday: February 21, Monday: March 20 * Wilmington change due to President’s Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD SPAD Works For You. February 2023 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was posed to members attending classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are your plans for enhancing your career during the upcoming year? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Clinton Omisong AB Well, I’m an AB now and I take bosun jobs from time to time. So, I plan to continue upgrading and become a bosun. I also plan to talk to as many people as I can back home and try to get them to join the SIU. Terrance Stevens OS I will continue taking classes to become an AB. Then I hope to continue working my way up from a C card to B card. That way, I won’t have to sit around at the union hall waiting to get a job. Long term, I just want to better position myself to go out and be great. Semere Debos QMED I plan to upgrade as much as possible by attending classes here at the school. This will enhance my career going forward and hopefully make it more lucrative. Christopher Perry AB I plan on applying for my AB unlimited so that I can advance my career forward. Hopefully, before too long, I will be able to start taking bosun’s jobs. Collin Sabitsky AB Well right now I’m taking courses to get my AB ticket. Later on, I plan to get enough sea tim to continue taking classes. My ultimate goal is to become a bosun or third mate. Donald Hatch Pumpman I will be working at sea aboard as many vessels as I can to start the year off. Later on, I hope that I will be able to come back to Piney Point to upgrade. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 ABs (and brothers) Jim and Frank Edmonds secure a tank cover on the T-5 tanker Shenandoah (operated by Hudson Waterways) in 1974 in New Jersey. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG February 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA SALEH ALI Brother Saleh Ali, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Coastal California. He worked in all three departments and last shipped on the Integrity. Brother Ali lives in Lexington, South Carolina. ARMONDO ALVAREZ Brother Armondo Alvarez, 68, embarked on his career with the union in 1990, first sailing on the USNS Vindicator. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Alvarez concluded his career aboard the St. Louis Express. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. NEIL BALL Brother Neil Ball, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 1972 when he worked with Interocean American Shipping. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ball’s final vessel was the Keystone State. He is a Seattle resident. JEFFREY BEASLEY Brother Jeffrey Beasley, 60, joined the Seafarers in 1981, initially sailing on the Montpelier Victory. A steward department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Beasley most recently shipped on the Texas. He calls Pennsauken, New Jersey, home. ALEXIS BONILLA Brother Alexis Bonilla, 66, joined the union in 2005. He shipped in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Bonilla’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the SBX. He makes his home in Miami. February 2023 ELIDIO CANDARI TERRY MAGNO Brother Elidio Candari, 74, donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first shipped on a Keystone vessel. He was a deck department member and most recently sailed on the Presque Isle. Brother Candari is a Las Vegas resident. Brother Terry Magno, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980, initially working aboard the Oceanic Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Magno last sailed on the Patriot. He lives in Pearl City, Hawaii. GERMAN DOLMO Brother German Dolmo, 65, joined the union in 1999. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. Brother Dolmo upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Denver and resides in the Bronx, New York. MARK HOFFMAN Brother Mark Hoffman, 62, became an SIU member in 1987 when he sailed on the USNS Contender. He upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the deck department. Brother Hoffman’s final vessel was the Ohio. He is a resident of Kent, Washington. BERNARD HUTCHING Brother Bernard Hutching, 65, joined the SIU in 1979. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hutching first shipped on the Puerto Rico. He most recently sailed on the John Boland and makes his home in Leonardtown, Maryland. ORIN KING Brother Orin King, 72, signed on with the union in 2016, sailing first aboard the Corsica. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother King most recently shipped on the Liberty Grace and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. GARY NAGEL Brother Gary Nagel, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Cove Trader and was a member of the deck department. Brother Nagel upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001. He settled in Costa Mesa, California, after concluding his career on the Overseas Joyce. ALFONSO MARTINEZ Brother Alfonso Thomas Martinez, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2007. A steward department member, he initially worked on the President Truman. Brother Thomas Martinez most recently sailed on the Safmarine Ngami. He lives in the Bronx, New York. ROBERT VARNEY Brother Robert Varney, 67, joined the union in 1999 and first sailed aboard the USNS Yano. He worked in the steward department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Varney’s final vessel was the USNS Montford Point. He resides in Jacksboro, Tennessee. VICTORINO VIERNES Brother Victorino Viernes, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2001 when he shipped on the USNS Able. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Viernes last shipped on the USNS Capella and settled in North Las Vegas, Nevada. MATILDE ZUNIGA Brother Matilde Zuniga, 65, became an SIU member in 1989. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother Zuniga’s first vessel was the Independence. He most recently sailed on the Overseas Cascade and is a Houston resident. INLAND DANIEL BRUTON Brother Daniel Bruton, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1995. He upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1997. Brother Bruton worked for OSG Ship Management for the duration of his career. He lives in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania. MARK GASKILL Brother Mark Gaskill, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1995 when he was employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gaskill most recently sailed on the Courage. He makes his home in Sea Level, North Carolina. CALVIN HATFIELD Brother Calvin Hatfield, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1978. He was a deck department member and worked for Higman Barge Lines for his entire career. Brother Hatfield lives in Call, Texas. GUSTAVE LEDAY Brother Gustave Leday, 63, started his career with the union in 1988 when he worked with Hvide Marine. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Leday’s final vessel was the Samson. He resides in Port Arthur, Texas. TERRY MURLEY Brother Terry Murley, 65, joined the SIU in 1978. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Murley was employed by Crescent Towing & Salvage for the duration of his career. He resides in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Pizzitola makes his home in Hallettsville, Texas. ELMER PRESTIDGE Brother Elmer Prestidge, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1980 when he shipped on the Manhattan Island. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Prestidge most recently worked on the Dodge Island. He resides in Walton, New York. JOHN SCHUSTER Brother John Schuster, 62, became an SIU member in 1991 when he sailed with OSG Ship Management. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Schuster remained with the same company for most of his career. He lives in Cape May County, New Jersey. JEROME SMITH Brother Jerome Smith, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Smith’s first vessel was the USNS Regulus; his last, the RocketShip. He resides in Mobile, Alabama. JAMES WEST Brother James West, 63, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977. Sailing in the deck department, he worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother West calls Citronelle, Alabama, home. GLENN WILLIAMS Brother Glenn Williams, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2013, initially working for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Williams most recently shipped aboard the Pacific Reliance. He makes his home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. MICHAEL PIZZITOLA Brother Michael Pizzitola, 72, signed on with the union in 1976. A deck department member, he worked for Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA LAWRENCE DUEITT Pensioner Lawrence Dueitt, 95, died December 22. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1955. A deck department member, he first shipped with Interocean American Shipping Corporation. Brother Dueitt last sailed on the Sacramento and became a pensioner in 1991. He resided in Mobile, Alabama. GARY FAVALORA Pensioner Gary Favalora, 74, passed away December 30. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994, initially sailing aboard the Manhattan Island. Brother Favalora sailed in the steward department and concluded his career on the APL Pearl. He retired in 2013 and called Covington, Louisiana, home. DANIEL HERRERA Pensioner Daniel Herrera, 95, died December 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1965. Brother Herrera’s first vessel was the Steel Scientist. He sailed in the steward department and last shipped on the Mayaguez. Brother Herrera went on pension in 1992 and lived in Puerto Rico. DERRICK HURT Brother Derrick Hurt, 57, has passed away. Born in Maryland, he began his career with the SIU in 1994 when he shipped on the Constellation. Brother Hurt sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Potomac Express. He was a resident of Richmond, Virginia. GEORGE JORDANIDES Pensioner George Jordanides, 85, died January 1. He signed on with the union in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Point Judy. A deck department member, Brother Jordanides concluded his career on the Constellation 18 Seafarers LOG in 2004. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Kissimmee, Florida. EULA KOPPEL Sister Eula Koppel, 61, passed away June 3. She joined the union in 1982 when she shipped on the Dynachem. Sister Koppel was a steward department member and last sailed aboard the Jack Lummus in 1993. She resided in Taylorsville, Kentucky, her native state. MELVIN MORGAN Pensioner Melvin Morgan, 78, died December 16. He joined the SIU in 1961, initially sailing with Suwannee Steamship. Brother Morgan sailed in the steward department. He went on pension in 2008 after concluding his career on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Morgan lived in Othello, Washington. OLIVER ORTIZ Brother Oliver Ortiz, 98, passed away November 30. He signed on with the union in 1952 when he sailed aboard the Yaka. Brother Ortiz was a deck department member and last shipped on the Oakland in 1985. He made his home in Puerto Rico. OSMAN RAJI Pensioner Osman Raji, 75, died December 6. He became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Cove Engineer. Brother Raji worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the John U.D. Page. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Antonio Rodriguez, 85, passed away January 5. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1970. Brother Rodriguez was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed with Sealand before his retirement in 1999. Brother Rodriguez lived in the Dominican Republic. HERBERT SCYPES Pensioner Herbert Scypes, 91, died December 18. He donned the SIU colors in 1956 and sailed in the steward department. Brother Scypes first worked with Waterman Steamship Corporation. He last sailed on the Overseas Harriette before going on pension in 1996. Brother Scypes resided in Mobile, Alabama. GREAT LAKES RICHARD BOCKERT Pensioner Richard Bockert, 86, passed away January 2. He joined the SIU in 1970, initially sailing aboard the Steel Age. A deck department member, Brother Bockert last sailed aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in Fort Dodge, Iowa. ARTHUR DURFEE Pensioner Arthur Durfee, 85, died January 4. He signed on with the union in 1961 and first sailed with Zenith Dredge Company. Brother Durfee continued working for the same company for most of his career. He began collecting his pension in 1999 and made his home in Duluth, Minnesota. INLAND FLOYD PHILLIPS Pensioner Floyd Phillips, 76, passed away December 13. He began sailing with the SIU in 1990. Brother Phillips sailed in the engine department and was employed with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for the duration of his career. He retired in 2009 and resided in Avella, Pennsylvania. EDWARD WHITFIELD Pensioner Edward Whitfield, 81, died December 9. A deck department member, he donned the union colors in 1997. Brother Whitfield worked for Penn Maritime for his entire career. He went on pension in 2012 and settled in Hobucken, North Carolina. NMU ROBERTO ALTAMIRANO Pensioner Roberto Altamirano, 96, passed away January 10. Brother Altamirano sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Genevieve Lykes. He retired in 1992 and made his home in Auburn, Alabama. DAVID DAVIS Pensioner David Davis, 82, died November 28. A deck department member, Brother Davis last shipped on the Cape Henry in 1996. He became a pensioner the same year and lived in Wilson, North Carolina. ERNEST HOPPER Pensioner Ernest Hopper, 82, passed away December 16. Brother Hopper worked in the deck department. He went on pension in 1995 after sailing on his final vessel, the Stella Lykes. Brother Hopper called Metairie, Louisiana, home. FRANCIS MCCANN Pensioner Francis McCann, 76, died November 18. Brother McCann last sailed aboard the Green Wave in 2003 and was a deck department member. He began collecting his pension in 2012 and made his home in New Orleans. MURPHY MIDDLETON Pensioner Murphy Middleton, 93, passed away June 30. Brother Middleton sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard the Megallanes. He became a pensioner in 1993 and settled in North Charleston, South Carolina. NAHON MORALES Pensioner Nahon Morales, 87, died December 23. Brother Morales worked in the deck department. He retired in 1996 after concluding his career aboard the Mormac Sky. Brother Morales resided in Puerto Rico. CLAYTON PARRY Pensioner Clayton Parry, 96, passed away December 10. Brother Parry was born in Quincy, Massachusetts. He last sailed aboard the American Accord before going on pension in 1984. Brother Parry lived in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Aguilar, Armando Manning, Lee AGE DOD 86 12/01/2022 94 12/04/2022 Have You Missed An Issue of the Seafarers Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website February 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), October 23 – Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Charles Brooks, Deck Delegate Kyle Silva, Engine Delegate Rafii Ibrahim Paramana. Chairman reported a safe trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed medical benefits and offered suggestions on how to possibly improve them. Members requested a centralized hard drive for movies aboard ship and for multiple physical exams per year to no longer be required. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), October 29 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Norma West, Educational Director David Watkins, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Secretary reported an enjoyable trip. Crew discussed ship funds with captain so they could order DVD players, various board games and other items. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increase in vacation benefits. Crew reviewed company policies regarding alcohol consumption in port and sexual assault/harassment training. Members suggested creating a program that would expedite physicals. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 31 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary John Greubel, Educational Director Benjamin Mathews, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Jose Smith, Steward Delegate Jose Clotter. SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick boarded ship in Houston and reviewed details of new contract. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and to The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. keep documents current. Crew thanked chief cook for great meals and agreed to add American Phoenix to the “good feeder” list. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime) November 13 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Gerald Joseph, Deck Delegate Donald Appu, Engine Delegate Joneses Ente, Steward Delegate Nadine Nome-Ryf. Chairman urged members to renew shipping documents before they expire. He encouraged everyone to recruit people they know that might be interested in joining the SIU. More overtime needs to be added to the deck department, per deck delegate. Engine delegate reported that no overtime was given for trash handling/burning. Crew received new refrigerators and mattresses. Members suggested reducing sea time requirements needed to qualify for pension benefits. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), November 27 – Chairman Joseph White, Secretary Lionel Packnett, Educational Director Edward Williams, Deck Delegate Moises Arzu, Steward Delegate Esperanza Crespo-Guillen. Chairman thanked everyone for a smooth voyage and praised steward department for a job well done. He noted the positive impact that good food has on a member’s life at sea. Steward department thanked everyone for their help keeping mess halls clean. Educational director reminded crew to secure higher wages by upgrading at the Piney Point school. Deck delegate discussed plans pertaining to coffee and meal breaks for ABs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed frustrations due to having no internet aboard ship. Next port: Houston. Supporting Our Troops GREEN BAY (Waterman), December 7 – Chairman Nicholas Turano, Secretary Derrick Williams, Deck Delegate Tenereo Cacpal. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Televisions are wanted in each room, per ship’s treasurer. New mattresses have been ordered. Members were encouraged to continue doing their part by keeping rooms and other areas clean. Next port: Vancouver, Washington. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), December 17 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary William Storey, Educational Director Tijani Rashid. Chairman announced payoff at sea December 18 in Newark, New Jersey. Ship to receive more money for food and consumables at the first of the year, per secretary. Educational director discussed the importance of upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, as well as renewing credentials early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed new retirement plan, sea-time requirements and problems with not getting overtime due to cargo. Crew requested improved Wi-Fi. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. POHANG PIONEER (U.S. Marine Management), December 17 – Chairman Mohamed Mohamed, Secretary Rudy Lopez, Deck Delegate June Kirk Margaja, Engine Delegate Kevin Hunt, Steward Delegate Jack Boscia. New TV for crew mess and new dryer for crew laundry received. Crew thanked steward U.S. Marines in mid-January load an MV-22B Osprey onto the SIU-crewed dry cargo ship USNS Green Ridge (Waterman) in San Diego. According to the Defense Department, the materiel will be utilized for “a self-mobile crisis response force that conducts theater-security missions to protect U.S. personnel, property, and interests in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe/Africa area of responsibility.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Childs) department for good food. Chairman reminded everyone to keep documents current and to upgrade at the Piney Point school when possible. He also encouraged members to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested movies and for the treadmill to be moved back to the gym. Crew wished everyone happy holidays. Next port: Sasebo, Japan. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Subcom), January 11 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Randy Sudario, Educational Director Nicolae Marinescu, Deck Delegate Eric Young, Engine Delegate Danilo Achacoso, Steward Delegate Jafet Misla-Mendez. Chairman extended “big thanks to (SIU VP Contracts) George Tricker and SIU for getting contract done with increase in pay, vacation, and a stipend for having a security clearance.” He discussed purchase of fitness equipment and encouraged crew to continue helping keep laundry and lounge areas clean. He also reported on air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Secretary mentioned plans to purchase two new refrigerators. Educational director reminded everyone to check documents before sailing, to make sure they’re up-to-date. Similarly, keep medical certificates current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was reminded that fresh linen is available every week. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt February 2023 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date February 27 April 10 June 5 March 17 April 28 June 23 February 13 March 13 April 10 May 8 February 24 March 24 April 21 May 19 RFPNW March 20 May 1 April 7 May 19 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 Lifeboat/Water Survival Start Date ServSafe Management February 13 March 20 April 24 May 29 July 3 August 7 February 17 March 24 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 Advanced Galley Operations March 13 May 22 April 7 June 16 Chief Steward April 17 June 26 May 12 July 21 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Basic Training April 17 April 21 Basic Training Revalidation February 13 February 24 March 20 March 24 April 7 April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 May 22 June 2 February 13 February 24 March 20 March 24 April 7 April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 May 22 June 2 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19 Government Vessels February 13 March 13 March 20 April 10 April 24 May 8 June 19 ` February 17 March 17 March 24 April 14 April 28 May 12 June 19 Tank Ship Familiarization DL February 20 May 22 February 24 May 26 Tank Ship Familiarization LG February 27 May 15 March 3 May 19 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW May 1 May 26 FOWT February 27 April 3 March 24 April 28 Junior Engineer Program March 27 June 5 May 19 July 28 Marine Electrician April 24 May 26 Marine Refer Tech March 13 April 21 Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21 Machinist March 13 March 31 Pumpman April 3 April 7 Welding March 20 May 8 April 7 May 26 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Important Notice To All Students Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook February 20 March 27 May 1 June 5 July 10 March 24 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck Title of Course Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2/23 February 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #889 – Graduated December 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Rickay Channer, Curtis Gillard II, Isaiah Godette, Terrence Green Jr., Kamaria Lapread, Sherman McClain Jr., Thaisha Morris, Amar Ogletree, Malik Oxendine Jr., Nick Randall, James Shoats, Armani Wells and Ross Williams. Correction On Page 18 of the December 2022 Seafarers LOG, we erroneously identified the photo below as Paul Hall Center Apprentice Water Survival Class #886. In fact, this is Class #887. We apologize for any inconvenience our oversight may have caused anyone affected, especially the trainees. Apprentice Water Survival Class #887 – Graduated Oct. 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Diaz Florez, Britorria Hogan, Craig Lash II, Matthew McManus, Pyron Meyers, Kaicee Proctor, Christopher Rolbiecki and Ubaydulwakeel Shambley. February 2023 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed, Nabil Saleh Ahmed, Saif Al Tamimi, Timothy Behnke, Willie Dawston Jr., Gerald Durham, Alfred Edmond, David Garrett, Deon Green, Alton Hickman Jr., Ransom Andrew Ki O’ka Puuku I. Kauwe, Steven Laubach, Saber Abdulhamid Naser, Kelly Percy, Fahmi Ali Taher Saeed, Mohsen Mohamed Said, Ahmed Omar Sharif, Andrea Sharpe, Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez and Mukhtar Mohamed Yahia. RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated November 25 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Mukhtar Nasser Ahmed Ali, Dale Armstrong III, Parker Hampton, Kaylah Hill, Jordan Jeffries, Joseph McCrea, Derrel Oliver, De’Andre Peden, Julian Ramirez, Felix Manuel Rivera Rodriguez and Domingo Ladringan Sadia IV. Class instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. UA to AS-Deck – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Ramona Cabrera Appleby, Johncarlo Garibaldi, Seth James, Bryce Kennebeck, Jesse Schecher, Alec Stensaa, Bradley Tucker and Emilie Whitlow. 22 Seafarers LOG Welding – Graduated November 18 (above, in alphabetical order): William Aebi, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera, Kenneth Loria Zuniga, Tracy Mitchell Jr. and Joel Williams. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. February 2023 �Marine Electrician – Graduated December 2 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar, Hector Ismael Caballero, Rustin Calame, Michael Clark, Christian Cruz, Tony Hamaguchi, Daryl Hicks, Wordell Prescott and Sanjay Waidyarachchi. Roy Graham, their instructor, is at the far left. RFPEW – Graduated October 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Saif Al Tamimi, Jesse Kleinfelter and Morey Lewis. Class instructor John Wiegman III is at the far right. Government Vessels – Graduated November 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Basheer Abdo Hasan Ali, Karen Barron, Johnnie Owens Jr. and Kevin Royster. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated November 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): David Argo Jr., Samuel Fagerness, Michael Jamal Garcia, Troy Hubbard Jr., Thomas Koncul, Cristian Efrain Lalin, Tyler Maddox, Zeke Pasquarelli and Joesef Moses Shaibi. Christopher Morgan, their instructor, is in the back row at the far left. Basic Training (First Aid, CPR & AED) – Upgrader Adrian Bartholomew recently completed his requirements in this class. A member of the engine department, Bartholomew graduated October 28. February 2023 Advanced Galley Operations – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Mark Brooks, Lady Joanna CanoOrozco, Todd Curry, Dylan Faile, Najeeb Ali Ginah, Janelle Harper and Shadonna Jones. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �FEBRUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) welcomes retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella to the hall as he contributes to the cause. Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 SA Christopher Dizon helps carry gifts for transport. Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta is a longtime backer of the program. Truly a Team Effort SIU Continues Outreach for Military Families Holiday traditions vary, but for the past 16 years, one particular philanthropic outreach invariably has been on the SIU’s calendar in Tacoma, Washington. That mission is known as Santa’s Castle, which produces donations of toys and other presents for U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo said the union’s participation in 2022 proved as strong as ever, and resulted in more than $8,000 worth of donations. The union also hosted a luncheon Dec. 16 for Santa’s Castle volunteers, SIU members, retirees and their families and friends. Immediately afterward, the donations were loaded into trucks and vans for transportation to the nearby Santa’s Castle facility. “Seafarers reached deep in their pockets to make this year as special as previous years, bringing Christmas to hundreds of lower-ranking enlisted service members and families and to show their appreciation and thanks to our war fighters and peacekeepers,” Vincenzo said. “And it’s not just our rank-andfile members who participate. Seattle-based Crowley Maritime has consistently contributed to the toy drive over the years and this year was no different. Additionally, Tacoma Seafarers are always inspired to know that SIU executives’ own contributions help get us across the finish line. This truly is a team effort that we can all be proud of, running on 16 consecutive years with a total contribution well north of $100,000. The spirit of giving here remains as strong as ever.” Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe said the union’s efforts “always make a big difference. We’re very grateful for the Seafarers – the amazing luncheon, and seeing all those beauti- Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime once again supported the outreach. Pictured from left are SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp, Crowley Director of Marine Personnel John Woodcock and Crowley Director of Labor Relations Dan Lowry (the latter two individuals were dropping off donations). Retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl loads a donated bike onto a truck. ful toys. It goes a long way to supporting our military folks.” She added that the program had an especially strong year overall, so the abundant donations “let us support even further and wider than we usually do. It’s a beautiful thing to support even more service members.” AB Samed Kassem donated three bicycles for the most recent iteration of Santa’s Castle, and he has no plans to stop. “I just like to donate,” Kassem stated. “I’ve been doing this since we started. It’s good to make kids happy. I have kids and I like to see them happy, so I want other kids to also be happy. Whether I’m at home or on a ship, I always donate. It makes me feel good.” The luncheon proved popular and featured traditional holiday fare including baked ham, roasted turkey breast and numerous side dishes and desserts. Active and retired Seafarers played vital roles with the setup and serving, Vincenzo noted. He credited Chief Steward Nina McFall, Chief Steward Ingra Maddox, Recertified Steward Bob Haggerty, retired Chief Steward Vicky Haggerty, Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin and retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl. “We could not pull this off without their help,” Vincenzo said. “I extend a heartfelt vote of thanks to all who made this year’s toy drive and annual holiday luncheon possible.” AB Mark Manalansan (left) and a guest enjoy the luncheon. Pictured from left are retired Recertified Steward Tommy Belvin and a guest; retired Recertified Steward Lewis Johanson and his wife, Shelly; and Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin. 24 Seafarers LOG February 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2023 Description An account of the resource NY WATERWAY CREW STEPS UP DURING EMERGENCY SAGAMORE RESCUES 15 MEMBERS APPLAUD UPDATED CONTRACT AT G&H TOWING SIU HELPS BRIGHTEN HOLIDAYS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES VIA SANTA'S CASTLE SARC DIRECTOR JOHN GALLAGHER DIES AT 67 NDAA CONTAINS BIG WINS FOR MARITIME SIU CIVMARS FROM USNS JOHN LEWIS HELP WITH RESCUE SIU OF CANADA PRESIDENT JIM GIVEN RETIRES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 85, No. 2 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3ef123d173ac59f1549c65b759931fe7.pdf 40a6670e60918d7cb5dfc135d1bd82b4 PDF Text Text JANUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 1 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Bisso Boatmen Ratify Contract 3-Year Pact Features Numerous Gains SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso & Son recently approved a new contract that boosts wages and includes many other improvements. Negotiations took place in New Orleans in mid-November; voting concluded Nov. 23. The photo above includes members of the respective bargaining committees. Pictured from left in the Crescent City are SIU Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler, Bisso Operations Manager Timothy Michel, Bisso President Matt Holzhalb, Bisso VP Mike Vitt, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, SIU Alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais, Bisso HR Manager Ashley Sorrells, SIU Wheelman Delegate Ian Strother, Bisso CFO Casey Willis and SIU Engineer Delegate Kevin Wells. The photo at immediate right, taken in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, includes boatmen from the Vera Bisso along with SIU delegates and Westbrook (third from right). Page 3. Oakland Thanksgiving Event Another Rousing Success The yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, took place Nov. 22 and featured an array of U.S. congressional representatives, military personnel, company executives – and of course, Seafarers, SIU retirees and their families. Pictured at the gathering are members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard along with (front, from left) Chief Cook Ronald Williams, AB Paul Clow, AB Josesimo Balerite, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman and ACU Mohamed Wasel. Pictured from right to left in the second row are SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona and retired Recertified Steward George Pino, along with the color guard. Page 5. Steward Departments Brighten Holiday at Sea Continuing a decades-long tradition, steward-department Seafarers made extra efforts to help ensure an enjoyable Thanksgiving for their respective shipmates throughout the fleet. Among those providing scrumptious holiday fare at sea was Recertified Steward Cleto Lindong (left in photo at immediate right) aboard the Safmarine Ngami. He’s pictured with vessel master Capt. William Fisher. Enjoying a meal aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel are (from left in photo above) QMED Brandon Thornton, AB Alex Busby, SA Santiago Aquino, AB Orlando Da Cruz and QEE Matthew Yowell. Pages 10-11. SHBP Scholarship Info Page 9 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 1 SIU Year in Review Page 20 12/20/22 12:07 PM �President’s Report Big Wins for Maritime The most recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contains a number of key victories for the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I’m proud to say the SIU played an active role in helping secure many of the components. One of the particularly noteworthy developments is the doubling of the new U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP) from the initial 10 ships later this year to 20 in the year 2024. Not only will this mean more shipboard jobs, it also will strengthen U.S. national security by reducing potential reliance on foreign ships and crews. In what I would describe as a “lessons learned” section, the legislation boosts Jones Act enforcement through a series of smart procedural mandates. This should help preserve American jobs while making it harder for foreign-flag interests to attempt “crisis arbitrage” – taking advantage of situations such as natural disasters just Michael Sacco to make a buck. The NDAA also has a lot of meat when it comes to modernizing the mariner credentialing system and reducing the current backlogs. As Seafarers know, these are critical steps that absolutely affect U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Other elements of the bill focus on maintaining safe workplaces, making it easier for military veterans with sea time to enter our industry, and guaranteeing shore leave for our brothers and sisters in the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration fleet. Finally, the legislation includes this “Sense of Congress on Merchant Marine” that is straightforward and powerful: “It is the sense of Congress that the United States Merchant Marine is a critical part of the national infrastructure of the United States, and the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine are essential workers.” Our legislative team deserves kudos for helping advance your interests – and our rank-and-file members deserve credit, too. Your professionalism and reliability strengthen our voice on Capitol Hill (and at other levels of government). Candidly, your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, also makes a big difference. It’s vital for helping us promote and protect not just the SIU but the broader U.S. Merchant Marine. I look forward to watching all of this play out and to helping make it happen. Brotherhood of the Sea Whether you’re flipping through printed pages or scrolling online, a look at pretty much any issue of the LOG gives readers a good idea of what we’re all about. In this edition alone, our coverage reflects the SIU securing great contracts, saving lives at sea, brightening the holidays for one another, engaging in grassroots political action, and even speaking up for mariners on the world stage. Additionally, the class photos from our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, are more than just potential keepsakes. They reflect the steady operations of a world-class training facility – one that serves as a gateway for career advancement. And, the apprentice photos show the next generation of Seafarers (who’ll benefit greatly from what we’re working on now). We need to make sure these young women and men continue entering our industry. Not to be overlooked are the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholarships that are available to members and their dependents. Be sure to check on those details, apply if it’s something that might help you, and encourage others to do the same. Last but definitely not least, read the answers in our “Inquiring Seafarer” feature. (By the way, that feature has run in the LOG off and on for decades.) Those comments from longtime members again reflect an organization that has a lot to offer and much to be proud of. Now, let’s continue our momentum in the New Year! Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) AMP President Ku’uhaku Park, U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. AMP Salutes Rep. González-Colón The leading U.S. domestic maritime coalition recently honored a longtime backer of the industry. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) on Nov. 16 presented U.S. Rep. Jenniffer GonzálezColón (R-Puerto Rico) with its American Maritime Champion Award. According to the coalition, “The award recognizes individuals or groups of individuals who have added to the rich heritage of the United States as a maritime nation through their professional contributions, courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” The SIU is an AMP affiliate; SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the union at the awards ceremony. “In her role as the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Rep. González-Colón has been an ardent supporter of the Jones Act and American Maritime as a whole,” AMP noted in a news release. “She is a member of the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and possesses a deep understanding of the importance of a robust national maritime capacity. Rep. González-Colón is a champion of the Puerto Rican people on the issues that matter most to the Island.” “I am honored to have been selected for this award, finding myself in the company of many distinguished congressional leaders,” said GonzálezColón. “We all share a common goal of defending American industry and jobs and the preservation of our security of supply. Our economy moves based on what we can export and import; the maritime industry is the main artery of our supply chain and inserts our products in the market. The American shipping industry has served Puerto Rico for over a century, developing infrastructure, employees, fleets, specialized equipment, and systems, and continuing to improve them, which assists the recovery of Puerto Rico with the presence of a regular route system. We have seen how having direct, reliable, and expeditious service lifts up our economy. The current effort in the modernization of the fleet is critical for the reliability of service and drives an investment in the American shipbuilding in which many Puerto Rican workers are part of the team in the mainland, as well as creating and sustaining port and shipping jobs in Puerto Rico in support of our export and import industries.” “Representative González-Colón has been a steadfast leader in her commitment to the people she serves, including the men and women of American maritime in Puerto Rico,” said AMP President Ku’uhaku Park. “She understands not only the importance of a reliable, on-time American supply chain to and from Puerto Rico, as was seen during the pandemic and supply-chain disruption, but also the larger significance of ensuring national security through a strong shipbuilding and merchant mariner capacity.” Union Assists Maritime Ally in Important Drive O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 1 January 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. The SIU is assisting with a (free) membership drive for American Maritime Voices, which is affiliated with the coalition American Maritime Partnership. Individuals are encouraged to sign up online. This is a grassroots effort to stand up for the Jones Act. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 2 January 2023 12/20/22 12:09 PM �Deckhand Ryan Bryce (left) discusses the new contract with bargaining committee members Ian Strother (center) and Jacob Toler. SIU boatmen are pictured Nov. 23 outside the company’s fleet office in New Orleans. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook is at center in photo above, and fourth from right in the photo below. Bisso Boatmen Ratify Three-Year Contract SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso & Son unanimously have ratified a three-year contract featuring substantial gains. The union represents 70 boatmen at Bisso, which is headquartered in New Orleans. They work as wheelmen, deckhands and engineers aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing ship docking and offshore towing services. Negotiations took place Nov. 15-17 in New Orleans. Ratification began immediately thereafter and concluded Nov. 23. The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Engineer Delegate Kevin Wells, Wheelman Delegate Ian Strother, Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler and alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais. “We had a lot of experience on the committee, along with some newer guys,” Westbrook said. “The company, to their credit, stepped up and negotiated a package that reflects the current labor market. They recognize the value of their employees. I think the contract is a tremendous retention and attraction tool, and it’s a win-win for both sides.” Wells stated, “All in all, the negotiations were pretty tough, but in the end, both sides came to an agreement. After going out and speaking with the guys, everybody was very pleased. Personally, I was pleased with the company’s willingness to work with us.” He added that the annual wages increases are the largest he’s seen in his 35-year tenure with Bisso. “That’s the highlight to me and I think it’s the same for the rest of the guys,” Wells said. Strother, a nine-year employee, served as a bargaining-team member for the first time and said he found the process “interesting. At times we were joking, and at other times it was very stressful. I’m very happy with the SIU Helps in Delivery Of Mariner Message At Key United Nations Conference The global maritime industry faces massive changes related to new fuels – and the SIU is helping make sure mariners’ voices are heard throughout what undoubtedly will be a decades-long process. Most recently, this outreach consisted of longtime SIU member Lindsey Austin participating in the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – abbreviated as COP27 (it’s the twenty-seventh such conference). The well-attended gathering took place Nov. 6-20 in Egypt. “I was really proud to represent working seafarers and especially to represent the SIU,” said Austin, a 10-year member currently sailing as a chief mate. “The industry’s goal is to be emissions-free or neutral by 2050, so mariner retraining is needed. Not only will we need to reskill and retrain, we’ll also need to attract and retain new people.” While the conference had a wide-ranging agenda, a highlight for shipboard personnel and their unions was the introduction of Maritime Just Transition Task Force. Formed by unions, vessel owners and United Nations entities, the group’s mission statement underscores that its objective is “to ensure that shipping’s response to the climate emergency puts seafarers and communities at the heart of the solution.” In that vein, COP27 included the unveiling of a new report commissioned by the Task Force. The research and findings pertain to mariner training and skills for decarbonized shipping. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), touching on some of the report’s findings, noted, “The three emission-reduction scenarios assessed in the research January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 3 way it turned out. “We tried to get the best agreement possible for our co-workers,” he added. “We didn’t necessarily get everything we wanted, but we did really well.” In addition to calling for yearly wage increases, the contract also boosts base pay; includes an immediate cost-of-living bonus for all ratings; and features a longevity bonus for highlight an immediate need to start putting the training infrastructure in place, to ensure hundreds of thousands of the world’s nearly two million seafarers are upskilled and empowered through the transition. Findings also suggest that a lack of certainty on alternative fuel options is having [undesirable] effects for seafarer training, as the global maritime community works towards a clearer decarbonization pathway in a post-fossil fuel era.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel – who chairs both the ITF Seafarers’ Section and the Maritime Just Transition Task Force and has been extensively involved in promoting mariner welfare around the globe – stated, “A Just Transition for shipping will require a commitment to safe crewing: having enough seafarers on board to allow for the safe handling of new fuels, technologies and ship designs.” (Heindel announced the federation’s sustainable shipping policy a year earlier.) COP27 attendees expressed appreciation for the specific recommendations contained in the Maritime Just Transition Task Force report. Those goals include committing to global labor standards, prioritizing mariner health and safety, investing in training, supporting career pathways, addressing attrition and recruitment, and more. Austin, who also participated in the 2021 COP meeting online, primarily took part in two of the COP27 panels. She found the experience “100 percent worthwhile. It’s always nice to be around a group of people who have a common cause and are passionate about it,” she stated. “People might not agree on the politics or science of climate change, but there is no question that change is coming in our industry. Now we have a plan.” She added that a comment from one of the other panelists underscored the importance of mariners participating in COP27 and in future related events. “The sentiment was that we wouldn’t talk about farming without including farmers, and we shouldn’t talk about the maritime industry without seafarers,” Austin said. “That may sound basic but it’s a good point and it reinforces the need for us to be involved.” employees who’ve been with the company for at least 30 years. The pact maintains medical coverage at the top level available through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (Core Plus), adds a paid holiday, expands the bereavement clause, doubles the rate for maintenance and cure, and doubles the reimbursement for personal protective equipment. SIU member Lindsey Austin takes notes during one of the discussions at COP27. She also addressed attendees, providing the perspective of an active mariner. Seafarers LOG 3 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Pictured from left in the back row are Chief Steward John Greubel, AB Ed Gavagan, Bosun Charles Hill, AB Nick Carey, OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano and OMU Jose Smith. Seated (from left) are GVA Ricardo Escorcia, AB James Riley, AB Andrew Graham and Chief Cook Jose Clotter. Chief Cook Jose Clotter (left) is pictured with the rescued migrants. American Phoenix Crew Rescues Migrants SIU members sailing aboard the American Phoenix were in the right place at the right time, and helped to rescue a raft full of Cuban migrants adrift in the Straits of Florida on Nov. 22. The SIU members sailing aboard the Seabulk-operated tanker included: Recertified Bosun Charles Hill; ABs Nicholas Carey, Edward Gavagan, Andrew Graham, Edward Majesky and James Riley; QEP Benjamin Mathews; OMUs Damir Josipovic, Javier Murillo Solorzano and Jose Smith; Steward Baker John Greubel, Chief Cook Jose Clotter and GVA Ricardo Escorcia. The officers aboard the vessel are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers. Vessel master Capt. Thomas Liebsch reported, “At 0742 local time on November 22, while the American Phoenix was transiting from Port Everglades to the Southwest Pass, the 2nd Mate and lookout, AB Andrew Graham, spotted a small object approximately 3.5 nautical miles from the vessel. Upon further inspection, they could see a raft with men onboard, waving their arms and a flag.” Graham stated, “We saw an object from afar and when it got closer, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw people trying to flag us down. I thought it was trash at first, they were being pushed into the Gulf of Mexico and had minimal supplies left. They may have had a grave outcome if we hadn’t spotted their little makeshift raft.” The raft was described by the captain as a “makeshift craft, poorly constructed of plywood and Styrofoam and with an open bottom, with seven Cuban migrants onboard.” After contacting the United States Coast Guard Sector Key West, the crew of the American Phoenix was first advised to remain in the area, and then later instructed to attempt a rescue and bring the migrants aboard. Liebsch continued, “At 0828 local time, the USCG asked if the vessel would attempt a rescue and disembark the mi- grants from the raft onto the ship. The Chief Mate and Bosun Charles Hill directed ABs Andrew Graham, Ed Gavagan, Eddie Majesky and Nick Carey, and QMED Benjamin Mathews to rig the accommodation and pilot ladders and prepare life rings and heaving lines. With the Captain giving rudder commands, AB James Riley carefully steered the vessel closer to the raft and the crew was able to get a sea painter over by using a line throwing appliance. Once the raft was safely alongside, all seven migrants were transferred to the ship at 1015 local time.” Clotter provided translation assistance between the crew and the migrants. He stated, “The Chief Mate asked me to help translate once they determined the men were Cuban. Upon boarding the vessel, I questioned the men to make sure they did not have any weapons, and asked if they were looking for help. They responded that they were in need of help, and that they had been out at sea for nine days.” Clotter added, “The steward department gathered some fruit and water for them, and then my wife, who was working on another ship at the time, suggested that I offer to give them some spare clothes to change into, once I shared the news with her. So I did just that – I gave them pants and shirts, and also asked the rest of the crew to join in as well, if they had anything to spare.” The captain agreed, saying, “Chief Cook Jose Clotter, GVA Ricardo Escorcia and OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano did a fantastic job of translating so the crew could better help and provide comfort for the migrants. Additional engine room personnel who provided assistance in the engine control room and on deck included OMUs Damir Josipovic and Jose Smith.” He concluded his report: “The vessel proceeded towards Key West to rendezvous with USCG Cutter Vigorous. QMED Mathews helped the men all properly don their lifejackets in VP Harris Reiterates Support SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (left) and United States Vice President Kamala Harris meet at a recent labor gathering in San Francisco. Harris is a longtime friend of the SIU. During the meeting, she underscored her ongoing support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. 4 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 4 The raft as seen from the SIU-crewed American Phoenix. preparation for the transfer to the cutter. At 1254 local time, the cutter launched a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and the seven migrants boarded via the accommodation ladder at 1312 local time.” Sunshine State Helps Save 9 On October 16, while transiting the Florida Straits en route from Jacksonville, Florida, to Port Arthur, Texas, the mate on watch aboard the Sunshine State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) noticed what he thought to be an unusually small sailboat on the starboard bow. Further investigation revealed a makeshift craft overloaded with refugees making various signals indicating distress. Closer inspection revealed a homemade, small craft consisting of plastic or foam blocks cobbled together along with a small windsurfing sail. Under advisement from the Coast Guard, the Sunshine State circled the craft to calm the seas until a U.S. Customs vessel arrived on scene. The SIU crew of the Sunshine State included Recertified Bosun Randell Porter; ABs Carlos Avila, Daniel Harris, Paul Riley and Lloyd Stock; QE3 Manolito Garcia; Steward/Baker Mamie Porter and GVA Ernesto Martinez. January 2023 12/20/22 12:11 PM �U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) Yardena Wolf Chief of Staff, Office of U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California) Patriot Contract Services President Lance Bardo, SIU VP Nick Marrone Oakland Thanksgiving Event a Success The yearly pre-Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, once again proved smooth, successful – and filling. Locally renowned for decades, the 2022 iteration took place in its usual slot on the Tuesday before the holiday (Nov. 22). The event featured a comprehensive menu, remarks from union officials and guests, and relaxed fellowship. Among those addressing the crowd of approximately 120 people were U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California), U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto and Yardena Wolf, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (DCalifornia). Guests included rank-and-file SIU members and their families, SIU re- tirees, shipping company executives, representatives from various labor organizations, and others. Among the vessel operators represented at the traditional feast were Matson, Patriot, Pasha, Crowley and Starlight Marine. “Our theme this year really focused on giving thanks and also on unity,” said SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona, long the driving force behind the event. “One point I emphasized is that we can disagree about policies, but we have to stay unified. We’re Americans and we’re all in this together.” Other speakers shared those sentiments and also underscored their support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Editor’s note: Thanks to Charles Farruggia for supplying the photos on this page. SIU VP Nicholas Celona (center) is pictured with International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 8 Business Reps Ryan Lange (left) and Greg Hardeman. Members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard and retired Recertified Steward George Pino (right, holding U.S. Merchant Marine flag) help kick off the event. SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) chats with guests from Carpenters Local 2233. Pictured from left are Arturo Rodriguez, Tim Favaloro and Francisco Martinez. January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 5 In photo at immediate left, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto (right) addresses the audience as VP Nick Marrone looks on. Pictured from left (photo above) are SIU VP Nicholas Celona, Richard Carpeneti (former president of the San Francisco Housing Authority) and Larry Mazzola Jr. (president of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 38). Bosun Victor Frazier (center) and his family enjoy the gathering. Seafarers LOG 5 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Pictured from left to right are OS Levi Gorokhovsky, Bosun Santos Contreras, Chief Officer Gary Bigham, OS Destini Dunlap, OS Robert Freer, OS Ryan Heinberger and UA Carl Piercy. Chief Cook Walter Schoppe Longtime Seafarer Praises Cable Ship Comrades Bosun Robert O’Connell recently was moved to write to the staff of the Seafarers LOG, detailing his experiences while sailing aboard the cable ship Decisive late last year. The vessel, operated by Subcom, was tasked a cable-laying operation in the Mediterranean Sea, which lasted about 40 days. O’Connell embraced the challenge, saying, “I caught the AB job and hadn’t been on one of those cable ships in 20 years. It’s an interesting operation.” He joined the SIU in 1991, as part of Class 475, and sailed until 2004. He left the industry for personal reasons, but returned to sailing in 2019. While the trip was unique in its own way, what inspired him to catalogue the voyage was his collective interaction with the rest of the crew: “They showed great teamwork, and were able and willing to perform any task given to them.” He added, “What really stuck out to me was how the apprentices and ordinaries really stood up. They really impressed me. There was nothing they couldn’t do. They worked together, stayed happy and upbeat and got the job done. And it was a long job.” O’Connell also stated that in conversations with the captain, Eric Ellsworth, the vessel master mentioned more than once how pleased he was with the work of the apprentices. O’Connell wanted to highlight the efforts of the following crew members while he was aboard: Bosun Santos Contreras, Bosun’s Mate Jerry Dingal, ABs Suallah Osman, John Reid and Cameron Ruthlev, OSs Destini Dunlap, Robert Freer, Levi Gorokhovsky, and Darius Parker, Chief Electrician Casey Frederick, MDR Luke Mueller, CASJ Dominador Diaz, OMU Kasim Ahmed, Chief Steward Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Walter Schoppe, Third Cook Virgilio Brosoto, SA Mahmoud Fares, GVAs Khaleel Boatner, Donato Camandang, Verna Dotson, Apprentice Preston Stine plays guitar during Justo Guity, Ryan Heimberger, Ruby his coffee break. Jones, Salah Mohmohd, Kassem Salah and Van Valladolid, and Apprentices Preston Stine and Carl Piercy. Regarding the work of Chief Cook Schoppe – who has sailed with the SIU for more than 40 years – O’Connell noted, “The food was great. He’s a real professional.” He concluded by saying, “It made me feel good that the SIU tradition of good seamanship and work ethic hasn’t been lost. My hat’s off to them.” AB Suallah Osman (left) and OS Levi Gorokhovsky take inventory and stow gear for the cable operations. Observance Includes Merchant Mariners The U.S. Merchant Marine was included in the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony Dec. 7 in the nation’s capital. The event, hosted by Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service, took place at the World War II Memorial. Retired Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus attended the ceremony and provided these photos. The posed photo by the wreaths includes (from left) Deputy Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley and Adm. Christopher W. Grady, who serves as the twelfth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 6 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 6 January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �CHEERFUL VISIT – AB Donald Desir (second from left) meets with personnel from the Baltimore International Seafarers Center aboard the ARC Defender (TOTE Services). The ladies brought gifts for the crew to brighten their time in Charm City. ABOARD MAERSK SARATOGA – Bosun Kemer Rojas (left) and AB Ramon Guity are pictured aboard the Maersk Line, Limited ship in mid-November in Kuwait. ABOARD MAERSK DURBAN – QMED Sammy Montana cuts a metal pipe fitting with an electric jigsaw. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Bosun Mark Hoffman (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, receives his first pension check. Hoffman started sailing with the union in 1987. WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Recertified Steward Jeff Beasley (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall following a 40-year career. His daughter, Leilani, is in the center, while SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice is at right. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Longtime SIU member and delegate Capt. Terry Murley (left), who spent his entire 44-year career at Crescent Towing, picks up his first retirement check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook is at right. TAKING THE OATH IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Kirk Fisher (center in photo at left) receives his A-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera. In the larger group photo above, SA Stephen Nowell (center, with hand raised) takes the oath prior to receiving his B-book at the hall. Pictured from left are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, MDR Yan Paing (partially visible), Niday, Rivera, Nowell, SA Ahmed Abubaker, OS Abdelrahim Salih, and Chief Cook Ashley Graham. HELPING AT THE HALL – QEE Randy Slue takes a busman’s holiday by volunteering at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. “He always comes through for us,” said SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 12/19/22 11:44 AM �HONING SKILLS – Mariners from the Algol and Capella are pictured following small-arms training. From left: Capt. Raymond Davis, Electrician Salah Saleh, GUDE Ruel Decrepito, Electrician Alex Canada, Recertified Bosun Artis Williams, Capt. Andrew Diamond and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS MAURY – GVA Brian Peralta (seated) is surprised with a chocolate mousse cake in celebration of his retirement from sailing. Chief Steward Rhonda Jenkins is at left while vessel master Capt. Jon Skogland is at right aboard the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel. ABOARD MAUNAWILI – SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon (right) meets with Seafarers aboard the Matson ship. Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz is at left while Recertified Steward Christopher Amigable is at center. A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Brandon Urich (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. A-BOOKS IN FLORIDA – Picking up their respective A-seniority books at the Jacksonville hall are (left in photo above) QMED George Box and (left in photo below) Bosun Terry Hester. Box is pictured with SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo, while Hester is shown with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Two Seafarers recently received their respective B-books at the Houston hall. They are AB Adolf Abbey (right in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel) and AB Daniel Hanback (left in photo at left, with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick). MILESTONE IN JERSEY – AB Dennis Saggese (right in photo at immediate right) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta is at left. 8 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 8 January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �SHBP Offers Scholarships For 2023 Previously Non-Selected Applicants May Reapply if Still Eligible The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2023 calendar year. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers while five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to obtain a scholarship program booklet. This package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. Union members and their dependents now have three avenues through which they may obtain this booklet. Prospective applicants may request these booklets via mail by completing and mailing the form provided. Booklets may also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall. Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet online by visiting www.seafarers.org, go to the Benefits menu, open the “Core Plus and Core Benefits” section, scroll to “Applications and Forms,” and select Scholarship Application. Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2023 SHBP Scholarships. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the full application, which must be received by April 15, 2023. A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2023. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Please send me the 2023 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name .......................................................................................................................................... Street Address ............................................................................................................................ City, State, Zip Code................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) .......................................................................................................... This application is for: Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1/23 Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2021 and ending July 31, 2022 (the “2021 Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the 2021 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2021 Plan Year Valuation Date August 1, 2021 Funded Percentage Over 100% Value of Assets $111,300,133 Value of Liabilities $105,199,118 2020 Plan Year August 1, 2020 Over 100% $106,834,294 $102,467,876 2019 Plan Year August 1, 2019 Over 100% $106,530,327 $ 99,134,084 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2022 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2021 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2023. Fair Market Value of Assets July 31, 2022 $110,134,839 July 31, 2021 $119,994,941 July 31, 2020 $101,823,920 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2021 Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,050. Of this number, 785 were current employees, 862 were retired and receiving benefits, and 403 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2021 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2.9% January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 9 2. U.S. Government securities 0.0% 3. Corporate debt instruments 0.0% 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): 22.2% 5. Real estate (other than employer real property): 8.5% 6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 62.3% 7. Other 4.1% Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2021 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2022. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for singleemployer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. Seafarers LOG 9 12/19/22 11:44 AM �From left, Chief Cook Robert Wright, SA Santiago Aquino and Recertified Steward Cleto Lindong stand behind some of their handiwork aboard the Safmarine Ngami. Recertified Steward Ali Matari led the way in making sure fellow mariners aboard the Maersk Hartford were well-fed on Thanksgiving. Pictured from left aboard the USNS Red Cloud are C/M Brad Lawhon, C/E Jared Ciavola, Chief Steward Dennis Dizon, SA Emily Lepley, QMED Floro Ponce, Chief Cook Alvinmar Aldana, Capt. Doug Nagy and SA Amado Angeles. Pictured clockwise, starting at front left are Chief Cook Nicoll Rodriguez, Capt. Gabor Ujvari, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, ACU Nasser Alarqban and Chief Engineer Tommy Stillwachs aboard the President Wilson. SIU Steward Departments Deliver Thanksgiving Feasts Spending holidays at sea often comes with the job of being a mariner, but Seafarers and their shipmates still appreciate extra effort from the galley gangs on Thanksgiving. Based on recent communications to the LOG as well as online posts, such output proved quite evident Nov. 24 aboard SIU-crewed ships. Elaborate menus became the norm on vessels including the President Wilson (operated by APL), Safmarine Ngami (Maersk Line, Limited), USNS Red Cloud (Patriot), USNS Dahl (Patriot) and many others. Prior to press time, the union posted photos from those feasts, and the subsequent comments on the SIU Facebook page were voluminous and enthusiastic. They included: “There are some super-talented steward departments out there!” “Awesome job by the steward department. That is an impressive spread.” “I wouldn’t use the word effort. That is hard work!” “WOW what an awesome spread. Looks so tasty! Happy Thanksgiving.” Similar sentiments surfaced in related emails sent to the LOG, including this one from Safmarine Ngami vessel master Capt. William Fisher: “A strong shout-out to the steward department for an awesome job they did, as you can see in the pictures. (Recertified) Steward Cleto Lindong and Chief Cook Robert Wright and SA Santiago Aquino are some of the SIU’s finest.” With another Thanksgiving having passed, SIU galley gangs have upheld a tradition that’s almost as old as the union itself. Editor’s note: The photos on these two pages were submitted on Thanksgiving and in the days immediately afterward. Additional images are posted on the union’s Facebook page. The three photos directly above are from the Safmarine Ngami, as is the image that’s third from left, middle row, on page 10. The two photos at immediate left are from the President Wilson, while the remaining two (directly next to the one of the USNS Dahl crew) are from the USNS Red Cloud. Crew members aboard the USNS Dahl line up for a holiday feast. 10 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 10-11 January 2023 January 2023 Seafarers LOG 11 12/19/22 12:09 PM �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by graduates of the most recent bosun recertification course in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Nasser Hafid Recertified Bosun My dad was a sailor. What made me do what I do now is, seeing my dad support a wife and eight children. That’s what inspired me to join the SIU. Also, the money is good! Carlos Gibbons Recertified Bosun I joined with the hope of a better future – to put myself into a good financial position, and also because of the family time that this profession offers. I’ve stayed because of the many opportunities that the industry offers if you keep upgrading. Neftali Erausquin Recertified Bosun I enjoy traveling around the world and being part of a great union, the SIU. I’m proud to be a member and I definitely love the sea. Larry Dizon Recertified Bosun I joined the SIU back in 2005 and it has been a life-changing experience. I’ve developed skills and excelled in my chosen career. This has given my family a better life, and I plan to stay with the SIU. Ronald Poole Sr. Recertified Bosun Life in the union has been good for me and my family. I have two daughters in college and one more to go. The sky is the limit with the SIU. Richard Molina Blackman Recertified Bosun I joined the SIU in 2001 and it has been a great experience. I always wanted to be a seaman. The SIU has given me the opportunity to provide for me and my family. The SIU made me the man I am today, and I plan to retire with the union. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 James B. Hall Recertified Bosun After I completed four years in the Navy, I went back to the small town where I grew up, went back to school and got a job. Within a year, I really missed going to sea. I considered re-enlisting but came across the SIU website and got into the apprentice program. I’ve remained with it because I enjoy travel and because the lifestyle is flexible. Pic From The Past In photo at right, workers in Rotterdam put the finishing touches on the stern of the Sea-Land McLean in 1972. SIU members crewed up the SL-7 shortly thereafter. The photo below (taken with a fisheye lens, from one of the port cranes) shows a longrange view of the ship at berth. PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 12 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice/Reminder Medical Department Outlines Drug Test Collection Procedures In order to help prevent any misunderstandings that may affect your merchant mariner credential, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department offers the following brief review of a few of the federal rules related to drug test collections. n You have up to three hours to provide an acceptable urine specimen. Do not schedule a test for a day and time if you don’t have three hours available to stay at the clinic if needed. n The collection process usually starts when you are taken into the back to provide a sample. You cannot leave until the col- lector says that the sample is acceptable. n You must follow the collector’s directions. Leaving prior to providing an acceptable specimen, being unable to provide one within the three-hour timeframe without a medical explanation, or interfering with the collector constitutes a refusal to test. Refusal to test may result in action by the U.S. Coast Guard as if there had been a positive test. In summary, pick your appointment time so you can stay as long as needed, do not interfere with the collector and, most importantly, follow the collector’s instructions. January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point................*Tuesday: January 3, Monday: February 6 Algonac...................................Friday: January 6, February 10 Baltimore.................................Thursday: January 5, February 9 Guam................................Thursday: January 19, February 23 Honolulu..................................Friday: January 13, February 17 Houston................................Monday: January 9, February 13 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: January 5, February 9 “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 14 -December 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 14. Port Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach All Groups All Groups All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 17 0 1 21 0 8 6 43 29 21 2 3 20 12 3 1 4 17 0 22 230 5 5 0 12 0 8 2 19 27 8 2 3 7 3 0 5 1 6 1 7 121 6 0 0 2 0 0 0 6 6 1 2 1 6 2 0 0 2 0 2 4 40 Deck Department 22 1 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 10 6 3 0 0 0 9 5 0 4 1 0 23 7 2 25 19 3 15 8 5 3 1 1 4 1 0 16 5 5 5 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 1 11 2 0 1 1 1 15 5 2 168 72 25 New Orleans...........................Tuesday: January 10, February 14 Jersey City..................................Tuesday: January 3, February 7 Norfolk.........................................Friday: January 6, February 10 Oakland................................Thursday: January 12, February 16 Philadelphia......................Wednesday: January 4, February 8 Port Everglades......................Thursday: January 12, February 16 San Juan..............................Thursday: January 5, February 9 St. Louis...................................Friday: January 13, February 17 Tacoma....................................Friday: January 20, February 24 Wilmington..........*Tuesday: January 17 , *Tuesday: February 21 * Piney Point change due to New Year’s Day observance * Wilmington changes due to Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day observances. Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD SPAD Works For You Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 1 5 0 4 7 15 19 7 0 3 9 8 0 3 6 8 4 7 111 1 0 1 5 2 3 5 8 12 5 1 4 12 3 0 5 3 2 2 5 79 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 16 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 1 4 1 3 8 17 24 5 1 2 24 8 1 3 5 11 0 17 138 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 4 16 2 0 4 16 5 1 3 6 1 3 6 72 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 15 January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 13 GRAND TOTAL: 494 C Reliefs A B C 16 0 1 30 4 12 10 48 41 41 2 6 23 14 3 3 8 24 1 39 326 8 3 0 17 0 10 6 23 36 14 3 7 11 3 2 2 5 14 1 11 176 3 1 0 5 1 2 0 6 5 2 0 2 2 1 0 0 2 5 0 2 39 Engine Department 5 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 6 3 1 1 0 1 0 3 1 7 3 1 11 8 1 14 12 2 7 1 1 0 3 0 1 4 2 11 11 3 4 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 3 1 2 0 2 0 12 1 1 88 59 17 1 0 2 7 0 3 2 10 8 1 1 1 6 3 1 1 3 2 3 5 60 4 1 1 10 1 6 8 18 27 9 1 2 10 10 4 3 10 17 7 15 164 0 0 1 6 3 1 9 6 16 6 0 3 8 5 0 3 5 5 2 10 89 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 2 1 4 19 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 11 Steward Department 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 6 1 1 0 2 1 0 4 2 0 8 2 0 12 13 0 8 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 8 18 2 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 2 1 8 1 0 0 1 0 14 8 0 81 66 6 3 0 0 4 0 1 3 7 9 4 0 2 8 3 0 1 5 4 0 10 64 5 0 1 15 0 5 8 19 31 9 1 4 23 14 2 3 7 11 2 26 186 1 1 0 7 1 1 1 11 20 7 0 6 7 5 3 3 7 1 2 8 92 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 4 2 0 0 5 1 0 2 3 0 0 3 24 8 3 1 2 1 5 0 14 32 13 1 0 11 4 0 7 0 7 2 10 121 10 2 1 1 1 1 1 15 54 15 1 0 16 4 0 15 2 8 1 3 151 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 Entry Department 6 4 3 1 0 2 2 2 0 1 2 1 2 2 7 5 23 30 6 7 1 0 0 0 10 13 5 2 0 0 4 10 0 1 8 4 1 0 8 4 88 89 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 4 0 0 5 2 0 4 0 2 0 1 35 4 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 2 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 4 27 7 3 0 4 1 3 3 18 29 20 0 1 11 5 0 3 0 18 2 23 151 10 2 3 4 1 5 3 25 101 20 2 0 20 6 2 12 1 9 2 10 238 393 218 344 258 703 508 320 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS B 5 1 4 11 0 6 1 14 12 12 0 3 8 4 0 0 2 4 1 11 99 Joliet.................................Thursday: January 12, February 16 Mobile............................Wednesday: January 11, February 15 A 285 137 Seafarers LOG 13 12/20/22 12:18 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), August 28 – Chairman James Joyce, Secretary Donna Hickman, Educational Director Monroe Monseur. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and to apply for TWIC renewal online. Members requested new mattresses and fridge for crew mess room. tary Caezar Mercado Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate John Worae. Members were reminded about flu shots and keeping documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses, unlimited Wi-Fi access on board, fans in each room and additional benefits. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk Line, Limited), September 18 – Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Stephan Osovitz, Educational Director Jeffrey Hamer, Deck Delegate James Moody, Engine Delegate Arthur Bailey, Steward Delegate Christopher King. Chairman reminded crew to keep rooms clean and to stay on top of documents. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new washer and dryer as well as a new coffee maker. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), October 7 – Educational Director Carlos Mohler Vega, Steward Delegate Andrea Hargrove. Chairman reiterated importance of leaving clean rooms for reliefs. Secretary recommended members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Educational director urged crew to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), September 24 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Anthony Harrell, Deck Delegate Samuel Pedrosa, Engine Delegate Ruben Haynes. Payoff scheduled for September 27. Chairman discussed ship fund. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Cooktop grill in galley to be replaced. Members requested clarification regarding weekend overtime. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Crew was reminded to keep rooms clean. Members requested annual physicals and increased dental and vision benefits. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), October 2 – Secre- MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), October 16 – Chairman Ali Alhamyari, Secretary Sajid Foster. Educational director advised crew to go to Piney Point and upgrade. Crew looking into getting new DVD players and TVs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new gym equipment and better Wi-Fi service. Members voiced concerns regarding new contract. SEABULK PRIDE (Eco-Tankers Crew Management), October 27 – Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary Jasmine Garrett. Crew met with union representative and reviewed the latest communications. Educational director reminded members to continue to upgrade and to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed health insurance coverage and provided several suggestions to enhance medical benefits for union members and their families. Steward Recruiting in City of Brotherly Love SIU Philadelphia Safety Director Andre MacCray (facing camera) is pictured at a recent job fair, spreading the word about the SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. department was commended for a job well done. Crew was encouraged to submit content to Seafarers LOG office. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services), October 30 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary Armon Bailey, Educational Director Hector Ginel, Deck Delegate Junior Augustin, Steward Delegate Adalberto Colon Rosa. Chairman reminded crew to verify credentials with patrolman when registering at the hall. He asked everyone to keep up the good work and to stay safe. Educational director advised members to attend upgrading courses at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. He instructed everyone to apply at least 30 days in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to use outside ladder well since steward department just stripped and waxed inside ladder well. Crew requested 401k contributions to be matched and for mental health coverage for spouses. Members suggested providing tour of duties for all who complete their assigned tours. MATSON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), October 30 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Justo Reyes, Deck Delegate Michael Salatto, Engine Delegate Brandon Tanton, Steward Delegate Christopher Hopkins. Chairman discussed new agreement details and Seafarers Appeals Board action regarding length of jobs. He encouraged members to carefully watch documents and physicals. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested Starlink internet for all ships, one job call a day and Wi-Fi access at halls. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), November 13 – Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Memo Elfeky, Educational Director Jan Morawski, Deck Delegate Suyapa Smith, Steward Delegate Malcolm Holmes. Chairman reported a great trip as did other union members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is in need of better internet connection as they are often without. Members asked for increases in vacation days and increases in dental care. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 14 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 14 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA BRUCE CHILDERS Brother Bruce Childers, 65, started his career with the union in 1988. He first shipped with Mariner Towing and was a deck department member. Brother Childers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Discovery and makes his home in Panama City, Florida. MARK CLARK Brother Mark Clark, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Leo. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Clark’s final vessel was the Mayaguez. He lives in Long Branch, New Jersey. ALBAD COLON both the deck and engine departments and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Fernandez most recently shipped on the Isla Bella. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Llave last shipped on the Horizon Reliance and calls La Mirada, California, home. CHRISTOPHER KICEY Brother Victor Gil Mariano, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1991 when he worked on the Independence. He shipped in the deck department, upgraded in Piney Point on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the SBX. Brother Mariano resides in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Brother Christopher Kicey, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991 when he sailed on the Richard G. Matthiesen. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kicey’s final vessel was the Overseas Boston. He resides in Navarre, Florida. MICHAEL KOVACH Brother Albad Colon, 70, began sailing with the union in 2000. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Colon’s first vessel was the Patriot; his last, the Bay State. He is a Houston resident. Brother Michael Kovach, 65, donned the union colors in 1987 and first sailed aboard the William R. Button. He primarily sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Kovach upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He calls Matawan, New Jersey, home. OWEN DUFFY AMADO LABORIEL Brother Owen Duffy, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Leo. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Duffy’s final vessel was the El Yunque. He is a resident of Orlando, Florida. MAURICIO ELOPRE Brother Mauricio Elopre, 65, signed on with the union in 2006. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha. Brother Elopre upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Tennessee and makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. RAYMOND FERNANDEZ Brother Raymond Fernandez, 67, became a member of the union in 1980, initially sailing aboard the USNS Potomac. He sailed in January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 15 Brother Amado Laboriel, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 2003. He sailed in all three departments. Brother Laboriel’s first vessel was the Flickertail State; his last, the Maersk Hartford. He resides in Far Rockaway, New York. ENRICO LA MARCA Brother Enrico La Marca, 65, began sailing with the union in 2003 when he shipped on the Atlantic Guardian. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother La Marca most recently sailed on the Liberty Glory and lives in Puerto Rico. RONIE LLAVE Brother Ronie Llave, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2006, initially sailing on the Pride of Hawaii. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at VICTOR GIL MARIANO PAUL MORAN Brother Paul Moran, 65, joined the union in 1978. He first sailed aboard the Connecticut and worked in all three departments. Brother Moran’s final vessel was the Overseas New Orleans. He makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. EMILIO PLACIDES Brother Emilio Placides, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1996 when he shipped on the USNS Wyman. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a member of the steward department. Brother Placides last sailed aboard the John McDonnell and settled in Oxnard, Virginia. JO POSTELL Brother Jo Postell, 65, signed on with the union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the William R Button. A deck department member, he concluded his career aboard the Maersk Sentosa. Brother Postell calls Moyock, North Carolina, home. resident of Bella Vista, Arizona. TOMMY RODGERS Brother Tommy Rodgers, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2007 when he shipped on the Resolve. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and was a member of the deck department. Brother Rodgers’ final vessel was the Liberty Grace. He makes his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. ROY SCOTT Brother Roy Scott, 65, began sailing with the union in 1991. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Scott upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1995. He last shipped on the Green Bay and settled in Pearl City, Hawaii. KENNETH SIMMONS Brother Kenneth Simmons, 67, signed on with the SIU in 2001 and first sailed with Marine Personnel and Provisioning. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership and was a deck department member. Brother Simmons most recently shipped on the Liberty Pride. He resides in Tampa, Florida. ROBERT WEEKS Brother Robert Weeks, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1976 when he shipped on the Arthur Middleton. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in all three departments. Brother Weeks’ final vessel was the El Morro. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. JILL PRESCOTT Sister Jill Prescott, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1983. She was a steward department member and first shipped on the Taurus. Sister Prescott upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. She concluded her career aboard the Horizon Spirit and is a INLAND EDWARD BOPP Brother Edward Bopp, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Bopp worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He lives in Covington, Louisiana. PAUL HACKNEY Brother Paul Hackney, 59, signed on with the Seafarers in 1989 when he sailed on the USNS Stalwart. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hackney was most recently employed by Penn Maritime and makes his home in Smyrna, Georgia. RAYMOND KUCHARCZYK Brother Raymond Kucharczyk, 62, joined the union in 1978, initially working with Inland Tugs. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the deck department. Brother Kucharczyk was last employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore and is a Baltimore resident. MIRIAM MERLUZZO Sister Miriam Merluzzo, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 2000. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Merluzzo worked with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for her entire career. She lives in Tamworth, New Hampshire. WILLIAM RICHARDSON Brother William Richardson, 62, started his career with the union in 1979 when he worked with G&H Towing. He shipped primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2000. Brother Richardson last sailed with OSG Ship Management. He is a resident of Mathews, Virginia. DOUGLAS SCOTT Brother Douglas Scott, 64, joined the SIU in 1994. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Scott was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He resides in Willis, Texas. Seafarers LOG 15 12/19/22 12:19 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA BRYAN DAWSON Pensioner Bryan Dawson, 76, died December 4. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. An engine department member, he first shipped on the Maersk Vermont. Brother Dawson last sailed on the Edward A. Carter in 2009. He became a pensioner in 2017 and settled in Foxborough, Massachusetts. LOUIS DIESSO Pensioner Louis Diesso, 71, passed away November 16. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1982, initially sailing aboard a Delta Line ship. Brother Diesso sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He concluded his career in Tacoma and retired in 2009. Brother Diesso called LaQuinta, California, home. GARETH HUNT Pensioner Gareth Hunt, 75, died November 11. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2003. Brother Hunt’s first vessel was the John Chapman. He sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Pride of America. Brother Hunt went on pension in 2016 and lived in Port Angeles, Washington. PAUL JAGGER Brother Paul Jagger, 66, passed away July 22. He began his career with the SIU in 1983 when he shipped on the Capricorn. Brother Jagger sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the American Mariner. He was a Las Vegas resident. LEOLA JOHNSON Sister Leola Johnson, 53, died October 12. Born in Chicago, she joined the union in 2001. Sister Johnson was a steward department member and first shipped on the Patriot. She most recently sailed aboard the Cape Isabel in 2019 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. 16 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 16 JOSE MATA Pensioner Jose Mata, 91, passed away December 2. He joined the SIU in 1963, initially sailing aboard the Mankato Victory. Brother Mata sailed in all three departments. He went on pension in 1995 after concluding his career on the Green Island. Brother Mata lived in Metairie, Louisiana. HENRY MORIN Brother Henry Morin, 89, died November 1. He signed on with the union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the USNS Triumph. Brother Morin was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Stephen W. Pless. He made his home in Jaco, Costa Rica. EDWIN ORTEGA Pensioner Edwin Ortega, 63, passed away November 19. He became a member of the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Pisces. Brother Ortega worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the Maersk Seletar. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Spring Hill, Florida. LAWRENCE RAZO Pensioner Lawrence Razo, 95, died November 1. He donned the SIU colors in 1967 and worked in the steward department. Brother Razo’s first vessel was the Baylor Victory. He last sailed on the Navigator before going on pension in 1994. Brother Razo resided in Stockton, California. JOSEPH SAXON Pensioner Joseph Saxon, 74, passed away November 12. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1964, initially sailing aboard the Our Lady Of Peace. Brother Saxon sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Brenton Reef and retired in 2003. Brother Saxon lived in Mobile, Alabama. PAUL SU Pensioner Paul Su, 86, died October 17. He started sailing with the union in 1989. An engine department member, Brother Su was employed with AMCV Cruise Operations for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2003 and resided in Taiwan. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM GILLETTE Pensioner William Gillette, 93, passed away October 26. He joined the SIU in 1974 and first worked with Great Lakes Associates. A steward department member, Brother Gillette last sailed aboard the Paul Thayer in 1993. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Reidsville, North Carolina. INLAND RONALD AINSLEY Pensioner Ronald Ainsley, 82, died December 2. He signed on with the union in 1962 and first sailed with Allied Transportation. Brother Ainsley worked in the deck department and was last employed with Moran Towing of Virginia. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ERIK ERIKSEN Pensioner Erik Ericksen, 85, passed away December 2. Initially working with Gulf Atlantic Transport, he joined the union in 1968. Brother Eriksen was a deck department member. He last sailed with Allied Transportation and retired in 1999. Brother Eriksen was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. engine department. Brother Herman was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Cleveland, Texas. CURTIS IRELAND Pensioner Curtis Ireland, 92, died November 23. He started sailing with the union in 1953 when he worked for Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Ireland was a member of the deck department. He was last employed by Mariner Towing and went on pension in 1993. Brother Ireland resided in Lowland, North Carolina. HARALD SEVLAND Pensioner Harald Sevland, 85, passed away November 17. Born in Norway, he joined the SIU in 1979. Brother Sevland was a deck department member. He worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation until his retirement in 2002. Brother Sevland lived in West Palm Beach, Florida. PAUL TULLIS Pensioner Paul Tullis, 83, died November 18. He began sailing with the union in 1977 when he was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Tullis was a deck department member and last worked on the Sugar Island in 1983. He became a pensioner in 2004 and settled in Flowery Branch, Georgia. NMU RAYMOND LEITE Pensioner Raymond Leite, 80, passed away October 3. He joined the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Atlantic Forest. Brother Leite sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career on the Green Cove before going on pension in 2004. Brother Leite was a Miami resident. ANDRES WATLER Pensioner Andres Watler, 83, died December 3. A deck department member, he signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. Brother Watler’s first vessel was the USNS Altair; his last, the Rover. He retired in 2003 and made his home in New Orleans. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Beck, Douglas 85 Brown, Alexander 87 Castellanos, Antonia 93 Cespedes, Salvador 91 Dunn, Edwin 95 Eldridge, Shirlie 80 El Zofri, Mohamed 94 Grey, Charles 90 Hartstick, Edward 94 Hearn, George 95 Lane, Louis 98 Polito, James 100 Ruiz, Marcelino 92 DOD 07/06/2022 11/21/2022 01/26/2022 09/25/2022 11/07/2022 12/24/2021 09/05/2022 10/15/2022 11/04/2022 11/12/2022 11/07/2022 11/22/2022 10/29/2022 WILLIAM HARVELL Pensioner William Harvell, 71, died November 27. He donned the union colors in 1989. A deck department member, Brother Harvell first worked with Interstate Oil and Transportation. He last shipped on the Courage and became a pensioner in 2019. Brother Harvell lived in Mollusk, Virginia. EARL HERMAN Pensioner Earl Herman, 85, passed away October 25. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1980 and shipped in the Have You Missed An Issue of the Seafarers Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion ServSafe Management February 13 February 17 March 20 March 24 April 24 April 28 May 29 June 2 July 3 July 7 August 7 August 11 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck February 27 March 17 April 10 April 28 June 5 June 23 Lifeboat/Water Survival February 13 February 24 March 13 March 24 April 10 April 21 May 8 May 19 RFPNW January 30 February 17 March 20 April 7 May 1 May 19 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW January 30 February 24 May 1 May 26 FOWT February 27 March 24 April 3 April 28 Junior Engineer Program March 27 May 19 Marine Electrician April 24 May 26 Marine Refer Tech March 13 April 21 Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21 Machinist March 13 March 31 Pumpman April 3 April 7 Welding January 23 February 10 March 20 April 7 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook January 16 February 17 February 20 March 24 March 27 April 28 May 1 June 2 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 17 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook June 5 July 7 July 10 August 11 Advanced Galley Operations March 13 April 7 May 22 June 16 Chief Steward February 6 March 3 April 17 May 12 June 26 July 21 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Basic Training January 23 January 27 April 17 April 21 Basic Training Revalidation January 13 January 13 January 23 January 23 January 27 January 27 February 13 February 13 February 24 February 24 March 20 March 20 March 24 March 24 April 7 April 7 April 17 April 17 April 21 April 21 May 1 May 1 May 5 May 5 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation January 30 February 3 May 15 May 19 Government Vessels January 16 January 20 February 6 February 10 February 13 February 17 March 13 March 17 March 20 March 24 April 10 April 14 April 24 April 28 May 8 May 12 May 22 May 26 June 5 June 9 Tank Ship Familiarization DL February 20 February 24 May 22 May 26 Tank Ship Familiarization LG February 27 March 3 May 15 May 19 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 1/23 Seafarers LOG 17 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #888 – Pictured November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Tahjarian Campbell, Shavel Freeman, Samyra Gardner, Stephen Hoskins, Devine Lents, Ishmael McNeal, Jawuam Mixon,Tre Scott and Jermal Torney. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed, Saif Al Tamimi, Gerald Durham, Alfred Edmond, Deon Green, Ransom Andrew KB Kauwe, Fahmi Ali Taher Saeed, Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez and Jonathan White. Junior Engineer (Engineering Plant Maintenance II) – Graduated October 14 (above, in alphabetical order): David Argo Jr., Samuel Fagerness, Michael Jamal Garcia, Troy Hubbard Jr., Thomas Koncul, Cristian Efrain Lalin, Wayne Linnette IV, Tyler Maddox, Zeke Pasquarelli and Joesef Moses Shaibi. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far right. 18 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 18 Radar/ARPA – Graduated October 21 (above, in alphabetical order): James Blackburn III, Dominique Glover and Will Jordan. RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated October 21 (above, from left): Charles Armand Bishop and Keshun Dominique Corpus. Instructor John Wiegman III is at right. Upon the completion of their training, both Bishop and Corpus plan to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels. January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated October 28 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Nathan Elliott, Kirk Fisher, Aaron HeltonCox, Terry Hester, Joseph Huls, Mohamad Mahmoud Kammoun, Alexander Miraglia, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Abdo Ahmed Saleh, Trovarius Thomas, Reynaldo Tinay and Cortney Williams. Marine Refer Tech – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar, Hector Ismael Caballero, Rustin Calame, Michael Clark, Christian Cruz, Tony Hamaguchi, Daryl Hicks, Wordell Prescott, Ahmed Omar Sharif and Sanjay Waidyarachchi. Class instructor Chirstopher Morgan is at the far right in the back row. Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) – Graduated October 14 (above, from left): Upgraders Lisa Evans and Marcus Stackpoole. RFPNW – Upgrader Matthew Conley (above, right) recently completed his requirements in this course. The ordinary seaman graduated October 14. Pictured with him at left is his instructor Dominic Hix. Advanced Stability – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Baird, Matthew O’Donnell, Scott Salo and Andrew Torti. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated November 25 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Bradley Albert, Cameron Amir Azadi, Alexis Claro, Joseph Crisante Jr., Rosetta Jackson, Krystal Mosley, Delphine Simmons, Souleymane Tamla, Joel Williams and Shana Zeidenberg. January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 19 Seafarers LOG 19 12/19/22 11:44 AM �JANUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 1 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O I Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 18-19 SIU Year in Review: 2022 n many ways, 2022 represented a gradual return to normalcy for the SIU. With the pandemic largely in the past, the year saw new vessels, new construction, new contracts and wage reopeners, and multiple conventions with themes focused on the future. SIU members answered the call time and time again, even amid a global labor shortage. While many union brothers and sisters upgraded their skills and earned new ratings by returning to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, union representatives ramped up the SIU’s recruiting efforts, both in person and online. The following is an overview of some of the year’s top stories for the union, the maritime industry as a whole and the labor movement. New Tonnage In January 2022, the second of two reflagged vessels joined the U.S.-flag fleet of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC): the ARC Commitment and the ARC Defender. These roll-on roll-off vessels, which are both enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), “are among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, helicopters, and other high and heavy project cargoes,” according to ARC. Additionally, Crowley flagged in the tanker Stena Polaris while the union regained jobs aboard the tanker Seabulk Pride when the ship was delivered to Seabulk. Also joining the fleet in 2022 was the MV George III, an LNG-fueled Ohanaclass vessel operated by Pasha Hawaii. Additionally, more new vessels are on the way, as three new Aloha-class containerships were ordered by Matson – to be built by union labor at Philly Shipyard. The first of those vessels is expected to be delivered in 2026. Conventions and Maritime News The past year also included a mix of virtual and in-person conventions, both with the union’s own events as well as those of SIU affiliates and industry partners. The SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) hosted its Quadrennial Convention in Philadelphia June 9-10. In a schedule which included speeches and presentations from various maritime and labor leaders, SIU President Michael Sacco was re-elected to serve as president of the MTD. Authorization Act of 2023, which is expected to pass as of the writing of this article. That language tightened up the Jones Act waiver process, restricting who is authorized to grant such waivers, and other codified changes. The NDAA also included many outright gains for the maritime industry, which will be covered in detail in the February issue of the Seafarers LOG. SIU President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond moments after their respective elections to office last summer in Philadelphia. Sacco conducted the election (and himself was re-elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council during the same convention). (Photo by Jay Mallin) The following week, Sacco oversaw the elections of Liz Shuler as president of the AFL-CIO and Fred Redmond as the federation’s secretary-treasurer. Sacco was reelected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council during a convention that featured in-person remarks from President Biden. The SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU) conducted a virtual convention on Sept. 20, while the SIUNA convention, with its theme “Building for the Future,” took place virtually on Sept. 14. Both saw the respective executive boards reelected, with the full confidence of those in attendance. In April, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) reaffiliated with the MTD, thereby becoming the 24th affiliate. Additionally, the United Seamen’s Service’s 53rd annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award dinner took place Oct. 28, and honored Edward W. Aldridge, president of CMA-CGM North America and American President Lines; Harold J. Daggett, president of the ILA; and Eric P. Ebeling, president and CEO of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group. Also honored for their rescue efforts were the SIU crews from four vessels: the USNS Yuma, Pacific Tracker, Herodote and the Maersk Peary. In other maritime news, the merchant mariners who served during World War II were finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, in a ceremony conducted in the Capitol Building on May 18. In July, former AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was awarded a Posthumous Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The sanctity of the Jones Act was violated in September, when a onetime waiver was granted to a BP Petroleum tanker to sell their cargo in Puerto Rico in the wake of a hurricane. In a joint statement from U.S. maritime unions (including the SIU), the groups pointed out, “This waiver was unnecessary. U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels carrying legal cargoes of fuel, either from American ports or from foreign ports, had safely discharged their cargoes in Puerto Rico after the storm. American ships were available. American crews were available. But none of that mattered, because the political optics of a ship waiting to bring fuel to the island apparently matters more than a century of bedrock American law.” This waiver situation was used as fuel for political advocates and allies to attach specific language to the National Defense Seafarers - including those pictured above, with SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White (right) - approved new, five-year standard freightship and tanker agreements last year. 20 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 20 Contracts The contracts department of the SIU was busy in 2022, working out the standard freightship and tanker agreements, which were overwhelmingly ratified by the membership. The five-year pacts increase wages, maintain benefits, help ensure shipboard internet access, and preserve every SIU job. Those were far from the only contracts in the news in 2022. New pacts also were reached (or existing ones were extended) with TOTE, Key Lakes, Port City Marine Services, E.N. Bisso & Son, Chesapeake Crewing, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, American Petroleum Tankers, Liberty Maritime, Maersk, Seabulk, Marine Personnel and Provisioning, Waterman Steamship, and Subcom. Rescues There were quite a few instances of rescues at sea in 2022, in which SIU members went above and beyond to save lives. Full recaps of each rescue are available on our website (and in the pages of the Seafarers LOG), but notable examples include: MT Pennsylvania in April; the Endurance in June; the NY Waterway tugboats John Stevens and Garden State in July; the Pacific Tracker in July; The Maersk Tennessee in July; the Centerline Logistics-operated tugboats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea in July; NY Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln in August; the National Glory in October; the Alliance Fairfax in October; the Sunshine State in October; and the American Phoenix in November. Progress, Grassroots Action Various construction projects and curriculum enhancements took place throughout the year at the Paul Hall Center, a staple for many Seafarers. The school offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime institution in the nation. Those classes include ones for entry-level students and upgraders. A massive renovation at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, got underway and has continued in the new year, with an expected completion date likely in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Election Day saw strong performances by SIU-backed candidates. The vast majority of those running for House or Senate seats with support from the union’s voluntary political action fund won their respective races. Throughout the year, the union actively advocated for laws and programs that keep the U.S. Merchant Marine afloat, including the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime Security Program, the new Tanker Security Program and more. Final Departures Finally, a few leaders in the maritime community crossed the final bar in 2022, including: Saltchuk Co-Founder Stan Barer, former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Alaska Congressman and maritime advocate Don Young, former U.S. Maritime Administrator Vice Admiral (ret.) Albert Herberger, and longtime SIU Chief Bosun John Natoli. January 2023 12/20/22 12:56 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2023 Description An account of the resource AMP SALUTES REP. GONZALEZ-COLON BISSO BOATMEN RATIFY THREE-YEAR CONTRACT SIU HELPS IN DELIVERY OF MARINER MESSAGE AT KEY UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE AMERICAN PHOENIX CREW RESCUES MIGRANTS SUNSHINE STATE HELPS SAVE 9 OAKLAND THANKSGIVING EVENT A SUCCESS LONGTIME SEAFARER PRAISES CABLE SHIP COMRADES SIU STEWARD DEPARTMENTS DELIVER THANKSGIVING FEASTS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 85, NO. 1 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ab3119f07803247e5a2ccc0bdf82774e.pdf 7a51b87bf769370c74924ff3fcc8286c PDF Text Text NOVEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 11 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Crews Up Seabulk Pride The double-hulled tanker Seabulk Pride once again carries an SIU crew, following the vessel’s Sept. 23 delivery to Seafarers-contracted Seabulk (a SEACOR subsidiary) in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The vessel is expected to operate coastwise between Houston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It had been operated by Chevron under a bareboat charter. SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (left in photo directly above) met with the crew shortly after they signed on. The initial crew included Bosun Brian Gauntt, ABs Jerald Welcome, Joshua Welcome, Victor Nunez, David Chance and Richard Oliver, QEP Derrick Sullivan, Wiper Austin Smith, GUDE Jaden Radcliff, OMU John Cacella, Steward/Baker Jasmine Garrett, Chief Cook Robert Hunter and GVA Saleh Almurisi. Built in 1998 in Newport News, Virginia, the Seabulk Pride previously carried an SIU crew for many years before the aforementioned charter. Union Answers Call For Hurricane Relief The SIU wasted no time springing into action to help victims of Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian, which caused extensive damage in Puerto Rico and Florida, respectively, in September. The wideranging relief efforts included gathering supplies in San Juan, Puerto Rico (among several other locations), and then distributing them to some of the hardest-hit areas. A few of the SIU volunteers are pictured at right, at the San Juan hiring hall, with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left). Donations also were taken at the halls in Houston; Jacksonville, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Philadelphia; and Tacoma, Washington. Numerous labor organizations, including the AFL-CIO, plus Seafarerscontracted vessel operators have helped with the outreach. Page 3. Bosuns Credit Union, School For Life-Changing Opportunities Members of the union’s newest class of recertified bosuns shared riveting individual stories when they graduated Oct. 3. They credited the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education with offering excellent career and upgrading opportunities. Following the monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, they gathered with SIU officials for this photo. Pictured from left (front row) are VP Contracts George Tricker, VP Tom Orzechowski, Recertified Bosuns Neftali Erausquin and Ronald Poole Sr., Exec. VP Augie Tellez and Recertified Bosuns James Hall, Nasser Hafid and Larry Dizon. Pictured from left in the back row are Patrolman Josh Rawls, Port Agents James Bast and Ray Henderson, Recertified Bosuns Carlos Gibbons and Richard Molina Blackman, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Page 5. Unions, Coalition Back Jones Act Page 2 73687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 1 El Faro Memorial Dedication Page 7 10/24/22 8:51 AM �President’s Report ‘See the Whole Wide World’ Around the world, the maritime industry battled a manpower shortage even before the COVID-19 pandemic. That challenge has only become more pronounced in the last couple of years, and it certainly extends into many other occupations across the globe. Nevertheless, our union, along with our affiliated school and many of our contracted vessel operators have invested substantial resources to attract people either specifically to the SIU or at least to the broader U.S. Merchant Marine. I’m confident that, once they’re here, newcomers will find lots of reasons to either stick around with us or move on to licensed positions elsewhere in the industry. American maritime – and the SIU in particular – has much to offer. As one of our newest recertified bosuns recently put it, “While my friends back home were discovMichael Sacco ering the world wide web, I got to see the whole wide world: all seven continents, both while employed aboard ships and during my vacation time. I’ve earned good wages and benefits for me and my family, while funding my retirement plan.” I’d call that a powerful endorsement from someone with firsthand experience. And, there are so many additional stories and viewpoints just like that one. There’s a reason why we’ve been around since 1938. If you know any prospective Seafarers, by all means send them our way. Encourage them to visit a hiring hall and/or check out our website. This is still a profession in which you can go as far as you want to go, and our union offers excellent contracts with top-of-the-line benefits, not to mention flexibility and opportunities to see the world. Importance of Political Action While we’ve probably exhausted the topic of the Jones Act in this space in recent years, the most recent attacks against our country’s freight cabotage law once again underscore why the SIU remains politically active. By having well-informed backers both in Congress and in the administration, we are able to help turn back these misguided attempts to weaken or eliminate a policy that has served the United States and its citizens for more than a century. Sitting around and hoping someone else will deliver our message on Capitol Hill (and at every level of government, for that matter) never has been our approach and never will be. There’s turnover in literally every election cycle, and that means we’re constantly making introductions and explaining our value to legislators and to others who regulate American maritime. These types of actions are vital to protecting your jobs, and that’s why we don’t take shortcuts. It’s also why we support candidates who support maritime along with workers’ rights, regardless of political party. Heck, it’s why we relocated headquarters from New York to suburban D.C. 40 years ago. Our industry’s fate is mainly decided in Washington, and we’ll continue wearing a path between Camp Springs and the nation’s capital for as long as that’s the case. Thank You I’ll close this month’s message with heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stepped up for hurricane relief efforts in the aftermath of Fiona and Ian. It’s difficult to even watch news footage of the destruction to people’s homes, not to mention thinking about the loss of life. But I’m proud of our union, our members and our labor movement for immediately pulling together and helping however we can, wherever we can. This is also nothing new for the SIU, and while it’s a classic case of hoping we’ll never need to do it again, we know better. There will be other storms. And the SIU will be there for our brothers and sisters, like always. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 11 November 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Maritime Labor Blasts Unnecessary Waiver Industry Calls Out Absurd Criticism of Jones Act The winds from Hurricane Fiona had barely moved past Puerto Rico before misguided critics of America’s freight cabotage law began asking for unnecessary waivers. At one point a Category 4 storm, Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico Sept. 18, knocking out electrical power across the entire territory. Parts of the island were hit with nearly three feet of rain. Nevertheless, U.S.-flag vessels continued delivering supplies to Puerto Rico almost uninterrupted. As was the case five years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, distribution on the island itself was challenging (due to infrastructure damage), but those issues had nothing to do with the Jones Act. Reality didn’t stop several members of Congress from seeking a blanket, year-long waiver, nor did it prevent a single foreign-flag ship from showing up unannounced and securing a single waiver after initially being denied. Responding to the waiver, the SIU, AMO, MEBA and MM&P sent a joint statement to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that read in part, “Our unions represent American Merchant Mariners who sail aboard Jones Act vessels, including those that serve Puerto Rico. Every day, our mariners go to work to ensure that Puerto Rico and the rest of the United States have safe and dependable domestic shipping, helping to move all the goods they need to live, work, and raise their families…. “The Jones Act is critical to our continued ability to maintain a domestic U.S.-flag merchant marine. As such, we take protecting it seriously. That’s why we are shocked and outraged at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s decision to issue an illegal, unjustified and unnecessary Jones Act waiver for a British Petroleum tanker that took active steps to ignore and then circumvent fundamental American law.” The statement continued, “This waiver is a betrayal of the principles of federal maritime law dating back centuries, made worse by the facts of the case. A foreign ship with a foreign crew loaded fuel in an American port and diverted to Puerto Rico to take advantage of increased fuel prices after the island was hit by Hurricane Fiona. There was no national security crisis. There were American ships available – indeed, the ship was at sea four days before a waiver was even applied for. This cargo was not humanitarian aid. It was a blatant cash grab and a bald-faced political stunt. The companies behind this vessel gambled that they could pressure the U.S. government into ignoring our laws and policy because of the hurricane and they were correct. “Let us repeat – this waiver was unnecessary,” the unions added. “U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign flagged vessels carrying legal cargoes of fuel, either from American ports or from foreign ports, had safely discharged their cargoes in Puerto Rico after the storm. American ships were available. Ameri- can crews were available. But none of that mattered, because the political optics of a ship waiting to bring fuel to the island apparently matters more than a century of bedrock American law.” The statement concluded, “This waiver is an undeserved slap in the face to American mariners and U.S.-flag vessel operators. It potentially opens the door for future incursions by foreign-flag interests by giving them a roadmap of what they need to do in order to bully our government into giving them what they want – just show up on our doorstep and call the press. It sets a dangerous precedent, and it threatens the domestic industry at a time when we – like many other sectors of the economy – are challenged with worker shortages. In the strongest possible terms, we condemn the issuance of this waiver, and we urge the Department of Homeland Security to never approve a waiver like this again.” The coalition American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, also objected to the waiver. In a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, AMP President Ku’uhaku Park stated, “The waiver is unlawful…. DHS has rewarded a foreign operator who has been widely criticized, both in Washington, D.C. and in Puerto Rico, for its behavior.” Similarly, Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón noted, ““At each and every meeting, I have been assured by federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, FEMA, and the Corps of Engineers that there is an adequate supply of fuel on the island that is available to consumers and that subsequent delivery is planned of more fuel in the short, medium and long term…. The vast majority of the fuel that Puerto Rico consumes comes from outside the United States, which is why it is transported on foreign-flagged ships from foreign ports. Therefore, the Jones Act does not apply and a waiver would not change the way fuel is transported at all.” The Jones Act has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It requires that goods transported from one domestic port to another be carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned U.S. Upwards of 90 countries across the globe maintain some form of cabotage law. Earlier this year, a new study by Ernst & Young examined the Jones Act’s effects on Puerto Rico and concluded, “Across multiple metrics, shippers overwhelmingly associated better carrier performance with Jones Act carriers than non-Jones Act ones. In addition to providing stability and security in the region, the Jones Act shipping industry continues to provide substantial economic benefits to Puerto Rico.” The study also found that the law has created and helps maintain more than 2,000 jobs in the territory; contributes $96 million in wages; and is responsible for $221 million in economic output. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on Oct. 13 published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at helping employers and workers determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In announcing the proposed rule, the DOL noted it “would provide guidance on classifying workers and seeks to combat employee misclassification. Misclassification is a serious issue that denies workers’ rights and protections under federal labor standards, promotes wage theft, allows certain employers to gain an unfair advantage over law-abiding businesses, and hurts the economy at-large.” The department further pointed out, “The NPRM proposes a framework more consistent with longstanding judicial precedent on which employers have relied to classify workers as employees or independent contractors under the FLSA. The department believes the new rule would preserve essential worker rights and provide consistency for regulated entities.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler applauded the announcement. “The Biden administration once again delivered Proposed Labor Rule ‘Victory for Workers’ Continued on Page 7 Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 2 November 2022 10/21/22 11:54 AM �SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (standing) is pictured outside the Houston hall. On Sept. 30, the union teamed up with personnel from the Port of Houston, National Shipping of America, LLC and the office of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for a donation drive gathering relief supplies for those affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida. A container of relief supplies is hauled from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall on Oct. 1 to Fort Myers, Florida. Seafarers Assist Hurricane Victims Union Helps With Donations, Distribution after Fiona, Ian The SIU is teaming up with national and local labor organizations, Seafarers-contracted vessel operators and other supporters to collect and deliver storm-relief supplies following Hurricanes Fiona and Ian – primarily to Puerto Rico and Florida, but also to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Alaska. Collection points include the hiring halls in Houston; Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Tacoma, Washington; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. While donations are welcome at those locations, Seafarers are encouraged to check with their local halls and also keep an eye on the SIU website for related updates. Fiona, at one point a Category 4 storm, hit southwestern Puerto Rico with 85 mph winds on Sept. 18. Parts of the island were flooded, and all of Puerto Rico’s estimated 1.47 million power customers initially were left without electricity. Perhaps of greater immediate concern, around a quarter-million water customers initially had no service. By early October, power and water services had been restored to the vast majority of residents. Ten days after Fiona struck Puerto Rico, Ian devasted Florida on Sept. 28 and then made landfall again two days later in South Carolina. Official estimates are ongoing, but at press time in mid-October, Ian reportedly had caused more than 130 deaths in Florida along with billions of dollars in damages. The labor movement stepped up in support within hours of Fiona striking Puerto Rico and again after Ian. Among the organizations pitching in are the SIU, Maritime Trades Department (MTD), IBEW, AMO, MEBA, MM&P, Longshoremen, Teachers, Machinists, AFGE, AFSCME, Carpenters, AFL-CIO and others. According to the American Maritime Partnership in a Sept. 23 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, 2,000 containers were positioned in the port of San Juan prior to the storm to provide supplies. When all the island’s ports reopened following the hurricane, U.S.-flag vessels resumed operations on their dedicated U.S.-Puerto Rico terminals, with six Jones Act ships either already offloaded or preparing to dock by the end of that day. Meanwhile, a large-scale relief effort led by the SIU took place Oct. 8 in Puerto Rico. Seafarers and others from the labor movement had prepared supplies for a few days earlier. They then delivered more than 1,000 individual grocery bags, bottled water and other supplies to residents in Hormigueros and Penuelas. During preparations at the hiring hall on Oct. 6, Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz noted, “We’re going to the south of the island, where everybody was very affected by the hurricane, and we’re planning to help with food and anything else they might need.” Recertified Steward Bam Bam Aguilera added, “We’re working to help everybody who needs it.” “We’re putting everything together for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico,” said Michael Jacob, who sails in the steward department. SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo, based in San Juan, stated, “While it’s nothing new for SIU members to step up and help their fellow citizens, I’m grateful for their generous response to Hurricane Fiona. They’ve put in a lot of work and have always done so with a great attitude and a can-do spirit. It’s what the SIU is all about.” President Biden visited Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Oct. 3. He touched on the financial support the federal government is providing to residents, and saluted them for their “resilience and determination. Quite frankly, it’s pretty extraordinary, when you look at it from afar. And you deserve every bit of help your country can give you. That’s what I’m determined to do, and that’s what I promise you…. We’re going to make sure you get every single dollar promised. And I’m determined to help Puerto Rico build faster than in the past and stronger and (be) better prepared for the future.” Two days later, the president spoke in Fort Myers, Florida. He said, “I’ve instructed my administration to bring every element of the federal government together to help with the immediate needs and long-term rebuilding. You have my commitment and America’s commitment that we’re not going to leave. We’re going to see you through this entire process.” Chief Cook Wilson Peniston and QEP Yuri Oliveros help load pallets of water outside the hiring hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. SIU members and other volunteers sort and stack supplies at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico (photo at right), then briefly pause for a snapshot while holding some of the assembled bags that were delivered in the following days (above). November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 3 Seafarers LOG 3 10/21/22 11:54 AM �Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor (far left) and other crew members are pictured with local fire department personnel. All Hands Safe Following Midnight Sun Fire No injuries and no damage were reported following a small fire aboard the Seafarerscrewed Midnight Sun (TOTE Services). SIU members including Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor quickly extinguished the fire on the front deck of the ship, which was docked in Tacoma, Washington. Local fire department personnel arrived on scene, but the fire already had been put out. According to the vessel operator, no cargo was aboard the vessel. A published report in- dicated the incident “was likely caused by an electrical fire in a piece of (a vendor’s) maintenance equipment on the upper deck, the Tacoma Fire Department told the local News Tribune.” MacGregor had just arrived to the ship, on Sept. 23. “I was still in my leathers from riding my bike,” he said. “But I was part of the quick response team, me and the chief mate. It took three minutes, if that, for our two teams to get suited up, and about 20 U.S. Rep. Garamendi Introduces New Pro-Maritime Legislation A longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine isn’t letting up in his efforts to promote the industry. On Oct. 3, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (DCalifornia) introduced the bipartisan “Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet Act” (H.R.9102), along with cosponsors U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and U.S. Rep. Alan S. Lowenthal (D-California). Among other advancements, the legislation would strengthen federal cargo preference laws to increase the number of U.S.-flagged commercial vessels delivering cargo to foreign ports. The bill is backed by the SIU, as well as the Maritime Trades Department, Transportation Trades Department, Liberty Maritime, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), and the Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID), among other organizations. Garamendi, who chairs the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and serves as a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said, “For too long, Congress and both Democratic and Republican presidents have allowed the commercial fleet of U.S.-flagged, ocean-going vessels to dwindle. The global supply chain crunch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of China’s island building in the South China Sea and saber-rattling in the Taiwan Strait have shown that the United States cannot remain reliant on foreign vessels flying flags of convenience. “My comprehensive, bipartisan legislation would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag fleet of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guaranteeing government cargo during peacetime so that U.S.-flag vessels are available during wartime or emergencies,” he continued. “The United States has the world’s most capable Navy, and we need an equally impressive fleet of commercial cargo vessels crewed by Ameri- 4 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 4 minutes to knock down the fire.” The bosun added that prior safety training definitely paid off, prominently including the related courses that are staples at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. “This (effective response) is all because of the basic training that we get at Piney Point and the drills we do on board,” MacGregor stated. “It went smoothly and everybody did what they were supposed to do.” can mariners,” concluded Garamendi. According to Garamendi’s office, the bill would: n Restore the requirement in place from 1985 to 2012 that at least 75% of gross tonnage of seaborne cargo for international food aid programs be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels. Current law only requires 50% minimum gross tonnage, following a sneaky cut to the program. n Restore the requirement in place from 1985 to 2012 that the U.S. Department of Transportation reimburse international food aid programs for any cost premium under the U.S.-flagged vessel cargo preference, to protect the overall budget for food aid exports from increased shipping costs. n Reaffirm the Maritime Administration (MARAD) as the only federal agency able to waive the U.S.-flag requirement for government cargo, in the rare instances when such commercial vessels are unavailable at fair and reasonable rates. n Strengthen transparency and oversight by requiring public notice online of all waivers of the U.S.-flag requirement and timely notification to Congress. Current law holds similar requirements for waiving the Jones Act. n Allow vessels seeking federal cargo contracts to be re-flagged into the United States registry for less than three years, provided they satisfy similar requirements as vessels enrolled in the existing Maritime Security Program. n Clarify that the current U.S.-flag vessel requirement for international food aid applies to all agricultural products, not just commodity crops. n Implement the reforms to cargo preference laws recommended by the Government Accountability Office’s report on “Actions Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Oversight,” published on Sept. 12, 2022. The full text of the “Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet Act” is available online. Other SIU members aboard the ship include ABG Gamal Muflahi, ABB Artemio Galaura, ABM Saleh Alsinai, ABG Samed Kassem, ABM Raymond Green, ABM Scott Ryan, AB Daniel Mensah, QEE Gajatri Normatova, OMU Rohmy Butler, OMU Mohamed Alghazali, OMU Majed Alsharif, GUDE Mohamed Kassem, Recertified Steward Dennis Skretta, Chief Cook Robert Haggerty and SA Khaled Yahia . MARAD Announces Two New Initiatives Backing Cargo Preference Compliance A key agency recently announced it is taking steps aimed at enforcing regulations that benefit the country as a whole, including the maritime industry. On Sept. 16, during testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips (Rear Admiral, USN, Ret.) announced two efforts intended to support federal compliance with cargo preference requirements. “Cargoes paid for by American taxpayers belong on American ships,” she said. “Cargo preference requirements are not just ‘Buy America’ requirements, they are requirements that also help to strengthen America.” The hearing was titled, “Cargo Preference: Compliance with and Enforcement of Maritime’s Buy American Laws.” Phillips announced that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) will issue a formal “Request for Information” to solicit input from all stakeholders on cargo preference requirements. Under the nation’s federal cargo preference laws, the Department of Defense must move 100 percent of its cargoes on U.S.crewed, U.S.-flagged vessels. Outside of the Department of Defense, at least 50 percent of other governmentimpelled cargoes must ship on U.S.flagged vessels. Additionally, Phillips announced that MARAD will resume publishing comprehensive federal cargo preference data. Ensuring that such information is publicly accessible is intended to increase interagency efficiency and to provide transparency regarding the movement of government-impelled cargo on both U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels. Beyond these announcements, Ann Phillips U.S. Maritime Administrator MARAD is also working with the White House’s “Made in America Office” to help agencies understand cargo preference requirements, the administrator explained. In conjunction, MARAD is in the process of communicating with all related federal departments and agencies to remind them of their obligations and to request that they each identify a single point of contact, with whom MARAD can work to implement and ensure cargo preference requirements are being met. As defined by MARAD, “Cargo Preference is the general term used to describe the U.S. laws, regulations and policies that require the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or financed by the U.S. Government. It also includes cargo that is being shipped under an agreement of the U.S. Government, or as part of a Government program.” November 2022 10/21/22 11:54 AM �‘SIU Gave My Family a Better Life’ Bosuns Reflect on Successful Careers, Opportunities The seven Seafarers who recently completed bosun recertification training at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, had no shortage of interesting insights when they delivered graduation speeches Oct. 3. Completing the Paul Hall Center’s (PHC) top curriculum for deck department mariners were Neftali Erausquin, Richard Molina Blackman, Ronald Poole Sr., Carlos Gibbons, Larry Dizon, James Hall and Nasser Hafid. The two-week course covered numerous topics including leadership, teamwork, social responsibilities and safe workplaces, contracts, benefits plans, politics as it pertains to the maritime industry, simulator training, vessel operations and more. Most of it took place on the PHC’s southern Maryland campus, though the class also included a day at the union’s headquarters building, located in Camp Springs, Maryland. Following are some highlights of the respective graduation remarks, given during the monthly membership meeting at the PHC. Neftali Erausquin A Seafarer since 2003, Erausquin said his overall experience during the class was “amazing. All of the content was useful, and my eyes were opened to things I’d never known about. The school itself also looks great. I’m proud to be an SIU member.” He thanked SIU officials, PHC personnel, and everyone who works at the Jersey City, New Jersey, hall for their guidance and efforts, and also credited his family for being supportive. After encouraging fellow Seafarers to support the union’s voluntary political action fund (SPAD), Erausquin urged the apprentices to “upgrade and stay focused. The sky is the limit for you.” Richard Molina Blackman Previously a member of the National Maritime Union (NMU), Blackman became a Seafarer when the NMU merged into the SIU in 2001. “It has been a great experience,” he said. “I came to the school in 2004 to upgrade for my AB ticket, and have sailed as a bosun since 2012. Finally, after 21 years as an SIU member, through hard work and dedication I am a recertified bosun. It means a lot to me.” He thanked all of the personnel at the Houston hiring hall along with the staff and instructors at the PHC. Blackman continued, “I thank all the union officials for your good leadership and hard work, fighting every day for all of us. Without you, we wouldn’t be here.” He said the SIU remains “a fundamental part of my life. It has given me many opportunities to provide a great living for me and my family.” Addressing the apprentices, he concluded, “You are the future of this great union. Learn and listen to your instructors; work hard and upgrade.” Ronald Poole Sr. Poole joined the SIU in Mobile, Alabama, in 1999. He said his most recent experience at Carlos Gibbons Recertified Bosun November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 5 Neftali Erausquin Recertified Bosun Richard Molina Blackman Recertified Bosun the PHC was “outstanding,” and that he particularly appreciated learning about the various components of the Seafarers Plans. He described becoming a recertified bosun as the culmination of a career-long dream. “With hard work and dedication, each and every one of you out there (in the auditorium) can be on this stage, too,” he said to his fellow members and apprentices. “The sky is the limit for you – all you have to do is want it.” Poole, who still sails from Mobile, wrapped up his speech by saying, “Life in the union has been good for me and my family. I have two daughters in college and one more to go.” audience, Dizon said the recertification class helped him “gain more knowledge about leadership and the operations and benefits the SIU offers us.” He said that when he joined the union in 2005 in Norfolk, Virginia, “it changed my life. Opportunities came my way. I developed and enhanced my skills and was able to travel to many places. I experienced different cultures and met people from all walks of life.” He continued, “The SIU gave my family a better life…. I’m so grateful to be part of the Brotherhood of the Sea.” He thanked the instructors, encouraged support of SPAD, and said the school made him feel at home. Carlos Gibbons Like has classmates, Gibbons, an SIU member since 2001, said that completing recertification carried great significance. “I feel overwhelmed with pride, and I am very thankful and blessed for this wonderful achievement,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support from the officials in New Jersey, and I thank them.” He said that the combination of union membership and clear chances for career advancement have served him well “in many aspects of my life – too many to mention in this short speech. But the most important one is the opportunities to continually upgrade. I’m grateful for that. It has helped me improve my skills and also helped me financially, there’s no doubt about it.” After thanking the union’s officials for their work in protecting members’ job security, Gibbons told the apprentices, “When you are at sea, listen to your superiors. Follow orders and always do your best. Always show up with a positive attitude, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.” Larry Dizon With his wife and two daughters in the Larry Dizon Recertified Bosun Ronald Poole Sr. Recertified Bosun placent. This is your best shot at a bright future.” James Hall Shortly after finishing his enlistment in the Navy in 2000, Hall “realized how much I missed going to sea,” he said. Before the year ended, he’d enrolled in the apprentice program. Since then, he stated, “While my friends back home were discovering the world wide web, I got to see the whole wide world: all seven continents, both while employed aboard ships and during my vacation time. I’ve earned good wages and benefits for me and my family, while funding my retirement plan.” Hall thanked his family, PHC personnel, and SIU officials and staff at headquarters, in New Orleans and in Houston for their efforts and supportiveness. He said of the union’s top officials: “They are uniquely well-versed in the intricacies of all facets governing our livelihood. Their combined experience, knowledge and established relationships are not easily replicated. It is incumbent on us to donate to SPAD so that they can continue this vital work on our behalf.” Lastly, he said to the apprentices, “When you get to sea, make yourselves part of the team. Ask questions and don’t become com- Nasser Hafid A frequent upgrader and a Seafarer since 1994, Hafid said he would “go a different route” with his graduation speech – and he delivered with a captivating, firsthand account that illustrated why he holds the union in high regard. “Only a few people know what happened,” said Hafid (who is readily amenable to the details being published). “There’s always a day in your life that you never forget, and that day is Feb. 23, 2013 for me. I was overseas, visiting my family (in Yemen) after a long trip. I was driving along, and had my mother and cousin (in the vehicle). A bullet came through the car door, into the side of my chest, went all the way through and lodged into my right bicep…. It hurt, but I did not cry. I’m a bosun.” All indications are that he hadn’t been specifically targeted, but survival wasn’t certain. Nevertheless, he recovered enough to return to the U.S., where he visited the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington. “I got to the counter and started telling the patrolman what had happened,” Hafid said. “He stopped me and we went to talk in the back. He got the port agent, the other patrolman and the secretary…. I was requesting to see a doctor. When I was telling them what happened to me, you could see the empathy in their eyes. They dropped everything they were doing and focused on me. They treated me like their family member, and not just a member of a union.” He then noted that when “headquarters found out, you know what they said? ‘Get that man whatever he needs.’ Like a bosun would say to his deck department, just get it done. The SIU was there when I needed them the most.” James Hall Recertified Bosun Nasser Hafid Recertified Bosun Seafarers LOG 5 10/21/22 12:31 PM �Prior to negotiations, members aboard the President Cleveland fill out contract suggestion forms. Pictured from left are Chief Cook Reynaldo Ricarte, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, Steward/Baker James Watson and ACU Ali Suwaileh. Pictured aboard the President Kennedy in Oakland, California, are (from left) ACU Moosa Mohamed, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, Steward/Baker Aurelio Esperanza, Chief Cook Jonathan Yates and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. The members had just reviewed and voted on a new contract. Seafarers Ratify Additional Work Accords Seafarers recently ratified two more contracts featuring assorted gains and appeared well on their way to approving a third pact as well. Those agreements cover members sailing with Pasha Hawaii, APL Marine Services, and Subcom, respectively. According to SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, “These agreements essentially wrap up what has been a very busy and successful year for the contracts department and the membership. The new contracts raise wages, either maintain or increase benefits, and include other gains. This wouldn’t have been possible without the excellent work of rank-and-file Seafarers and the outstanding efforts of our negotiating committees.” The agreement with Pasha Hawaii, which largely mirrors the standard freightship contract, was negotiated by Tricker and SIU West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone, while Pasha was represented by Ed Washburn. It was ratified by an overwhelming majority. The five- year pact includes annual wage increases and maintains benefits. Meanwhile, the new two-year agreement with Subcom includes wage increases above and beyond the standard contract, while maintaining the current Core-Plus level of benefits. The contract was negotiated by Tricker, with Scott Winfield representing Subcom. Voting continued at press time, but the initial feedback was very positive. Finally, the new two-year agreement with APL includes wage increases in both years, and adds the Juneteenth holiday. It also includes a clothing reimbursement, an increase to pension benefits, and maintains the current benefits plan at the Core-Plus level. This contract was negotiated by Marrone and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, and was ratified by the membership upon the successful completion of bargaining. “This new contract is an outright win for the members and certainly a good agreement for the company as well,” said Marrone. Recertified Steward Sergio Castellanos (photo above) checks contract suggestions aboard the President Roosevelt in southern California. Pictured aboard the President Wilson in the photo at right are SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman, ACU Kevin Robinson, Chief Cook Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez and Recertified Steward Frank Malahi. The members reviewed the proposed new contract and voted to ratify it. Members, Guests Must Make Arrangements Prior to Showing Up For Stay at Paul Hall Center Hotel Seafarers are welcome to stay at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, even if they’re not enrolled in a class there – if space is available and a reservation has been made. Members are encouraged to work with their respective port agents or email Jay Wiegman at jaywiegman@seafarers.org regarding reservations for themselves and any family members who want to stay with them at the school. The cost for room and board for members is $40 per night (plus tax), and $10 apiece for each guest. Again, this applies to individuals who are not enrolled in a course. Anyone showing up to the base unannounced will not be allowed on campus. In addition to verifying arrival and departure dates, members will be required to submit proof of vaccination (or exemption from the requirement) from COVID-19 both for themselves and any guests. 6 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 6 November 2022 10/21/22 12:34 PM �Worker Categories Based on Legal Precedent Continued from Page 2 on its promise to put working people first,” Shuler stated. “By restoring commonsense rules to determine who is an employee, and making it harder for employers to intentionally misclassify their employees as independent contractors, the DOL’s announcement will increase protections and expand benefits to so many working people who have been subjected to corporate work-arounds. Too many companies put profits over people, intentionally misclassifying their workers as contractors to avoid providing the pay, overtime, workplace rights and benefits that employees are due under labor and employment laws. This proposed rule will ensure DOL has the tools to protect employees against the current and escalating problem of misclassification.” Shuler added, “While today’s announcement is a major step forward, we know there is still so much more to do to make our economy more fair and equitable. The AFL-CIO and its allies will continue to push for legislation and regulations to give workers the rights they deserve.” Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said, “While independent contractors have an important role in our economy, we have seen in many cases that employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors, particularly among our nation’s most vulnerable workers. Misclassification deprives workers of their federal labor protections, including their right to be paid their full, legally earned wages. The Department of Labor remains committed to addressing the issue of misclassification.” Specifically, the proposed rule would do the following, the DOL reported: n Align the department’s approach with courts’ FLSA interpretation and the economic reality test. n Restore the multifactor, totality-ofthe-circumstances analysis to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the FLSA. n Ensure that all factors are analyzed without assigning a predetermined weight to a particular factor or set of factors. n Revert to the longstanding interpretation of the economic reality factors. These factors include the investment, control and opportunity for profit or loss factors. The integral factor, which considers whether the work is integral to the employer’s business, is also included. n Assist with the proper classification of employees and independent contractors under the FLSA. n Rescind the 2021 Independent Contractor Rule. When announcing the NPRM, the DOL further noted that it is “responsible (Photo courtesy AFL-CIO) (Photo courtesy AFL-CIO) Marty Walsh Secretary of Labor Liz Shuler President, AFL-CIO for ensuring that employers do not misclassify FLSA-covered workers as independent contractors and deprive them of their legal wage and hour protections. Misclassification denies basic worker protections such as minimum wage and overtime pay and affects a wide range of workers in the home care, janitorial services, trucking, delivery, construction, personal services, and hospitality and restaurant industries, among others. Before publication of today’s proposed rulemaking, the department’s Wage and Hour Division considered feedback shared by stakeholders in forums during the summer of 2022 and will now solicit comments on the proposed rule from interested parties. The division encourages all stakeholders to participate in the regulatory process. Comments, which must be submitted from Oct. 13 to Nov. 28, 2022, should be submitted online or in writing to the Division of Regulations, Legislation and Interpretation, Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Room S-3502, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210.” Upwards of 600 people attended the ceremony; a few of them are pictured above, while the statue is shown in the image below. (Photos by Jack Routhier) El Faro Memorial Dedicated in Maine A newly dedicated statue in Rockland, Maine, will help preserve the memories of the El Faro’s final crew. The creative work – formally dubbed “El Faro Salute!” – was unveiled Sept. 24 before hundreds of attendees. SIU Port Agents Ray Henderson and James Bast represented the union at the gathering; the SIU also co-sponsored the event. “Both the ceremony itself and the sculpture were really well done,” said Henderson, who regularly sailed aboard the El Faro before coming ashore to work for the union. “It was an honor to be there.” All 33 individuals aboard the El Faro perished when the vessel sank in a hurricane near the Bahamas on Oct. 1, 2015. The crew included 17 SIU members. Two of the ship’s officers hailed from Maine, as does Jay Sawyer, who designed the new memorial and graduated from Maine Maritime Academy. The ceremony, which lasted approximately one hour, featured remarks by November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 7 Sawyer, Rockland Mayor Ed Glaser, officials from two local museums, and others. As described in the ceremony’s printed program, “This memorial features two maritime officer uniforms in salute position to signify the honor that the maritime family in this region, and around the world, desire to express to the El Faro crew, and the respect and compassion offered to the families and loved ones of the crew that continue to endure this tragedy.” The names of all 33 individuals from the ship are etched on the front of the statue, which is made of steel. “I was brought to tears. Pictures don’t do it justice,” said Rochelle Hamm, widow of SIU member Frank Hamm, who was part of the last crew. “We are handing this over to the local community to be the host,” said Sawyer. “You’ve been selected. This community, because there are two crew members on this ship that lived in this community. Be- cause this is Rockland, the art capital of Maine…. It’s because of the lighthouse that’s out there at the end of the Breakwa- ter, and El Faro is Spanish for lighthouse. It’s for the sunrise; it’s one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen.” Seafarers LOG 7 10/21/22 11:54 AM �Seafarer by Day, Tattoo Artist by Night Continued from Page 20 dreds of dollars, but can reach well into the thousands. “When you go back to, say, the 1950s, someone who had tattoos was kind of a rebel,” Musick says. “It seemed like in the 1990s, it became a little more socially accepted. A lot of the skateboard kids were getting into tattoos, and TV shows like Ink Masters brought it into everyday life. People saw that tattoos could be something beautiful, and weren’t just for military members and motorcycle riders.” Nevertheless, learning the trade wasn’t straightforward or quick for Musick. “When I got into it, there weren’t a lot of shops around,” he recalls. “Back in the day, you really had to prove your worth. The old-timers weren’t giving up any tricks of the trade, so you had to hope one of them would take you under their wing. Working as a mechanic was sort of the same thing. Eventually, if the old-timers felt you were really interested, they’d show you.” As his interest in tattooing grew, Musick “said to myself, this can’t be that hard. There was one company you could buy equipment from. I bought it and basically taught myself” during a span of several years. Decades later, after applying more tattoos than he can count, Musick still appreciates the ongoing experience as an avocation. He’s a part-timer in a regional chain (Body Graphics) where he has worked for the last 22 years. Previously, he’d run a business from his home. “My union job obviously comes first, and accounts for my benefits and (eventual) pension,” Musick says. “My tattoo job is fun money and just enjoying the art.” ‘Team Player’ Those familiar with Musick’s work – as a Seafarer and as an artist – say plenty of good things about both areas. Musick graduated from high school in 1985 and immediately followed in the footsteps of his father, Jim, also a longtime SIU member (who passed away in 2018). SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, then working as the union’s port agent in Philadelphia, met Scott when he signed on at Crowley’s terminal in Pennsauken, New Jersey. “Scott has always been a team player and a hard worker,” Heindel notes. “I eventually became familiar with Scott’s artwork through his Facebook postings. His art is nothing short of extraordinary and unique. I’ve used his talents several times to create T-shirts for [motorcycle] charity runs, and he’s never disappointed.” Musick also created the art for shirts that were highlighted at an El Faro memorial dedication in 2016 at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida. “Knowing how good Scott’s work is, I wanted to use his talents to create something for that ceremony,” Heindel recalls. “His ability to capture the essence of the moment and use it to remember our brother and sister Seafarers in a memorial T-shirt for those attending, was nothing short of brilliant.” Retired Seafarer Mike Fay worked with both Jim and Scott Musick for many years. “Scott and I shared the same passion for motorcycles and did a lot of rides together,” Fay says. “As far as being a co-worker, I wish we had more like him. He’s very skilled, and always rolled up his sleeves and tackled assignments while staying clear of the nonsense. “I remember when he decided to learn tattooing and would practice on raw turkeys,” Fay continues. “Scott’s tattoos speak for themselves. I have quite a few from him myself.” Musick reports for work at the power shop in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Early Start Tattoos grabbed Musick’s attention from early childhood. His father had several tattoos; Musick regularly drew copies and other images. Musick got his first ink at age 14, at a now-defunct shop in Camden, New Jersey. “My dad took me and lied about my age,” Musick recalls. “I just got a name on my arm, but from that day on, it was pretty much off to the races. I stopped counting my own tattoos when I got to 30 of them.” Nowadays, Musick is pleased by the industry’s growth, though he is puzzled by some of the seemingly random images that people select. “A tattoo is supposed to be something personal that tells a story about your life,” he says. “The ones that I really get the most joy from (applying) is when someone comes in for a memorial tattoo for someone who’s passed away. When I get done and they look in the mirror and tears of joy come to their eyes, I know I’ve done my job.” Fortunately, those are usually the only types of tears he sees as an artist. Asked in general how much it hurts to receive a tattoo, Musick replies, “I won’t say it’s painless, but nine times out of 10, people say it’s not bad at all. If someone doesn’t know what to expect, I’ll dip my needle into some water (for a trial run). The outline seems to be a little more painful, only because of the configuration of the needles” (more than a half-dozen different ones typically are used on a tattoo). Musick can finish a basic tattoo (such as a name) in a few minutes, whereas, for complex designs such as full sleeves, “I’ll work until they tap out. Most people last four or five hours.” He plans to stick with both of his professions for the foreseeable future, and says he remains grateful for his circumstances: “I’m very blessed to be a member of the SIU and to have a job with Crowley.” International Solidarity SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (at podium and also visible on monitor) on Sept. 29 was a featured speaker at the Norwegian Seafarers Union Congress (convention), which took place in Tromsø. He updated attendees on various work done by the SIU and the International Transport Workers’ Federation, for whom he serves as Seafarers’ Section chair. He also congratulated Johnny Hansen, who’s retiring, on his years of service as president of the host organization. 8 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 8 November 2022 10/21/22 11:54 AM �Notice: Credentials Lost Due to Hurricanes Fiona and Ian E d i t o r ’s n o t e : T h e U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following news item on Oct. 6. It’s available on the SIU website. In accordance with Federal regulations, duplicate Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) may be issued free of charge to mariners whose credentials were lost or destroyed as a result of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida. Affected mariners should follow the steps below to obtain an expedited replacement credential: Provide a statement of loss to the National Maritime Center (NMC) via fax at (304) 433-3412 or via e-mail at IASKNMC@ uscg.mil. The statement should contain the following: n Mariner’s full name n Mariner’s date of birth n Mariner’s reference number (MRN) (if you don’t know the MRN, include the mariner’s Social Security number) n The mailing address that the replacement credential should be sent to n Current phone number and/or e-mail address that the NMC can use to contact the mariner with questions, if necessary n Description of the circumstances surrounding the loss/destruction of the credential. Unless otherwise requested, any duplicate MMCs issued per the request process above will include a corresponding Medical Certificate, if previously issued. We will make every effort to have duplicate credentials mailed out the next business day. Alternatively, mariners may submit form CG719B, Application for Merchant Mariner Credential, to one of the Regional Exam Centers with the information above. If your credential is unserviceable due to damage or your lost credential is subsequently found, that credential should be mailed to the NMC. If you have questions or feedback regarding duplicate credentials, please contact the NMC via our Online Chat or Ticketing System, by emailing IASKNMC@ uscg.mil, or by calling (888) IASKNMC (4275662). Sincerely, Bradley W. Clare Captain U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer November & December Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................Monday: November 7, December 5 Algonac.............*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9 Baltimore....................Thursday:November10, December 9 Guam...............*Friday: November 25, Thursday: December 22 Honolulu.............................Friday: November 18, December16 Houston...........................Monday: November 14, December12 Jacksonville.......................Thursday: November 10, December 8 Joliet..............................Thursday: November 17, December 15 Mobile.........................Wednesday: November 16, December 14 New Orleans...................Tuesday: November 15, December 13 Jersey City............................Tuesday: November 8, December 6 Norfolk..................*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9 Oakland.........................Thursday: November 17, December 15 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: November 9, December 7 Port Everglades.............Thursday: November 17, December 15 San Juan........................Thursday: November 10, December 8 St. Louis.............................Friday: November 18, December 16 Tacoma.............................Friday: November 25, December 23 Wilmington..................Monday: November 21, December 19 * Algonac and Norfolk changes in November due to Veteran’s Day observance * Guam change in November due to Thanksgiving Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 9 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from September 16 - October 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of October 16. Port Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 20 0 1 12 2 8 5 16 19 16 0 4 12 7 1 4 4 18 1 18 168 6 1 1 10 0 3 3 7 25 7 1 4 8 3 1 4 4 6 0 4 98 1 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 21 Deck Department 12 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 12 7 2 3 0 0 9 4 2 5 2 0 22 16 1 20 17 3 11 4 1 0 2 1 3 3 0 9 4 3 4 2 0 2 3 0 2 3 1 4 0 0 13 4 0 0 0 0 14 9 0 146 82 14 3 1 0 8 0 1 1 18 15 8 0 0 3 0 2 3 3 7 0 5 78 27 2 2 24 1 14 9 43 40 41 2 11 24 14 3 7 4 32 4 47 351 8 3 2 15 1 6 4 22 34 16 1 6 13 5 1 4 6 6 0 9 162 2 0 0 4 0 5 0 6 4 3 0 2 3 1 1 0 1 4 0 1 37 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 2 0 8 1 0 5 7 13 8 1 1 9 2 6 0 2 13 3 14 97 0 0 3 3 1 0 9 5 11 3 2 3 6 2 0 2 0 5 1 6 62 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 2 19 Engine Department 4 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 0 11 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 5 2 1 11 6 1 6 3 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 5 2 0 3 1 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 7 10 3 2 0 0 4 3 1 72 38 10 2 0 2 5 0 0 2 6 4 1 1 1 2 0 0 2 1 11 1 2 43 6 2 1 12 1 3 11 15 23 14 0 1 13 7 7 0 4 16 3 26 165 1 0 2 5 2 4 9 6 25 8 2 7 12 4 0 4 1 4 1 12 109 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 3 1 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 23 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 1 5 1 2 3 10 16 5 0 1 9 6 1 2 3 5 0 14 88 2 0 0 7 2 1 0 2 12 2 1 4 9 4 1 4 4 0 0 10 65 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 0 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 0 3 19 Steward Department 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 6 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 10 1 0 19 8 1 5 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 12 4 1 6 3 2 1 0 0 0 5 1 0 3 0 5 2 1 0 0 0 10 5 0 82 37 7 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 2 11 2 1 1 3 2 0 1 0 2 0 7 37 4 0 2 12 0 7 8 21 24 9 1 3 11 16 0 8 7 12 1 28 174 2 0 0 11 1 3 3 7 21 4 0 6 17 6 1 3 3 0 0 17 105 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 2 0 0 5 2 0 1 2 0 0 3 22 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 12 9 2 0 2 0 1 3 6 14 5 0 0 10 5 1 2 0 8 0 12 80 8 1 3 3 0 3 2 12 49 10 2 0 12 3 4 8 1 3 0 2 126 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 Entry Department 6 6 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 7 5 17 36 5 9 1 2 0 0 2 12 6 3 0 1 10 5 0 1 5 1 0 1 6 3 70 91 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 10 3 1 0 1 0 0 6 1 0 0 3 31 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 3 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 0 3 22 13 3 0 4 0 3 3 15 27 14 1 0 13 11 2 2 0 17 0 25 153 10 2 1 5 1 4 5 21 85 20 2 2 31 5 4 7 0 12 0 9 226 305 185 306 189 712 529 308 227 C 122 Reliefs All Groups A GRAND TOTAL: 365 B Registered on Beach Trip A B C Seafarers LOG 9 10/24/22 8:52 AM �UNIONS ON PARADE – Maritime labor had a strong turnout for the 43rd Annual Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition Labor Day Parade, as evidenced by this photo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – The union and its affiliated school in Maryland shared a booth at the St. Mary’s County Fair in late September. Pictured from left are Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Tyrell Mitchell, Kalycia Banks from the PHC Student Services office, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey and PHC Apprentice Stephanie Vidrio. A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Derek Chestnut (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right. WITH SEAFARERS IN HOUSTON – Bosun Hernando Bansuelo (left in photo at left), who started sailing with the union in 1990, picks up his first pension check, while GUDE Wuelner Arzu (left in photo at right) receives his full B-book before heading to Piney Point to upgrade. They’re both pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. 10 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 10 November 2022 10/21/22 11:54 AM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC – OS Jamal Saleh (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak) displays his newly acquired B-book, while ABs Taha Al Amri (center) and Ahmed Al-Arashi (photo at right) hold their respective A-books at the hiring hall FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN – OMU Julian Misla (right) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – AB Michael Robinson (left) picks up his full B-book at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama. SIU Port Agent Jimmy White is at right. SUPPORT FROM LABOR – Several Houston-area Seafarers volunteered for block walking earlier this year in support of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who’s up for re-election. Pictured from left are Steward/Baker Rene Gil, AB Washington Williams, AB Reynaldo Bernardez and SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes. ABOARD CHABRIA SEA – SIU member Nathaniel Fair Jr. (left) and SIU Jersey City Patrolman Jose Argueta are pictured aboard the Centerline Logistics vessel in Bayonne, New Jersey. ABOARD USNS ALGOL – This Seafaring Selfie is courtesy of Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (right), pictured with GUDEs Ruel Decrepito and Rodolfo Ludovice while working aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated vessel on the West Coast. AT WILMINGTON HALL – GVA Shayef Shayef (left in photo at immediate right, with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman) picks up his A-seniority book in southern California, while AB Patrick Wheat (left in photo in center, also with Jarman) receives his full B-book. The remaining photo at the far right includes SA Benny Feria (left) and SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga. Feria is displaying his newly acquired full B-book. November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 10/21/22 11:55 AM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Traiming and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are you most excited for on your first ship? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Christian Marty Apprentice Seeing the world. I’m pretty excited to go to many European countries, but in general I’m excited to travel to foreign lands and experience new cultures. Raheem Harris Apprentice The money, to be honest. But I’m also looking forward to gaining job experience, and experience new foods. The food is a big one for me. Jevon David Apprentice I’m excited to start a new career, and see where my path leads. I’m looking forward to a job where I’m not stationary, and this career is certainly not your typical 9 to 5. Justin Manley Apprentice I’ve always been into engines, and I figure it can’t be too different to work on a ship’s engine. Bigger turbos, bigger injectors, it’s just a big diesel engine. The money doesn’t hurt, either. Masaddiq Walton Apprentice Travelling the world, and experiencing different cultures. I’ve never been outside the country. I’m also looking forward to experiencing the sense of community aboard a ship. Deshon Hagans Apprentice I’m really just looking forward to a career I can get comfortable in. I’m in it for the long haul, so the job stability offered in the SIU is really key for me. I’m ready for a long career as a mariner. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 Pic From The Past The SIU launched its headquarters operations in Camp Springs, Maryland, 40 years ago – officially on Oct. 18, 1982, following a relocation from New York. This snapshot from the union’s archives shows the building as it neared the final stages of construction. ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 12 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org November 2022 10/21/22 11:55 AM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MOHAMED AHMED Brother Mohamed Ahmed, 53, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Midnight Sun. Brother Ahmed settled in Melvindale, Michigan. HERNANDO BANSUELO Brother Hernando Bansuelo, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1990 when he shipped on the Sealift Caribbean. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Bansuelo’s final vessel was the National Glory. He calls Spring, Texas, home. GEORGE BIESELIN Brother George Bieselin, 72, started his career with the SIU in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Liberator and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Bieselin worked in the engine department. He last shipped on the Maersk Kensington and is a resident of Boynton Beach, Florida. SUSANO CORTEZ Brother Susano Cortez, 67, joined the union in 1987. A steward department member, he initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Cortez upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the Horizon Pacific and makes his home in Wahiawa, Hawaii. JOSE DE SOUZA Brother Jose de Souza, 67, began sailing with the union in 2001, initially on the USNS Mount Washington. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother de Souza concluded his career on the SBX. He lives in Miami Beach, Florida. November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 13 BRENDA GRAYS WALTER OTT Sister Brenda Grays, 72, joined the Seafarers in 1988. She was a member of the steward department and first sailed aboard the USNS Harkness. Sister Grays upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. She last sailed aboard the President Jackson and resides in Houston. Brother Walter Ott, 69, began sailing with the union in 1976 when he shipped on the Maryland. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Ott last sailed on the Maersk Seletar. He lives in Colonial Heights, Virginia. LEONEL GUTIERREZ JIMMIE ROBLES Brother Leonel Gutierrez, 65, embarked on his career with the union in 2002, first sailing on the Gemini. A deck department member, he concluded his career aboard the Prentiss Brown. Brother Gutierrez makes his home in Riverview, Michigan. Brother Jimmie Robles, 65, joined the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on the Flickertail State. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Robles concluded his career on the Maersk California and makes his home in Golden Valley, Arizona. MICHAEL KOZAK PHYLLIS JUSTINE SORESI Brother Michael Kozak, 52, signed on with the SIU in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Kozak last shipped on the Alaskan Explorer. He resides in Cape Coral, Florida. Sister Phyllis Justine Soresi, 56, signed on with the union in 1990, initially sailing aboard the Independence. She shipped in both the steward and deck departments and also worked on shore gangs. Sister Soresi was last employed with American Service Technology and resides in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania. KRISTIN KRAUSE Sister Kristin Krause, 56, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991. A steward department member, she first shipped on the American Eagle. Sister Krause upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She concluded her career on the Overseas New York and settled in Atlantic Beach, Florida. THOMAS MOORE Brother Thomas Moore, 55, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Harkness. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Moore most recently shipped on the USNS Denebola and lives in Queen Anne, Maryland. GREAT LAKES HAROLD GOETZ Brother Harold Goetz, 63, started sailing with the union in 1977. He first worked with Peter Kiewit Sons and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. Brother Goetz concluded his career with Great Lakes Towing. He makes his home in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. MICHAEL KRUSE Brother Michael Kruse, 65, signed on with the union in 1988. He initially sailed aboard the Steel T. Crapo, and worked in all three departments. Brother Kruse upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped on the Walter J. McCarthy and is a resident of Alpena, Michigan. INLAND JOHN COX Brother John Cox, 61, joined the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Champion. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and also came ashore to serve as a port official before returning to sea. Brother Cox last worked with G&H Towing. He lives in Kingwood, Texas. MITCHELL FOWLER Brother Mitchell Fowler, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1983. He was a deck department member and first worked for Allied Transportation. Brother Fowler upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2020. He was last employed by Penn Maritime and is a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina. MICHAEL HARVEY Brother Michael Harvey, 55, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1999 when he shipped with Penn Maritime. He was a member of the deck department and continued working for the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Harvey makes his home in Concord, North Carolina. ISOLINE MAJOR Sister Isoline Major, 66, signed on with the union in 1998. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Sister Major’s first vessel was the Sumner; her last, the Legend. She is a resident of Lauderhill, Florida. ROBERT MORGAN Brother Robert Morgan, 73, started sailing with the SIU in 1994 when he worked for McAllister Towing of Virginia. He was an engine department member and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Morgan resides in Port Haywood, Virginia. RONALD POOLE Brother Ronald Poole, 62, signed on with the union in 2005, initially sailing on the MahiMahi. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the steward department. Brother Poole’s final ves- sel was the Delta Mariner. He is a resident of Pensacola, Florida. BRUCE ROBRECHT Brother Bruce Robrecht, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979 when he sailed with Higman Barge Lines. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Robrecht last worked for OSG Ship Management. He resides in Great Mills, Maryland. ROBERT STEARNS Brother Robert Stearns, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1978. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Stearns worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for theduration of his career. He makes his home in Neptune Beach, Florida. DENIS SWANSON Brother Denis Swanson, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1994. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Swanson worked for Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He settled in Mt. Dora, Florida. TIMOTHY TRAYNOR Brother Timothy Traynor, 62, started his career with the union in 1979 when he worked with Crowley. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Traynor last worked with Ameristar Casino. He is a resident of Munster, Indiana. JOSEPH VIOLANTE Brother Joseph Violante, 63, joined the SIU in 1976, initially shipping with G&H Towing. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Violante upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He was last employed with American Service Technology and resides in Bacliff, Texas. Seafarers LOG 13 10/21/22 11:55 AM �Final Departures DEEP SEA YAHYA ALHAJ Pensioner Yahya Alhaj, 85, died August 17. He joined the SIU in 1972 and first sailed aboard the Saginaw Bay. Brother Alhaj worked in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the El Faro in 2001. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and called Dearborn, Michigan, home. RAMON ALI Pensioner Ramon Ali, 74, passed away August 31. He embarked on his career with the union in 1967 when he sailed on the Steel Design. An engine department member, Brother Ali last shipped on the Virgo. He retired in 2016 and lived in Scarsdale, New York. ANGEL CAMACHO Pensioner Angel Camacho, 72, died September 16. He began his career with the SIU in 1968 when he shipped with Interocean American Shipping Corporation. Brother Camacho primarily sailed in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Discovery before becoming a pensioner in 2005. Brother Camacho resided in Carolina, Puerto Rico. SIGRID CONNARD Sister Sigrid Connard, 92, died September 8. Born in Germany, she began sailing with the SIU in 1978. Sister Connard was a steward department member and first shipped on the Santa Magdelena. She last sailed on the President Jackson and made her home in Medford, Oregon. ROBERT DIAZ Pensioner Robert Diaz, 77, passed away September 22. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1969, initially sailing aboard the Sagamore Hill. Brother Diaz was an engine department member and last shipped aboard the Eugene A. Obregon in 1988. He went on pension in 2010 and settled in Brandon, Florida. JAMES OTANI Pensioner James Otani, 83, has passed away. After signing on with the union in 1982, he first sailed on the Constitution. Brother Otani was a steward department member and last shipped on the Independence in 1993. He went on pension in 2009 and called Hilo, Hawaii, home. ANDRE SMITH Pensioner Andre Smith, 71, died September 8. He joined the union in 1975 and first sailed on the G Walton. Brother Smith primarily sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the Sea Fox in 1998. Brother Smith became a pensioner in 2016 and was a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM LEHTO Pensioner William Lehto, 80, passed away September 28. He joined the SIU in 1966 and was an engine department member. Brother Lehto was first employed by Buckeye Steamship Company. He last sailed aboard the Kinsman Independent before retiring in 1995. Brother Lehto lived in Ironwood, Michigan. WILLIAM MULCAHY Pensioner William Mulcahy, 62, died October 1. He donned the SIU colors in 1977 when he shipped aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. He worked in the deck department and most recently sailed on the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Mulcahy began collecting his pension in 2019 and lived in Orange Park, Florida. GERALD RIFENBARK Pensioner Gerald Rifenbark, 80, passed away September 13. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1988 when he shipped on the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Rifenbark sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Susan Hannah in 2007 before retiring the same year. Brother Rifenbark resided in Interlochen, Michigan. INLAND RICHARD GORDON Pensioner Richard Gordon, 90, died September 26. He joined the SIU in 1963, initially sailing with American Steamship Company. An engine department member, Brother Gordon was last employed by Bob-Lo Island. He became a pensioner in 2003 and lived in Northville, Michigan. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Johnson, Leonard 85 Kenoyer, Frederick 96 Linch, Eugene 98 McCoy, Nelson 91 Olivo, Ignacio 98 Powers, Auriel 78 Powery, Barricks 90 Scott, Elbert 89 Simpson, Robert 76 Stigler, Joseph 80 DOD 09/03/2022 09/14/2021 10/10/2022 09/29/2022 09/06/2022 09/28/2022 10/07/2022 08/20/2022 09/19/2022 09/27/2022 Norfolk Renovations Continue As previously reported, extensive renovations are taking place at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Some of the early stages of the months-long project are shown in these photos from the commonwealth. 14 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 14 November 2022 10/21/22 11:55 AM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited) July 31 – Chairman John O’Shaughnessy, Secretary Joshua Heath, Educational Director Mark Campbell. Good trip reported by chairman. He stressed the importance of safety and urged members to keep documents up to date. Crew requested increases to dental, vacation, and retirement benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), August 13 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Thomas Johnson, Educational Director David Watkins, Steward Delegate Kacey Hare. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed latest communications, including a letter from the SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Crew requested to increase vacation accrual to 25 for 30. Next port: New York. AMERICAN FREEDOM (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August 16 – Chairman Joshua Mensah, Secretary Sedell Mitchell-Reynolds, Engine Delegate Oscar Lacayo Ruiz. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew still waiting for Wi-Fi and refrigerators in rooms. Members voiced concerns about laundry room and need more coffee and coffee cups. WASHINGTON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), Sep- The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. tember 1 – Chairman Modesto Rabena, Secretary Samuel Harris, Educational Director Lonny Scott, Engine Delegate Tyesha Boyd. Chairman reviewed details of new contract. Secretary read the President’s Report from the latest edition of the Seafarers LOG. Educational director discussed latest union meeting at Piney Point, new jobs and ways to help recruit new members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for clarity regarding overtime issues and more information about ship fund. Crew requested refrigerators in rooms and asked about cashing in vacation. JEAN ANNE (Pasha), September 3 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair. Chairman gave suggestions for modifying the job hiring process, including online registration and job bidding. Members weighed in on latest contract negotiations. Treasurer discussed plans for unused money from ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like retirement age to be lowered, additional supplements to insurance benefits, and physicals to be required annually for those with no health issues. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for helping with new hire and for the nutritious and varied menus. Crew especially enjoyed the outdoor barbecues. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), September 4 – Chairman Hussein Mohamed, Secretary Daniel Culhane, Educational Director Florentino Arriola. Crew still waiting on TVs, linens and for repairs to washing machine. Members discussed details of new contract. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested better internet and an extra day off every 30 days. Honoring WWII Mariners LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime), September 10 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Cole Briggs. Crew still in need of refrigerators. New grill purchased via ship’s fund. Members are owed unpaid wages for performing trash handling and separation tasks, per engine delegate report. Crew proposed using union time towards pension, rather than sea time. Two mattresses have been received and more are on the way. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), September 11 – Chairman James Gregory, Secretary Frank Starling, Educational Director Francois Doucet, Deck Delegate Jonathan Eitz, Engine Delegate Damien Law. Educational director advised crew to read the Seafarers LOG for updates and encouraged everyone to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Treasurer noted the value of ship fund and slop chest purchases. Both help improve the quality of life aboard ship. Deck delegate recommended getting new and improved equipment to fight any fires that may occur. Engine delegate discussed penalty pay and clothing allowance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ice machine in need of repair. Members requested better Wi-Fi and TVs in rooms. On Sept. 24, WWII Merchant Mariner Dave Yoho (left) presents the crew of the SS John W. Brown with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal first awarded to the merchant mariners of WWII earlier this year. Accepting the award on behalf of the crew, past and present, are Project Liberty Ship member Brian Hope (middle) and Hugh Cadzow, chairman of Project Liberty Ship. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 15 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 10/21/22 11:55 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck November 28 December 16 Lifeboat/Water Survival November 21 December 2 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW November 14 December 9 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook December 5 January 5 Chief Steward November 14 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training Revalidation November 14 November 14 December 2 December 2 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation December 12 December 16 Government Vessels December 5 December 9 Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 16 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 11/22 November 2022 10/21/22 11:55 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #886 – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Emile Alphonse, Cedrick Burton Jr., Abdiel Cintron Crespo, Jack Collier IV, Manuel Delgado, Ayman Nashid Elahi Jr., Tahj Horton, Mari Enid Huggins, Micheal King, Adam Mason, Tyrell Mitchell, Dominick Nesbitt, Jovanny Otero Negron, Felicia Roberts and Zachary Wilkinson. UA to AS (D) – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Dylan Green, John Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Michael Reardon, Orlando Javier Rosa Aguirre and Ethan P.B. Stacy. Important Notice to All Students November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 17 FOWT – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Zakarya Ahmed AlMalhani, Adrian Bartholomew, Sean Carter and Joseph Smith. Instructor John Wiegman III is at center. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places Seafarers LOG 17 10/21/22 11:55 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Medical Care Provider – Graduated September 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Jarion Andrews, Louise Digman, Jessina A.K. Fernandez, Dominique Glover, Jason Hintz, Gilbert Johnson, Steven Miller, Mario Standberry, Tyree Watkins Jr., and Jonathan White. Welding – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Alberto Luis Alvarez-Gonzalez, Devon David, Damon Johnson, Anson Johny, Ryan Kaleolani Manlapit and Nicholas Simoneaux. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. Water Survival (Upgrader) – OS Amos Porter (above) recently completed his requirements in this course. The Jacksonville, Florida upgrader graduated September 9. 18 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 18 UA to FOWT – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): William Aebi, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera and Julian Rubbo. Government Vessels – Graduated September 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Tony Bassali, Charlene Briggs, Joshua Irvine, Jan Mamadou Jalloh, Preeyapha Kaisaard, Terrell Knott, Melody Mitchell, Abdelhak Moutmir, Robert Neff, Angel L. Pagan Sanchez and Kyle Williamson. November 2022 10/21/22 11:55 AM �Government Vessels – Graduated September 23 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Edward Mills, Setphen Nowell, Yuriy Prytchak, Victor Janell Valentin-Delgado and Yahia Obadi Yahia. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places Advanced Meteorology – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Baird, David Fitzgibbons, Matthew O’Donnell, Scott Salo and Andrew Torti. Small Arms – Graduated August 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Natalio Rey Malinao Almosa, Joseph Hendricks and Craig Joseph. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Ashley Fabor, William Fortner, Ashley Grahm, Kevin Hubble Jr., Randy Madrid, Jamaal McKenzie, Rolando Antipuesto Odon, Reinaldo Rivera, Jason Simmons and Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) November 2022 73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 19 Seafarers LOG 19 10/21/22 11:55 AM �NOVEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 11 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 17-19 The photo at left, those above and the two at bottom left and center show some of Scott Musick’s handiwork – all original designs. Seafarer’s Passion for Ink Runs More than Skin-Deep Self-Taught Tattoo Artist Musick ‘Very Blessed’ Longtime Seafarer Scott Musick may have inadvertently discovered an ultimate test of friendship. While becoming a self-taught tattoo artist 30 years ago, he practiced on various inanimate objects – and also gave free tattoos to several friends. “I’m happy to say they’re all still my friends today,” says Musick, who works as a refrigeration mechanic for Crowley at Penn Terminal in Chester, Pennsylvania. Though hardly an old-timer at age 56, Musick has a tattooing background that is becoming far less common as the industry burgeons into a billion-dollar, mainstream enterprise. Today, it’s easy to locate licensed body-art schools, and official apprenticeships are available. Published reports indicate that more than 145 million Americans have tattoos, including more than half of all U.S. citizens younger than 40. Costs of tattoos widely vary; they’re typically somewhere in the low hunContinued on Page 8 Musick (above, right) works on a tattoo for fellow SIU member Dave Mendez. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel asked Musick to design artwork for a T-shirt commemorating the El Faro’s final crew. This is the finished product. Scott Musick (left) is pictured with his father, Jim, at Petty’s Island. 20 Seafarers LOG 73687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 20 November 2022 10/24/22 8:57 AM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2022 Description An account of the resource SIU CREWS UP SEABULK PRIDE UNIONS ANSWER CALL FOR HURRICANE RELIEF BOSUNS CREDIT UNION, SCHOOL FOR LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES MARITIME LABOR BLASTS UNNECESSARY WAIVER ALL HANDS SAFE FOLLOWING MIDNIGHT SUN FIRE U.S. REP. GARAMENDI INTRODUCES PRO-MARITIME BILL MARITIME ANNOUNCES INITIATIVES BACKING CARGO PREFERENCE SEAFARERS RATIFY ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS EL FARO MEMORIAL DEDICATED IN MAINE SEAFARER SCOTT MUSICK'S PASSION FOR INK RUNS MORE THAN SKIN-DEEP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/21/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 84, No. 11 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/90375fdb72a1e06e79f348c53e965b2d.pdf 3280f72af729e90c8e6deefbe188c1d7 PDF Text Text OCTOBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 10 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Building for the Future SIUNA Conducts Quinquennial Convention Delegates and guests met online Sept. 14 for the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) convention, which takes place every five years. The convention theme – Building for the Future – was reflected throughout the proceedings. SIUNA President Michael Sacco is pictured at top right. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (immediate right) delivered keynote remarks via a video that had been recorded a day earlier. The convention was engineered from the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland; SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right in photo directly above) and Legal Counsel Leslie Tarantola (left) are pictured on the campus. Pages 4-5. Pasha Ship Christened The SIU on Sept. 2 joined in celebrating the christening of the new Pasha Hawaii vessel George III (pictured at right). A ceremony took place in Long Beach, California. Pictured from left in the photo above are Ed Washburn, Senior VP of Fleet Operations for Pasha Hawaii; SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo; and SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman. Extensive details about the ship were reported in the September LOG and are available on the SIU website. Seafarers Recognized for Rescues Page 3 Remembering Adm. Herberger Page 6 �President’s Report Support for Cargo Preference A recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives made it crystal clear that our country is best-served by maintaining strong cargo preference laws. Through joint testimony submitted on behalf of several maritime unions, the SIU took part in the Sept. 14 hearing, conducted by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Two days earlier, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report identifying ways to better enforce cargo preference compliance. As you may know, cargo preference has been under attack this year, via House and Senate resolutions that attempt to leverage the war in Ukraine to justify a waiver. As the unions said in our joint testimony, these resolutions not only ignore the impact such a waiver would have on America’s commercial sealift readiness capability, but totally disregard the impact it would have on the jobs of American merchant mariners. If these resolutions were enacted, the federal government would Michael Sacco give up control of the carriage of U.S.-taxpayer financed food aid cargoes to foreign-flag, foreigncrewed ships. We also pointed out that, contrary to what the sponsors of these resolutions would have us believe, existing U.S.-flag cargo preference shipping requirements are not hindering our government’s efforts to export food aid. If the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) uses the funding made available by Congress to respond to the worldwide food crisis and either the volume of food aid cargo exceeds available American-flag tonnage or U.S.- flag vessels aren’t available at “fair and reasonable” rates, existing law already allows for the waiver of the cargo preference “Ship American” requirements. Put simply, the resolutions are completely unnecessary. I was especially encouraged by remarks from U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), who chairs the full House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and from U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California), chairman of the subcommittee. DeFazio said in part, “The U.S. depends on a robust merchant fleet not only for economic purposes but also for national security. This past year, we’ve seen the negative effects of an industry dominated by foreign companies and interests wreaking havoc on our supply chain. It is counter to U.S. interests to increase reliance on foreign-flagged vessels. For decades we’ve seen the U.S.-flag fleet shrink… The flags-of-convenience system has exacer exacerbated this issue, allowing companies to flag their vessels under countries that lack labor, safety, and environmental standards. Cargo preference provides a backbone to support the dwindling internationally sailing U.S.-flag fleet, especially when coupled with other incentive programs like the Maritime Security Program.” He added, “There’s an old saying: cargo is king. By providing a baseline of cargo for U.S.-flagged ships, we incentivize more vessels to join the fleet. Without guaranteeing cargo for U.S. vessels, we lose demand for U.S.-owned and -crewed ships.” DeFazio also voiced concern about agencies that have skirted cargo prefer preference requirements. Carbajal put it this way: “Compliance with cargo preference law is closely tied to the sustainment of American jobs and national security. It requires that government-impelled cargo be shipped overseas using U.S. flagged vessels – in other words, vessels crewed by U.S. mariners, owned by Americans, and abiding by U.S. laws. Guaranteeing a steady supply of cargo through cargo preference programs equates to job security for these hardworking citizens. Along with the Maritime Security Program and the Jones Act, cargo prefer preference ensures that the U.S. seagoing maritime industry does not disappear completely...” There were many other encouraging statements throughout the hearing, which featured multiple panels and representatives from labor, business, government and the administration. Their respective conclusions are consistent with what we’ve known all along: America’s national, economic and homeland security depend on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, and the U.S. Merchant Marine relies in part on maintaining and enforcing cargo preference laws. Comprehensive Study Underscores How Puerto Rico Benefits from Jones Act U.S.-Flag Vessels Reliably, Efficiently Serve Territory A new study finds that Puerto Rico benefits from reliable service by Jones Act carriers. The Transportation Institute on Aug. 23 announced the findings of research by Ernst & Young (EY). The report evaluated the Jones Act and its implications on freight rates, container availability, port congestion, and carrier performance in the Caribbean Region relative to global averages. The analysis considered the timeframe between January 2019 and December 2021 and captured the heightened volatility of freight movement during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and showed that global shipping rates increased 27 times more and delays were eight times higher than with Jones Act carriers. “Across multiple metrics, shippers overwhelmingly associated better carrier performance with Jones Act carriers than non-Jones Act ones,” according to the study. It also concluded that “in addition to providing stability and security in the region, the Jones Act shipping industry continues to provide substantial economic benefits to Puerto Rico.” “Jones Act carriers are dedicated to Puerto Rico and help local businesses make goods more affordable and the supply chain more reliable compared to our global competitors,” said Transportation Institute Chairman and President James L. Henry. “While the entire global supply chain was disrupted during the pandemic, our Jones Act carriers proved to be 27 times more affordable and eight times more reliable than non-Jones Act carriers.” EY engaged in primary data collection through a survey of 49 companies that ship to and from the continental United States and the Caribbean. The survey gathered information from shippers on advantages or impediments that they experienced while shipping via Jones Act and non-Jones Act carriers with respect to freight and shipping cost, the availability of containers, and the resiliency and adaptability in carrier customer service models to meet the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain challenges. The study also evaluated the economic contribution of the Jones Act shipping industry in Puerto Rico based on direct, indirect and induced contributions. Among the study’s key findings: n Global shipping rates increased 27 times more than rates in the Caribbean Region n Global shipping vessel delays were eight times more than in the Caribbean Region n Jones Act economic impact on Puerto Rico is as follows: created or helped maintain more than 2,000 jobs; contributed $96 million in wages and was responsible for $221 million in economic output. Major League Baseball Union Affiliates with AFL-CIO The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on Sept. 7 announced that it is formally affiliating with the AFL-CIO, with a goal of supporting the efforts and strengthening the voice of the national labor movement. The SIU also is an AFL-CIO affiliate. SIU President Michael Sacco is the longest-serving vice president on the federation’s executive council. “The MLBPA has a proud, 56-year history of success rooted in unity and a highly engaged membership,” Executive Director Tony Clark said. “We look forward to bringing that history and experience to bear as a more formal part of the movement.” The announcement was made during an appearance by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Clark at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. “The MLBPA and every single one of its 1,200 players have a home in our movement because this union understands and lives the meaning of the word solidarity by leveraging the power of sports and helping others,” said Shuler. “Together, with our 12.5 million members, we will bring our strength to their fights, including working to organize 5,400 minor league players.” The AFL-CIO and many of its member unions offered consistent support that helped the MLBPA withstand a 99-day lockout by Major League Baseball to achieve significant improvements in a fiveyear collective bargaining agreement reached on March 10. The MLBPA will play an active role in the AFLCIO’s Sports Council, a working group of unions representing professional athletes founded to align interests in areas of common concern with service, hospitality and other workers who support the professional sports industries. The Sports Council founding unions include the NFL Players Association, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association, the United Soccer League Players Association-CWA, the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association and the newly organized United Football Players Association-USW. SIU Jobs Secure Aboard T-AGOS Vessels O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 10 October 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The U.S. Defense Department in mid-August announced that SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. will operate the USNS Victorious, USNS Able (above), USNS Effective, USNS Loyal, USNS Impeccable and USNS Howard O. Lorenzen for up to five years (through October 2027). The SIU represents the unlicensed crews of those vessels with the incumbent operator and will continue doing so with Ocean Shipholdings. (U.S. Navy file photo) October 2022 �ITF Recovers $37.6 Million in Unpaid Wages The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) continues making a major, positive impact on the lives of mariners around the world. The latest evidence for that sentiment surfaced in mid-August, when the federation revealed that its inspectors recovered $37.6 million in unpaid wages to foreign crews across the globe. According to a report, “The ITF’s 125 inspectors and coordinators completed 7,265 inspections in 2021 to support thousands of seafarers with wage claims and repatriation cases, despite COVID-19 restrictions preventing inspectors’ ability to board ships for much of the year.” The SIU is an ITF affiliate. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel chairs the organization’s Seafarers’ Section. “ITF Inspectors get their name because they board and ‘inspect’ ships,” the federation said in announcing the back-pay figures. “They educate seafarers about their rights and support crew to enforce these rights. The officials cover more than 100 ports across 50 countries. “Inspectors are trained to look for exploitation, overwork – even for signs of forced labor and modern slavery,” the ITF continued. “On many vessels, inspectors have the right to ex- amine wage accounts, employment contracts, and to review recorded hours of work and rest.” “It’s not uncommon for crew to be paid at the wrong rate by a shipowner, or less than the rate set out in the employment agreement covering the ship,” said ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale. “Crew can generally work out when they’re being underpaid. And that’s when they contact us. ITF inspectors help seafarers recover what’s owed to them.” Trowsdale said the makeup of seafarers’ wage claims was changing: “Concerningly, we’re seeing a rise in the number of seafarers reporting non-payment of wages for periods of two months or longer, which actually meets the ILO’s definition of abandonment. Seafarers might think it’s normal to go unpaid for a couple of months, waiting for a shipowner to sort out financing, but they need to be aware that non-payment can also be a sign that a shipowner is about to cut them loose and leave them abandoned.” The ITF reported 85 cases of abandonment to the International Labor Organization (ILO) last year, an historic high. In many of those cases, abandoned crew had already been waiting on several weeks’ or months’ of unpaid wages – including those aboard the storm-hit MV Lidia. An ITF inspector based in Hong Kong, Jason Lam, helped eight Burmese seafarers who were crewing the MV Lidia recover almost USD $30,000 in unpaid wages after they ran aground in October 2021, thanks to a typhoon that left them close to shipwrecked. The shipowner refused to pay the two months’ wages he owed them, abandoning them and ruling out any assistance to get them home. Weeks of campaigning by Lam on behalf of the seafarers had an impact, and on November 2, 2021, the crew flew home – full wages in hand. Moreover, inspectors also helped thousands of mariners return home at the height of the crew-change crisis. Trowsdale added that inspectors adapted and found new ways of working during the pandemic. “I’m extremely proud of the work our inspectors have done to support seafarers in the last year, often working in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances,” he said. “It’s always been important for our team to be able to physically get to seafarers – to board ships and educate crew on their rights. So, when COVID19 restrictions presented a challenge to inspec- tors to board vessels, there was a real question: ‘What will happen to the seafarers who need us?’” As the crew-change crisis worsened in early 2021, a flood of requests filled the ITF’s inboxes from mariners desperate to sign off and get home. COVID-related border restrictions were the underlying reason for the dilemma, which impacted an estimated 400,000 seafarers at the worst point of the crisis. But on some ships, other more sinister factors were at play in keeping crew from their families, according to the federation. “There is evidence that some shipowners were using COVID-19 as an excuse to keep seafarers working beyond their initial contracts and in complete violation of those seafarers’ human and labor rights,” said Trowsdale. “Thankfully, our team was wise to what was going on and despite everything we got thousands of seafarers home. “Keeping crew on board while pretending their hands were tied may have saved those employers a few dollars in flight fares, but in today’s society that kind of conduct gets noticed,” he concluded. “There are no shadows to hide in anymore when it comes to global supply chain accountability.” SIU members sailing aboard the Maersk Tennessee, the APL-operated Herodote, the NY Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln and the Centerline Logistics-operated tugboats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea were all involved in rescues this year. On July 22, the SIU crew of the Maersk Tennessee spotted a man in need of help, 40 nautical miles off the coast of Florida. The man was piloting a jet ski, which had run out of fuel, and had drifted out to sea. The crew worked to- gether to get the man onboard with the port pilot ladder and slant combination, with a rescue boat on standby but ultimately not needed. The SIU members aboard the Tennessee at the time included Bosun Keller Gilyard, ABs Koksal Demir, Delroy Fernandez Fernandez, Michael Kanga, Nathaniel Lynch and Troy Mack, QE4 John Jaremchuk, QEE Ann Mensch, GUDE Amer Ahmed, Steward Baker Susan Emmons, Chief Cook Velicia Williams and SA Emy Smith. Once onboard, the rescued man informed the crew that he had been stranded for nearly five days. He was later transferred to a U.S. Coast Guard vessel which linked up with the Tennessee. On August 10, the crew of the Herodote – which includes SIU members working in the steward department – was presented with an award from a rescue that took place on March 21. As detailed by the Coast Guard Certificate of Merit: “On March 21, 2022, while underway on a voyage from Saipan, CNMI, to Hakata, Japan, your crew observed smoke and flames on the horizon from a fishing vessel approximately eight nautical miles from your vessel’s position and 107 nautical miles from Tanegashima Island, Japan. You immediately diverted towards the observed fire and discovered the Japanese fishing vessel YUUJIN MARU No. 51 was completely engulfed in flames from the superstructure to the waterline with no visible name or designating marks, and no visible signs of survivors. The crew of the CMA CGM HERODOTE took immediate action to search for survivors, made radio broadcasts for assistance from vessels in the area, contacted USCG District 14 Command Center Honolulu and further coordinated SAR efforts with the Japan Coast Guard. You remained on scene and provided invaluable real-time information to SAR experts. The CMA CGM HERODOTE was joined by the Greeceflagged tanker WOODSIDE ROGERS to assist with the response and soon located three per- sons in the water, who were then recovered by the WOODSIDE ROGERS. It was discovered that a total of eight crewmembers were onboard the YUUJIN MARU No. 51, comprised of six Indonesian and two Japanese nationals. CMA CGM HERODOTE continued to search for survivors until relieved by Japanese Coast Guard air and surface assets approximately seven hours after the initial sighting.” The SIU crew onboard the vessel included Recertified Steward Karl Meyer, Chief Cook Wardell Paze and ACU Jose Ayon-Ayon. Not even a week later, a crew of SIU members working aboard the NY Waterway-operated ferry Abraham Lincoln responded to two kayakers in distress on August 16. According to Captain Anthony Ryan, “It was a real busy time of day, as far as boat traffic. I’m just happy nobody got hurt, and we were able to save them.” Ryan and his crew brought the kayakers aboard and safely transported them to Pier 11. No injuries were reported. Finally, an award ceremony took place Aug. 24 for the crews of the Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea, who were involved in a rescue that saved the life of a jet skier in New York Harbor on June 25 – the International Day of the Seafarer. The award ceremony recognized the efforts of SIU members Ryan Bradley, Corey Harris and John Huggins, who were involved in the rescue. The details of the rescue were previously reported in the August issue of the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers Receive Recognition for Rescues at Sea A photo taken from the Maersk Tennessee during the rescue of a stranded jet skier. (Photo courtesy USMMA) The crew of the NY Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln, pictured with the two rescued kayakers (left and second from left). (Photo courtesy NY Waterway) Not Everyday Cargo The SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca (U.S. Marine Management) in midAugust picked up an F/A-18E Super Hornet in Sicily, Italy. The aircraft had been recovered from the Mediterranean Sea after being blown off the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman during heavy weather. AB Michal Penkwitz is pictured in front of the plane in photo at the immediate right, while the image at the far right, courtesy of the U.S. Navy, shows the aircraft being lowered onto the Mendonca’s deck. October 2022 Seafarers LOG 3 �Convention Focus: Workplaces of Future SIUNA Embraces New Tech, Says Workers Must Have a Voice The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) conducted its 2022 Quinquennial Convention online, under the theme “Building for the Future.” Hosted in Piney Point, Maryland, the event took place Sept. 14 and included approximately 60 delegates and guests who connected online from across the U.S. and Canada. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered the keynote address via a video that had been recorded the previous day (see separate story). Delegates elected the following officers for five-year terms in office: President Michael Sacco, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, and Vice Presidents Paul Doell, Jeff Richards, Nicole Walsh, Anthony Poplawski, Dave Connolly, Tom Orzechowski, Nick Celona, Dean Corgey, Nick Marrone, Joseph Soresi, Augie Tellez, George Tricker, Pat Vandegrift, Jim Given, Marcus Woodring, Monte Burgett, Karen Horton-Gennette and Laura Lopez. They also passed resolutions addressing automation and the future of work; the supply chain; grassroots political action and voter turnout; the Jones Act; crew changes; the PRO Act; opposing a proposed second register in the U.S. Virgin Islands; wind energy; Union Plus; cargo preference laws; support for our troops and veterans; appreciation for the Biden Administration’s backing of unions and the maritime industry; support for Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond; and a remembrance of many who’ve passed away since the prior convention. The proceedings also featured reports from individual SIUNA affiliates and from the various committees (who also met online the previous day). In his opening remarks, Sacco stated, “Our convention theme is ‘Building for the Future,’ and that’s exactly what we’re doing. It’s probably most obvious in the wind-energy sector, which I believe will be a major source of jobs for many of our affiliates. We’ve been laying the groundwork for those opportunities for quite a while, and the jobs aren’t too far off on the horizon.” He continued, “Our efforts definitely go beyond wind energy, of course. The SIUNA and our affiliates continue to work with our contracted companies, our allies throughout the labor movement and our political representatives to stand up for our members. That means doing everything possible to make sure they have good contracts; the training they need; a voice in the workplace; job security; and a bright future.” He then encouraged the affiliates to boost Some of the delegates and guests are shown participating in the convention via Zoom (photo above). voter turnout and to “support candidates who’ll support working families, regardless of political party.” Throughout the convention, the COVID19 global pandemic was part of every report. Sacco pointed out that the pandemic “has affected all of our affiliates, and definitely not always in the same ways. For some, there are jobs that disappeared and still haven’t come back. For others, the term ‘essential workers’ took on new meaning and often meant extended hours and extended tours. For the most part, I think we’ve all done an excellent job weathering the storm, delivering the goods and standing up for our members.” He touched on the state of organized labor, noting a number of recent high-profile organizing victories and an unprecedented level of public support for unions. Regarding the maritime industry, Sacco said he believes it is “heading in the right AFL-CIO President Applauds SIUNA AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler commended the work of Seafarers and encouraged officials and rank-and-file members to support pro-labor candidates in the midterm elections. Shuler submitted a video message for the SIUNA convention, which took place online Sept. 14. “I just have to start by recognizing your president, Mike Sacco, who is not only an incredible leader of your union, but a true leader within our federation,” said Shuler. “Serving on our executive council, and as president of the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department, and even conducting the elections for Fred (Redmond) and I at the AFL-CIO convention last June. Thank you, Mike, and to (SIU Executive Vice President) Augie Tellez, (SIU Secretary-Treasurer) Dave Heindel and all the executive board leaders and activists, we are so grateful for your dedication to our labor movement.” She continued, “And that’s what the Seafarers do: You show up whenever you’re needed, and you deliver the goods. That’s especially true in times of crisis. It was Seafarers who delivered supplies to Allied troops in World War II, and helped evacuate people from Manhattan after 4 Seafarers LOG direction, but we all know the battles never end. We’re currently in a very serious fight about cargo preference laws, and we’re doing everything possible to educate Congress and preserve American maritime jobs. We had manpower challenges even before the pandemic, and as many of you know, those have only grown. “Otherwise, we’ve made significant gains by securing the new Tanker Security Program, an American-flag cable fleet, and full funding for the Maritime Security Program,” he added. “And, as mentioned, we’re also getting in on the ground floor to secure good union jobs in the wind-energy sector. I think we’re in good shape overall. We’ve got a very worker-friendly administration and we’ve got plenty of opportunities to get things done.” While much of the convention focused on pandemic-related challenges along with 9/11. And there’s no question that you all have stepped up to address the challenges the pandemic has posed to our economy and our supply chain. That’s what unions do. We show up for each other, and we use our collective power to fight for a better future for our communities. And people are recognizing this. Not only is the public support for unions at 71 percent, but we’re seeing incredible momentum building around organizing.” She spoke on some of the new technologies that will shape the future of the SIUNA: “New industries are emerging all around us. And we need to make sure that those jobs are good, union jobs from day one. And workplaces of the future, the SIUNA International Affairs Committee pointed out the ongoing issue of crew abandonment. “Historically, this is an under-reported issue, and yet we know of more than 70 such cases in 2021 alone, almost always involving so-called flag-of-convenience or runway-flag ships,” the committee wrote. “According to the International Maritime Organization, the total number of cases that were recorded from 2004 to 2020 was nearly 500 and involved almost 6,000 seafarers. As noted by the IMO, ‘Seafarer abandonment is a serious problem that can blight the lives of those caught up in it. It must be tackled and it needs continual cooperation, not just between the IMO and ILO and non-governmental organizations devoted to seamen’s welfare, but with flag states, port states and other industry groups, too. We all have a duty to protect seafarers.’” by being the source for the most highly skilled, highly trained, most productive workers on the planet, that’s how we get a foothold. And we are seeing that in industries like offshore wind…. “But now we want to expand that, and make sure every aspect of the industry is union, wall to wall,” Shuler continued. “And this, of course, includes all the work in the maritime trades. From construction, to the 20-plus years of maintenance work on barges and supply ships, wind turbine installation vessels, crewing transports, operations and maintenance vessels.… We are going to fight for all of that to be union work. And I am personally committed to this fight, because this is about the future.” Lastly, Shuler described the importance of voting. “We all know that the course of our future, it will depend on who’s writing the laws and making the rules,” she said. “And that’s why I know all of you will show up in these critical midterm elections. Our Labor 2022 plan is built on the organizing power of unions, and our ability to talk to one another about the issues that affect our daily lives. When we have those one on one, face to face conversations with our members about the issues, we can break through the polarization, and the echo chamber. We can be those trusted messengers on the job, on the phones, listening to our members about what’s important to them. And then connecting it to the pro-workers candidates who share our values, and who will show up for us. That’s how we’re going to win in this election.” October 2022 �Participants listen to a report (above, left), while the image at right features the convention artwork SIUNA Convention 2022 – Summary of Resolutions The following is a brief summary of the resolutions passed by convention delegates, not including the In Memoriam statement. Resolution 1: Automation and the Future of Work The SIUNA and its affiliates stand ready to embrace new technology and the advancements that come with them, as long as such developments are made with workers in mind and with workers having a seat at the table to negotiate their use. Resolution 2: Supply Chain While the global supply chain quickly slowed down at the height of the pandemic, getting it back to where it was remains a concern. The U.S.-flag and Canadian-flag maritime unions are working to help provide solutions. Resolution 3: Get Out the Vote Exercising one’s right to vote goes beyond presidential and congressional elections. Union families must vote the whole ballot, from state legislatures to city halls to local school boards. The SIUNA and its affiliates will mobilize on every level to ensure utmost union member participation in the upcoming 2022 elections and those that follow, because labor’s interests are at stake. Resolution 6: Opposing the Proposed USVI Open Register The SIUNA and its affiliates call upon the Biden Administration, the Congress, the Department of Defense and the Maritime Administration to reject any effort that would have U.S. Virgin Islands-flag vessels be treated as if they are the same as U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed ships for any purpose or for any program. An open register in the U.S. Virgin Islands would take cargo from U.S.-flag vessels, crewed by American citizens, and place it on vessels that do not use American crews, do not pay American taxes and do not meet American safety and labor standards. Resolution 7: The PRO Act It is time for the United States to bring its labor laws into the 21st century. It is time for the Senate to pass, and the nation to enact the PRO Act, organized labor’s top legislative priority. This legislation, already approved twice by the House of Representatives, would help ensure that workers have a right to vote to form a union in an atmosphere defined by free speech and open communication, and without fear of retaliation for standing up for their rights. Resolution 8: Wind Energy The SIUNA and its affiliates will con- tinue working with other brothers and sisters throughout the labor movement to plan, build and maintain North America’s energy-producing offshore windfarms. We will maintain our vigil on the cabotage laws of the United States and Canada to make sure these renewable energy jobs go to highly trained, qualified American and Canadian union workers. Resolution 9: Union Plus The SIUNA remains enthusiastically committed to fully supporting and participating in Union Plus programs and in helping ensure that rank-and-file members of our affiliate unions receive the most current information about those programs. Resolution 10: Cargo Preference Cargo-preference laws are good for America, good for the U.S. maritime industry – and good for the foreign citizens who benefit from many of the cargoes themselves. The SIUNA thanks the Biden administration for supporting these laws, which should be maintained and strengthened. Resolution 11: Appreciation for the Biden Administration The Biden Administration is well on its way to being the most pro-union administration ever. Not only that, the president himself has been an outspoken supporter of American maritime, starting in his first week in office. We are grateful for the support and will continue backing politicians and administrations who understand and respect the importance of organized labor. Resolution 12: Support Our Troops and Veterans The SIUNA has a rich tradition of supporting our men and women in uniform – both active duty and retired – and their families. We will continue our efforts to help ensure that every veteran in search of employment finds it in short order. We hold our troops and veterans in the very highest regard, and we thank them for their service. Resolution 13: Support for Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond The SIUNA offers its unyielding support to Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond. Delegates to the AFL-CIO Convention on June 12 elected the duo to serve as president and secretary-treasurer, respectively, of the nation’s largest labor federation. The SIUNA looks forward to working with both of them and supporting their ongoing fight for economic justice for working people across the country. Resolution 4: Jones Act Support The SIUNA will continue its critical fight for jobs created within the scope of the Jones Act. This law supports America’s mariners and shipyard workers along with other shoreside personnel. It has proven its value to the economy and national security for more than a century. Resolution 5: Crew Changes Perhaps no pandemic-induced challenge for the world’s mariners has loomed larger than achieving crew changes. While significant progress has been made when it comes to getting mariners to and from work, the sheer scope and complexity of the crisis are noteworthy. The International Chamber of Shipping at one point stated the following: “The continuing inability of ship operators to conduct crew changes has been the single greatest operational challenge confronting the global shipping industry since the Second World War.” The SIUNA applauds the work of every organization that has stood up for seafarers throughout the pandemic. We recognize both the tremendous progress and the work that remains. October 2022 Pictured from left in photo at left are Legal Counsel Leslie Tarantola and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. SIU President Michael Sacco is shown in the screenshot directly above. Seafarers LOG 5 �Vice Adm. Herberger Passes Away at 91 Revered U.S.-Flag Stalwart Served at TRANSCOM, MARAD The U.S.-flag maritime industry lost a true and devoted friend when retired Vice Adm. Albert Herberger (USN) passed away Aug. 26. He was 91 years old. “Admiral Herberger was more than a friend,” recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was a merchant mariner. He was a Navy man. He understood logistics and transportation. He knew us.” Following a 32-year career in the Navy, Herberger served as the U.S. Maritime Administrator from 1993 to 1997. During that time, he was the point man for the Clinton administration to secure passage of the “maritime revitalization” program. Proposed in 1992 by the George H.W. Bush administration to rebuild and refortify the U.S.-flag merchant fleet in the wake of the 1991 Kuwaiti war, maritime revitalization finally passed the Congress and was signed into law by President Clinton in 1996 as the (still-operating today and highly successful) Maritime Security Program. Herberger was a regular presence at Maritime Trades Department functions, speaking at the department’s 1995 convention as well as at the 1994 and 1995 executive board meetings. The New York/New Jersey Maritime Port Council presented him with its Government Man of the Year Award in 1996. (That same year, he received the Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award from the United Seamen’s Service.) He also delivered the keynote speech at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, when the facility opened an exhibit of World War II U.S. Merchant Marine posters in 1995. The Albany, New York, native graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1955. After sailing as a merchant mariner for three years, he joined the Navy. He commanded war ships and held shore-side posts in the Navy. In his last assignment, he was the first deputy commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command, where he worked directly with Sacco and other maritime union officers while helping launch the command. Great Lakes Coalition Honors Rep. Gallagher A major maritime coalition recently saluted U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) for his strong support of the industry. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF), to which the SIU is affiliated, presented Gallagher with the organization’s 2022 Legislator of the Year Award, during a late-July ceremony in Green Bay. In announcing the recognition, the GLMTF said, “Congressman Gallagher has spearheaded legislation that invests in shipbuilding on the Great Lakes, improves the maritime supply chain during the winter, and ensures the Great Lakes Navigation System remains viable for years to come.” “At a time when China is commissioning three ships in a single day, we desperately need to strengthen the American shipbuilding industrial base to expand, support, and service the fleet,” said Gallagher. “Congressman Gallagher’s support for U.S. Merchant Mariners, Wisconsin ports, and Wisconsin shipbuilding drives economic stability in the Great Lakes region and in the nation. Simply put, he helps to create family-sustaining jobs for thousands,” stated Mark Ruge, president of the Wisconsin Domestic Maritime Coalition. John Baker, an official with the International Longshoremen’s Association and vice president of the task force, added, “Mike Gallagher invests in the American worker protecting sailors from damaging ice floes, advancing U.S. shipbuilding, and keeping the maritime supply chain moving on the nation’s Fourth Sea Coast.” GLMTF President Jim Weakley stated, “The work done by Congressman Gallagher to correct years of neglect to the Great Lakes Navigation System during the winter months is monumental. The Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act is a great step in the right direction. In addition, the support Congressman Gallagher provided to get the Great Lakes designated as a navigation system with a guaranteed allocation of money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will undoubtedly serve the Great 6 Seafarers LOG U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) Lakes region for decades to come and that is why he is our Legislator of the Year.” Gallagher noted, “The importance of the Great Lakes cannot be overstated. Here in Northeast Wisconsin, these lakes are crucial to not just our economy, but to our way of life, and it’s critical we do everything we can to preserve these national treasures for generations to come. It’s an honor to be named the 2022 Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, and I look forward to continuing my work to both protect the Great Lakes and expand opportunities for the businesses that rely on them.” The award presentation took place at the U.S. Venture, Inc. facility in Green Bay. President and CEO of U.S. Venture John Schmidt stated, “The Port of Green Bay serves as a critical link in the supply chain for gasoline, diesel, and renewable energy products supplied to Northeastern Wisconsin. We appreciate and commend Congressman Gallagher for his continued support of the Port and the Great Lakes.” The GLMTF has 74 member organizations. According to the coalition, “The Great Lakes commercial maritime industry supports more than 147,000 American jobs in eight Great Lakes states and generates more than $25 billion in economic activity.” Among his military and civilian recognitions are the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, and the National Defense Transportation Association Distinguished Service Award. During his tenure at the Maritime Administration, Herberger was known as being greatly admired, determined and friendly. Upon his retirement, the staff presented him with a life-size photo from when he threw out a first pitch at a minor league baseball game. Years later, he told others he had that photo as well as all his awards in his den, but his young grandchildren were more interested in his pitching form than his record of service. Upon his passing, the Maritime Administration issued a statement that reads in part, “Our sincerest condolences go to his family and loved ones during this time…. He was a stalwart merchant mariner…. We will forever remain inspired by his leadership and his impact on the maritime community.” Vice Adm. Al Herberger White House Issues Labor Day Proclamation Editor’s note: Following is the text of this year’s Labor Day statement from President Biden. It was issued September 2, the Friday before the holiday. American workers have built our communities, laid the foundation for our democracy, and powered the engine of our prosperity. From the factory hands who forged an Arsenal of Democracy and helped beat back fascism during World War II, to the immigrants who assembled the transcontinental railroad that connected America’s coasts, to the health care professionals and first responders who mobilized selflessly during the pandemic to save countless lives, American workers have guided us through our most difficult moments and delivered some of our Nation’s greatest triumphs. Unions have been the voice of American workers, guiding their path to power as a major force in our society. Unions fought for higher wages and family-supporting benefits, established vital health and safety standards, secured an 8-hour work day, eradicated child labor, guarded against discrimination and harassment, and bargained for every worker’s fair share of economic prosperity. They give workers a say in critical decisions affecting their lives and livelihoods and play a transformative role in shaping the future of our democracy. The middle class built America, and unions built the middle class. When organized labor wins, families win. We all win. I said from the start that I would be the most pro-worker and pro-union President in American history, and I am keeping that promise. When I took office, I put money in the pockets of hardworking Americans with the American Rescue Plan, offering families much-needed breathing room. I have now enacted a bold, long-term economic agenda that will lead to historic investments in our Nation and our workers: the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. My economic agenda is a oncein-a-generation blueprint to rebuild America, out-compete every other economy in the world, and create thousands of good-paying and cleanmanufacturing jobs. We are putting plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, steel workers, and so many others to work on a range of projects – from rebuilding our infrastructure to manufacturing semiconductors, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. Many of these jobs will be union jobs. This is just the beginning. To give workers more power and raise wages, I signed an Executive Order calling for a ban on unfair non-compete agreements that hinder people from building on their experience to take new jobs in their industries. I created a White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment with the aim of identifying new ways the executive branch can facilitate the organizing of workers. I also appointed a former union president and card-carrying union member to serve this country as the Secretary of Labor. Still, there is more we can do. I believe every worker should have a free and fair choice to organize and bargain collectively with their employer without coercion or intimidation. That is why I called on the Congress to finally pass the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which will make it easier for private-sector, State, and local government workers to join a union and bargain collectively. As our economy recovers and rebuilds, we must build it from the bottom up and the middle out – not the top down – so everyone benefits. Our Nation continues to fall short of its promise to deliver equal opportunity to workers of color and women, among others, and we can do more to ensure that good-paying jobs are accessible to everyone. Only when all workers have a strong voice in their wages, benefits, and job treatment can we start to change how we value their labor. Only then can we begin to reward work and not just wealth. I have had the honor of meeting workers of every stripe. I have visited longshore workers in California, firefighters in Colorado, transit workers in New Jersey, welders in Wisconsin, and teachers in Virginia, among many others. I also welcomed frontline worker-organizers into the Oval Office. Whenever I meet members of America’s labor community – dedicated women and men who derive purpose from their work – I am reminded of something my father used to tell me: “A job is about more than a paycheck – it is about dignity and respect.” This Labor Day, let us honor those trailblazers who have fought for the rights of working people. Let us stand in solidarity with all workers and strengthen their ability to organize and bargain with employers. Let us give thanks to all of America’s workers who build this Nation and pave our future. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 5, 2022, as Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the energy and innovation of working Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twentytwo, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortyseventh. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. October 2022 �Students enhance their skills on a Star Cool unit. Upgrader Derek Chestnut programs software on a new PrimeLINE unit. ARCM Class Raises Bar for Technology Skills Updated Course Features Cutting-Edge Equipment A popular course at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) has updated its curriculum and added new equipment that utilizes the latest tech- Instructor Mike Fay (right) and Seafarer Devin Sem nology in the reefer container industry. These changes signal major improvements to the school’s advanced refrigerated container maintenance (ARCM) class, a two-week offering at the Piney Point, Maryland, campus. Mike Fay, a longtime Seafarer and electrician who occasionally teaches at the PHC, developed the ARCM class and serves as its lead instructor. He explained that the recently added state-of-the-art units can handle a wide range of cargo – some of which is both expensive and delicate. “It’s not uncommon to see $1 million worth of pharmaceuticals in one container, and that content has to be maintained at exact temperature, humidity and oxygen level,” Fay said. “This requires the person working on the equipment to have an in-depth knowledge of capacity controls and operating systems.” One way for students to gain or enhance such knowledge is by training with top-end equipment, and the PHC boasts such gear. The school recently added Carrier PrimeLINE unit that allows students to learn “on the next generation of units equipped with electronic expansion valves and digital control valves,” Fay noted. “These components give the unit the capability to keep a 40-foot loaded container within one-half of one degree of setpoint, thereby helping ensure the customer’s product integrity.” Fay also mentioned that students in the July ARCM class took on the task of refitting a vintage, out-of-service Star Cool reefer unit with new, upto-date components, including a 2.0 frequency converter, a variable-speed compressor and the latest digital controller. By the time the students completed their work on that unit, it was fully operational. One highlight of the July course was a visit and some guest instruction from field subject-matter expert Benjamin Hernandez, service manager of the Americas for Star Cool/Maersk Container Industry. “It was an honor to have Benjamin share his knowledge with the class,” Fay said. “He was so impressed with the whole Paul Hall Center training facilities that he offered the support of the Star Cool factory in Denmark to supply training aids and tech support. The school has always partnered with SIU-contracted companies for donating actual reefer units from their fleets for training, but this is the first time a major manufacturer has offered factory support. This ensures that the PHC will continually have the capability to train students with the latest technology well into the future.” Guest Instructor Benjamin Hernandez SIU, Express Marine Sign 3-Year Agreement SIU members employed by Express Marine are sailing under provisions of a new three-year contract featuring numerous gains. The recently ratified agreement contains signing and safety bonuses, yearly wage boosts, and increases to mileage reimbursements and contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Negotiating for the SIU were Captain Riley Johnson and AB Scottie Duncan, alongside Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice. Baselice said of the pact: “It’s a good contract. We worked hard to reach a new deal with Express Marine that addressed all the concerns of the membership including wage and related increases, while maintaining two-for-one pension and Core Plus level (medical) benefits.” Johnson stated, “With regard to October 2022 the present economic environment in which we are operating, and the everchanging maritime industry, I believe we have a contract that will allow management and labor to continue moving forward into a prosperous future. We all look forward to working with the new management here at Express Marine, and together meeting the challenges that will arise.” The new contract –which runs from June 16, 2022 until June 15, 2025 – covers approximately 25 members. According to its website, Express Marine, Inc. “has provided safe, reliable tug and barge transportation for dry bulk and liquid cargos along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Caribbean and associated bays, harbors and rivers for more than 100 years.” SIU members sail aboard the company’s fleet of tugs and barges, which range from smaller inland units to larger offshore ones. An Express Marine crew (photo above) poses for a snapshot after contract ratification. From left to right are Mate Robert Arble, AB Bruce Wilkinson and Captain Eddie Garner. In the photo at right, Mate Robert Arble counts the ballots. Seafarers LOG 7 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAGOTHY (Argent Marine Operations), May 8 – Chairman Frank Hedge, Secretary Tristan Cordero, Educational Director Tracy Mitchell, Deck Delegate Abdullah Ansah, Engine Delegate Samuel Ayers, Steward Delegate Nagi Ali. Chairman thanked crew for a safe voyage and for keeping garbage separated. He reminded members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, and to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New mattresses have been ordered. Galley still needs dishwasher and grill. Members proposed one physical examination requirement per year. Crew requested raise in pension benefits, additional vacation benefits, increased dental coverage, and better Wi-Fi aboard ship. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Next port: Portland, Oregon. USNS EFFECTIVE (Crowley), July 29 – Chairman Edgar Elegino, Secretary Delia Peters, Educational Director Emiliano Guevara, Engine Delegate Robert Murphy, Steward Delegate Cameron Keating. Members offered suggestions pertaining to crew change relief procedures. Crew suggested searching for a relief a month in advance, posting jobs to all ports immediately, providing incentive programs for members who extend their contracts and conducting job fairs to advertise the maritime industry and job vacancies. Treasurer listed some purchases recently made for various parts of vessel. Steward delegate commented on stores. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management, LLC), The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. July 31 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Edward Gavagan, Educational Director Bobby Conner, Steward Delegate Gamal Asaad. Chairman discussed personnel change while vessel was in Tampa, Florida shipyard. Secretary reminded crew to check and renew papers early. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for providing good food. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), July 31 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Shari Hardman, Educational Director Alton Hickman, Deck Delegate Jonathan Eitz, Engine Delegate Matthew Wright, Steward Delegate Alexus Guillory. Crew revisited ongoing issues with dryer, dishwasher and air conditioning in galley. Chairman reported a smooth voyage. Special thanks given to the steward department for good meals. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Engine delegate issued request pertaining to overtime rates. Crew discussed new contract and reiterated the importance of shipboard meetings. Members were reminded to keep prescription medication up to date. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk Line, Limited), Aug. 1 – Chairman Eugene Perez, Secretary Timothy Dowd, Educational Director Frederick Williams, Deck Delegate Marcos Santos Gamboa, Engine Delegate Dennis Pangan. Chairman talked about new contract and difference in pay. Secretary advised crew to renew documents early since they are taking longer than usual to process. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for clarification for B-book seniority and asked how long jobs can be held in rotation. Crew discussed shipping rule enforcement by halls and asked questions about relief and rotary jobs. AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August 3 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Sharray Turner, Educational Director Moses Mickens, Engine Delegate Steve Tate, Steward Delegate Lea Ramos. Crew discussed contract and agreed to send for ratification. Chairman thanked everyone for keeping ship clean and discussed upcoming shipyard stay. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center in southern Maryland and to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August 5 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Jayson Velez-Cruz, Educational Director Mohsen Mohamed, Engine Delegate Mark Canada, Steward Delegate Kirk Fisher. Crew discussed cargo preference laws, which are vital to the U.S. Merchant Marine and which benefit U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Educational director advised members to upgrade in Piney Point and keep up with documents. Crew received computer with internet access as well as copies of new freightship and tanker agreements. Members requested an extra vacation day Aboard El Coqui Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry submitted this photo of ABs Raul Colon Matos (left) and John Diaz Hernandez. The duo works aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel, which sails in the Jones Act trade. per month or extra pay in lieu of day off. Crew suggested items to include in next contract such as penalty pay for the use of any rust removal chemical and flexible rotation for permanent crew. Members were encouraged to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Vote of thanks was given to steward department. POHANG PIONEER (U.S. Marine Management), August 21 – Chairman Ahmed Ghaleb, Secretary Rudy Lopez, Engine Delegate Edward Galbis, Steward Delegate Steven Johnson. Crew asked for a slop chest on ship and for TVs and DVD players. Requested items are to come upon arrival at dock. Crew commented on improvement with stores. Members suggested extending vacation for permanent positions from 60 to 75 days to allow more time to handle personal business. Gym equipment was moved to fan room, which is reportedly loud and uncomfortable for members. Crew discussed restriction to ship while in Korea. Still no notice reportedly provided by Korean government, so no shore leave available. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 8 Seafarers LOG requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 October 2022 �PROMOTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS – The SIU was well-represented at this year’s New York State AFL-CIO convention, which took place in August. Serving as delegates (photo at left, from left) were SIU Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos, UIW Rep. Jordan Esopa, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ON THE JOB IN TEXAS – SIU-crewed G&H Towing boats are shown in the foreground while the SIU-crewed ARC Defender (TOTE) is in the background. INITIATIVE IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST – AB Raul Molina (above) in early August did some repairs to the flag stand that has been at the center of the counter in the Tacoma hall for the last 12 years. He built the stand all those years ago and (without being asked) showed up recently with his tool belt on. TALKING MARITIME WITH CANDIDATE – SIU Port Agents John Hoskins (left) and Mario Torrey (right) meet with Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore earlier this year at a gathering in Baltimore. They discussed workers’ rights and the maritime industry. WELCOME ABOARD – SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (standing) assists with a recent orientation at Seafarers-contracted G&H Towing in Galveston, Texas. ABOARD GREEN LAKE – Pictured from left in the group photo at right are Bosun Augustus Udan, Chief Cook Gil Serrano, SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman and SA Bernardo Celi.The photo at left shows a piece of cargo on the Waterman-operated vessel. October 2022 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD EL COQUI – Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry submitted these photos from the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel, which sails in the Jones Act trade. Oiler Blake Washington Chief Cook Maurice Henry Jr. AB Victor Velez, Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry, AB Joe Dupre A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – AB Alan Boiser (center) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in late August. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera. 10 Seafarers LOG AB Timothy Paul AB Erick Toledo, AB Jerry Maya, QEE Edwin Velez A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Christopher Torres (left) displays his newly acquired A-seniority book at the hiring hall in southern California. SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman is at right. October 2022 �WITH SEAFARERS IN SAN JUAN – These snapshots were taken at the hiring hall in Puerto Rico. In photo at left, AB Jonamie Encarnacion (left) holds his newly acquired A-seniority book and first A-book registration. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at right. In photo at right, AB Sergio Valentin (right) displays his recently obtained A-seniority book (Crespo is at left). The remaining photo includes QMED Kabir Garcia Santiago (left), who definitely embraces the opportunities for upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. This year alone, he has successfully completed more than a half-dozen different courses, including tank ship familiarization, government vessels, helo firefighting, advanced reefer container maintenance, marine electrician and more. He’s displaying the diplomas with help from Crespo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH SEAFARERS IN JACKSONVILLE – Pictured at the hall following the membership meeting on Aug. 11 are (group photo, from left) AB Donald Desir, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, AB Lafonte McWhite and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. In the other photo, also taken at the hall earlier that week, Nelson (left) gives the union oath to AB Andrew Malidore, who received his full B-book. WITH SEAFARERS IN LAUDERDALE – Two members recently hit milestones at the hiring hall in Florida. Chief Steward Isoline Major (left in photo at left) picked up her first pension check, following an SIU career that started in 1998. And, AB Andrew Graham (left in photo at right) received his A-seniority book. Both Seafarers are pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. October 2022 FULL BOOK IN PHILLY – AB Keith Field (left) receives his full B-book at the Philadelphia hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice. A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Nicholas Panagakos (right) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. Seafarers LOG 11 �Van Pelt Family: A Legacy of Seafaring Union Provides Gateway To Rewarding Profession The Van Pelt family embodies the long tradition of multiple generations sailing with the SIU. In total, seven members of the extended Van Pelt family have joined the SIU since 1978, often with each other’s encouragement. The first Van Pelt to join, retired Chief Engineer Timothy Van Pelt, recently took an instructional position at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. His son, Junior Engineer Tim Van Pelt II, has also started a part-time teaching position at the school, while continuing to periodically work aboard an SIU-crewed vessel. Van Pelt II said that his three cousins – AB Kathleen Moxey, AB Holly Scheper and Bosun Patricia “Trish” Hausner – had more of a direct influence in getting him to join the Brotherhood of the Sea. “When my father graduated high school, it was, ‘go to college, join the military, or work at the steel mill’,” Van Pelt II said. “But he never steered his sons to join the SIU.… That said, my brothers and I inevitably joined the union.” Tim’s brothers, Electrician Brett Van Pelt and 3rd Engineer Justin Van Pelt, were the most recent additions to their union family, which also includes their grandfathers who worked as Steelworkers. Tim Sr. said, “I don’t think I pushed any of them at all. Kathleen was just hanging out at my house, and I threw out the idea of joining. She took off and ran with it, and ended up doing over 10 years on the LNG ships. Tim, he was in college, working at a bank in a suit and tie. One day, he told me, ‘I don’t want to go back to college, I want to do what you do and go work on ships.’ And Brett, he got into Piney Point before he was 18, with a letter from me, and became a chief electrician by 20.” Moxey said of her decision to join the SIU, “We had gone over to a party at [the Van Pelt’s] house. I had just graduated college with a degree in kinesiology, and I knew that ‘Big Tim’ had sailed. It has always interested me, so I asked him about it, and he encouraged me to learn more. I knew I wanted to do something for three to five years, and then I ended up sailing for 12.” “I came through as a trainee a year after high school, and it’s been a life-changing decision for me,” said Tim. Sr. “I don’t know where I’d be without it. I spent 14 years on the LNG ships, and when I was home, they would call me all the time to fill in, for Moran Towing or the cable ships, even the Ready Reserve Ships when I was in town.” “Growing up, we lived in a nice home and never went without,” said Van Pelt II. “I saw the life my father was able to provide, and I’m very grateful for everything sailing has brought me. I met my wife working, and have made sailing my life’s work.” Tim Sr., who has spent the bulk of his time working aboard steam-powered vessels, reflected on his career, saying, “I sailed for 42 years, and my whole family was part of my career at one point or another. I sailed with each of my boys, including two trips – once on the Antares with Tim and Brett, and once to Cuba with Tim and Justin. Three Van Pelts on one ship, that’s pretty unheard of!” He continued, “Back in the day, the joke was that my wife was nicknamed ‘Central Command,’ because when (the) manpower (office) needed some emergency staffing, they would contact her first, not even me or my boys, and ask if any of us were available to take a job. When a Van Pelt was called on, we never turned down a job. We’re very reliable that way.” During his career, he spent a considerable amount of time at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland: “I took full advantage of the school down here. I took every course I could, and just the way they make you feel down here, with all the camaraderie, I loved coming to the school. I’d bring my family every chance I got, too.” He came ashore briefly, and worked as a union official for a time before returning to sea. “I just missed it,” he recalled. “I worked my way up to chief engineer, and I just had to get back out there. And I think the officials understood.” A part-time physical trainer now, Moxey said, “Sailing was quite the experience. I really enjoyed seeing the world, travelling to Indonesia and Korea … and the freedom to work when you want, and leave when you want, is a real perk.” When asked if she would encourage her younger relatives to join the SIU, she said, “If they wanted to travel and see the world, I would. I know it’s pretty different now, as far as the advanced training and all that. And to all mariners, but especially female members, I would encourage them to make a friend, and try to sail with them as often as you can. It really helps with any feelings of loneliness.” Tim Van Pelt II came ashore in 2020 for a contracting job, but saw an opportunity to give back to the SIU through teaching. “I saw that the school needed instructors, and Piney Point is a part of me and a part of my family,” he said. “I have many fond memories of this place, and I’ll keep coming down here to work for as long as they’ll have me.” He concluded, “During my sailing career, it was rewarding in both experiences and financially, and I was able to work with my family members on many occasions. Now, I get to help teach the next generation of mariners.” Van Pelt Sr. concluded by talking about coming ashore: “When I retired after 42 years, I told the guys, ‘I’m not trying to break any Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron records here.’ And now I’ve answered the call again to teach younger mariners at Piney Point. Teaching is sharing your knowledge, and all my knowledge came from the school in the first place. But now I can pull from that and my experiences at sea, and it’s heaven-sent. I never thought I would be doing this, but I love it. I love teaching electricians, QMEDs and trainees, because I know it will change their lives for the better.” Brett and Tim Van Pelt Sr. (photo above) meet in Piney Point in 2010. Pictured from left in the photo at right are Tim Van Pelt II, Tim Van Pelt Sr. and Justin Van Pelt. Kathleen Moxey (photo above) said she initially planned to sail for a few years but stuck around for 12. In the photo at right, Moxey works aboard an LNG ship in a 1990s-era photo. 12 Seafarers LOG Brett and Tim Van Pelt Sr. (photo at left) are pictured aboard the RRF vessel Wright. Tim Van Pelt II (above) is pictured earlier this year while teaching aboard the Freedom Star in Piney Point. October 2022 October 2022 Seafarers LOG 13 �Everyday savings just for you Looking for new ways to save? Union Plus makes everyday life more affordable with wireless savings, cash back shopping, discounts at restaurants and on movie tickets and live events, and much more. Wireless Savings Cash Back Shopping Restaurant Discounts Movie Tickets & Live Events Exclusive discounts for union families See more at unionplus.org 14 Seafarers LOG October 2022 �TSA Offers Online TWIC Renewal Editor’s note The following news item was issued by the Transportation Security Ad Administration on August 10. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enhanced the renewal process for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) to help support critical transportation workers. Starting August 11, 2022, TSA enabled the ability for current TWIC holders to renew their credentials online, which eliminates the need to go to an enrollment center and makes the five-year renewal process more convenient. TWIC is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for mariners and workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. Jointly administered by TSA and the U.S. Coast Guard, TSA conducts a background check to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential. The Coast Guard regulates the use of TWIC in the maritime environment. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, naturalized citizens, asylum seekers, refugees, and nonimmigrants in lawful status may apply for the TWIC credential. Nearly 60 percent of TWIC holders renew their card every five years. Renewing online eliminates the need to go to an enrollment center, supports U.S. critical infrastructure and supply chain workers, and saves travel time and expenses associated with being away from work. Most eligible applicants receive their TWIC card in less than 10 days. Those applicants with more complex cases may require 60 days or longer for processing. Applicants may check their TWIC status online at any time. Most applicants, including U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents, will be able to renew online without the need to visit an enrollment center. Please visit TSA’s enrollment provider website for information on TWIC enrollments and renewals. If applicants encounter dif difficulty renewing online, they may contact customer service at (855) 347-8371. For more information on the TWIC program, visit the TSA TWIC website or the Coast Guard TWIC website. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from August 15 - September 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of September 15. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C Notice: Improvement to SHBP Prescription Benefits In order to ensure that par participants have access to the latest and most efficient insulin monitoring and delivery systems, ef effective June 1, 2022 the Trustees approved covering new insulin delivery systems as a part of the prescription benefits under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). These devices differ from traditional insulin pumps because they incorporate insulin directly into the device. They simplify insulin monitor monitoring and more accurately treat diabetes. Examples of these devices include: V-Go products and Omnipod. Eligible participants should provide their OptumRx card at the pharmacy when filling this prescription. If you are unsure about whether your device is covered under this improved benefit, please contact the SHBP at (800) 252-4674. October & November Membership Meetings Piney Point...............................Monday: October 3, November 7 Algonac....................Friday: October 7, *Monday: November 14 Baltimore....................Thursday: October 6, November10 Guam..................Thursday: October 20, *Friday: November 25 Honolulu.............................Friday: October 14, November 18 Houston...............*Tuesday: October 11, Monday: November 14 Jacksonville.......................Thursday: October 6, November 10 Joliet..................................Thursday: October 13, November 17 Mobile.........................Wednesday: October 12, November 16 New Orleans........................Tuesday: October 11, November 15 Jersey City............................Tuesday: October 4, November 8 Norfolk..................Friday: October 7, *Monday: November 14 Oakland..............................Thursday: October 13, November 17 Philadelphia......................Wednesday: October 5, November 9 Port Everglades...............Thursday: October 13, November 17 San Juan............................Thursday: October 6, November 10 St. Louis...............................Friday: October 14, November 18 Tacoma...............................Friday: October 21, November 25 Wilmington....................Monday: October 17, November 21 * Houston change in October due to Columbus Day observance. * Algonac and Norfolk changes in November due to Veteran’s Day observance * Guam change in November due to Thanksgiving Day obser observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m October 2022 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 This month’s question was answered by graduates of the most recent recertified steward class. Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? Bruce Johnson Recertified Steward I joined as an escape route. My father was hounding me to make a (career) decision, and I overheard someone say they were going into the merchant marine. My father got the paperwork for Piney Point; it turned out to be one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. Alexander Cordero Recertified Steward Since I joined in 2003, I’ve had many great experiences and I have learned a lot. I definitely appreciate our contracts and our medical and pension benefits. I would encourage everyone to never give up and never quit learning. Sajid Foster Recertified Steward I joined the union because my family were union members. I started my career with the SIU at age 18 and have remained involved because we are a strong part of the American labor movement. The union gave me many opportunities and is still giving me opportunities. Bryan Alvarez Recertified Steward I joined the union because my father is also a union member. I got on a ship with him as a teenager and did a trip to Europe on the car carrier Courage. After the voyage, I realized that I wanted to become a merchant mariner and see the world. The SIU changed my life and I’m still very passionate about it. Abraham Mills Recertified Steward I had always wanted to sail and go overseas. I thank the SIU for giving me a good job, making good money so I can provide a quality life for my family. Being a steward is a great career, and the union is an important part of my life. Marlon Brown Recertified Steward I’ve been part of the SIU since 2000, and ever since then, the union has always been an important part of my life, for me and my loved ones. I can’t thank the union enough for all it has done for the members. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 The Seafarers-crewed Massmar is pictured in 1952. Vessel operator Calmar Line was a subsidiary of Bethlehem Steel. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG October 2022 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JAIME AUSTRIA Brother Jaime Austria, 67, started his career with the union in 1992 when he shipped on the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Austria most recently sailed on the Horizon Enterprise. He makes his home in Las Vegas. GODOFREDO BANATAO Brother Godofredo Banatao, 66, signed on with the Seafarers in 2012. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Banatao’s first and last ship was the Pride of America. He makes his home in Waipahu, Hawaii. SAMUEL CALDER Brother Samuel Calder, 65, joined the SIU in 1997, when he sailed aboard the Sumner. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Calder last shipped on the USNS Henson. He is a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. JOSE CALONG CALONG Brother Jose Calong Calong, 62, began sailing with the union in 1999, initially shipping on the Alaska. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Calong Calong most recently sailed on the Alaskan Legend. He lives in La Mirada, California. SERVANDO CANALES Brother Servando Canales, 57, signed on with the SIU in 1991 when he sailed aboard the Matej Kocak. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Canales last sailed on the Jean Anne. He resides in Lomita, California. RAY CHAPMAN Brother Ray Chapman, 62, became October 2022 a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Chapman’s first vessel was the USNS Potomac; his last, the Beaver State. He resides in Gig Harbor, Washington. NOEL CORALDE Brother Noel Coralde, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2007 and initially sailed on the Pride of Aloha. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Coralde most recently shipped on the Chemical Pioneer and lives in Toms River, New Jersey. CHARLES FRANKS Brother Charles Franks, 65, began sailing with the union in 1991 when he shipped on the Ranger. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Franks last sailed on the Ohio. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. GREGORY GURVITS Brother Gregory Gurvits, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Gurvits first sailed aboard the Maersk Maine. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Ohio and settled in North Fort Myers, Florida. CATHERINE HAYS upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Hill’s final vessel was the Garden State. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. was an engine department member. Brother Turner upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the Marjorie C and makes his home in Las Vegas. BRANDON MAEDA MEDARDO VALERIO Brother Brandon Maeda, 66, signed on with the union in 1983. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward department. Brother Maeda upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the USNS Maury and is a resident of Hilo, Hawaii. Brother Medardo Valerio, 67, signed on with the SIU in 2004. He first shipped on the Pride of Aloha and worked in the engine department. Brother Valerio’s final vessel was the USNS Denebola. He calls Jacksonville, Florida, home. ROMUALDO MEDINA ARRIOLA Brother Romualdo Medina Arriola, 71, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1994, initially shipping aboard the Independence. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Medina Arriola last shipped aboard the Overseas Tampa. He lives in Richmond, Texas. PAMELA MONACO Sister Pamela Monaco, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when she sailed aboard the McLean. She was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. Sister Monaco upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She last was employed by American Service Technology and is a resident of Mount Shasta, California. THOMAS ODEM Sister Catherine Hays, 61, joined the SIU in 1988 and first sailed on the Independence. A steward department member, she upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Sister Hays concluded her career on the Brownsville and makes her home in Humble, Texas. Brother Thomas Odem, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1995. He sailed in both the steward and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Odem’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Groton. He resides in Pahoa, Hawaii. MICHAEL HILL JESSE TURNER Brother Michael Hill, 65, started his career with the SIU in 2002 when he shipped on the Paul Buck. He Brother Jesse Turner, 66, started his career with the union in 2001. He first shipped on the Consumer and CLEVELAND WEST Interstate Oil. He resides in Yardley, Pennsylvania. SHERRIE FULLER Sister Sherrie Fuller, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1998. She sailed with OSG Ship Management for the duration of her career. Sister Fuller lives in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. WILLIE GARDNER Brother Willie Gardner, 70, joined the SIU in 1992, first sailing with Moran Towing of Texas. He shipped in the engine department and last worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Gardner calls Summit, Mississippi, home. LAWRENCE LEDET Brother Cleveland West, 67, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1991. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Constellation. Brother West upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the USNS Algol and lives in Mobile, Alabama. Brother Lawrence Ledet, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994 when he shipped with Westbank Riverboat Services. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ledet most recently worked with Penn Maritime and makes his home in Gretna, Louisiana. MARK WILLIAMS MIGUEL MARTINEZ Brother Mark Williams, 65, joined the SIU in 1975 when he sailed aboard the Mohawk. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Williams last shipped aboard the Long Lines. He is a resident of Newark, Delaware. Brother Miguel Martinez, 62, signed on with the union in 1989. He initially sailed with G&H Towing and was a deck department member. Brother Martinez was last employed with Tugz Company. He lives in Montgomery, Texas. GREAT LAKES LARRY HALL Brother Larry Hall, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped on the Kinsman Independent. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Hall last shipped on the Walter J. McCarthy and resides in Ansted, West Virginia. INLAND GERARD BLACK Brother Gerard Black, 70, joined the union in 1990. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Black worked for OSG Ship Management for most of his career. He is a Pittsburgh resident. ROBERT BURNS Brother Robert Burns, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1978, initially working with American Barge Lines. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Burns was last employed by CLIFTON POTTER Brother Clifton Potter, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 2007. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Potter was employed with Express Marine for the duration of his career. He calls New Bern, North Carolina, home. MARVIN WHITE Brother Marvin White, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1979. He upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year of membership and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother White worked with McAllister Towing of Virginia for his entire career. He lives in Knott’s Island, North Carolina. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA RICHARD HARMON Brother Richard Harmon, 106, died July 30. A Texas native, he joined the SIU in 1955. Brother Harmon was a steward department member. He last sailed on the President Tyler and made his home in San Francisco. DONALD HUFFMAN Pensioner Donald Huffman, 68, passed away August 22. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Pisces. Brother Huffman was a steward department member and last shipped aboard the Green Lake in 2012. He went on pension in 2019 and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. ERIK JENSEN Pensioner Erik Jensen, 96, died August 30. He joined the union in 1948 and first sailed with Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Jensen was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Endurance and retired in 1999. Brother Jensen was a resident of Orangevale, California. COLLIE LOPER Pensioner Collie Loper, 92, passed away August 15. He donned the SIU colors in 1956 when he sailed with Waterman Steamship. Brother Loper sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Cape Intrepid before becoming a pensioner in 1991. Brother Loper lived in Mobile, Alabama. PIERANGELO POLETTI Pensioner Pierangelo Poletti, 80, died September 10. He began sailing with the union in 1967, initially shipping aboard the Western Planet. Brother Poletti was a deck department member and last sailed on the Performance in 1992. He went on pension in 2006 and was a resident of Humble, Texas. MARIO RUIZ Brother Mario Ruiz, 50, passed away July 2. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1994 when he shipped on the Independence. 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Ruiz primarily sailed in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. He most recently shipped on the Resolve and lived in Houston. CHARLES SANDINO Pensioner Charles Sandino, 68, died August 18. He became a member of the SIU in 1975, initially sailing with G&H Towing. Brother Sandino worked in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the Developer in 2004. He began collecting his pension in 2019 and called Texas City, Texas, home. Brother Collings lived in Grapevine, Texas. CHARLES GAUTIER Pensioner Charles Gautier, 85, died August 30. He donned the union colors in 1965, initially sailing with Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Gautier worked in the deck department. He was last employed by Mariner Towing and began collecting his pension in 1999. Brother Gautier called Mount Olive, North Carolina, home. PAUL HART Pensioner Paul Hart, 64, passed away August 19. He joined the SIU in 1996 and was a deck department member. Brother Hart was employed by Crowley for the duration of his career. He retired in 2018 and made his home in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania. DONICE LAWSON Pensioner Donice Lawson, 83, died August 20. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1992. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Lawson worked for Penn Maritime for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2001 and resided in Virgilina, Virginia. RONALD LEBLANC Pensioner Ronald LeBlanc, 89, passed away August 31. A deck department member, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1994. Brother LeBlanc worked for Westbank Riverboat Services for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2004 and settled in New Orleans. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Calo, Andres Garza, Juan Henry, Ernest Nolan, Thomas Rivera, Oscar St Mary, Alfred AGE 91 94 98 92 88 92 DOD 09/06/2022 08/27/2022 08/12/2022 08/30/2022 08/12/2022 08/22/2022 STEPHEN SENTENEY Pensioner Stephen Senteney, 90, passed away August 4. He embarked on his career with the union in 1966 when he sailed on the Alice Brown. An engine department member, Brother Senteney last shipped on the Westward Venture. He retired in 2003 and lived in Marysville, Washington. WILLIAM STONE Pensioner William Stone, 75, died May 11. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1969. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Stone’s first vessel was the Andrew Jackson; his last, the Patriot. He became a pensioner in 2005 and resided in Grants Pass, Oregon. Have You Missed An Issue of the Seafarers Log? INLAND CHARLES COLLINGS Pensioner Charles Collings, 83, passed away August 1. He became an SIU member in 1960 and initially sailed on the Captain Sitina. Brother Collings shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed with Crowley before retiring in 2007. PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website October 2022 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Tank Ship Familiarization LG October 31 November 4 Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck October 17 November 28 November 4 December 16 Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival October 24 November 21 November 4 December 2 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW November 14 December 9 FOWT October 24 November 18 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Welding October 31 November 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook October 31 December 5 December 2 January 5 ServSafe Management October 24 November 28 October 28 December 2 Advanced Galley Operations October 10 November 4 Chief Steward November 14 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training Revalidation October 21 November 14 December 2 October 21 November 14 December 2 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation December 12 December 16 Government Vessels October 17 October 24 November 7 December 5 October 21 October 28 November 10 December 9 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. October 2022 Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 10/22 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #885 – Graduated August 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Lana Cooper, Daquan Moreland, Anthony Ramos Villafane, Matthew Rathbun, Derek Smaw Jr., and Robert Stockbridge. Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated August 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Spencer Bailey, Jordan Banks, Mark Dixon, Destini Dunlap, Robert Freer III, Levi Gorokhovsky, Eachen Hoffrichter, Paul Luis Jimenez, Mikael Lassiter, Justin McClellan, Zion Oliphant, Darius Parker and Errol Wade-Cephas. 20 Seafarers LOG October 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated August 26 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Micko Lawrenze Angeles Cercado, Maria Escobar, Ricardo Gonzalez Jr., Danielle Gore, Austin Smith, Sean Wilson and Mizukami Aulaumea Youn. John Wiegman III, their instructor, is at the far right. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the engine departments aboard SIU-crewed vessels. RFPEW (Upgraders) – Graduated August 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Adrian Bartholomew, Dominic Jones, Robert Teiko and Daniel Ursitti. RFPNW (Upgrader) – GVA Ronald Burris (above) recently completed his requirements in the course. He graduated August 19. Government Vessels – Graduated August 19 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Bernard Butts, Montavis Harold, Sean Init Hernandez, Adam Laliberte, Travis Lunsford, William Monroe, Carmus Peet, Michael Robinson, Ekedra Turner and Derrick Vaughan. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places October 2022 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated August 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Kevin Brown Jr., Carmelo Calderon Santini, Ronald Embody, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Michael Murphy, Robert Nixon Jr., and Yan Paing. Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated August 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Gianni Ellis, Shelly Ford, Nicholas Gianna and Karrington Plummer Jr. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated August 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Burnett, Anthony Green Jr., Yan Paing and Aaron Searcy. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated August 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bowen, Todd Curry, Ronald Embody, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Dominique Glover, Raymond Green, Laurence Jamal Lafavor, Carlos Mohler Vega, Raul Padama Molina, Salah Ahmed Muthana, Khaled Qasim Shamman, Leanne Smith and Raul Cabrera Ventanilla. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG October 2022 �Chief Steward – A pair of steward department upgraders recently finished their requirements in this course. Graduating August 12 were Luke Vandegrift (above, left) and Elijah Boson. Important Notice To All Students Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated August 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bowen, Dominique Glover and Charles Hinkle. Class instructor Thomas Truitt is at the far right. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated August 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Burnett, Andre Dade and Aaron Searcy. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places MLC Cook – Graduated July 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Irena Janson, David Norris and Edward Pinnace. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated August 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Isreal Caldwell, Kobe Cisero, Quinsha Davis, Jafet Misla-Mendez , Khalid Mohamed, Sonia Pabon Barreto, Gustavo J. Romero Estrella and Carl Royster. (Note: Not all are pictured.) October 2022 Seafarers LOG 23 �OCTOBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 10 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D WAT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 20-23 Members listen as U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (standing at far right) talks about the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Tacoma Reignites Annual BBQ Congressman Addresses Seafarers at Monthly Meeting A fter being shelved for a couple of years due to the pandemic, the annual barbeque at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington, restarted August 26 following the monthly membership meeting. The feast and fellowship weren’t the day’s only highlights. Seafarers also heard from U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Washington), who spoke about the importance of workers’ rights and the U.S. Merchant Marine. “The cookout is a longtime tradition here, so it felt good to continue returning to normal,” said SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. “Everyone in attendance also seemed to appreciate Congressman Kilmer’s remarks. He’s definitely in our corner.” The photos on this page were taken at the hall during and after the meeting. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, Congressman Derek Kilmer, QEE Phil Greenwell Members and guests help themselves to lunch. (Editor’s note: In the background at far right, those are in fact the beginnings of this year’s Santa’s Castle donations.) SIU Patrolman George Owen, SIU Safety Director Duane Akers 24 Seafarers LOG Retired SA Leroy Jenkins, Chief Cook Leslie McGirt AB Ayen Cabasag, Retired Recertified Steward Tommy Belvin AB Robert Calvo QEE M’barek Nouhairi Steward/Baker Clark Williams, Retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl October 2022 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 2022 Description An account of the resource SIUNA CONVENTION COVERAGE REMEMBERING AL HERBERGER KEY HEARING ON CARGO PREFERENCE WHITE HOUSE ISSUES LABOR DAY PROCLAMATION COALITION HONORS CONGRESSMAN GALLAGHER SEAFARERS RECOGNIZED FOR RESCUES SEAFARING IS A WAY OF LIFE FOR VAN PELT FAMILY MLB PLAYERS AFFILIATE WITH AFL-CIO STUDY CONFIRMS THAT JONES ACT BENEFITS PUERTO RICO AFL-CIO PRESIDENT LIZ SHULER ADDRESSES SIUNA CONVENTION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 84, No. 10 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e987a181291a45e3847249dd0c62a57a.pdf 494213d10aef08a1070cefaa64f24490 PDF Text Text SEPTEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O LNG-Fueled George III Delivered Pasha Hawaii Vessel Signals New Jobs for Seafarers SIU members are sailing aboard Pasha Hawaii’s new containership George III. The company took delivery of the 774-foot Jones Act vessel in late July. A sister ship is scheduled for delivery by the end of the year. Page 3. Seafarers ‘Paint Tacoma’ Again Following a two-year pause caused by the pandemic, SIU members pitched in for the resumption of Paint TacomaPierce Beautiful, a philanthropic outreach guided by Associated Ministries in the Pacific Northwest. This year’s SIU team included AB Samed Kassem (photo below); the volunteers prepped and repainted the house of a local resident. Pages 12-13. Six SIU Stewards Complete Recertification Training at Piney Point-Based Paul Hall Center Following the August membership meeting at the union-affiliated school in southern Maryland, graduates of the steward recertification class are pictured with SIU officials. From left in photo above are SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Recertified Stewards Sajid Foster, Alexander Cordero and Bryan Alvarez, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Recertified Stewards Bruce Johnson, Abraham Mills and Marlon Brown, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Page 7. Rescue at Sea Page 4 Standard Contracts Ratified Pages 8, 9, 10, 24 �President’s Report Perspective and Civility “What is wrong with him?!” “How can she believe such a thing?!” “Why in the world would they support that kind of candidate?!” These sorts of sentiments are all too common nowadays, as many people retreat to their social-media silos and their television “news” equivalents. With Election Day on the horizon, this is a perfect time to politely encourage our members, retirees, officials and staff to take a deep breath, focus specifically on issues, and try to give people the benefit of the doubt. Such an approach will be good for one’s blood pressure, if nothing else. Polarization in the U.S. has reached alarming levels, and that belief is backed Michael Sacco up not only by data but also by daily anecdotal evidence in all of our lives. Our path to this regrettable destination partly took root in local news deserts – as legitimate journalism dried up, it was replaced by digital imposters cleverly masquerading as authentic outlets. There are many hundreds of such online entities across the country, most of them driven not by a desire to inform and provide balanced reporting, but rather by the political agendas of their big-money founders. The New York Times did a breathtaking, in-depth report on this situation a few years ago; there is no end in sight. When you combine the dwindling state of the true news media with the proliferation of social media, it’s not pretty. Navigating the murky waters of social media can be challenging, particularly when it comes to politics. But one indisputable truth is that whatever you click on, you get more of. As one researcher put it, the concept of confirmation bias is nothing new. “But in social media, this bias is propagated simply by reading, liking, and sharing content that acts to support those convictions we already hold, while avoiding content that challenges our beliefs. Essentially, we begin to isolate ourselves from those opposing opinions until we’re surrounded with people who agree with us.” Unlike traditional media outlets, social media at best has very loose rules governing the truthfulness of its content. Even when crackdowns occur, they’re often sporadic, tardy and not fully effective. The lack of accountability corresponds with a lack of accuracy. Finally, we’d all do well to remember that in an age when so many social media, traditional media and other outlets make their living from online ad revenue, their respective content is usually designed to agitate – and to keep you clicking and tapping and watching. This doesn’t just apply to Newsmax or MSNBC or CNN. Pay attention to your local weather forecast and you’ll often hear words like “damaging, destructive” and “severe,” even if those are just slim possibilities for later in the week or in another region. Behind the algorithm are equations that have figured out how to keep us engaged. Particularly with the November elections looming, I encourage everyone to pay attention to issues rather than personalities, and remember that the vast majority of people want what is best for our country, even if we sometimes have different ideas about how to achieve those goals. And, as always, be assured that the SIU will support candidates who support our industry and workers’ rights, regardless of political party. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 9 September 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Pictured aboard the new passenger ferry Arthur E. Imperatore are (from left) NY Waterway Vessel Project Manager Joe Carson, Port Captain Vincent Lombardi, Vice President of Operations Alan Warren and Maintenance/Operations Coordinator Donald Montemarano. (Photo courtesy NY Waterway) NY Waterway Expands Fleet, Refits Ferries with ‘Greener’ Engines SIU-contracted NY Waterway is in the midst of a busy and productive stretch. The company unveiled the first of six planned retrofitted ferries on July 26, with the reintroduction of the M/V Hoboken. The vessel, which is crewed by SIU members, is now powered by two brand new engines, which use 25% less fuel and cut emissions by 80%. “Every ferry takes dozens – sometimes hundreds – of cars off the region’s roadways. They’re already a clean and sustainable way to commute, and now they’ll be even greener. It’s our mission to be a good steward of the harbor, and we’re so thrilled to see the Hoboken reenter service with cleaner engines, room for more passengers and lower fuel use on every trip,” said Armand Pohan, president, CEO and chairman of NY Waterway. “We are so grateful to our partners at NJ Transit, the FTA (Federal Transit Administration) as well as Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) for this program.” The old engines, four 600-horsepower EPA Tier 1 engines, have been replaced by two 900-horsepower EPT Tier 3 engines. This has also allowed for an increase in passenger capacity, from 149 to 247. The upgrades were made possible by a $12 million federal grant, along with the assistance of state-owned NJ Transit. The expected delivery date of the sixth retrofitted ferry will be in 2023. In addition to the retrofitted ferries, NY Waterway has taken delivery of two new 500-passenger boats, the Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Arthur E. Imperatore – the latter of which is named after the late founder of the company. Those vessels are likely to be placed into service in the fall, according to NY Waterway. Imperatore, a visionary entrepreneur who helped create the modern commuter ferry system, died in November 2020 at age 95. He founded NY Waterway in 1986 in Weehawken, New Jersey, and built it into a mass transit system which has transported approximately 300 million people. Additionally, and as previously reported, Seafarers aboard NY Waterway vessels on July 12 rescued nine individuals whose boat capsized in the Hudson River. Crew of Maersk Peary Receives Commendation for Rescue at Sea Seafarers and officers from the Mearsk Peary recently received a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Appreciation for their work in rescuing an otherwise doomed sailor in December 2021. U.S. Navy Capt. Ken Bridgewater presented the crew with the certificate while the ship was at anchor in Honolulu on July 8, in a ceremony also attended by SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. As part of a much larger rescue effort, Seafarers sailing aboard the Maersk Peary pulled a man from the Aegean Sea on Dec. 22. The SIU crew aboard the Peary, which was en route to deliver vital fuel and supplies to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, included: Bosun Damon Zschoche; ABs Marie Acosta, Roni Castillo, Joshua Gail, Edward Majesky and Derek Willis; QE3 Lateef Sanusi; QEP Rickey Yancey; GSTU Lakeeba Bazemore; Wiper Ali Laith; Recertified Steward Tony Spain; and Chief Cooks Osmar Ramos and Randy Hampton. The ship’s officers are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers. “It is a pleasure to present this award on behalf of the Coast Guard,” said Bridgewater. “The efforts of the merchant mariners often go unnoticed, but Maersk Peary’s participation in this multi-agency rescue mission is an example of this community’s professionalism, dedication to duty and ability to answer the call to a fellow mariner in distress. This particular mission highlights their ability to support a wide variety of missions that comes their way. Bravo Zulu to the entire crew for an outstanding effort!” The rescue saw the crew work as part of a larger operation, searching in a grid pattern for migrants adrift at sea following three separate accidents over the course of a weekend. They discovered a drowning man clinging to a boat fender, and pulled him aboard in the middle of the night. The crew then transferred the man, who was shivering but conscious, to the Greek Coast Guard and resumed their grid search. The Maersk Peary was then relieved of their search and rescue duties four hours later, and returned to their original course. After the rescue, vessel master Capt. Everett Hatton said, “I am very fortunate for SIU to step up and provide a top-notch crew on very short time as we rushed the vessel from load port Greece just prior to the holidays. This current crew proved to be well qualified and trained when the alarms rang to turn to for a search and rescue during the dark of the night. Without a hesitation, when called to assist, all were there and added helping hands. For the Maersk Peary crew, it was an outstanding effort for everyone to be involved in this recovery.” In that rescue operation, at least 30 migrants died in three separate incidents in the same area, with more than 160 rescued. The combined rescue efforts saw at least four Greek Coast Guard vessels, a Greek naval frigate, eight merchant ships, three private vessels, three military helicopters and a military transport plane all pitch in to save as many lives as possible. Pictured from left to right at the recognition ceremony are Bosun Damon Zschoche, AB Benjamin Wilson, AB Marie Acosta and SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. September 2022 �SIU Members Sail on New Containership LNG-Powered George III Delivered to Pasha Hawaii Following several pandemic-related delays, SIU-contracted Pasha Hawaii in late July took delivery of the MV George III, which the company described as “the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel to fuel on the West Coast and the first to serve Hawaii.” The 774-foot containership is the first of two new Ohana Class vessels to join Pasha Hawaii’s fleet, serving the Hawaii/mainland trade lane as part of the Jones Act fleet. The second ship, the Janet Marie, is slated for delivery by the end of this year. Texas-based Keppel AmFELS is responsible for the construction of both vessels. Recertified Bosun Kissinfor Taylor, part of the first crew aboard the George III after delivery, said the ship made a good first impression. “Things are going very well,” Taylor stated. “The delivery was delayed for almost two years, so it’s good to finally be aboard. The vessel itself reminds me of the new Matson ships. The only big difference is this one is LNG-powered. But we’re all working hard, and I’ve sailed with most of the guys on here for years.” In announcing the delivery, Pasha Hawaii stated, “Operating fully on natural gas from day one, the new Jones Act vessel surpasses the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 emission standards for ocean vessels, representing the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly vessel to serve Hawaii. Energy efficiencies are also achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.” The Ohana Class vessels are named in honor of George Pasha III and Janet SIU crew members are pictured aboard the newly delivered George III with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (fifth from left). Marie, the late parents of The Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha IV, signifying three generations of service to Hawaii. “Today marks a moment in time that will be remembered by many of us, including my family and our incredible team members at Pasha Hawaii who worked tirelessly to bring MV George III to life,” said George Pasha IV. “As we welcome the new MV George III to the Pasha Hawaii fleet, we stand incredibly proud of the perseverance and commitment of our partners at Keppel AmFELS, and the skilled men and women at the shipyard on this tremendous accomplishment. We look Union Jobs Secure Aboard Six Prepositioning Ships Seafarers-contracted Crowley in mid-August was awarded a new Defense Department contract for operation of six prepositioning vessels: the USNS John Bobo, USNS William Button, USNS Baldomero Lopez, USNS Jack Lummus, USNS Fred Stockham and USNS Dewayne Williams. Crowley already had been operating those vessels, based on a previous award. The new agreement is expected to last through September 2027. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Stockham is 907 feet long, has a 105-foot beam and can sail at 24 knots, while the remaining ships are each 673 feet long, with 105-foot beams and sailing speeds of up to 17.7 knots. MSC describes its prepositioning program as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy. Afloat prepositioning strategically places military equipment and supplies aboard ships located in key ocean areas to ensure rapid availability during a major theater war, a humanitarian operation or other domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. This law always has enjoyed bipartisan political support in addition to receiving strong backing from top U.S. military leaders. Among other benefits, the Jones Act – which helps contribute billions of dollars each year to the national economy – helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners who would be available to sail aboard military support ships in times of need. More than 90 countries around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. Talking Maritime with U.S. Senator contingency. MSC’s seventeen prepositioning ships support the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency.” The agency further notes, “Prepositioning ships provide quick and efficient movement of military gear between operating areas without reliance on other nations’ transportation networks. These ships give U.S. regional combatant commanders the assurance that they will have what they need to quickly respond in a crisis – anywhere, anytime. During a contingency, troops are flown into a theater of operations to rapidly employ the cargo from these ships. Many of MSC’s prepositioning ships are able to discharge liquid, containerized or motorized cargo both pier side or while anchored offshore by using floating hoses and shallow-draft watercraft, called lighterage, that are carried aboard. This allows cargo to be ferried to shore in areas where ports are non-existent or in poor condition and gives the nation’s military forces the ability to operate in both developed and undeveloped areas of the world.” The SIU-crewed USNS John Bobo, shown in a file photo, is part of a program described by the Military Sealift Command as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy.” (Photo by Cpl. James Gulliver) September 2022 forward to beginning service to Hawaii in August and taking delivery of the Janet Marie later this year.” In addition to Taylor, SIU members who helped crew up the ship in July included ABs Gerardo Arroyo, Bobby Belches, David Connelly, Yassid Laboriel Lalin and Andrei Tretyak, QMEDs Benjamin Scott and Tousif Khan, Steward/Baker Bryan Nystrom, Chief Cook Hussein Hussein and SA Abdullah Alasfor. The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It requires that cargo moving between SIU VP Gulf Cost Dean Corgey (left) and U.S. Sen. Ben Lujan (D-New Mexico) are pictured in late July at a campaign event in Houston. Corgey thanked the senator for his support of the Jones Act and the entire U.S. Merchant Marine. They also discussed the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Seafarers LOG 3 �Students line up to receive their free books and backpacks. Volunteers and local government officials are pictured at the giveaway in San Juan. SIU Pitches in During Distribution Effort Coalition Brings Books, Backpacks to Puerto Rico From July 27-29, the SIU helped distribute educational books and backpacks to students in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of the League of United Latin American Citizen’s (LULAC) Convention, which took place July 25-30. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left) reads aloud to children gathered on stage at the convention. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Asociacion de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR) and LULAC partnered with the SIU, the Transportation Institute (TI), and SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime to ship 10,000 books to the island, as well as thousands of backpacks, for distribution among the children living in Puerto Rico. According to TI Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Fuentes, “AFT was a big sponsor of the conference and was going to send some books down as part of their ‘Reading Opens the World’ program. (SIU Assistant Vice President) Amancio (Crespo) heard about it at the AFL meeting, and called Crowley and got them to ship the books down for free, and AFT asked TI to buy backpacks. We gave out 10,000 books to about 1,200 students there, with the leftover books going to children in housing projects on the island.” “Every child must have the opportunity to recover and thrive, and reading is a foundational skill necessary for virtually everything we learn and do – and reading well is an essential pathway to opportunity,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Kids long for something that’s theirs – to explore faraway places or learn about a great leader that looks like them, and these books are fulfilling that dream.” Crespo stated, “It’s definitely a team effort, and we’re honored to be a part of it. I was also chosen to read a book aloud to the kids at the convention, and naturally I chose ‘El Coqui,’ which shares a name with the Crowley vessel that shipped the books to Puerto Rico.” AFT’s “Reading Opens the World” program is similar in nature to the SIU-affiliated “BookWaves” program that began in 2020, and saw more than 100,000 books donated to children in Puerto Rico with the help of industry partners and union labor. Pacific Tracker Crew Helps Save a Life at Sea The SIU-crewed Pacific Tracker recently aided a boater who’d suffered an unusual ailment that started as a nuisance and eventually became an emergency: a nosebleed that lasted four days. Mariners from the TOTE-operated ship rendered assistance July 10-11 off the California coast. They picked up the distressed boater and transported him to a Coast Guard helicopter near San Francisco. According to Chief Mate A.J. Quinn, a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers, the Pacific Tracker had concluded a government mission when the ship received a communication from the Coast Guard. The agency explained the emergency and said the individual in question has been participating in a yacht race between Hawaii and California. A doctor who’d been consulted about the situation informed the Coast Guard that the injured person needed to get to a hospital as soon as possible, Quinn said. The Pacific Tracker sailed approximately 200 miles to the boater’s location in the Pacific, picked him up in a fast rescue boat and brought him aboard the parent ship. Vessel master Capt. Jeff Royer arranged to meet a Coast Guard helicopter off the coast of San Francisco, 570 miles east of the rescue location. According to Quinn, the voyage took more than a day to complete even at full speed and in favorable sea conditions. Once the Pacific Tracker reached the rendezvous point for the Coast Guard helicopter, the captain maneuvered the vessel to 4 Seafarers LOG comply with instructions from the helicopter crew. The helicopter then deployed a rescue swimmer onto the deck of the Pacific Tracker with the helicopter rescue winch; the patient was transferred safely. The Pacific Tracker is a government-owned tracking and telemetry Personnel from the Pacific Tracker use a fast rescue boat during a recent mobilization to assist a distressed boater. ship in service for the Missile Defense Agency. SIU members aboard the ship during the rescue included Bosun Kevin Kellum, ABs Kennard Latson Graham and Joey Benosa, OS Sameer Ahmed, QMEDs Roberto Borras Valencia, James Ross, Marion Collins Jr. and David Kelch, MDR Sheena Jumamil, Oilers Samuel Fagerness and Fredrick Hall, Wiper Jesse Kleinfelter, GUDE Dionesio Monteclaro Jr., GVA Micah Wideman, Chief Cooks Brittany Williams and Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez, and SAs Kion Miller, Dan Monteclaro, James Petite, Michael Stroud, Rasha Warthem and Lisa Wert. Rear Adm. Doug Williams of the Missile Defense Agency sent a congratulatory letter to the Pacific Tracker’s captain and crew. “Thanks to your actions, this sailor received the medical attention he urgently required, Williams wrote. “As a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, I am well aware of the time-critical response desperately required for a sailor in need, particularly in open ocean waters. Your actions, along with the efforts of the crew members onboard the SS Pacific Tracker, made a difference in that sailor’s life, and demonstrated the values that we hold dear in the Navy and by the Missile Defense Agency…. Please accept my sincere appreciation for your support of the search and rescue efforts, and pass on a hearty ‘Bravo Zulu’ to your crew…. We are proud and honored by your service to our program and to our country.” September 2022 �U.S. House Votes to Support Workers Legislators Turn Back Latest Attack on Davis-Bacon Congressional representatives recently upheld a law that’s crucial for helping maintain good wages in the construction industry. On July 19, House members voted 264165 to maintain the Davis-Bacon Act. All 223 voting Democrats opposed the move to repeal the law, and thereby supported workers, as did 41 Republicans. Davis-Bacon, enacted in 1931 in the depths of the Great Depression, helps ensure decent wages for construction workers who labor on federally funded projects (such as highways, subways, bridges, airport runways and, now, installing broadband). It mandates those workers be paid a minimum of the locally prevailing wage in their area and for their craft. Labor Department surveys of workers and employers set those minimums, which vary state by state, metro area by metro area, and trade by trade. Supporters have explained that such an arrangement means Davis-Bacon ensures cut-rate construction contractors can’t low-ball workers on federally funded projects. “Davis-Bacon requires workers on federally funded construction projects be paid no less than the wages paid in the community for similar work,” House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) told her colleagues. The Davis-Bacon skirmish occurred during a session on the spend- ing bill for the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Transportation for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. DeLauro added, “The House has taken numerous votes on this issue, and on every vote … has voted to maintain Davis-Bacon requirements. We should not be attacking working-class people, men and women who work every single day for a decent paycheck, and their wages haven’t been increased with the cost of inflation.” “Dozens of studies over decades have shown prevailing wages increase productivity, raise wages, help local contractors and promote high-quality apprenticeship programs,” said U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey), an Electrical Worker. “Prevailing wage laws increase productivity by attracting higher-quality general contractors and subcontractors to bid on public works; it levels the playing field. As a result, public projects cut down on change orders and finish projects with greater efficiency.” Concerning arguments against the law, Norcross said, “I find it absolutely unbelievable that … each and every time” Davis-Bacon foes are “saying ‘I am fighting to lower wages in my district. This is what my people want, they want to be paid less.’ Not a word on what the contractor/owners can make…. This is insane. I would call it dumb, but I want to be kinder. Let’s just call it wrong, Notice/Reminder Norfolk Hall Temporarily Relocates The union has relocated its Norfolk, Virginia, operations while the old hiring hall undergoes extensive renovations. The current address: 111 Mill Creek Parkway Suite 100 Chesapeake, VA 23323 The phone and fax numbers for the hall are unchanged. The temporary hall is located 14 miles from the old one. Renovations at the old facility (115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510-1002) are expected to last at least eight months. The temporary hall in Chesapeake, Virginia Notice SHBP Conducting Annual Verification of Dependents In order to better serve all Plan participants, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is updating its records regarding eligible individuals. Seafarers are scheduled to receive a letter from the Plan in early September, along with a dependent verification form. The purpose of the form is to help ensure that the Plan’s records regarding eligible family members are accurate. Eligible individuals must fill out and return the dependent verification form to the Plan by October 30, 2022, by email, mail or fax. If the Plan doesn’t receive the form by that date, your dependents’ benefits will be suspended until the form is received. If you are on a vessel and cannot return the form in time, please contact MAP at (800) 252-4674 (Option 2), or at map@ seafarers.org. September 2022 U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) hateful, misappropriated.” He also pointed out repealing DavisBacon can backfire. States have their own Davis-Bacon laws, governing their construction projects. After Republicans took total control of West Virginia’s legislature, they repealed the Mountaineer State’s law in 2015, Norcross said. They confidently predicted doing so would cut construction costs so much the state could build five new schools for the price of four. It didn’t work, he added. Studies showed “no savings from repeal, but massive decreases in wages,” plus the hiring of “out-of-town contractors” and declining apprenticeships, Norcross said. Repeal also removed well-paying construction jobs from native West Virginians in one of the nation’s poorest states. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer A. Abruzzo and the Justice Department’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter on July 26 signed a new memorandum of understanding creating a formal partnership between the two agencies “to better protect free and fair labor markets and ensure that workers can freely exercise their rights under the National Labor Relations Act,” the organizations said in a joint announcement. The DOJ and the NLRB “share an interest in promoting the free flow of commerce and fair competition in labor markets, including through protecting American workers from collusive or anti-competitive employer practices and unlawful interference with employees’ right to organize,” they said in the written statement. “The agencies’ collaboration will focus on protecting workers who have been harmed or may be at risk of being harmed as a result of conduct designed to evade legal obligation and accountability (such as misclassifying employees or fissuring workplaces); interference with the rights of workers to obtain fair market compensation and collectively bargain (through labor market concentration/labor monopsony or other anti-competitive practices); and the imposition of restrictive agreements or workplace rules, such as non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure provisions.” Through greater coordination in information sharing, enforcement activity and training, the agencies aim to “maximize the enforcement of federal laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), under the NLRB’s jurisdiction and the antitrust laws enforced by the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. In particular, this memorandum will allow the agencies to refer cases of potentially illegal activity to each other, as appropriate, and to coordi- nate on enforcement,” they said. “Under the NLRA, workers have the right to organize to improve their pay and working conditions,” said Abruzzo. “When businesses interfere with worker organizing, either through creating structures designed to evade labor law or through anticompetitive practices, it hinders our economy and our democracy. This memorandum will strengthen the federal government’s ability to effectively stop this kind of unlawful activity, and therefore to better protect workers’ right to freely associate with one another to improve their wages and working conditions and to collectively bargain through freely chosen representatives.” Kanter stated, “Protecting competition in labor markets is fundamental to the ability of workers to earn just rewards for their work, to live out the American dream, and to provide for their families. By cooperating more closely with our colleagues in the NLRB, we can share information on potential violations of the antitrust and labor laws, collaborate on new policies, and ensure that workers are protected from collusion and unlawful employer behavior. As the Department noted in the amicus brief we submitted in the NLRB’s recent Atlanta Opera matter, we support the Board’s ongoing efforts to update its guidance to ensure that workers are properly classified under the labor laws. Protecting the right of workers to earn a fair wage is core to the work of both our agencies, and it will continue to receive extraordinary vigilance from the Antitrust Division.” In February, Abruzzo issued a memorandum to all field offices, committing to working closely with other federal agencies to ensure the government is “co-functioning and co-enforcing all related laws in the most effective and efficient way to ensure workers are fully protected, while minimizing employers’ compliance burdens.” DOJ, NLRB Form Alliance To Protect Labor Markets Seafarers LOG 5 �‘Time is Now for Fixing Broken Labor Laws’ Editor’s note: During the AFL-CIO convention earlier this year, delegates approved the following resolution, titled “The Time is Now for Fixing America’s Broken Labor Laws.” All across America, working people are rediscovering the value of unions. From nurses to videogame developers to graduate teaching assistants, workers are organizing in record numbers. Public support for unions is the highest it has been in 50 years. A majority of Americans supports unions, and the strongest support is among workers between the ages of 18 and 34. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has shed new light on the importance of workers having a voice at work. Belonging to a union can literally be a matter of life and death at countless workplaces in America where workers are exposed to the risk of sickness and death every day of the week. The pandemic has also highlighted deep structural imbalances of power in our economy, as the wealth of billionaires has grown by 70% during the pandemic. Today, 716 billionaires have more wealth than the entire bottom half of the population – or 165 million people. Although the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining is a fundamental right guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935, the desire of millions of workers to join a union has been frustrated by unchecked corporate power and our broken and outdated labor laws. Even the right to strike, which should be a universal right, has become meaningless with the widespread use of permanent replacements. In the public sector, only half the states recognize workers’ freedom to engage in collective bargaining, and public employees’ right to bargain is under persistent attack from anti-worker politicians. While polls show increasing numbers of Americans would join a union if they could, union density continues to slide as corporations and their allies in Congress work side by side to erect barriers to organizing and bargaining. From Amazon to Google to DoorDash, massive corporations are using their wealth and power to deny workers our fundamental rights. Corporate front groups are also using their money and influence at the state level to undermine collective bargaining rights for public employees. Workers at these companies are not the only ones who suffer from corporate greed. Entire communities are held back as low wages undermine education budgets, health care and other basic public services. In 26 “right to work” states, more workers are stuck in low-wage jobs than in non-right to work states. There is a growing consensus among economists that unions are the cornerstone of a robust and sustainable economy. Unions raise wages, reduce income inequality, promote workplace safety, negotiate retirement security and health benefits, and ensure fairness and dignity for millions of workers. Public sector unions support quality public services, and seek to maintain safe and supportive communities. Unions also strengthen our democracy and help bridge the racial divide. When greedy corporations exploit our broken labor laws to keep workers down and frustrate union organizing, the result is that our economy is weaker, we are less globally competitive and income inequality continues to explode. The need to modernize and strengthen our labor laws has never been more compelling, and today the AFLCIO commits to keeping labor law reform at the top of our agenda until we succeed. In 2019, the AFL-CIO began a campaign to build support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act would modernize the NLRA to give working people a voice on the job so we can negotiate for higher wages, better benefits, a more secure retirement and a safer workplace. It would impose financial penalties on companies and individual corporate officers who violate the law. It also would override state right to work laws, prohibit companies from holding captive-audience meetings during organizing campaigns, ban the use of permanent replacements during strikes and remove the ban on secondary picketing. The PRO Act would ensure that all workers have the right to join a union by cracking down on employers who misclassify their workers as independent contractors. Finally, it would establish a process for mediation and arbitration to help employers and unions reach a first contract. Majorities in Congress agree that the NLRA needs to be updated and strength- ened. The PRO Act passed the House of Representatives in 2019 and 2021 with bipartisan majorities. President Biden has called on Congress to send the PRO Act to his desk. It is now up to the Senate to debate and pass the PRO Act. The AFL-CIO has also strongly advocated for the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act (PSFNA) so that all public employees have a right to bargain collectively. The PSFNA gives states the flexibility to write their own collective bargaining laws for public employees subject to minimum standards, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve wages, working conditions and the delivery of public services in their communities. We stand with public sector workers – nurses, teachers, EMS workers, custodians, corrections officers, child care providers and so many more – who have stood courageously on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic to keep their communities safe, healthy and strong while putting their lives on the line. By standing together, union members can demand workplace protections and safety standards and the ability to use paid leave, as well as stay connected to their jobs during these uncertain times. It is now time to pass the PSFNA. We reaffirm our commitment, which we first made at the 2017 AFL-CIO Convention, that no candidate or elected official who fails to endorse and fight for these fundamental reforms should receive the support of working people. Spotlight on Mariner Health How to Identify and Avoid Monkeypox Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Monkeypox is a disease caused by an infection with a virus: the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but are milder, and monkeypox rarely causes death. Monkeypox cases have been confirmed in many countries, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 23 to designate monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern. (The other diseases with this designation are COVID and polio.) Among other considerations, this means shore leave may be affected in some countries. More than 99% of people who get this form of the virus are likely to survive. Those at higher risk of serious illness or death are people with weakened immune systems, children under age eight, people with history of eczema (a skin condition) and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Risk in the U.S. is low, although cases are increasing. Monkeypox does not spread easily and the risk of spread occurs only from people who have symptoms (unlike COVID, where people without symptoms can spread the disease). Close contact is believed to be necessary to spread the disease. Direct contact with someone with the rash or scabs or contact with body fluids from someone with the disease can spread it. Touching objects, fabrics (towels, clothing, bedding) and surfaces may spread it. Monkeypox can spread through sex and by hugging, massage, prolonged face-toface contact and touching fabrics or objects used during sex. Symptoms include a rash that looks like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of body such as hands, feet, chest or genitals. Flu-like symptoms also have been reported in association with monkeypox (fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches and back ache, and swollen lymph nodes). The rash can start first or follow the flu-like symptoms by a few days. Symptoms usually appear within three 6 Seafarers LOG weeks of close contact with someone with monkeypox. If you think you may have monkeypox symptoms (you notice a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms) or if you have been in contact with someone with who has monkeypox, take the following steps: n See a healthcare provider or contact your local health department n Remind the healthcare provider that monkeypox is circulating n Avoid close contact (including intimate contact) with others until a healthcare provider examines you n Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until a healthcare provider examines you n If you are waiting on test results, follow the same precautions n If your test is positive, stay isolated (in another area of your house from others and pets) until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. Use a separate bathroom if possible – otherwise clean surfaces frequently. Wear a well-fitting mask when around others in your home, especially if you are coughing or have sores in your mouth. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. There are vaccines which may be recommended after exposure/before symptoms develop. Reporting possible exposure as soon as possible is important. Getting the vaccine early after exposure appears to be more effective in preventing infection. There are medications that were developed for smallpox which appear to work with monkeypox. People at higher risk for serious illness are candidates for these treatments. Preventive steps include: do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox; do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with a person with monkeypox (it is not known whether a condom can prevent monkeypox); do not share utensils (fork/knife/spoon) or cups with a person with monkeypox; do not handle or otherwise touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox; wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer; in Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that may spread monkeypox, usually rodents and monkeys. Healthy Recipe Honey Mustard Garlic Shrimp Servings: 24 Ingredients 6 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 count) 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup garlic, minced fine Kosher salt Black pepper, ground Honey Mustard Sauce 1 cup Dijon mustard 1 cup honey 1/4 cup white vinegar 3 teaspoons granulated garlic 1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Preparation Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and place them in a small bowl. Toss them in 1 tbsp olive oil and a bit of salt and pepper. Set aside. Make honey mustard sauce by whisking together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. Note that the cayenne pepper adds some spice to this recipe. On the stove, heat a pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot (a splash of water should sizzle on it), place the shrimp on the pan. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside in a bowl. They’ll be opaque, pink, and slightly browned when done. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss with the honey mustard sauce. Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 96 Calories; 5g Fat (43.6% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0 mg Cholesterol; 127mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat; 1 other Carbohydrates. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship September 2022 �Six Stewards Secure Recertified Status Six SIU members recently registered ground-breaking achievements in their respective careers by ascending to the highest rung of the steward department’s upgrade training ladder. Each carved their names in the chronicles of SIU history August 8 during the union’s monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, when they graduated from the Paul Hall Center’s (PHC) Steward Recertification Program. Completing the two-week course, which is regarded as the school’s top steward department curriculum, were: Bryan Alvarez, Marlon Brown, Alexander Cordero, Sajid Foster, Bruce Johnson and Abraham Mills. During their training, each received instruction in a wide range of disciplines including computer technology, social responsibilities, leadership, Coast Guard updates, baking skills and other department-specific workshops on sanitation, nutrition and more. The course also offered insights on collective bargaining agreements, functions of the various departments within both the SIU and the Seafarers Plans, and the union’s affiliations with the Maritime Trades Department and its parent group, the AFL-CIO. In keeping with tradition, each of the newly minted recertified stewards addressed those in attendance at the membership meeting. During their presentations, they discussed their respective careers and offered valuable insights to the apprentices. They also expressed gratitude for the opportunities they have been afforded to enhance their skills, improve their lives and those of their families, and become better shipmates to their union brothers and sisters aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Collectively, they also thanked the union leadership for its continued support, and the PHC vocational and hotel staffs for providing excellent instruction and accommodations, respectively. Sajid Foster Foster was the first to take the podium. He sails out of the Port of Wilmington, California, and launched his SIU career in the Crescent City. “I started my career with the SIU in 1996 in New Orleans; I was 18 years old, fresh out of high school,” he said. The initial portion of Foster’s career was spent in the inland division, followed by his transition into deep-sea sailing. Throughout his career, the union “gave me many opportunities” the Louisiana native told those in attendance. “And after all of those, the SIU is still in my corner, still providing me with even more opportunities. I stand before you today as a living embodiment of the fact that hard work does pay off.” Foster told the trainees that they had the whole world before them: the opportunity to excel and have rewarding careers. “Stay strong and soak up everything that you have learned here at the school and that you will learn once aboard vessels at sea. The sky is the limit,” he said.” Foster advised all rank-and-file members to donate to SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund, so that the union’s leadership will have the resources they require in order to work on behalf of the membership’s best interests. Alexander Cordero Recertified Steward September 2022 Sajid Foster Recertified Steward Abraham Mills Recertified Steward Marlon Brown Recertified Steward Abraham Mills Mills signed on with the union in 1999. He currently ships out of the Port of Houston. “On my first ship, I sailed as a GVA (general vessel assistant),” he told the audience. “But in 2000, I came to the school here in Piney Point for galley operations.” From then until now, it’s been one positive after another for Mills, who hails originally from Sekondi Essikdu, Ghana. “The union has been a very important part of my life and benefitted me greatly,” he said. “Thanks to the SIU, I have been able to provide a great quality of life for my family.” Sending a shout-out to the union leadership, Mills thanked SIU President Michael Sacco, the regional vice presidents and the Paul Hall Center staff for the opportunity to enhance his kills in the Steward Recertification Program. He also expressed his appreciation to the union’s contracts department for successfully negotiating “good standard contract agreements.” To the trainees, he said; “Nobody is telling you that the road will be easy, but I do not believe that the union brought you this far just to leave you, so always do your best. Payday is coming.” the quality of life for me as well as that of my family.” He credited the union’s officials for providing and protecting jobs for members as well as the PHC instructors and staff for vocational training opportunities. Brown encouraged fellow members to back SPAD and also to exercise their right to vote during all elections. “To the trainees, please work hard while you are here,” he said. “And when you get out there aboard vessels, I advise you to keep your ears open and your mouths shut.” Bruce Johnson Johnson, whose home port also is Jacksonville, was the veteran of his class, having initially sailed aboard SIU-contracted vessels once in 1980 and again in1981 before returning to the SIU for the long hall in 1994. “I joined the SIU when I was 21 and have been sailing for 28 years,” he said. “I was here at Piney Point in Trainee Class 315.” Since becoming a Seafarer, Johnson said he has sailed the world as a chief steward. “The union has been instrumental in my life because it gave me what I was lacking: opportunity,” he said, “One which I have taken full advantage of.” Reflecting on his return to the PHC for recertification training, Johnson said: “I could not help but notice the amazing upgrades that I have now seen firsthand. When I started here, there were bungalows instead of this spectacular hotel … and look at the beautiful media center.” He thanked the PHC instructors for the knowledge they imparted on him and his classmates and the staff for providing outstanding accommodations. “The union leadership needs our help when it comes to protecting our industry and jobs,” he said in closing. “We need to always do our best on the job. We need to upgrade our skills and recognize that SPAD helps to hold all of us together.” Marlon Brown Brown joined the SIU ranks in 2000 and is home-ported in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. “It’s my distinct honor to be here today,” he told his peers upon taking the podium. “Likewise, I am thrilled to have this opportunity (to complete the PHC’s top steward department curriculum).” Brown acknowledged the major role the union has played in enhancing the quality of his life and also the positive impact that being a Seafarer has had on his family. “The union has been extremely important to me and my loved ones,” he said. “I can’t thank the SIU enough for all it has done to improve Alexander Cordero Cordero sails out of the Port of Jacksonville, Florida. Born in the Republic of the Philippines, he joined the union in 2003. Since joining the SIU, “I have substantially improved the quality of my life and that of my family as well,” he said. “I have also learned and experienced many positive things that helped me excel in my chosen career. “But my main goal really was to become a recertified steward,” he continued, “And thanks to the help of the SIU, that has been achieved today.” Cordero described his recertification training as a valuable commodity, noting “it opened my eyes on how the union operates. The information I received on contracts, medical benefits, pensions and the money purchase plan will prove invaluable when I return to work on the ship and interact with my co-workers and shipmates.” He added that he had experienced and seen firsthand the unmatched dedication exhibited by union leadership in looking out for the good of the rank-and-file. In closing, Cordero shared his belief that “it is through hard work and diligence that one may advance and improve in life and on the job.” In that spirit, he encouraged the trainees to do the same. “Never give up, never quit learning and work hard,” he said. Bruce Johnson Recertified Steward Bryan Alvarez Recertified Steward Bryan Alvarez Alvarez sails out of the Port of San Juan and has been an SIU member for 13 years. “I was a member of PHC Trainee Class 713 back in 2008 and was only 19 years old at the time,” he said. “I already had knowledge about the maritime industry because of my father, Bosun Julio Cesar Alvarez. That makes me a second-generation Seafarer and a legacy in the flesh thanks to the SIU.” Alvarez told the audience he has sailed aboard a variety of vessels while working for many different companies. “I did 232 days straight on the Noble Star, my first ship,” he said. “That vessel no longer exists, but the experience I gained on it while working with great shipmates from this union improved my skills significantly.” To continue honing and expanding his skills, Alvarez returns to the PHC every other year for upgrade training. “Consistency is key to success,” he told the trainees. “Remember, never settle for less when you can be so much more. “Amongst you are the future leaders for this industry,” he continued. “Waste no time and be as professional as you can be from day one…. Upgrading is a must.” Alvarez thanked everyone who played a role in making his steward recertification training possible, including union officials and his wife, Rubi Pacheco. “She worked with and supported me every step along the way,” he said. “I’m a father of three beautiful kids; thanks to her and the SIU, I have been able to provide them a good education and a good lifestyle.” In closing, Alvarez encouraged his brothers and sisters to support SPAD to ensure that the union leadership will continue to have the resources it requires to continue promoting and protecting the membership’s interests. “The SIU changes lives every day,” he said, “I am proof of that!” Seafarers LOG 7 �HONOLULU HALL Members Approve 5-Year Standard Contracts New Agreements Increase Wages, Maintain Benefits and Jobs By an overwhelming majority, SIU members have approved the new standard freightship and tanker agreements, details of which were reported in last month’s LOG. The five-year contracts feature wage increases and maintain benefits. They mandate shipboard internet access for all Seafarers; increase pension benefits for some of the more-experienced members; and preserve all existing SIU jobs. Pictured on this page and the two that follow are photos of members voting in favor of the contracts aboard ship and in the hiring halls (or shown shortly before or after doing so). SIU officials also appear in some of the photos. OREGON MAERSK KINLOSS MAERSK PEARY MARJORIE C 8 Seafarers LOG September 2022 �OHIO MAUNALEI OCEAN GRAND AMERICAN FREEDOM ARC COMMITMENT TACOMA HALL MISSOURI EXPRESS September 2022 Seafarers LOG 9 �RRF CREWS FROM CAPE ISLAND, CAPE INTREPID EMPIRE STATE EL COQUI MONTFORD POINT JERSEY CITY HALL OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES KEYSTONE STATE OVERSEAS BOSTON 10 Seafarers LOG USNS JOHN GLENN September 2022 �KUDOS TO CAPE INTREPID CREW – The SIU crew of the Ocean Duchess-operated ship recently received congratulations for a job well done during an activation. They got a letter from the Maritime Administration calling the sea trial “a great success due to a prime example of TEAMWORK…. Congratulations to all of you.” Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa added his kudos to everyone aboard during the mid-July operation and also thanked the Honolulu and Tacoma halls for filling the jobs. Pictured from left to right are (back row) SA Talama Moega, SA Rene Caballero, GVA Kassem Saleh, GUDE Israel Serrano, AB Nigel Williams, Electrician Phillip Greenwell, (front) Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed, GUDE Charles Bishop, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, AB Raul Molina and OS Nick Sabuco. MSC DIRECTOR TOURS SCHOOL – The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) recently hosted a high-ranking official from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. MSC Director of Total Force Management Gregg Pelowski (second from left) is pictured at the Piney Point, Maryland, facility with (from left) SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, PHC VP Tom Orzechowski, PHC Director of Vocational Training and Education Priscilla Labanowski and PHC Instructor Wayne Johnson. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS CURTISS – Former Piney Point classmates Bosun Bryan Hayden (left) and SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman are pictured aboard the Crowley-operated vessel following a review and vote on the new standard contracts. They are graduates of apprentice Class 679, back in 2006. WELCOME ASHORE IN MOBILE – Bosun Cleveland West (center) is pictured at the hall with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) and SIU Port Agent Jimmy White. West sailed with the union for 31 years. SPRUCING UP IN SAN JUAN – Local Seafarers recently pitched in for some routine maintenance and cleaning at the hiring hall. QMED Richard Vega (left in photo at left) is pictured setting up for patio maintenance with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (standing). Pictured from left in the other photo are Crespo, Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez and AB Edwin Pagan. September 2022 WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK – Longtime Seafarer Tony Spain (left), a recertified steward, picks up his first pension check at the union’s temporary quarters in Virginia. SIU Government Services Division Representative Sam Spain is at right. Tony sailed with the SIU for 44 years. WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – OMU Medardo Valerio (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. ABOARD SEA POWER – SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (right) and AB Doug Crawford are pictured aboard the Eco-Tankers ATB in early August. Seafarers LOG 11 �Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta, SIU Administrative Assistant Joni Bradley, ABM Samed Kassem, SIU Patrolman George Owen, Bosun Francis Miller, ABG Obaid Ali, GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed and Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla. ‘Paint Tacoma’ Project Returns with Flourish AB Mohamed Haruna Seafarers Help Brighten Community in Pacific Northwest A tradition in Tacoma, Washington, resumed this year after a two-year break, as SIU members and their families pitched in for a worthy cause. “After a two-year, COVID-19-induced hiatus, the Port of Tacoma was back, repainting a house for a local resident in need as part of the Associated Ministries program Paint Tacoma Beautiful,” said SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, who led the union’s effort. The program selects homeowners in the Greater Tacoma area (normally once per year), and sends volunteers to prep, power wash and repaint their respective homes, all free of charge. This year, the SIU members repainted the home of Crystal Jordan. “I received a postcard from the Associated Ministries, and I got in contact with them,” Jordan said. “They sent me an application, and after that I was put in contact with the SIU. “The whole experience was pretty nice,” she added. “The weather was cooperative, though after they did the pressure wash, there was a heat wave, which wasn’t their fault. The house is absolutely gorgeous now. The colors I chose were very, very pretty, and I’m very happy with it.” “This year definitely felt more important than past years, in helping us find a back-to-normal feeling as we see a way through the pandemic,” said Asp. “The membership here was like we never skipped a beat, including one member’s girlfriend that wanted to be involved in the program. As is customary for our members, across departments and cultures, port staff and active mariners, we had a total of 14 volunteers, who worked for four days and 103 total work hours.” The SIU volunteers included Asp, Safety Director Duane Akers, Patrolman George Owen, Port Administrative Assistant Joni Bradley, Recertified Bosuns Sanjay Gupta and Thomas MacGregor, Bosun Francis Miller (and his girlfriend, Candace Parlier), ABM Samed Kassem, AB Mohamed Haruna, ABG Obaid Ali, GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed, Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla and SA Javier Wurttele. Asp added, “I would like to give a special shout out to Samed Kassem, whose family has been in the union for decades. He was involved for the entire evolution, from pressure washing to final painting. He gave ‘everything in the tank’ this year. The port has no plans of slowing, and looks forward to painting another house in 2023 and beyond.” “I’ve been involved multiple years, since probably 2016,” said Miller. “This year, I brought my girlfriend with me to help. On the second or third day, there was rain, but I went on the first day, and the weather was super hot and beautiful out. I’ve never seen a home get painted so fast; we were almost 50% done after the first day. “The homeowner was very nice, very pleasant when she met with us,” Miller continued. “I think she was really happy with the color she chose; it matched the colors of her plants and the surrounding greenery. I was responsible for the trim, stripping it down, scaling it and painting the trim all along the doors and windows.” When asked if he would volunteer for the next Paint Tacoma project, he replied, “If I’m home, they know they can call me and I’ll happily help out with this every year. I hope they invite more family members to help out next year, and really turn Paint Tacoma into a family affair.” 12 Seafarers LOG SIU Safety Director Duane Akers Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta (left) and Bosun Francis Miller SIU Patrolman George Owen is pictured above while the photo at immediate left shows GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed (left) and ABG Obaid Ali. Homeowner Crystal Jordan (left) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp September 2022 SA Javier Wurttele September 2022 Seafarers LOG 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 22 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Gerald Kirtsey, Educational Director Jonathan Collier, Deck Delegate Russell Hayden, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Keith Hall. New Wi-Fi system to be installed soon. Standard tanker agreement is almost complete. Secretary thanked crew for help with recent stores. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship to receive new recliners for lounges and cabins. Copies of new contracts were requested by bosun. Members requested increases in vacation and pension benefits and for physicals to be required annually. Steward department was thanked for great meals. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. LOUISIANA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), July 5 – Chairman Kennard Campbell, Secretary Benjamin Piker, Educational Director Kevin Hall, Engine Delegate Stephen Jenkins, Steward Delegate Bernard Lawes. Chairman advised crew to get physicals as soon as possible after signing off. New contract for standard shipping is out as of July 1. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date and to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Wi-Fi needed on ship. Crew discussed issues with job reliefs being filled on time. Members requested more vacation time and for retirement to be based on base wage of rating. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. MATSON TACOMA (Horizon Lines, LLC), July 8 – Chairman Alfie Cicat, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Jason Powell, Steward Delegate Nasser The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Ahmed. Chairman recapped the new contract. He urged crew to pay dues on time and to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Secretary directed members to the SIU online portal for updates to documents, direct deposit of vacation checks, etc. Educational director advised members to obtain substantial wage increases by upgrading often at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested an increase in pension. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), July 10 – Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Ronald Byrd, Educational Director Jeffrey Thrash, Deck Delegate Samuel Pedrosa, Engine Delegate Jason Fuller, Steward Delegate Julian De Los Santos. Chairman reviewed ship fund and asked for a round of applause to steward department for a job well done. He reported a great trip despite hot weather during shipyard period. Secretary advised members to stay on top of all documents. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Converter boxes/transformers needed in each stateroom. Members requested new mattresses, pillows and linens. Crew asked for wage and vacation increases and would like medical to be added to retirement. Members expressed frustration with CHS not handling physicals fast enough. The need for high-speed internet was mentioned as well as the ability to bid for jobs online. PELICAN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), July 10 – Chairman Brandon Albro, Secretary Josue Iglesia, Educational Director David Garrett, Engine Delegate Mathew Palmer, Steward Delegate John Noel. New contract should be coming soon as well as Wi-Fi. Secretary reminded members to renew documents in advance. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and to donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed several proposals for new five-year standard freightship and tanker agreements. Topics included pay increases, Wi-Fi access aboard all vessels, more vacation days, and updates to permanent and/or rotary job calls for trip tour reliefs. Members suggested splitting Gulf Coast job board equally between Florida hiring halls and asked to access all contracts via the membership portal. MAERSK PEARY (Maersk Line, Limited), July 13 – Chairman Ronald Paradise, Secretary Jorge Roman Feliciano. Ship crew awarded MSC plaque for excellent work during past underway replenishments. Members received a nice pay raise thanks to the new contract. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. He informed members that passports can be expedited by filling out a special union-provided form. New microwave and electric smoker can be purchased in the near future per ship treasurer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Many underway replenishments to come in Hawaii. Crew requested better Wi-Fi, TVs and refrigerators in all rooms, and power converters. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), July 16 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate John Worae, Engine Delegate Ian Jordan. Chairman thanked steward department for a job well done. He recommended members to Aboard USNS Button Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson (left) submitted this photo from the Crowley-operated ship along with kudos for AB Octavio Henriques (center) and Second Mate Joseph Fiore. upgrade at the Piney Point school and to check credentials. Secretary reminded crew about new policy regarding returning jobs. New fans needed for crew. Members requested additional vacation pay and medical benefits. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), July 17 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Ahmed Al-Arashi, Engine Delegate Charles Walker, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. Chairman encouraged crew to vote on proposed contract. Members shared bad experiences with CHS medical and voiced their opinions of new contract. Secretary reminded crew to keep mess hall and laundry room clean. Educational director advised members to attend upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Better Wi-Fi service needed as well as new TVs in some rooms. Members suggested several improvements to health and vacation benefits and requested an increase in vacation days. Crew would like the ability to file for vacation after 30 days of employment and for an equal pay scale across all entry level positions. Next port: Cherry Point, Washington. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 14 Seafarers LOG requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 September 2022 �Notice/Reminder: USCG Positive Drug Test Advisory Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 15 - August 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of August 15. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C The U.S. Coast Guard first issued the following advisory in 2020. It remains current and is reprinted here as a reminder. Potential for Positive Drug Test Result From Use of Hemp-Plant Products This Marine Safety Advisory is to ensure that mariners, marine employers, and sponsoring organizations are aware that some products marketed as hemp or cannabidiol (CBD) may contain enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cause a positive drug test. In accordance with 46 CFR 16.201(c), an individual who fails a chemical test for dangerous drugs must be removed from duties directly affecting the safe operation of the vessel, and is subject to suspension and revocation proceedings against his or her credential under 46 CFR part 5. Use of hemp or CBD products is not accepted as an affirmative defense (acceptable excuse) against a THC-positive drug test result. For these reasons, mariners wishing to avoid a positive THC drug test result should exercise extreme caution when considering the use of any hemp or CBD product because such use could result in the loss of their merchant mariner credential and immediate removal from safety sensitive duties aboard a vessel. This warning applies to hemp and CBD products in any form, including those that are taken by mouth and those that are applied to the skin. THC is the primary psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp and marijuana are different strains of the Cannabis sativa plant and both contain varying concentrations of THC and CBD. THC is considered a dangerous drug because it produces an intoxicating effect on the user and poses safety-risks to vessel operations. The U.S. Coast Guard prohibits THC use by mariners because of its known debilitating effects, and all U.S. Coast Guardrequired drug tests screen mariners for use of THC. Recent changes to Federal and State laws have resulted in a surge in the availability of over-the-counter hemp products and CBD products throughout the United States. Hemp products and CBD products are marketed to the general public in several forms such as food and medicinal products, dietary supplements, oils, cosmetics, and hair products. In some cases, product manufacturers market these products as low in THC, or THC-free. Mariners should be aware that over-the-counter hemp products and CBD products have not been approved as medications by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, users lack federal assurances of their ingredients, THC-content, quality, effectiveness, or safe use. As a result, mariners using these products put themselves at risk of having a THC-positive drug test result. It remains unacceptable for any U.S Coast Guard credentialed mariner or other safety-sensitive worker working aboard a vessel that is subject to U.S Coast Guard drug testing regulations to use THC. Claimed use of hemp products or CBD products is not an acceptable defense for a THC-positive drug test result. To learn more about the risks of hemp and CBD products visit the FDA website at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-needknow-and-what-were-working-find-outabout-products-containingcannabis-or-cannabis. This Safety Advisory was developed by the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Analysis. Questions or comments should be sent to: DAPI@uscg.mil. September & October Membership Meetings Piney Point...............*Tuesday: September 6, Monday: October 3 Algonac...................................Friday: September 9, October 7 Baltimore............................Thursday: September 8, October 6 Guam...............................Thursday: September 22, October 20 Honolulu.............................Friday: September 16, October 14 Houston...............Monday: September 12, *Tuesday: October 11 Jacksonville.......................Thursday: September 8, October 6 Joliet..................................Thursday: September 15, October 13 Mobile.........................Wednesday: September 14, October 12 New Orleans........................Tuesday: September 13, October 11 Jersey City............................Tuesday: September 6, October 4 Norfolk..................................Friday: September 9, October 7 Oakland..............................Thursday: September 15 , October 13 Philadelphia........................Wednesday: September 7, October 5 Port Everglades..................Thursday: September 15, October 13 San Juan..............................Thursday: September 8, October 6 St. Louis...............................Friday: September 16, October 14 Tacoma...............................Friday: September 23, October 21 Wilmington....................Monday: September 19, October 17 * Piney Point change in September due to Labor Day observance * Houston change in October due to Columbus Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m September 2022 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was answered by Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What’s something you experienced on a ship that you weren’t expecting? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 Kobe Cisero Chief Cook The different types of people and cultures you meet on a ship. I like it, though. It’s fascinating learning about those cultures from the people themselves both on a ship and ashore in a foreign country. Dominic Jones Wiper Being away from my son is way harder than I thought it would be. You have to grow up quick when you join the Seafarers. But it makes my time at home that much more important to me. Quinsha Davis Chief Cook The job is harder than it looks! Working in the steward department isn’t just throwing stuff together, it’s a whole job. It requires a lot of skill and training to do the job properly. Jared Johnson Oiler I don’t stress on ships. I take it one day at a time, and don’t worry about it. It helps to always keep a positive mental attitude, and keep your head up. Daniel Ursitti GUDE When things go awry, or there’s an emergency in the engine room, everything gets pushed to the side. All your interpersonal issues don’t matter anymore, and everyone bands together to fix the issue. Nothing else matters but the task at hand. Ashley Grahm Chief Cook I was pleasantly surprised to find I had so much free time. I was able to travel and see all kinds of places and try new things. Plus, the bragging rights over all the places you’ve been aren’t bad. But as long as you can maintain your drive, this career can really take care of you for life. William McIntyre AB A lot is different. Standing watch, tying knots, all of that is important – but you also have to be a good crew. You have to help out your fellow mariners, and do your duty, and the rest will take care of itself. Leanne Smith Chief Steward I went on the ship alone, and I came back with close friends. You spend enough time on the same ship, with the same crew, and they become family. But it’s still important to come back and upgrade your skills, and when you’re on a ship, help out your fellow sailor. Pics From The Past PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG Billed as “the largest ship ever built in the Western Hemisphere,” the SIU-crewed U.S.T. Atlantic (above, right) formally was christened in February 1979 at Newport News (Virginia) Shipbuilding. The LOG’s coverage of the ceremony noted the ship “has an overall length of 1,187 feet and a beam of 228 feet)…. She is 95 feet from keel to main deck and will have a draft of over 70 feet when fully loaded.” The crude carrier, built for U.S. Trust and leased to Shell, was operated by Interocean Management Corp. and carried an unlicensed crew of 32. Elizabeth Kemp Renner, wife of Shell Oil board of directors member William Renner, is pictured christening the ship (photo at left). If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org September 2022 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ABDOULLA ALSSOUDI Brother Abdoulla Alssoudi, 65, started his career with the union in 1999 when he shipped on the USNS Silas Bent. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Alssoudi most recently sailed on the William R. Button. He makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. WILLIAM BELCHER Brother William Belcher, 65, joined the SIU in 1981, when he sailed aboard the Benjamin Harrison. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Belcher last worked on the Padre Island. He is a resident of Norfolk, Virginia. MICHAEL BRISCOE Brother Michael Briscoe, 66, began sailing with the union in 1992, initially on the Independence. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Briscoe most recently sailed on the USNS Watkins. He lives in Thayne, Wyoming. ALLEN COOPER Brother Allen Cooper, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1973 when he sailed aboard the Fort Hoskins. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Cooper last sailed on the Eugene A. Obregon. He resides in Wesley Chapel, Florida. ISMAEL GAMBOA Brother Ismael Gamboa, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2009. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Observation Island. Brother Gamboa’s final vessel was the USNS Denebola. He resides in Newport News, Virginia. DIANA HOUSE Sister Diana House, 65, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 2001 and initially sailed on the Quality. She was a member of the steward department and upgraded September 2022 at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Sister House most recently shipped on the Liberty Promise and lives in Houston. ment. Brother Miller upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the Global Mariner and is a Baltimore resident. WILLIAM MOGG RAFAEL LEON ORTIZ Brother Rafael Leon Ortiz, 67, began sailing with the union in 2009 when he shipped on the Sam Laud. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Leon Ortiz last sailed on the Isla Bella. He lives in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. MOSTAFA LOUMRHARI Brother Mostafa Loumrhari, 70, joined the SIU in 1990 when he sailed on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Loumrhari concluded his career on the Manukai and makes his home in Las Vegas. GAMAL MEAWAD Brother Gamal Meawad, 65, signed on with the union in 2009. He first sailed aboard the President Adams and worked in the steward department. Brother Meawad upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Memphis and is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. MICHAEL MERRELL Brother Michael Merrell, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990, initially shipping aboard the Courier. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Merrell last shipped aboard the Maersk Idaho. He lives in Oklahoma City. STEVEN MILLER Brother Steven Miller, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1977. He first sailed aboard the Overseas Alaska and worked in the engine depart- Brother William Mogg, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1989. An engine department member, he initially sailed with Inland Lakes Management. Brother Mogg upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the North Star and resides in University Place, Washington. MICHAEL NOVAK Brother Michael Novak, 65, started sailing with the union in 1985, initially shipping on the USNS Stalwart. He sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Bold. Brother Novak makes his home in Bellevue, Washington. PAUL PAGANO Brother Paul Pagano, 61, joined the union in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Libra. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Pagano last shipped aboard the Alliance Fairfax. He lives in Palm Coast, Florida. JESSIE PARENTE Brother Jessie Parente, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2003. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the engine department. Brother Parente’s first vessel was the Buffalo; his last, the Ocean Glory. He makes his home in La Grange Park, Illinois. RUBEN RIVERA Brother Ruben Rivera, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2006, initially sailing aboard the Westward Venture. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Rivera’s final vessel was the Maersk Chicago. He resides in Flushing, New York. TONY SPAIN Brother Tony Spain, 63, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He initially shipped with Inland Tugs and was a steward department member. Brother Spain upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Peary and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. BOYD SPIVEY Brother Boyd Spivey, 66, started his career with the Seafarers in 2003 and first sailed aboard the Cape Texas. A deck department member, Brother Spivey upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the Missouri Express and makes his home in Houston. LARRY STEVENS Brother Larry Stevens, 68, signed on with the union in 1987. He initially sailed aboard the William Baugh and worked in the deck department. Brother Stevens upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2002. He concluded his career aboard the Ocean Giant and settled in Lynn Haven, Florida. GERMAN VALERIO Brother German Valerio, 65, joined the SIU in 1984 and first sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in engine department. Brother Valerio last sailed on the Overseas Philadelphia and makes his home in Houston. INLAND ROMOLO DICESARE Brother Romolo Dicesare, 62, donned the SIU colors in 2014. A deck department member, he was employed by Harley Marine for the duration of his career. Brother Dicesare is a resident of Wallingford, Connecticut. DENNIS GASKILL Brother Dennis Gaskill, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafar- ers in 1992 when he shipped with CG Willis, Inc. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Gaskill was last employed by Express Marine. He makes his home in Bayboro, North Carolina. RUDOLPH HOUDEK Brother Rudolph Houdek, 64, signed on with the union in 1981. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership and sailed in the engine department. Brother Houdek was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He lives in Bayport, New York. RANDY ISENHART Brother Randy Isenhart, 61, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989. He was a member of the deck department and first sailed with OSG Ship Management. Brother Isenhart upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He was most recently employed by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning and lives in West Cape May, New Jersey. DAVID KANE Brother David Kane, 59, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1996. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kane worked for Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He resides in Knotts Island, North Carolina. LUIS PEREZ MENENDEZ Brother Luis Perez Menendez, 62, signed on with the union in 1996. He first sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services and was a member of the deck department. Brother Menendez upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. GARY PIERCE Brother Gary Pierce, 65, joined the SIU in 1975. He was first employed by Allied Transportation and sailed in the deck department. Brother Pierce upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1977. He concluded his career with OSG Ship Management and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA HANS EKROTH Pensioner Hans Ekroth, 93, passed away July 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1952. Initially sailing aboard the Longview Victory, Brother Ekroth was an engine department member. He last shipped aboard the Gem State and went on pension in 1991. Brother Ekroth was a resident of Lynnwood, Washington. JERRY FRIZZELL Pensioner Jerry Frizzell, 81, died June 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1990 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Frizzell’s first vessel was the Cleveland; his last, the Buffalo Soldier. He became a pensioner in 2004 and settled in Lake Charles, Louisiana. MARVIN JAMES Brother Marvin James, 54, has passed away. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1987 when he shipped on the USNS Kane. Brother James worked in the steward department and most recently sailed on the Independence. He lived in Jacksonville, Florida. ANTONIO MARTES Pensioner Antonio Martes, 80, died August 8. Brother Martes became a member of the SIU in 1967, initially sailing aboard the Steel Scientist. He was an engine department member and concluded his career aboard the Sealand Express. Brother Martes retired in 2007 and called Brooklyn, New York, home. JACKIE MCDANIEL Pensioner Jackie McDaniel, 82, passed away August 8. He embarked on his career with the union in 1961 when he worked with Moore-McCormack Lines. A deck department member, Brother McDaniel last shipped 18 Seafarers LOG on the Quality in 1998. He went on pension the same year and lived in Angleton, Texas. CELSO ORDONEZ Pensioner Celso Ordonez, 68, died June 14. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1998 and first shipped on the Cape Florida. Brother Ordonez primarily sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Freedom in 2008. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Miami. VAN PHAN Pensioner Van Phan, 83, passed away July 13. He signed on with the SIU in 1981, initially working with Sealand. Brother Phan sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He concluded his career with World Crane Services and retired in 2002. He made his home in Long Beach, California. KARL MAYHEW Brother Karl Mayhew, 62, died June 19. He became a member of the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, Brother Mayhew first shipped on the Cape Juby. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Columbus and resided in Ogdensburg, New York. ROBERT VAZQUEZ Pensioner Robert Vazquez, 61, passed away August 2. He began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1989 when he shipped on the Rover. Brother Vazquez was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Maersk Yorktown and went on pension in 2020. Brother Vazquez was a New York City resident. JERRY WOOD Pensioner Jerry Wood, 90, passed away May 7. He signed on with the SIU in 1951 and first sailed aboard the Louis Emery Jr. Brother Wood was a steward department member. He last shipped on the Stephen W. Pless before going on pension in 1995. Brother Wood lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GREAT LAKES RONALD DEROUIN Pensioner Ronald Derouin, 69, died July 13. He joined the SIU in 1998. For the majority of his career, Brother Derouin sailed with Upper Lakes Towing. He retired in 2016 and resided in Gladstone, Michigan. JOHN KRUSE Pensioner John Kruse, 93, passed away August 9. Brother Kruse signed on with the union in 1960. He first sailed with American Steamship and was a steward department member. Brother Kruse was last employed by Great Lakes Associates and retired in 1988. He made his home in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. DAWN WEYMOUTH Sister Dawn Weymouth, 75, died July 19. She started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. Sister Weymouth was a steward department member. Her first vessel was the Southdown Challenger; her last, the American Mariner. Sister Weymouth resided in Inverness, Florida. INLAND ROBERT CUOCO Pensioner Robert Cuoco, 68, passed away July 15. He joined the SIU in 1990 and first shipped on the Cove Liberty. Brother Cuoco worked in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Northerly Island and went on pension in 2015. Brother Cuoco lived in Tamworth, New Hampshire. BRUCE GOUGH Pensioner Bruce Gough, 83, died July 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1989 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Gough worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2001 and was a Las Vegas resident. LAURIE JACKSON Brother Laurie Jackson, 63, passed away June 4. He became an SIU member in 2007 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Jackson sailed with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He called Laurel, Mississippi, home. WILLIE MCCARDLE Pensioner Willie McCardle, 94, died June 30. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1962. Brother McCardle sailed with National Marine Service for most of his career. He became a pensioner in 1985 and settled in Metairie, Louisiana. GERALD SHARP Pensioner Gerald Sharp, 89, passed away July 2. Brother Sharp joined the Seafarers in 1972 when he worked with Pudget Sound. He sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Rover. Brother Sharp became a pensioner in 1996 and resided in Avon Park, Florida. DONALD TODD Pensioner Donald Todd, 78, died July 4. He embarked on his career with the union in 1975. An engine department member, Brother Todd worked for Cape Fear Towing for the duration of his career. He retired in 2006 and settled in Wilmington, North Carolina. NMU EDWARD GAILLARD Pensioner Edward Gaillard, 77, died July 5. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with the SIU. Brother Gaillard was a steward department member. He last sailed aboard the Navigator and retired in 2009. Brother Gaillard resided in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Guidry, Horace Hidalgo, Adam Hopkins, Harold Jackson, Anthony Jawad, Muhanna Jones, Victor Martinez, Genaro Pokorski, Lavern Rivers, William Smith, Charles Stuart, Richard Vazquez, Efrain AGE 81 101 74 94 84 101 90 97 87 79 96 98 DOD 07/09/2022 07/16/2022 07/22/2022 07/27/2022 11/07/2021 05/25/2022 07/08/2022 06/28/2022 07/24/2022 06/25/2022 07/02/2022 07/29/2022 Have You Missed An Issue of the Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website. September 2022 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training October 3 October 7 Date of Completion Basic Training Revalidation October 7 October 21 November 14 December 2 October 7 October 21 November 14 December 2 October 17 November 28 November 4 December 16 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation December 12 December 16 Government Vessels Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 26 October 24 November 21 October 7 November 4 December 2 September 19 September 26 October 17 October 24 November 7 December 5 September 23 September 30 October 21 October 28 November 10 December 9 RFPNW September 26 November 14 October 14 December 2 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Tank Ship Familiarization LG October 31 November 4 Title of Course Start Date Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW September 26 November 14 October 21 December 9 FOWT October 24 November 18 Junior Engineer September 19 November 11 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Welding October 31 November 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook September 19 October 31 December 5 October 21 December 2 January 5 ServSafe Management September 12 October 24 November 28 September 16 October 28 December 2 Advanced Galley Operations October 10 November 4 Chief Steward September 12 November 14 October 7 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places September 23 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. September 2022 Important Notice To All Students COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 9/22 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #884 – Graduated July 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Jevon David, Da’Shon Hagans, Bryan Halista, Raheem Harris-Stewart, Christian Marty, Evan Murff, Malik Perez, Timothy Resultan, Masaddiq Walton and Faith Wood. UA to Able Seaman-Deck – Graduated July 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Georgia Bussink, Paul Calcaterra, Jaquaz Del Vako Javon Jenkins, Martin Roi Briones Morales, Christopher Nicolosi, Anoalo Tuimanua Stanley and Garrett Williams. 20 Seafarers LOG September 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seafarer Deck – Graduated June 10 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Ryan Chapman, Lynne Hazelip, Christian Ivezic and Sarah Wilson. Their instructor, Dominic Hix, is at the far right. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places Marine Electrician – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander, Angel Ivan Colon Cintron, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, James Fells, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Jeffrey Hamer, Thedford Jones Jr., and Ethan Love. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Kenneth Ledeoux, Christopher Marcani and Scott Salo. Class instructor Thomas Truitt is at the far left. Zachary Parker (second from right) assisted Truitt with this class. September 2022 Water Survival (Upgraders) – A pair of upgraders recently completed their requirements in this course. Graduating June 17 were D’mitri Hill (left) and Darius Harley. Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Seth Duke Alejandro Alonzo, Darrol Bates, Khaleel Boatner, Ray Fugit, Malcolm Haynes Jr., Keesha Holloway, Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin, Kenneth Ledeoux, Cleon McBride, Jody Owens, Levon Prophet, Sabbah Kassim Shaibi, Isaiah Thomas, Tyequan Thompson, Bernard Wade II, Mackenzie Wincelowicz and Richard Wythe Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Small Arms – Graduated June 23 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): William Dowzicky III, Richard Owusu, Harry Phillip, Levon Prophet, Gary Torres and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places Basic Training – Graduated June 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Thomas Burch, Olivia Gross and Kimberly Vargas. 22 Seafarers LOG MSC Supply Configuration Management – Daniel Edward Fields (above) recently completed his requirements in this course. A member of the deck department, he graduated June 3. September 2022 �Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – Graduated July 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Derek Chestnut, Jerome Culbreth Jr., Kabir Garcia Santiago, Thedford Jones Jr., Justin Nicholson, James Pascocello, Cesar Arnaldo Rivera Polanco and Devin Sem. Class instructor Mike Fay is at the far right while Ben Hernandez, service manager, Maersk Container Industry, is at the far left. UA to FOWT – Graduated July 8 (above, in alphabetical order):Johnathan Bumgarner, Jose Enrique Carrasquillo, Cristian Curet-Lara, Nikita Featherston, Lance Gibson, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Aaron Juan Moore Jr., Ryan Rendell Velez Sotomayor and Michael Zabielski. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated July 15 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Sherron Davita Decoteau, Alexander Marcelino Dominguez, Supattara Inthapanti, Nadzeya Mikhailovna Kuptsova, Vanessa Louise Osborne-Brumsey and Luke Vandegrift. Instructor Christina Hurry is second from the right. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places September 2022 Seafarers LOG 23 �SEPTEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 20-23 SUNSHINE STATE Majority Approves Standard Contracts An overwhelming majority of Seafarers have given the “thumbs up” for the new standard freightship and tanker contracts which among other significant features include wage increases. Photos on this page, as well as others on Pages 8-10 show members voting in favor of the new accords while aboard ship and in union hiring halls. In addition to rank-and-file members, some of the photos also include union officials. TS GOLDEN BEAR OVERSEAS NEW YORK WASHINGTON � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2022 Description An account of the resource NY WATERWAY EXPANDS FLEET, REFITS FERRIES WITH 'GREENER' ENGINES CREW OF MAERSK PEARY RECEIVES COMMENDATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA SIU MEMBERS SAIL ON NEW CONTAINERSHIP UNION JOBS SECURE ABOARD SIX PREPOSITIONING SHIPS COALITION BRINGS BOOKS, BACKPACKS TO PUERTO RICO PACIFIC TRACKER CREW HELPS SAVE A LIFE AT SEA US HOUSE VOTES TO SUPPORT WORKERS DOJ , NLRB FORM ALLIANCE TO PROTECT LABOR MARKETS SHBP CONDUCTING ANNUAL VERIFICATION OF DEPENDENTS 'TIME IS NOW FOR FIXING BROKEN LABOR LAWS' SIX STEWARDS SECURE RECERTIFIED STATUS MEMBERS APPROVE 5-YEAR STANDARD CONTRACTS 'PAINT TACOMA' PROJECT RETURNS WITH FLOURISH NOTICE/REMINDER: USCG POSITIVE DRUG TEST ADVISORY MAJORITY APPROVES STANDARD CONTRACTS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 84, NO. 9 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7af4dd9b2967081e71b945194c08e626.pdf b68ac44db0b26f47b38c6a0b2a041615 PDF Text Text JUNE 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O WWII Mariners Honored with Gold Medal Nearly 77 years after fighting ended and 34 years after token veterans’ recognition was granted, U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service, during a bipartisan presentation inside the U.S. Capitol on May 18. Above, WWII mariners are pictured immediately after the ceremony. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), a longtime proponent of the official recognition, is at far right. Page 3. (Photo courtesy Defense Dept.) D.C. Event Focuses on Jobs Pictured at a wind-energy event in Washington, D.C., on May 4 are (from left) SIU New Bedford Port Agent James Bast, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson. SIU Members Help Conclude Operation Deep Freeze 2022 Catching Up in Piney Point Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa (left) recently completed safety training at the Paul Hall Center – and also chatted with SIU President Michael Sacco (right) while at the school in Piney Point, Maryland. “It was great to catch up,” the bosun noted. The SIU-crewed Ocean Giant handled the second segment of this year’s resupply mission to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Bosun Richard Hamilton provided this photo (and others), shot from the Waterman-operated vessel as it sailed to the National Science Foundation facility. Page 24. DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act Page 2 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 1 Contracts Ratified Page 4 5/23/22 4:16 PM �President’s Report Answering the Call Congratulations to SIU members and to all of our union’s port personnel for the incredible job you did last month in filling a large number of jobs in less than 24 hours, in response to a handful of no-notice vessel activations. Our industry, like so many others, is currently weathering a manpower strain, so this wasn’t exactly an ideal time to handle those activations – but you all rose to the occasion, like always. On one hand, sure, this was just a case of doing our jobs. But realistically, it wasn’t easy, it was important and time-sensitive, and our team answered the call. I extend my thanks and admiration to everyone who helped get it done. New Leadership at MARAD Speaking of congratulations, I’m glad to note the recent confirmation of Rear Adm. Ann Phillips (USN, Ret.) to the post of maritime adMichael Sacco ministrator. She definitely has big shoes to fill – our longtime friend, Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, did an excellent job at MARAD (and previously at the Military Sealift Command) – but I know she’s up to the task. We’re already working with the new administrator and will continue doing everything possible to help the agency fulfill its critical mission of strengthening and maintaining the U.S. Merchant Marine. MARAD obviously is a crucial agency for Seafarers; their work to promote American-flag shipping and U.S. crews is part of our lifeblood. My thanks also go to Lucinda Lessley for her outstanding work as acting administrator prior to Adm. Phillips’ confirmation. Her integrity and thoughtfulness shined through at all times. Register and Vote While some Seafarers already have voted in this year’s primaries, it’s not too soon for others to double-check their voter registration status ahead of Election Day 2022 (Tuesday, November 8). Make sure you and your eligible family members are registered, and please support promaritime, pro-worker candidates. Without question, there has been an awakening across the U.S. regarding workers’ rights. In part, that’s why the labor movement finds itself at a crossroads with the elections on the horizon. The combination of a labor-friendly administration and a rising interest in collective action has generated considerable momentum, but at the same time, the opponents of labor are as well-funded and determined to dismantle worker power as they have ever been. To make matters even more complicated, partisan gridlock has stalled progress on more than one item on the labor movement’s agenda. It’s no secret that union membership across the country has declined over the years, but union households still play a major role in determining outcomes of many elections. This depends, though, on everyone from the movement exercising their constitutional right to vote. That the enemies of the working class have attempted so many times to interfere with that right only reveals how terrified they are of a unified labor movement making its voice heard. This encouragement goes beyond presidential and congressional elections. Union families must vote the whole ballot from state legislatures to city hall to local school boards. Those who seek to swipe power away from America’s working class operate best under the cover of darkness, funneling money into races and legislative manipulations that mostly escape the notice of national and even your local media. That’s why labor cannot leave any political stone unturned. Leadership must do its part to educate members on the issues, but ultimately the responsibility rests with each union member to cast her or his ballot strategically. Without concentrated political power at every level of government, the labor movement cannot achieve its goals. And make no mistake, those goals benefit not just America’s working families, but all of America. DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently underscored his support of America’s freight cabotage law. During an April 27 hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, the secretary answered a question from U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Mississippi) about the Jones Act. Palazzo noted that during his time in Congress, he has seen “constant attacks against the Jones Act by special interest groups bent on allowing foreign ships and crews to push out American sailors and shipbuilders.” The congressman then pointed out that President Biden’s Made in America executive order “explicitly emphasized the importance of Jones Act shipping…. Do you support the Jones Act and are you committed to rigorous enforcement of the Jones Act?” Mayorkas replied, “I do and I am. And I want you to know that the President’s Buy American initiative is something that he is holding the entire administration to. We have strict protocols to which we must adhere and we do so quite proudly with respect to our contracting to make sure that we are indeed buying American…. I do believe in the Jones Act. I do support it. I know I have a waiver authority and we exercise that quite prudently in only cases of emergency….” The hearing concerned the Fiscal Year 2023 Department of Homeland Security Budget. The Jones Act is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. It helps sustain more than 650,000 American jobs while pumping billions of dollars into the U.S. economy each year. U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-Michigan), longtime union organizer and member of the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Labor Caucus, announced on May 10 that the U.S. House of Representatives adopted his resolution to grant congressional staff in the right to organize and bargain collectively, which was included in the rule for the Ukraine supplemental, by a vote of 217-202. The passage of the House resolution is the final step required to grant legal protection to most congressional House employees. The Senate must pass its own resolution in order for Senate employees to have the same protections. “After 26 years, the House has finally provided its workers the fundamental human right to form a union without fear of retaliation. As someone who has spent decades in the labor movement and devoted their life to protecting and enhancing workers’ rights, this moment stands out as a major highlight,” said Levin. “Congressional staff are joining a broader movement of workers in our society who are organizing, bargaining collectively and stepping up to make clear that they want more of a voice in their workplaces. I’m so proud that Congressional Democrats upheld our values of believing in the collective voice today. If there is any place in the country that needs to walk the walk and respect the will of workers, it is the U.S. Congress – the bedrock of democracy. We cannot stop fighting until every worker in the country can form a union without interference.” He added, “I want to thank deeply Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), Whip James Clyburn (D-South Carolina) and Chairperson Zoe Logfren (D-California) for their partnership in this important effort and for their steadfast commitment to workers in the People’s House. Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude and admiration to the congressional staff who fought to make this moment possible, shared bravely their workplace experiences, good and bad, clearly illustrated their need for the protected right to organize and demonstrated the sheer power of worker solidarity.” Logfren stated, “One of the first votes I cast as a Member of the House – late on my very first day in that Congress – was to pass the Congressional Accountability Act. As someone who grew up in a union family, as a former congressional staffer, and as a longtime advocate of workers’ rights and protections, I was proud to cast that vote. However, Congress failed to follow through on an important part of the law that would provide legislative branch staff with the option to organize, if they choose. Today, I’m proud to cast my vote for Congress to follow through on that promise. I am thankful for the tireless advocacy on behalf of Congressional staff by my colleague Representative Levin, the members of the Congressional Workers Union for their courage, and Speaker Pelosi for her leadership as we act to support those who make our work on behalf of the American people possible.” House Staffers May Form a Union International Propeller Club Honors U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney At Event O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 6 DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas June 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), a longtime advocate of the U.S. maritime industry, received the prestigious Salute to Congress award May 17 in Arlington, Virginia. The award is sponsored by the International Propeller Club. When announcing Courtney’s selection as this year’s honoree, International Propeller Club President C. James Patti said, “During his time in Congress, Chairman Courtney has been a forceful and outspoken advocate for all segments of the maritime industry. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in the enactment of numerous maritime legislative initiatives and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the programs and policies important to our industry are funded, implemented and enforced.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman attended the gathering. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 2 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �USA Maritime: Keep ‘Ship American’ Rules The coalition USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, has expressed strong opposition to a misguided attempt to turn over the transportation of U.S.-government financed cargoes to foreign-flag, foreigncrewed shipping interests. Such a move would, according to USA maritime, severely weaken the U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine, cost thousands of American maritime workers their jobs, and destroy the ability of the U.S.-flag industry to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability relied upon by the Department of Defense. Writing in response to a pair of concurrent resolutions introduced in the U.S. Senate, the coalition described the “ship American” components of cargo preference as “essential to the maintenance of our U.S.Flag Merchant Marine.” Further, USA Maritime called the resolutions unnecessary, because the law “already allows for the waiver of Ship American preferences if U.S.-flag vessels are not available at fair and reasonable rates. USAID cur- rently waives Ship American rules for 40% of its flagship Food for Peace program and awards 70% of such cargoes to foreign carriers.” The statement continued, “The resolutions are overbroad. They are not limited only to supplies for Ukraine but would waive Ship American rules everywhere. Resolution bined – accounts for only 8% of program costs. The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than 1% of program costs.” The statement concluded, “Today’s environment of rising peer nation competition from Russia and China is not the time to give up our U.S.-flag shipping capacity or turn it over to foreign interests. We need to be “The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than 1% of program costs.” – USA Maritime 37 would waive Ship American rules indefinitely; Resolution 38 would divert cargoes to foreign carriers for an arbitrary three-year period.” Significantly, the coalition also spelled out how the resolutions “dramatically overstate the cost of shipping American. All ocean shipping under the Food for Peace program – foreign-flag and U.S.-flag com- prepared to support our allies in Europe and elsewhere with American sealift ships and American mariners who have never failed to answer the call when needed by our nation.” According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, cargo preference “is the general term used to describe U.S. laws, regulations and policies that require the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or financed by the U.S. Government. It also includes cargo that is being shipped under an agreement of the U.S. Government, or as part of a Government program.” Preference cargoes typically include military items, food aid, and shipments generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. There are corresponding percentage requirements that specify how much of the cargo must be moved on American bottoms, ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 percent. Cargo amounts themselves vary from year to year. For example, according to the Congressional Research Service, U.S. international food-assistance outlays fluctuated from Fiscal Years 2016 to 2020 based in part on demands that changed due to conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. In the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2021, U.S.-flag ships delivered approximately 650,000 metric tons of food-aid cargoes around the globe. Rear Adm. Phillips Takes Leadership Reins At U.S. Maritime Administration the 6th Fleet Commander, Phillips was involved in the deployment of goods in support of the Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. Prior to her retirement, she was commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, which included 14 vessels and 10 subordinate commands – all part of the Amphibious Expeditionary Forces along the U.S. east coast. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary in 2016. Ku’uhaku Park, president of the American Maritime Partnership (to which the SIU is affiliated), said Phillips’ confirmation comes “at a time when maintaining a strong American Maritime is even more critical than ever. We look forward to working with Admiral Phillips to ensure our nation has the shipbuilding, sealift capacity, and reliable movement of commerce that is essential to America’s security.” MARAD is self-described as the Department of Transportation agency “responsible for America’s waterborne transportation system…. At our core, we support the technical aspects of America’s maritime transportation infrastructure – things like ships and shipping, port and vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety. We promote the use of waterborne transportation, and ensure that its infrastructure integrates seamlessly with other methods of transportation. MARAD also maintains a fleet of cargo ships in reserve to provide surge sealift during war and national emergencies, and is responsible for disposing of ships in that fleet, as well as other non-combatant government ships as they become obsolete. “Beyond that, we work hard to maintain the overall health of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Commercial mariners, vessels, and intermodal facilities are vital for supporting national security, and so the agency provides support and information for current mariners, extensive support for educating future mariners, and programs to educate America’s Ann Phillips testifies at a Senate young people about the vital hearing in late December 2021. role of maritime operations in the lives of all Americans.” (Sipa USA/Alamy) Ann Phillips is the new head of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), following her confirmation by the Senate on May 10. Phillips retired as a rear admiral after serving nearly 31 years on active duty with the U.S. Navy. “We look forward to working with Admiral Phillips at the Maritime Administration,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “She has an accomplished record within the Navy and in Virginia. “We also thank Lucinda Lessley for her work as the acting administrator,” he added. Prior to being nominated by President Biden in October 2021, Phillips was the Special Assistant to the Virginia Governor for Coastal Adaptation and Protection. In that role, she coordinated with federal, state and local partners to create equitable strategies to deal with rising waters and climate impact to critical coastal infrastructure assets within the commonwealth. She received her commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps upon graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1983. She served aboard two vessels – the USS Cape Cod and the USS San Jose – during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She was the first commanding officer aboard the USS Mustin. As the executive assistant to June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 3 One day before the medal ceremony, personnel from the American Merchant Marine Veterans, their families and friends visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. World War II Merchant Mariners Honored With Congressional Gold Medal in D.C. The SIU on May 18 joined in celebrating long-overdue recognition for U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II as they received the Congressional Gold Medal in the Capitol Building. Ten members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) participated in the one-hour ceremony, which featured remarks from members of congress, the administration, and the military. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the SIU at the event. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The veterans received the medal on behalf of the approximately 1,500 remaining mariners of World War II. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in wartime service. “The bravery demonstrated by the U.S. Merchant Mariners to keep Allied Forces supplied during World War II is second to none,” said AMMV President Dru DiMattia. “In the face of targeted attacks by German submarines and Uboats, the unarmed U.S. Merchant Mariners met the moment with resilience and courage, and serve as an inspiration for all of American maritime.” In 2020, Congress unanimously passed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act thanks in part to the advocacy of U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) along with organizations including the SIU. The bill was promptly signed into law, but the official award was delayed due to the global pandemic. “We gave up our yesterdays for your and their tomorrow,” stated former mariner Dave Yoho during the ceremony, which he called a “humble tribute to my fallen brothers.” Yoho served in the engine department, signing on as a 16-year-old. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (DCalifornia) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) led the congressional delegation to recognize the mariners. “We celebrate these patriots for doing their part to preserve liberty,” Pelosi told them. “They earned their rallying cry: ‘We deliver the goods,’” added McConnell. Garamendi and the late U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) pushed Congress for years to honor the World War II mariners with a gold medal. After saying it was “a great day, a happy day,” Garamendi declared, “Without you, the success of the World War II would not have happened.” House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (California) said the presentation was “long overdue.” He saluted the mariners: “Everything America asked them to do, they delivered.” U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) paid tribute by quoting President Franklin Roosevelt: “The merchant marine delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operation and across every ocean in the biggest, most difficult job ever undertaken.” Also taking part in the presentation were Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command; U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Scott Buschman; and U.S. Maritime Deputy Administrator Lucinda Lesley. The gold medal will be placed on display in the American Merchant Marine Museum at the Academy in Kings Point, New York. The World War mariners on hand received duplicates. They included Yoho, William Balabanow, Gerard Driscoll, James T. Lindsey, Charles A. Mills, George Offenhauser Sr., Bob Ross, James Sciple, Jack Laub and George Shaw. For information on ordering a replica of the medal, email Katrina McRae at katrina.mcrae@dot.gov. Seafarers LOG 3 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Penn Maritime Crews Approve 3-Year Pact SIU members employed by Penn Maritime recently ratified a three-year contract that features significant gains. The new agreement, approved in mid-April and covering approximately 250 Seafarers, calls for annual wage increases; boosts contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP); raises the food allowance; and provides medical coverage for all members through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). The latter point is noteworthy, according to members and union officials. Penn Maritime was acquired by Kirby Corporation in 2012. Since then, any new employees received medical coverage through a company plan. Typically, those mariners paid several thousand dollars apiece each year just for the premiums (whereas Penn Maritime members covered via the SHBP do not have to pay premiums). “Getting everybody back on the SHBP medical coverage was huge,” said Chief Mate John Harvard, who served on the union negotiating committee. “For guys that have families, it’s a really big help. It shows that the company has some commitment to the members; hopefully, we can keep building trust and mutual respect.” The SIU bargaining team included Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Assistant Vice President Mike Russo, Harvard, Lead Tankerman Michael Lyons and Chief Engineer Jeff Pictured from left are Lead Tankerman Michael Lyons, Chief Mate John Harvard, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Kirby Exec. VP of Vessel Operations Jim Guidry, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo and Chief Engineer Jeff Rydza. Rydza. Negotiations took place in Houston. “This is a great example of a union and a company working together to hammer out a good agreement,” Russo said. “It’s something we can all be proud of. I think everybody walked away feeling good about this.” Harvard said the contract “exceeded my expectations. I think it was a good contract and we’re headed in the right direction. You don’t always walk away with everything you want, but we didn’t lose anything – just gained. Kudos to Dean, Joe and Mike for their work on the contract.” Soresi said, “The bargaining went well and we secured a good agreement. It certainly seems as if most the members are happy with the results.” Penn Maritime operates up to 15 tugboats and barges in the Gulf region, primarily moving asphalt along inland and coastal waterways. Seafarers Ratify New Contract At VanEnkevort Tug and Barge A new six-year agreement is in place for Seafarers employed at VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Inc. (VTB). Members overwhelmingly ratified the pact through a combination of shipboard and remote voting in April. The contract took effect April 1 and lasts through March 2028. It calls for annual wage increases for the first three years and then a wage and benefit reopener in April 2025. The pact boosts company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP), maintains health benefits, and also preserves the Paul Hall Center benefit for training and upgrading. SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell and Port Agent Todd Brdak negotiated on behalf of the union. Nearly 50 Seafarers are employed by VTB. They work aboard four state-of-the-art articulated tug-barge units on the Great Lakes, primarily hauling taconite and stone. VTB was founded in 1967. Conveyorman Chris Heffernan said maintaining health care coverage and securing yearly wage increases for the first three years are the contract’s highlights. OS Joshua Childers said he values the boost to the SMPPP “and how every year, there will be pay raises. This was a good step forward, working towards what everybody wants.” Powell stated,“This agreement provides a robust wage package and various other enhancements for our members working for VTB. It is a fair and reasonable package both for the members and company, which is always the goal.” SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (left in photo directly above) meets with Cook Mark Quinney, AB Jonathan Slanga, OS Darrin McMillan, OS Alphonso Davis and OS Joshua Childers aboard the Dirk VanEnkevort in Toledo, Ohio. Pictured from left aboard the Clyde VanEnkevort in Toledo, Ohio in photo at immediate right are SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert, Watchman Gerald Johnson, Conveyorman Chris Heffernan, OS Adam VonRiedel and AB/Delegate Anthony Cronk. The SIU-crewed Laura L. VanEnkevort is shown in the photo at top right. 4 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 4 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Biden Administration Mandates U.S. Materials for Infrastructure Projects The White House has issued new guidance, requiring that the materials purchased for projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) be produced domestically. The stated goal is to ensure that federal dollars spent on infrastructure projects support U.S. manufacturing and stimulate the domestic economy. As highlighted by this latest guidance, the bipartisan infrastructure package contained a requirement that, starting on May 14, “none of the funds” allocated to federal agencies for projects may be spent “unless all of the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in the project are produced in the United States.” “From day one, every action I’ve taken to rebuild our economy has been guided by one principle: Made in America,” President Joe Biden said in an April 14 speech in Greensboro, North Carolina. “It takes a federal government that doesn’t just give lip service to buying American but actually takes action.” “There are going to be additional opportunities for good jobs in the manufacturing sector,” said Celeste Drake, director of Made in America at the White House Office of Management and Budget. Biden said he looks to reduce reliance on foreign materials, create American jobs and ease supply chain concerns. United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway said in a statement, “President Joe Biden’s interim Build America, Buy America guidance will ensure that publicly funded infrastructure projects help to rebuild the nation’s manufacturing base, strengthen supply chains and support good-paying jobs for U.S. workers…. America’s workers stand ready not only to build new transportation systems, communications networks and other infrastructure through the IIJA, but to supply the raw materials, parts and components needed for all of those projects. These workers lead the world in responsible production practices, and they’ll deliver unparalleled quality, ensuring new roads, bridges and other improvements stand the test of time. The USW looks forward to working with President Biden and his administration to finalize the Build America, Buy America guidance and unlock the full power of the IIJA.” The guidance includes three conditions that must be met for the requirement to be waived: if the purchase “would be inconsistent with the public interest”; if the needed materials aren’t produced “in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality”; or if U.S. materials increase a project’s cost by more than 25%. President Biden speaks in mid-April in North Carolina, underscoring his commitment to maintaining U.S. jobs. (Image courtesy White House Twitter account) VP Emphasizes ‘Historic Commitment To Worker Organizing and Empowerment’ The Biden administration will continue working to be known not merely as pro-worker, but as the most pro-union administration in U.S. history. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered that message April 12 during a gathering at a Sheet Metal Workers facility in Philadelphia. Attendees included U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh; U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania); U.S. Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania); U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pennsylvania); Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D); Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (D); and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, who traveled with the vice president. Harris described Shuler as a friend and “a fighter. She goes to work every day for the working people of our nation, and she is an essential partner to our administration.” The vice president’s speech was titled, “The Administration’s Historic Commitment to Worker Organizing and Empowerment.” She detailed many of the steps that demonstrate the commitment, including cross-country travel with Walsh for visits to “job sites and training facilities and union halls.” After mentioning Walsh’s long background in organized labor (including growing up in a union household), Harris said that although their respective histories differ, they have much in common. “My parents met while they were marching for civil rights,” Harris stated. “They taught me that people can make a difference and that when we use our collective voice, whether at a protest or a picket line, we can drive great change. And that belief in the power of solidarity has guided me, [Walsh], and all of us our entire lives. And it guides our administration. “President Joe Biden and I are determined to lead the most pro-union administration in America’s history,” she continued. “We know, each and every day in ways big and small, unions change lives. Unions negotiate better wages and safer working conditions for millions of workers around our country.” Harris also pointed out, “Even if you are not a member of a union, you (should) thank unions for every June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 5 benefit that you receive. Thank unions for the five-day workweek, for the weekend, for sick leave. We should all – anyone who works in America – know that you have benefited from the hard work, from the fight of the leaders in this movement. Our labor leaders, our unions train people to take on good jobs.” However, unions contribute more to society than just a skilled workforce, she said. The labor movement and the good jobs it helps create and maintain “provides community. It provides home. It provides a place that remembers that nobody should be made to fight alone. Vice President Kamala Harris tells a Philadelphia audience that the administration remains solidly committed to workers and the labor movement. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers) It is so fundamental in terms of the approach, which says that we all know we are stronger when we stand together. That is at the heart of the spirit behind this movement.” She continued, “Unions create stronger communities. They bring people together. And they, of course, protect workers from things like harassment and discrimination. They give workers a voice. Put simply, unions move our nation forward. And the American people know it. The American people know that when unions win, workers win, families win, communities win. When unions win, America wins, as evidenced by the fact that, today, unions have their highest approval rating since 1965.” Despite the favorable views of unions, it often remains an uphill climb to join one. The vice president said that’s because, in part, “powerful forces in our country have been hard at work building barriers to stop workers from organizing. We’ve got to then take it on with a powerful counterforce, which is why our administration is working even harder to tear those barriers down.” She discussed the work of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, which she and Walsh lead. “Last year, our task force proposed nearly 70 actions the executive branch of our government can take to protect and expand the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain,” Harris stated. “Our President, Joe Biden, accepted every single one.” Harris explained that the bipartisan infrastructure bill that recently became law “will put thousands of union workers, carpenters, and pipefitters, and plumbers, and, yes, sheet metal workers, to work across the country.” She concluded, “Every worker deserves a safe and a healthy workplace. Every worker deserves a job with good wages and fair benefits. Every worker in America deserves the choice to join a union. And the President and I will always stand with you to defend these sacred principles. Our administration will do everything in our power to ensure the workers of our nation can succeed and can thrive. Because when workers succeed and thrive, so does our nation.” Seafarers LOG 5 5/20/22 8:43 PM �AFL-CIO Posts Annual ‘Death on the Job’ Report The AFL-CIO on April 26 released its 31st annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” a national and state-bystate profile of worker safety and health. The report features information on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses, as well as workplace safety inspections, penalties, funding, staffing and public employee coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. It also includes information on the state of mine safety and health, and the state of worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a video press conference which highlighted the report’s release, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler outlined the findings of this year’s narrative and stressed the federation’s commitment to worker safety. She also expresses urgency in holding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Congress and employers everywhere accountable for stronger safety measures. Joining Shuler were AFL-CIO Safety and Health Director Rebecca Reindel; M.J. Burke, first executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees National VA Council; and Isaiah Thomas, an Amazon warehouse worker in Bessemer, Alabama. Among other disturbing findings, this year’s report reveals that in 2020: n 340 working people died every day because of hazardous working conditions. n More than 4,764 workers were killed on the job from injuries alone. n An estimated 120,000 workers died from occupational diseases. n The job fatality rate was 3.4 per 100,000 workers. n Latino and Black workers remain at greater risk of dying on the job than all workers. n Employers reported nearly 3.2 million work-related injuries and illnesses. n Musculoskeletal disorders continue to make up the largest portion (21%) of work-related injuries and illnesses. n Underreporting is widespread—the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is estimated at 5.4 million to 8.1 million each year. “That’s tens of thousands of families losing a parent, a child, a sibling, every single year,” said Shuler. “Latino and Black workers specifically remain at greater risk of dying on the job than all workers. That is, frankly, unacceptable.” Despite these disturbing findings, OSHA still does not have the resources needed to hold employers accountable and enact lasting change, the federation reported. “Workers need more job safety and health protections, not less,” the AFL-CIO said when announcing the report. “Last year, there were only 1,719 OSHA inspectors nationwide, 755 on the federal level and 965 on the state level. That’s just one inspector for every 81,427 workers. Federal OSHA’s budget amounts to $4.37 to protect each worker, with no federal standards for protections against workplace violence and COVID-19.” Reindel emphasized how the AFL-CIO is calling on both OSHA and MSHA to enact stronger job safety and health protections, for Congress to increase resources for job safety agencies, and for workers to have a real voice on safety and health in our workplaces without the fear of retaliation or intimidation. “Having regulations is important,” said Burke during the call. “COVID-19 and the pandemic disproportionately impact minorities and Latinos, as well as women who are about to give birth. It’s so important as we hear the voices of workers across America. I can tell you why I joined a union: It’s about the safety and security of each other.” “Amazon loves to brag about how they have a safe work environment, and if there are any issues, the workers can bring them up to management,” said Thomas. “However, we do not work in a safe work en- vironment, and every time we bring these issues up to management, we are not heard, which is why we’re fighting so hard for our union at Amazon.” The OSH Act went into effect some 51 years ago, promising every worker the right to a safe job. More than 647,000 workers now can say their lives have been saved since the passage of the OSH Act, the AFL-CIO reported. Since that time, workplace safety and health conditions have improved, the federation added. “But too many workers remain at serious risk of injury, illness or death as chemical plant explosions, major fires, construction collapses, infectious disease outbreaks, workplace assaults and other preventable workplace tragedies continue to occur,” the AFL-CIO stated. “Workplace hazards kill and disable approximately 125,000 workers each year – 4,764 from traumatic injuries, and an estimated 120,000 from occupational diseases. Job injury and illness numbers continue to be severe undercounts of the real problem. “Over the years, our progress has become more challenging as employers’ opposition to workers’ rights and protections has grown, and attacks on unions have intensified,” the federation continued. “Big Business and many conservative politicians have launched aggressive assaults on worker protections. They are attempting to shift employers’ responsibility to maintain a safe workplace to individual worker behavior, and undermine the core responsibilities of workplace safety agencies.” The federation also reported that the prior administration in Washington “rolled back progress, attacking longstanding workplace safety protections – targeting job safety rules on beryllium, mine safety examinations and injury reporting, and cutting agency budgets and staff – and attempted to dismantle the systems for future protections.” In the fall of 2019, OSHA began reducing the number of inspections involving significant cases and complex health hazards, a policy that is still in place today. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA was largely absent from workplaces where it has the authority and responsibility to enforce workplace safety laws, according to the federation. While the number of inspectors and inspections have improved in FY 2021, “there is much more progress to be made to meet or exceed prepandemic levels,” the AFL-CIO noted. “The COVID-19 pandemic also brought to light the weaknesses in federal oversight of state OSHA plans. Congress continues to fund job safety at stagnant levels, allowing an OSHA budget that still only amounts to $4.37 to protect each worker covered by the OSH Act.” The federation concluded, “While progress is slow, the Biden administration has taken important steps to protect workers, prioritizing worker protections on its regulatory agenda, taking steps on targeted enforcement efforts on urgent hazards, and filling staff and leadership vacancies. It also launched broad efforts on worker empowerment and targeting workplace inequities. President Joe Biden has appointed and nominated strong candidates focused on worker protection to lead job safety and health agencies and labor agencies. Immediately upon taking office, he appointed a longtime United Steelworkers (USW) safety and health leader, James Frederick, as acting assistant secretary for occupational safety and health. In April 2021, the Senate confirmed Marty Walsh, the Boston mayor from the construction trades unions, as secretary of labor. In April 2021, Biden nominated Doug Parker to be assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health – the head of OSHA – and he was confirmed Oct. 25, 2021.” The “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect” report may be viewed in its entirety at aflcio.org/reports/death-job-tollneglect-2022 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) in late April announced the availability of an additional $14.8 million in funding, for a total of $39.8 million, for the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP). In March, MARAD announced the availability of nearly $25 million in grant funding for the AMHP through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The FY 2022 Appropriations Act made an additional $14.8 million available for the AMHP. According to the agency, “The America’s Marine Highway Program supports the increased use of the nation’s navigable waterways to relieve landside congestion, provide new and efficient transportation options, and increase the productivity of the surface transportation system. By working closely with public and private organizations, the AMHP helps create and sustain American jobs in U.S. ports, on vessels, and at shipyards, while also improving our supply chains.” “Under the president’s leadership, we are making a once-in-a-generation investment in our ports and intermodal infrastructure to move goods faster, strengthen supply chain resiliency, and reduce the climate impacts of port operations,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. In announcing the additional funding, MARAD also reported, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails; upgrade and expand public transit; modernize the nation’s ports and airports; improve safety; help tackle the climate crisis; advance environmental justice; and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. It will drive the creation of good-paying jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably to help everyone get ahead for decades to come.” Coast Guard Foundation Marine Highway Program $14.8 Million Boost Recognizes Seabulk CEO Gets Raises Available Grant Funding to nearly $40 Million A top executive from an SIU-contracted company recently received accolades from the U.S. Coast Guard. On April 22, the Coast Guard Federation conducted its 26th Tribute to the United States Coast Guard Seventh District, which honors personnel from the agency and members of the general maritime community who have contributed to the success of the Coast Guard’s mission. Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO of Seabulk (left), is pictured with Crowley Chief Operating Officer Ray Fitzgerald. (Photo courtesy Coast Guard Foundation) 6 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 6 The night’s main honoree was Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO of Seabulk, for his support of the men and women of the Coast Guard throughout his career, which spans more than 30 years. In attendance from the SIU were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President of Contracts and Contract Enforcement George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, and Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen. During his remarks, Thorogood told a story about how Coast Guard-operated landing craft supported U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater of World War II, ultimately leading to the release of his grandparents, who had been taken captive by Japanese forces from a diplomatic posting. Keynote speaker Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz thanked the foundation and those in attendance for their support, and was met with a standing ovation. Schultz was set to retire from the Coast Guard in June after 39 years of service. Also recognized were Coast Guard and industry efforts to safely evacuate 250,000 cruise ship passengers at the start of the pandemic, as well as the work of a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater that rescued four people after extreme weather capsized their vessel 30 miles west of Cedar Key in June 2021. June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Former Transportation Sec. Mineta Passes Away at 90 Partnership to Boost Diversity The SIU is proud to partner with the Louisiana-based “Open Waters” project, which aims to attract people to employment opportunities in the domestic maritime industry – and in particular, works to increase diversity within the industry. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left) is pictured at a recent meeting with other Open Waters personnel. From left are Captain Michael Bopp, president, Crescent River Port Pilots Association; Westbrook; Captain Roy Vance of the Crescent River Port Pilots Association; Captain Louis Wattigney, Jr., vice president, New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association; and Captain Lee Jackson of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association. For more info about Open Waters, visit: https://openwaterslouisiana.com/ The SIU joins the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of Norman Y. Mineta, who died May 3 at the age of 90. Mineta, serving as U.S. Secretary of Transportation during the George W. Bush administration, addressed SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meetings in 2004, 2005 and 2006. “Secretary Mineta was someone our industry could count on,” recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. “He always stood with us while serving in the Cabinet and the Congress.” The California native served 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented San Jose and nearby California cities. He rose to chair the House Transportation Committee before leaving Congress in 1995. In 2000, President Clinton nominated him to be Commerce Secretary. Upon confirmation, he became the first Asian-American to serve in the Cabinet. In 2001, President Bush asked Mineta to stay in the Cabinet as the Transportation Secretary. He held the post into 2006. Mineta never forgot being uprooted as a 10-year-old from his California home to spend 18 months with his family in a Wyoming internment camp created immediately after Japan attacked Secretary Mineta addresses a 2005 Maritime Trades Department meeting. Pearl Harbor in December 1941 to bring the United States into World War II. He championed civil liberties and worked hard to gain an official apology for those Japanese Americans from the federal government, which happened in 1988. Spotlight on Mariner Health Strokes: Know the Signs, Take Preventive Steps Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke every year. During the past few years, strokes were the second-leading cause of mortality around the world, accounting for 11% of all deaths. There are three main types of strokes. The first (and most common) accounts for approximately 87 percent of all cases. This is the ischemic stroke. It happens when blood flow through the arteries in the brain become blocked and there is a decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the area below the blockage. The second type of stroke is the hemorrhagic stroke. This is caused by a rupture in an artery in the brain, which in turn causes damage to surrounding tissues. The third type is the transient ischemic attack, abbreviated as TIA. It is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” This happens when blood flow in an artery is temporarily blocked, usually for no longer than a few minutes. Common risk factors for strokes include untreated hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Trauma to the head or neck, and cardiac arrhythmias are June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 7 also sometimes responsible. Many risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes. For instance, exercising regularly and adopting a healthful diet can decrease chances of having a stroke. Managing diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, limiting alcohol intake, and losing weight also may help. It may be useful to be aware of stroke symptoms. For example, the face may droop to one side, and/or a person’s smile may be uneven. The face may become numb. Other symptoms can include arm weakness, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, and headache. Strokes can occur at any age but are most common in people ages 55 and older. Getting prompt medical treatment is imperative to decrease the damage done by a blocked artery. Treatment may include blood thinners (to dissolve a clot) and other medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, “A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications…. Effective treatments can also help prevent disability from stroke.” The CDC reported that stroke-related costs in the United States “came to nearly $53 billion between 2017 and 2018. This total includes the cost of health care services, medicines to treat stroke, and missed days of work.” Healthy Recipe Baked Salmon w/Everything Bagel Seasoning Servings: 24 Ingredients 9 pounds salmon fillet, cut into 5oz. portions 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons poppy seeds 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons dried garlic, minced 1 tablespoon dried onion, minced 1 tablespoon sea salt Preparation Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, combine dehydrated garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, caraway seeds and fennel seeds and stir to combine. Generously sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper and press skinless side into the “everything” seasoning mixture to coat. Heat oil in a large oven-safe heavy pan over medium-high heat. Flip. Add salmon seed-side down and sear 3-4 minutes. Flip salmon. Transfer pan with everything salmon into oven and cook 6-8 minutes, until fish is fully cooked. Serve hot, Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 214 Calories; 7g Fat (32.8% calories from fat); 34g Protein: Trace Carbohydrate; Trace Dietary Fiber; 89mg Cholesterol; 349mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship Seafarers LOG 7 5/20/22 8:11 PM �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. The Plan will now accept money orders as payment for the COBRA premium. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www. seafarers.org, under “Benefits-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 800252-4674. Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2021 2020 January 1, 2021 January 1, 2020 151.6% 145.9% $1,926,792,688 $1,760,929,899 $1,270,798,767 $1,207,119,802 2019 January 1, 2019 131.9% $1,547,219,772 $1,172,841,327 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2021 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. December 31, 2021 Fair Market Value of Assets $2,130,000,000 December 31, 2020 $1,926,792,688 December 31, 2019 $1,760,929,899 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2022, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,197. Of this number, 7,312 were current employees, 6,785 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,100 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. 8 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 8 The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 0 2. U.S. Government securities 9 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 11 b. All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 0 b. Common 26 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 5 6 Real estate (other than employer real property) 1 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 35 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 13 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 0 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at (301) 899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 8990675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2022 5/23/22 4:16 PM �Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 941431246, for the year ended July 31, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $2,150,712 as of July 31, 2021, compared to $1,683,441 as of August 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $467,271. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $15,001,476, including employer contributions of $14,992,140, realized losses of $10,980 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $17,510 and other income of $2,806. Plan expenses were $14,534,205. These expenses included $400,876 in administrative expenses and $14,133,329 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, EIN 942430964, for the year ended June 30, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $83,495 as of June 30, 2021 compared to $45,678 as of July 1, 2020. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $37,817. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $700,148, including employer contributions of $695,826, earnings from investments of $42 and other income of $4,280. Plan expenses were $662,331. These expenses included $238,822 in administrative expenses and $423,509 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, No. 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice MCS Supplementary Pension Fund Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2021 January 1, 2021 310.30% $6,449,649 $2,078,497 2020 January 1, 2020 302.33% $6,405,877 $2,118,801 2019 January 1, 2019 314.91% $6,561,949 $2,083,726 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2021 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 $6,990,835 $6,801,674 December 31, 2019 $6,700,794 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 708. Of this number, 305 were current employees, 274 were retired and receiving benefits, and 129 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 9 Percentage 0 8 9 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 50 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2022, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single- employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 301-899-0675. Seafarers LOG 9 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Important News Notices, Maritime Notes for All Seafarers Renewing Tanker Asst. Endorsements: What Seafarers Should Know In an effort to assist in combatting the delays at the National Maritime Center (NMC) for renewing Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC), the Vocational Office of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has identified a frequent issue that causes applications to be delayed. If a mariner is renewing their MMC and holds endorsement(s) for Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG, they must meet the sea service requirement for renewal. To do this, one must show proof of 90 days of seatime, on a DL or LG tanker, within the past five years, to maintain the endorsement, OR a new course completion certificate. If the mariner does not have either the qualifying seatime or the course certificate, they must request in writing to renew without the Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG endorsements. This can be done by writing a statement on the USCG CG-719B MMC application form under Section II, in the “Description of Endorsement(s) Desired” box, or by attaching a separate written statement requesting to renew the MMC without Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG along with any international tanker endorsements. If the mariner does not provide this information, the renewal application will be delayed and an “Awaiting Information” letter will be mailed requesting it. The mariner then will need to provide the necessary information in the allotted time, as the application will not move through processing until it has been received. For more information, visit: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/ Coast Guard: Shipboard Mask Mandate No Longer in Effect Following a court ruling in mid-April, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the elimination of shipboard mask mandates for U.S.-flag vessels (and for some other modes of transportation). The agency on April 19 posted an update to its “Marine Safety Information Bulletin: COVID-19 Safety Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System.” In part, that update reads, “On April 18, 2022, the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, vacated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate for mask wear in airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs as well as on airplanes, buses, trains, and most other public conveyances in the United States, including vessels. Per this ruling, the CDC has declared that the mandate is no longer in effect. Federal agencies are reviewing the court’s decision. In the interim the Coast Guard will not enforce the directives requiring mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.” The complete update and several related links are available in an April 20 news post Postdating of Merchant Mariner Credentials The recently published rule titled “Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, and Changes to National Endorsements” (78 FR 77796) authorizes the Coast Guard to postdate a Merchant Mariner Credential 10 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 10 Notice to Seafarers About ROS Seatime The union has learned that the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) is denying mariners who have submitted ROS time for renewal of Basic Training (BT). For the purpose of the recency requirement, ROS seatime counts day for day for renewal of BT, Advance Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Craft (PSC), and Fast Rescue Boat (FRB). If you have received a denial letter for this issue, you should immediately email iasknmc@uscg.mil with the subject line “elevate to supervisor” and request reconsideration of ROS seatime not being counted day for day. Both the union and our affiliated school in Piney Point are in contact with NMC personnel regarding this situation. New Service Offers Convenient Method to Show Vaccination Status The SIU has partnered with WellCheck to bring members a new way of keeping proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the ready, on mobile devices. By using the WellCheck app, SIU members can upload their vaccine cards using their smartphone, where the information listed will be verified by state medical databases. Once verified, the information can be stored digitally on the member’s mobile device, as well as uploaded to their online SIU member portal (the latter will happen automatically). Once a member’s vaccine records are verified by the state medical database, their proof of vaccination through the WellCheck app can be used at both foreign ports of entry as well as various events and gatherings which require a verified record. All members are strongly encouraged to upload their vaccine cards through the WellCheck app, even if they have previously submitted their information. Additionally, when a member receives a COVID-19 booster shot, they are encouraged to upload their updated vaccine card through WellCheck. Members can also save their verified vaccine information to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on their mobile devices, to ensure they have ready access even if they lose internet connectivity. This is an added service being provided to the membership at no cost, and is not mandatory. To get started, see the May 17 post on the SIU website or visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdz48avh Seafarers Are Encouraged To Renew Documents Early Editor’s note: Due to the turnaround times for merchant mariner credential (MMC) renewals, Seafarers are encouraged to start the process up to eight months before their respective documents expire. Starting the process early will not shorten the “life” of the original document. This is due to a postdating option that the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center began offering in 2014. Parts of the original notice (which is still in effect) explaining the postdating procedures and related benefits follow. on the SIU website. The agency further pointed out, “Questions concerning this notice may be forwarded to Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, at wearamask@uscg.mil.” Previously, the Coast Guard reported, “The CDC mask order applies to all persons traveling on commercial maritime conveyances into, within, or out of the United States and to all persons at U.S. seaports. The term commercial maritime conveyance means all forms of commercial maritime vessels, including but not limited to cargo ships, fishing vessels, research vessels, selfpropelled barges, and all forms of passenger carrying vessels including ferries, river cruise ships, and those chartered for fishing trips, unless otherwise exempted.” (MMC) up to 8 months…. The implementation plan for postdating MMCs and the impact on the current delayed issuance process are listed below. Postdating: n Postdating of an MMC is defined as placing an issue date on the MMC that is in the future. n Postdating of MMCs will only apply to applications for renewal of a credential where no other credential activity is requested or results from the transaction. n Except upon receipt of written request documenting the need for immediate issuance, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will automatically postdate credentials with the appropriate future date. n The issue date of the MMC will be the day following the date of expiration of the current MMC, but no more than 8 months in the future. The expiration date and period of validity of the credential will be 5 years from This is the first screen that will greet Seafarers when signing up with WellCheck. the date of issuance. n If the expiration date of the mariner’s current credential is beyond 8 months from the date that the Coast Guard accepts a complete application, the new credential issue date will be 8 months from the date of application acceptance, at which time the current active credential will become invalid. n Any transactions initiated after a postdated MMC has been approved and mailed will result in endorsement labels being printed and mailed for both the mariner’s active MMC and the postdated MMC. Mariners must ensure that the endorsement labels are properly placed in the appropriate MMC. n The new credential will not be valid until the issue date listed on the new MMC. Mariners must continue to carry their current credential until that date. n In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mariners are required to return expired or otherwise invalid credentials to the NMC. When the current credential expires, it should be mailed to the NMC. n It is the responsibility of the mariner to maintain control of the postdated credential. If a credential is lost, mariners must follow the procedures to apply for a duplicate, found in 46 CFR Part 10.231. Mariners and other providers should contact the Customer Service Center at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or 1-888IASKNMC (427-5662) with any questions or feedback. This code will open the NMC landing page for credential applications and renewals. Scroll down and look for the “Renewal” tab. For desktop access, go to https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_ mariner_credential/ The “Renewal” tab on the desktop version is on the right side, approximately halfway down the landing page. June 2022 5/23/22 3:37 PM �MEETING WITH PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (right) and Patrolman Adam Bucalo (left) chat with Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried during a labor-sponsored “meet and greet” at an IBEW hall. Fried is running for governor of Florida. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – OSM Carlos Velasquez (left) receives his full B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman (photo at immediate left) and AB Desmond Unutoa (directly above) display mahi-mahi they caught in Hawaii, while AB John Escobar (photo at far left) puts the finishing touches on his new artwork aboard the SubCom vessel. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – In-person career fairs are becoming more common as COVID-19 restrictions ease throughout much of the nation. In photo at right, SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson (right) and Patrolman James Bast man the SIU table at a recruiting event in Brooklyn, New York. In the photo above, SIU Houston Patrolmen Kelly Krick (right) and Clay Casteel (second from right) chat with students at a “Career Day” event hosted by Aransas Pass High School. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 5/20/22 8:11 PM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH CIVMARS ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo and SIU Government Services Division Representative Jesse Ruth recently met with federal mariners in San Diego. They also helped conduct habitability inspections on two new builds at General Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard. The photo at left was taken at NASSCO; Vincenzo is second from right, while Ruth is at left. The other two individuals are from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The large group photo below was taken aboard the USNS Miguel Keith, while the remaining shapshot above includes new and longtime CIVMARS waiting at a local hotel for vessel assignments. ABOARD ARC COMMITMENT – Many thanks to Bosun Anthony Newbill (below left) for these recent photos from one of the newer additions to the SIU-crewed fleet. “It’s a very nice and clean ship with an around-the-world trip,” the bosun noted. “The crew aboard the vessel has seemed very happy with the size of the rooms and the Wi-Fi.” The Commitment is operated by TOTE Services for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier. Oiler Seth Schrader Oiler John Albritton 12 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 12 AB Yassid Lalin Steward/Baker Reshawn Solomon SA Samone Alston, Chief Cook Ricardo Petilo June 2022 5/23/22 4:16 PM �NEW DUTIES IN OAKLAND – SIU Patrolman Antjuan Webb (left), who sailed as a recertified bosun, shipped out his first member in early April: Recertified Steward Robert Bostick. REMEMBERING BROTHER BROYLES – Aboard Matson’s Mahimahi, vessel master Capt. Leonard Lambert (left) presents SIU Patrolman Antjuan Webb with the paperwork and flag from Recertified Steward Greg Broyles’ burial at sea. (The paperwork is illegible in the photo only because of lighting.) Brother Broyles shipped out of Oakland and sailed with the SIU since 1989. He passed away in December, at age 58, after a courageous battle with cancer. His last ship was the Mahimahi. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CONNECTING IN ATLANTIC – The SIU-crewed tanker Maersk Peary (right) and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (left), whose crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division, meet April 21 in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the U.S. Navy, they conducted “the first two-station consolidated cargo replenishment at sea (CONSOL). CONSOL capability is when a specially outfitted commercial tanker charted by Military Sealift Command conducts underway refueling operations, transferring cargo to a fleet oiler at sea.” (U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Mate Daniel Hall) WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Recertified Bosun Gregory Agren (left) is pictured at the hiring hall as he receives his first pension check (SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right). Agren started sailing with the SIU in 1987. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 13 FIRST TRIP COMPLETE – SA Maximo Bencosme (right) is pictured at the San Juan hall with his wife, Vivian, after completing his first voyage as a Seafarer (aboard the Crowley-operated USNS Able). WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY – QMED James Sieger (left), who began sailing with the SIU in 1973, displays his first pension check at the hiring hall hall. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right. SPRUCING UP HOUSTON HALL – Bosun Sergio Gonzalez volunteers some time and elbow grease in early April in the Lone Star State. Seafarers LOG 13 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Everyday savings just for you Looking for new ways to save? Union Plus makes everyday life more affordable with wireless savings, cash back shopping, discounts at restaurants and on movie tickets and live events, and much more. Wireless Savings Cash Back Shopping Restaurant Discounts Movie Tickets & Live Events Exclusive discounts for union families See more at unionplus.org 6/22 14 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 14 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �State Dept. Offers Passport Reminder Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of State issued this notice earlier in the year. It’s also available on the SIU website. Updated Notice to Mariners With International Voyages Effective February 18, 2022 To better serve mariners during this time we are updating our temporary provisions for passport renewals. These provisions are subject to change once operations are on a more normal footing. Qualifications n Be a credentialed merchant mariner; n Be eligible to apply on a DS-82 application for passport renewal. (Check eligibility at https://travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/ have-passport/renew.html); and n Have a current passport that is expired or expiring in 7 months or less. Application and Mailing Instructions Applicants must submit the following: n DS-82 application completed, signed, and dated. Please use the online form filler tool to fill out and print your form: https://pptform.state.gov. This tool produces a barcode to help us process your application faster; n Passport photograph taken within the past six months; n Current passport; n Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front and back. n A check or money order in the amount of $208.32 made payable to U.S. Department of State if applying for a passport book only. If applying for both the passport book and card, the total fee is $238.32. This amount includes the passport fee, expedite fee, and 1-2 day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please visit travel.state.gov). n Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union. The supervisor letter should include the following details: n Applicant’s full name; n Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union representative; n Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature; and n Date the letter was issued. Applications must be sent by traceable overnight delivery service to: El Paso Passport Agency (PPT/ EP) 44132 Mercure Circile, PO Box 1073, Sterling, VA 20166-1073. Attn: Mariner Program Service Expectations Completed passports will be mailed using a 1-2 day delivery ser- vice. Please be sure the application includes a physical U.S. mailing address and not a P.O. Box. Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be completed and sent out by Friday of the same week. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 12 - May 13. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 13. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C Requesting a Second Passport Mariners may wish to apply for a second limited validity passport (4 years). Second passports provide greater flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas when traveling domestically and overseas. For more information, please see: travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/ have-passport/second-passport-book. html. Following are the two options for applying for a second passport. Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport To apply for a second passport, applicants must also include: n A second DS-82 application (with photograph) completed, signed, and dated; n Signed statement describing the need for a second passport. (This is required in addition to the company letter authorizing use of these special procedures); and n Include payment for both applications in a single check totaling $416.64 ($208.32 per application). Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current Valid Passport If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying for their second passport, they can apply at a passport acceptance facility using a DS-11 form. They can expect to receive the second passport within the expedited timeframe posted at travel.state.gov. To apply at a passport acceptance facility, applicants need: n Completed (not signed) DS-11 application; n Passport photograph; n Photocopy of their 10-year passport data page; n Signed statement of need for a second passport as outlined on our website; n Payment of $208.32 to the U.S. Department of State, which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional $18.32 for 1-2-day return delivery; and n Additional payment of $35 to the passport acceptance facility to execute the application. To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility, see iafdb.travel.state. gov. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point..............................Monday: June 6, *Tuesday : July 5 Algonac...........................................Friday: June 10, July 8 Baltimore..........................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Guam...............................................Thursday: June 23, July 21 Honolulu................................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Houston..............................................Monday: June 13, July 11 Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Joliet..............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: June 14, July 12 Jersey City............................................Tuesday: June 7, July 5 Norfolk..................................................Friday: June 10, July 8 Oakland..............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Philadelphia....................................Wednesday: June 8 , July 6 Port Everglades.................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 San Juan..............................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 St. Louis...................................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Tacoma..................................................Friday: June 24, July 22 Wilmington......................... *Tuesday : June 21, Monday: July 18 * Piney Point change in July due to Independence Day observance * Wilmington change in June due to Juneteenth observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 15 Seafarers LOG 15 5/23/22 3:37 PM �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 This month’s question was answered by Seafarers who recently served on the annual financial committee. Question: Why did you enter this industry and why have you stuck with it? Richard Toth Chief Steward I got into this industry after being in the restaurant business, back in the mid-1990s. I shipped for seven or eight years and then got back into the restaurant business – went through three or four restaurants, owning, running, consulting. Then I decided the place for me is back at sea, with this wonderful union we have. Gerard Costello Recertified Bosun I basically wanted to be a free man and control my own life. I saw the opportunity when I was very young – other men that did this – and I followed them. It’s been 38 years now. Riley Donahue QMED I always liked travel, and you get plenty of that in this industry. You can make good money, too. It’s just a good lifestyle for me. Cayetano Toledo Chief Steward You can travel around the world for free, and at the same time, you get paid. I’ve been doing this for 26 years and I love it. A number of my family members also are in the SIU. Marilou Toledo Chief Cook You have a chance to travel all over the world, and it’s a goodpaying job. This career has helped me and my family a lot. Exxl Ronquillo Recertified Steward This was the best opportunity for me and my family. You can travel around the world. I’ve always appreciated the SIU since I joined in 1989. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 16 Steward-department Seafarers are pictured aboard the Long Lines in October 1981 in Newark, New Jersey, where the cable ship was prepping for its next job. Overall, the galley gang included 22 people – part of a crew of 120 that was almost evenly split between licensed and unlicensed personnel. Few steward-department names are available in the original captions that accompanied this and other photos from the AT&T ship, but, Chief Cook Ralph Trotman is in front, second from right; Saloon Messman Terrence McArdle is seated at far left in the second row; Saloon Messman Pierre Bailey is seated at far right in the second row; and Third Cook Clarence Lacey is standing second from right in the back row. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MOHAMED ALI Brother Mohamed Ali, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1993. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in all three departments. Brother Ali upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the USNS Red Cloud and lives in Oakland, California. FELICISIMO BALORAN Brother Felicisimo Baloran, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He shipped in the steward department, most recently aboard the Maunalei. Brother Baloran is a Honolulu resident. RICHARD BARNHART Brother Richard Barnhart, 62, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he sailed on the Flickertail State. He upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school and shipped in the deck department. Brother Barnhart’s final vessel was the Horizon Enterprise. He resides in Murrieta, California. KERMIT BENGTSON Brother Kermit Bengtson, 67, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1999. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bengtson’s first vessel was the Long Lines; his last, the Comet. He lives in Wells, Nevada. RAMON DURAN Brother Ramon Duran, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1992, initially sailing on the Independence. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1997. Brother Duran last shipped on the Horizon June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 17 Pacific and makes his home in Stockton, California. CARLITO EPISIOCO Brother Carlito Episioco, 65, signed on with the union in 1988, initially shipping with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Episioco last shipped aboard the APL Thailand. He is a Las Vegas resident. REGINALD GREEN Brother Reginald Green, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978 when he worked for Southern Ohio Towing. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1985. Brother Green’s final vessel was the Ambassador. He lives in Tampa, Florida. JAIME GUERRERO partment. Sister Rogers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She most recently sailed aboard the Ohio and calls Clarksville, Tennessee, home. Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Currence remained with the same company for his entire career. He resides in Gulf Breeze, Florida. JOHN SCHAFER JOHN FIGGINS Brother John Schafer, 57, donned the SIU colors in 1993 when he shipped on the Gemini. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Schafer’s final vessel was the Indiana Harbor. He lives in Blackduck, Minnesota. Brother John Figgins, 64, signed on with the union in 2007, initially sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. Brother Figgins was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and settled in Montpelier, Ohio. JOSEPHUS WILLIS Brother Josephus Willis, 61, began sailing with the union in 1999. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Willis’ first vessel was the USNS Pollux; his last, the Cape Race. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. GREAT LAKES STEVEN MCDONALD Brother Jaime Guerrero, 66, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Fredericksburg. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Guerrero most recently shipped on the Maersk Detroit and resides in Selma, North Carolina. Brother Steven McDonald, 62, joined the union in 1993 and first sailed with Upper Lakes Barge Lines. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1995. Brother McDonald remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in Escanaba, Michigan. PERRY McCALL JUAN SANCHEZ Brother Perry McCall, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1982 when he sailed on the Cove Leader. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother McCall concluded his career on the Cape Orlando and settled in Modesto, California. Brother Juan Sanchez, 65, started sailing with the union in 1974, initially shipping on the J.T. Hutchinson. A deck department member, Brother Sanchez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career working with Great Lakes Towing and lives in Cape Coral, Florida. SHIRLEY ROGERS Sister Shirley Rogers, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2016. She initially sailed aboard the Edward A. Carter, Jr. and worked in the steward de- INLAND STEVEN CURRENCE Brother Steven Currence, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989 when he shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney RUSSELL FURTNEY Brother Russell Furtney, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2013. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Furtney worked with Foss Maritime for the duration of his career. He lives in Seattle. THOMAS MERCER Brother Thomas Mercer, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1996. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mercer was employed by Allied Transportation for his entire career. He resides in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. JOSE GONZALEZ-MORALES ANTHONY RINKUS Brother Anthony Rinkus, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1990 and first shipped aboard the George Washington. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001 and worked for Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Rinkus resides in Chalmette, Louisiana. STEPHEN THALHEIMER Brother Stephen Thalheimer, 62, signed on with the union in 1992. A deck department member, he was employed by Moran Towing of Maryland for his entire career. Brother Thalheimer settled in Dover, Delaware. ROBERT VAN BLUNK Brother Robert Van Blunk, 63, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed with Mariner Towing. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school within a year after joining the union. Brother Van Blunk was last employed by McAllister Towing and is a Philadelphia resident. JAMES WILKISON Brother James Wilkison, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2004. He sailed in the deck department and worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Wilkison resides in Houston. NMU Brother Jose Gonzalez-Morales, 66, signed on with the union in 1976 when he worked with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Gonzalez-Morales continued working for the same company for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Miami. MIECZYSLAW PEKALSKI DANIEL MORRIS Sister Raymona Pohlman, 65, became a member of the SIU in 2001. She sailed with the NMU prior to the SIU/ NMU merger. Sister Pohlman was a member of the steward department and concluded her career on the Chelsea. She makes her home in Arcade, New York. Brother Daniel Morris, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1986. A deck department member, he was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. Brother Morris is a resident of Laurel Fork, Virginia. Brother Mieczyslaw Pekalski, 65, donned the SIU colors during the 2001 SIU/NMU Merger. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Pekalski last sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise. He resides in Poland. RAYMONA POHLMAN Seafarers LOG 17 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA NGOC ALLEN Pensioner Ngoc Allen, 70, passed away February 15. She joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988 and first shipped on the Bonnyman. Sister Allen sailed in the steward department and concluded her career aboard the Ocean Atlas. She became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Robertsdale, Alabama. EDWARD CAIN Pensioner Edward Cain, 81, died April 19. He donned the SIU colors in 1960 when he sailed aboard the Sampan Hitch. Brother Cain was a deck department member and last shipped on the Independence. He retired in 2002 and resided in Grand Bay, Alabama. DOYLE ELLETTE Pensioner Doyle Ellette, 75, passed away April 4. He signed on with the SIU in 1969, initially sailing aboard the Eagle Traveler. Brother Ellette was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Constellation before going on pension in 2011. Brother Ellette lived in Irvington, Alabama. REUBEN FIFE Pensioner Reuben Fife, 74, died March 7. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 1987. Brother Fife’s first vessel was the USNS Silas Bent; his last, the Intrepid. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Thailand. JERRY GONZAGA Pensioner Jerry Gonzaga, 70, passed away March 31. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. The deck department member’s first vessel was the Independence. Brother Gonzaga last shipped on the USNS Wheeler before retiring in 2017. He resided in Omaha, Nebraska. DAVID KNUTSON Pensioner David Knutson, 67, 18 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 18 died March 10. He joined the SIU in 1976, initially shipping on the Saginaw Bay. Brother Knutson was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Red Cloud in 2007. He became a pensioner in 2021 and settled in Medford, Oregon. was the USNS Capella; his last, the Cleveland. Brother Vinca became a pensioner in 2006 and settled in Corpus Christi, Texas. FERDINAND LUGO Pensioner Ferdinand Lugo, 83, passed away March 3. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A deck department member, Brother Lugo first sailed on the Sea Fox. After concluding his career aboard the Alliance Fairfax, he retired in 2015. Brother Lugo made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. JULIAN MENDOZA Pensioner Julian Mendoza, 89, died March 26. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1961, initially sailing with Waterman Steamship. Brother Mendoza sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the Cleveland before becoming a pensioner in 1998. Brother Mendoza called Laredo, Texas, home. LUIS PEREZ COLON Pensioner Luis Perez Colon, 77, passed away April 15. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970; one of his first ships was operated by MooreMcCormack. Brother Perez Colon was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked for Horizon Lines of Puerto Rico before retiring in 2006. Brother Perez Colon lived in Puerto Rico. GILBERTO SERRANO Pensioner Gilberto Serrano, 84, died April 2. He joined the union in 1961 and was a steward department member. Brother Serrano first sailed aboard the Alcoa Pilgrim. He last shipped on the Hawaii and went on pension in 2003. Brother Serrano was a resident of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. MIGUEL VINCA Pensioner Miguel Vinca, 81, passed away March 31. He started sailing with the SIU in 1990. Brother Vinca sailed in the steward department. His first vessel GREAT LAKES JAMES JOHNSON Pensioner James Johnson, 93, died April 14. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1953. Brother Johnson first worked for Michigan Interstate Railway. He was last employed by Michigan Tankers before his retirement in 1975. Brother Johnson lived in Traverse City, Michigan. LYNN MINER Pensioner Lynn Miner, 72, passed away February 25. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed with Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Miner worked in all three departments and last shipped on the Buffalo. He became a pensioner in 2014 and resided in Beulah, Michigan. RICHARD ROWLAND Pensioner Richard Rowland, 73, died March 16. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2004. An engine department member, Brother Rowland first sailed on the Sam Laud. He last shipped on the Burns Harbor and went on pension in 2015. Brother Rowland resided in Hampstead, North Carolina. INLAND ELTON ADAMS Pensioner Elton Adams, 79, passed away March 15. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1963. Brother Adams first worked for Hvide Marine. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Adams became a pensioner in 2005 and made his home in Hemphill, Texas. WAYNE BERRY Pensioner Wayne Berry, 66, died March 28. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1987. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Berry worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2007 and was a Phoenix resident. BERNARD CAIRES Pensioner Bernard Caires, 78, passed away March 8. He joined the SIU in 1981 and first sailed with Gloucester Fisherman’s Fund. Brother Caires was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation and retired in 2009. Brother Caires resided in Cape Canaveral, Florida. STEWART CORRY Pensioner Stewart Corry, 89, died August 15. He began sailing with the SIU in 1962. Brother Corry was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Houston, his birthplace. MICHAEL DOUTHITT Pensioner Michael Douthitt, 74, passed away March 23. He signed on with the union in 1983, initially working with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Douthitt sailed in the deck department. He was last employed by Martin Marietta and went on pension in 2011. Brother Douthitt made his home in Houma, Louisiana. HENRY FOSTER Pensioner Henry Foster, 88, died March 14. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1962 when he worked for R.K. Davis Transportation. Brother Foster was a deck department member. He concluded his career with Express Marine before retiring in 1999. Brother Foster resided in Pinetown, North Carolina. ELWIN LEBOUEF Pensioner Elwin Lebouef, 74, passed away April 3. A steward department member, he joined the Seafarers in 1992. Brother Lebouef first shipped with Dixie Carriers. He most recently worked with Allied Transportation and began collecting his pension in 2014. Brother Lebouef lived in Houma, Louisiana. JERRY MUNSON Pensioner Jerry Munson, 83, died April 2. He donned the SIU colors in 1970, initially sailing with Michigan Tankers. Brother Munson was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Mariner Towing. He became a pensioner in 2000 and settled in Green Bay, Wisconsin. WILLIAM PARKS Pensioner William Parks, 92, passed away February 26. He embarked on his career with the union in 1970 when he worked for Moran Towing of Virginia. Brother Parks sailed in the deck department and was last employed by STC Peggy S. Corporation. He retired in 1991 and lived in Onancock, Virginia. THEOPHLIOUS WALLACE Pensioner Theophlious Wallace, 92, died April 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1970. Brother Wallace was first employed with Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal. He last worked with New York Railroad Company and went on pension in 2001. Brother Wallace went on pension in 2001 and settled in Staten Island, New York. NMU GEORGE BROWN Pensioner George Brown, 78, died March 25. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with SIU. Brother Brown was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Eric G. Gibson before becoming a pensioner in 2008. Brother Brown made his home in Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Fernandez, Miguel Kasky, Benny Walker, Earl West, Lawrence AGE DOD 94 100 89 93 04/09/2022 03/16/2022 04/12/2022 04/16/2022 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Sunrise Operations), February 19 – Chairman George Khan, Secretary Toney Morris, Educational Director Carlos Amaya Avila, Deck Delegate Gerald Durham, Engine Delegate Michael John Valdez, Steward Delegate Jaime Austria. Chairman reminded crew to follow the company’s COVID-19 policy and mentioned new policy promoting safe workplaces. Crew discussed CHS and the long wait for physicals to clear. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to keep all public places clean. Crew made several recommendations for the next standard contract negotiation. Recommendations included the availability of Wi-Fi at all times, a raise in overtime budgets when there is an annual crew raise, as well as raises in vacation pay and dental coverage. Members suggested annual pay raises and dental benefits for pensioners to match membership rates. CHS is not doing a very good job with physicals. According to members, CHS doesn’t answer phone calls and takes too long to provide results. COMMITMENT (TOTE Services), February 21 – Chairman Anthony Newbill, Engine Delegate John Albritton. Chairman thanked members for a safe voyage and reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Secretary praised crew for keeping mess The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. hall clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested improvements to the movie room, more gym equipment, transformers for rooms, better Wi-Fi and an upgrade to the computer room. Crew also asked for improvements to health coverage, better communication from union hall and more clarification for shore leave. Next port: Brunswick, Georgia. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 18 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Troy Smith, Educational Director Ahmed Sennain, Engine Delegate Mark Canada. Chairman advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Educational director urged members to check documents for expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew still without Wi-Fi access. Members were encouraged to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Steward department was commended for a job well done. Crew requested increases to retirement and medical benefits. Next port: Cherry Point, Washington. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 20 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Samuel Sanders, Deck Delegate Zachary Ballard, Steward Delegate Adele Messina. Chairman commended crew for a wonderful trip. Secretary reminded members to place used linens in laundry bag outside in passageway before departure. Educational director recommended that crew upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in vacation to 20 for 30 and asked for one day off per month. Crew would like to see all contracted companies under one standard contract. USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), March 27 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Secretary Tyrane Savage, Educational Director Michael Ribeiro, Deck Delegate Abdo Saleh, Engine Delegate Alex Oliva, Steward Delegate Emmanuel Matias. Educational director reiterated the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. Members were advised to keep a current address on file. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed COVID-19 home test kits and a possible data breach at CHS. Letters regarding data breach have been mailed out. Educational director stressed the importance of remaining ready and available due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Members requested internet access. ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services), March 27 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary In- grid Ortiz-Rosario, Educational Director Jesus Martinez-Ortiz, Deck Delegate Junior Augustin. Chairman reminded members to keep all documents safe when going ashore. He explained the importance of contributing to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and 401K participation. Chairman thanked everyone for good housekeeping, working safely, and reported positive moral on ship. Members were instructed to place used linens in laundry bags outside stateroom doors. New linens will be issued the day before arrival of new sign-on. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Interested members should submit applications well in advance due to high demand. No beefs or disputed OT reported. DVR is on order for crew lounge. Crew would like better pillows and new mattresses. Members asked when requests for standbys will be reestablished instead of pay in lieu of day off. Crew went over various topics including pension, vacation and 401K benefits as well as tour of duty completions. Steward department was thanked for a job well done organizing storage spaces. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 27 – Chairman Joseph White, Secretary Lionel Packnett, Deck Delegate Hernando Bansuelo, Engine Delegate Christian Frederick, Steward Delegate Esperanza Crespo-Guillen. Crew expressed gratitude for new contractual wage increase. Chairman thanked members for a job well done. He reminded everyone to be considerate of shipmates by cleaning up after themselves and being quiet in passageways. Crew reviewed new contractual working rules and wages. Secretary thanked members for helping with storage and garbage, and keeping the mess halls clean. Educational director reminded everyone of the benefits of upgrading often at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses. Next port: Houston. JEAN ANNE (PASHA), April 3 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair. Secretary stressed the importance of member participation in contract discussions with company. Crew went over various contract negotiation topics including days required for retirement, 401K matching, cost of living increases and physical requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses and flatscreen TVs in rooms. Good morale reported on ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department for doing an outstanding job. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 19 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck June 27 August 29 July 15 September 16 Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival August 1 August 29 September 26 October 24 November 21 August 12 September 9 October 7 November 4 December 2 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 August 22 June 24 August 26 RFPNW July 25 September 26 November 14 August 1 August 12 October 14 December 2 August 19 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Welding October 31 November 18 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook July 11 August 15 September 19 August 12 September 16 October 21 ServSafe Management July 4 August 8 September 12 July 8 August 12 September 16 Advanced Galley Operations June 20 August 15 October 10 July 15 September 9 November 4 Chief Steward July 18 September 12 November 14 August 12 October 7 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training August 8 October 3 August 12 October 7 Basic Training Revalidation July 8 July 11 July 15 August 1 July 8 Juy 11 July 15 August 1 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 December 12 September 2 December 16 Government Vessels June 27 July 18 August 1 August 15 August 29 September 19 September 26 October 17 October 24 July 1 July 22 August 5 August 19 September 2 September 23 September 30 October 21 October 28 RFPEW July 25 September 26 November 14 August 19 October 21 December 9 FOWT August 29 October 24 September 23 November 18 Junior Engineer July 11 September 19 September 2 November 11 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 June 27 October 24 July 1 October 28 Welding July 11 September 26 July 29 October 14 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 October 31 August 19 November 4 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 20 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/22 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #881 – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Jahnia Cain, Peter Krsna Katha Espinosa, Julius Franks II, Shailynn Guillory, Justin Manley, Zachary Parker, Alton Simpson, William Taylor, Alexia Villaescusa and Nashell Williams. UA to AS-D – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryan Aleman Medina, Robert Coleman III, Jacob Couvillon, Richard Diaz Jr., and Brandon Hoisington. (Note: Not all are pictured.) UA to AS-D – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Erik Arnold and Tyler Vitulli. Tank Ship Familiarization LG (Phase III) – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Jaime Rios. Welding & Metallurgy – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Alvin Ebdane Alcasid, Diole Abello Bonifacio, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Wordell U’lam Prescott and Lonny Scott. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far left. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 21 Seafarers LOG 21 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels (Bosuns) – Graduated March 18 (above, from left): Naser Abdulaziz Saed Ahmed, Gregory Jackson and Franz Eder. Government Vessels – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Roslyn Anderson, Toby Blunt, Joherky Concepcion Castillo, Orin Godfrey Jr., Anthony Martinez, Shereka Morris, Rahman Phillip, Brian Alberto Rojas Perez, Michael Smith and Donald Williams Jr. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Daniel Hanback, Nathaniel Lynch and Roger Stewart. Machinist – Graduated April 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Theodore Gonzales, Vernon Van Humbles, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Joshua Mann, George Marcelo Mardones, Wordell U’lam Prescott and Lonny Scott. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 22: Juan Rafael Santiago Robles (left) and Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez. Small Arms – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Munassar Hassan Ahmed, Franz Eder, Noel Ramos Gemo, Gregory Jackson, Charles James, Mustafa Abdul Malik, Tomas Merel, Godofredo Froiland Milabo III, Nadiyah Taylor and Montiesha Wilcox. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 22 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullah Mohsen Munassar Alamri, Luke Coffelt, Terrell Cuffee, Cody Fox, Jahmal Jones, Kenneth Ledeoux, Christopher Marcani, Michael McGlone, Justin Nicholson, Gajatri Normatova and Julius Castillo Udan. Basic First Aid – Graduated April 29: LBJ Bliss Tanoa. Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated April 8: Ronald Caoleng Santos (left) and George Stephanos Galanis. Government Vessels – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Gilbert Tito Allende Jr., Rodolfo Campbell, Sherron Davita Decoteau, Theodore Gonzales, Aurora Santos Kirkwood, Toriano Addaryl Lawson Jr., Emily De Dios Lepley, Domenick Longmire, Mustafa Abdul Malik, George Marcelo Mardones, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Abdulla Nasar Mohamed Mused, Muafa Ali Mohamed Quraish, Isabel Reino Sabio, Derrick Siefke, Kim Smith, Travis Smith, Loretta Stewart, Mukhtar Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh and Michael Wees. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 29: Nicoll QuinonesRodriguez (left) and Agnes Jocson Gamboa. Important Notice To All Students Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Domingo Cardona, Jocecil Lugo Rivera, Nadine Cecile Nomed-Ryf, Samuel Ortiz Reyes, Johanns Rivera-Rivera, Kevin Santiago De Jesus, Dewayne Thomas and Dennis B. Vega. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 23 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 23 5/20/22 8:11 PM �JUNE 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 Seafarers-Crewed Ocean Giant Finishes Operation Deep Freeze Bosun Richard Hamilton did his homework before sailing to Antarctica for the first time, but reading about Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) definitely isn’t the same as helping run it. “I knew what to expect but, being from Florida, I didn’t know much about winter clothing,” Hamilton said. “The only ice I know about goes in a glass.” Nevertheless, he and his shipmates aboard the Waterman-operated Ocean Giant earlier this year successfully wrapped up the latest iteration of ODF, the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station, which is overseen by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The mission began in late December on the West Coast; the Ocean Giant returned to Port Hueneme, California, in late March. (Earlier, the SIU-crewed Maersk Peary delivered fuel to McMurdo during the first segment of ODF.) “We had to keep moving to stay warm,” Hamilton recalled. “The crew did very well. Everybody did their job. Over- all, it was a good discharge, especially considering the conditions we were working in.” According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Ocean Giant arrived at McMurdo Station’s ice pier in mid-February, after a stop at partner facility in New Zealand. The cargo offload was conducted by Seabees from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE. During a 14-day period, 503 pieces of cargo that include containers filled with mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies and electronics equipment, and also a modular building were transferred from the ship, MSC reported. In total, the SIU-crewed vessel “delivered 80 percent of the supplies needed (for) the year’s survival at McMurdo Station,” according to the agency. “This year’s ODF mission was a great success for MSC,” said Leonard Bell, deputy commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific. “The mission presented unique challenges that the crews of our Cargo operations (photo below, left) involving the SIU-crewed Ocean Giant take place during Operation Deep Freeze 2022 in Antarctica. In the file photo directly above, the ship loads materials in California for a prior iteration of Deep Freeze. (Vessel photo by Vance Vasquez, courtesy U.S. Navy) ships and our team on the ground handled flawlessly. The mission is an example of the true professionalism and dedication to duty that our entire team exemplifies over and over again. We are truly proud to have supported ODF 2022, and we look forward to our continued support to the National Science Foundation in the years ahead.” Hamilton said the crew made the best of it despite not being able to leave the ship due to COVID-19 protocols, and despite worsening weather. “The first day, the weather was beauti- Virginia Backs Jones Act The Virginia General Assembly earlier this year passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act, America’s freight Virginia Capitol (in Richmond) 24 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 24 cabotage law. Text of the resolution follows. WHEREAS, Virginia’s rich history of shipbuilding and maritime trade makes the Commonwealth a critical hub in the nation’s transportation system and essential in the growth of offshore renewable energy development; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services for Virginia’s citizens and workforce; and WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and WHEREAS, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally and to supply and maintain military installations domestically depends on the civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as additional eyes and ears to monitor the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and WHEREAS, Virginia is home to over 19,280 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act that generate $1.3 billion in labor income; and ful – cold, but not bad,” he said. “It turned a lot worse from that point on. Minus-15 degrees was the coldest, and the warmest was 3. I had never experienced cold weather like that before, but everything went well between the crew, the McMurdo personnel, Navy personnel and others who were involved.” He added that he would make the voyage again: “It’s definitely something to see.” SIU crews have supported Operation Deep Freeze for decades; the first mission took place in 1955. WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family-wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive student loans; and WHEREAS, the Jones Act fleet, more than 40,000 vessels strong, supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and over $154 billion in economic output nationally, including more than $4 billion in the Virginia economy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby express its support for the Jones Act. In affirming its resolute support for the Jones Act, the General Assembly also celebrates the centennial of the Jones Act as it continues to foster a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Virginia’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and national security; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter. June 2022 5/20/22 8:43 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource JUNE 2022 Description An account of the resource DHS SECRETARY ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS BACKS JONES ACT HOUSE STAFFERS MAY FORM A UNION INTERNATIONAL PROPELLER CLUB HONORS U.S. REP JOE COURTNEY AT AVENT USA MARITIME: KEEP 'SHIP AMERICAN' RULES REAR ADM. PHILLIPS TAKES LEADERSHIP AT U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINERS HONORED WITH CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL IN D.C. PENN MARITIME CREWS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT SEAFARERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT AT VANENKEVORT TUG AND BARGE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MANDATES U.S. MATERIALS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS VP EMPHASIZES 'HISTORIC COMMITMENT TO WORKER ORGANIZING AND EMPOWERMENT' AFL-CIO POSTS ANNUAL 'DEATH ON THE JOB' REPORT COAST GUARD FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES SEABULK CEO MARINE HIGHWAY PROGRAM GETS $14.8 MILLION BOOST FORMER TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY MINETA PASSES AWAY AT 90 NEW SERVICE OFFERS CONVENIENT METHOD TO SHOW VACCINATION STATUS RENEWING TANKER ASST. ENDORSEMENTS: WHAT SEAFARERS SHOULD KNOW NOTICE TO SEAFARERS ABOUT ROS SEATIME COAST GUARD: SHIPBOARD MASK MANDATE NO LONGER IN EFFECT SEAFARERS-CREWED OCEAN GIANT FINISHES OPERATION DEEP FREEZE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 85, NO. 6 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log