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OCTOBER 2019
VOLUME 81, 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
New RO/ROs Set to Join MSP Fleet
At press time, SIU-contracted American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARC) was slated to formally welcome
three new vessels into its fleet: the ARC Integrity, ARC Independence, and ARC Resolve. All three will be
enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and will be managed by TOTE Services. ARC will
continue to operate two of the vessels being replaced in the MSP fleet in U.S.-flag service, so it’s a net gain
of two ships. Another SIU-crewed ARC ship – the M/V Patriot which is a sister ship of the ARC Resolve – is
pictured above and at left, loading a mix of helicopters, vehicles, containers and support equipment for the
Army’s 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. Visit the SIU website and our social media pages for coverage of the
flag-ins, which also will be featured in the next LOG.
Latest Upgrades at Piney
Point Receive Approval
From Students, Staff Alike
As reported in last month’s LOG, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently completed substantial upgrades to its
engineering shop. Students are reacting very favorably to the improvements;
upgraders are pictured at immediate left and directly below. Page 6.
MTD Welcomes Newest Affiliate
Page 2
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Express Marine Pact Approved
Page 3
9/19/2019 3:03:41 PM
�President’s Report
Labor Day
Media coverage of this year’s Labor Day often included what I consider a
crucial fact. Namely, the general public has a favorable view of organized labor –
but people who want to join unions often fight an unfairly uphill battle.
AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, who’s been a friend for many years,
did a great job throughout a series of interviews explaining why our country
is long overdue for extensive labor-law reform. The deck is severely stacked
against workers in most traditional organizing campaigns. We’ve gotten to
this point through decades of attacks on unions. Those
attacks – sometimes sneaky, sometimes brazen – have
taken a toll and have eroded too many protections.
And that’s basically why the movement’s numbers
are where they are. It’s a flat-out falsehood that unions
aren’t needed anymore, or that people aren’t interested
in joining. Nonpartisan polling shows that people do
indeed value what collective bargaining and union representation have to offer. They understand that union
representation is the only effective way to have a voice
in the workplace. They’d welcome the chance to sign
up, and they know that union members consistently earn
Michael Sacco
more money and have better benefits than unrepresented
workers. But, too often, employers have all the power
during an organizing campaign, and they face few if any
penalties for breaking the law.
It’s no secret that when unions are strong, the middle class is strong. And
America’s businesses and workers, from the 1930s to the 1970s, grew together.
But since then, companies have gotten more prosperous while workers’ pay
largely has stayed the same.
We have an opportunity to turn this ship around, and as always, it starts at
the ballot box. The 2020 elections, incredibly, are only a year away. There are
also elections before the end of this year. Stay informed about the issues and
candidates, and support candidates at every level of government who’ll support America’s working families and the maritime industry. The SIU has never
cared about political party and that’ll be the case again next year. We’ll back
those who back us, period.
Grassroots and Civility
Speaking of politics, I enjoyed recent remarks from the union’s legislative
director, Brian Schoeneman. Addressing one of our affiliated unions, he declared that the most important thing union members can do to protect your job
and help advance the labor movement in the political arena is to vote.
“There is no more powerful four-letter word in the union vocabulary, even
when politicians give us reasons to use a lot of other four-letter words,” he
said, and I agree.
Motivating others to vote is also important, and it’s something we can all
do. Talk with your co-workers and neighbors about the issues and candidates
that matter to you. Encourage them to vote, and if they’re not registered, point
them in the right direction.
Brian also underscored the vital significance of political action funds,
which for the SIU means SPAD. Those funds are a form of insurance and a
virtual prerequisite to have a seat at the table and have our voices heard. Our
political donations help to get good candidates elected to office and keep good
elected officials in office. Any help you can give is critical.
On a personal note, I encourage all Seafarers to keep it civil when discussing politics, no matter who you’re talking with. It’s often a touchy subject, but
our country needs to re-learn the art of civil discourse and focusing on issues
rather than personalities.
AFT Becomes MTD’s Newest Affiliate
Organization Boasts Membership of 1.7 Million Strong
The Maritime Trades Department (MTD) recently welcomed its newest affiliate: the
American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
“We are very proud and honored that the AFT has joined
the ranks of the MTD,” declared MTD President Michael
Sacco, who also is president of
the SIU. “We have had a very
good working relationship with
the AFT and its members from
the local level up throughout
the years.
“People may wonder why the
Teachers would join,” he continued. “Well, without teachers,
none of us would have a chance
to learn critical new ideas, to
fight for our members and to
succeed in life.”
The MTD is a constitutional
department of the AFL-CIO. It
has 22 affiliates with a collective membership of approximately six million.
“The AFT is proud to join
the Maritime Trades Department,” said AFT President
Randi Weingarten. “Together,
we can fight for what all Americans want – a better life and a
better future for our families –
through good jobs; high-quality, affordable health care; a
secure retirement; great public
schools; affordable college; and
a healthy democracy.”
The AFT represents 1.7 million teachers, paraprofessionals
and school staff, higher education faculty and staff, nurses,
other health care professionals,
and public employees.
MTD President Michael Sacco (right) welcomes AFT President Randi
Weingarten to the 2018 MTD meeting.
AFT members work as instructors and staff at a variety
of public maritime schools, colleges and programs across the
United States. The union also
represents workers at the Guam
Port Authority.
During the last two years,
MTD affiliates – prominently
including the SIU – and the
AFT have worked together to
help Puerto Rico recover from
the devastating hurricanes of
2017, including the delivery
and dispersal of 100,000 water
filters. Weingarten spoke directly about that labor solidarity
when she addressed the 2018
MTD executive board meeting
in Orlando, Florida.
At the start of this year,
members of the Port Maritime
Council of Southern California immediately adopted a
local school when the United
Teachers of Los Angeles went
on strike on Jan. 10. They
walked picket lines and provided supplies (including food
and drinks) during the six-day
struggle.
In 2018, the Maritime Port
Council of Greater New York/
New Jersey and Vicinity recognized Weingarten with its Paul
Hall Award of Merit. In receiving the recognition, Weingarten
told the audience how MTD affiliates helped her local, New
York City’s United Federation
of Teachers, gain recognition in
the early 1970s.
Antares Drydocks in Philly
New Tonnage
Last but definitely not least, we are gearing up for a big ceremony in Baltimore that’ll welcome three RO/ROs into the SIU-crewed fleet, just after press
time. Whenever we can add new or newer tonnage, it bodes well for our future.
Some of you have heard me say this before, but when we crew up new
vessels, it’s a credit to every rank-and-file Seafarer. Our companies wouldn’t
build or flag-in new ships and tugs and passenger ferries if they didn’t have
confidence in you.
Keep up the great work.
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 81 Number 10
October 2019
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 Auth Way; 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 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 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
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 2
The SIU-crewed Antares (above) in early August started a routine drydock period for repairs and
maintenance at Philly Shipyard. Operated by TOTE Services for the U.S. Maritime Administration, the
Antares is part of the Ready Reserve Force. The shipyard period was expected to last approximately
two months. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard)
October 2019
9/19/2019 3:03:43 PM
�Express Marine Crews
Approve New Contract
SIU mariners working aboard Express Marine
vessels recently ratified a new, three-year contract
with wage increases each year, among other improvements.
Negotiating for the SIU were Captain Riley
Johnson, Mate Jeff Fackett and AB Scottie Duncan, alongside Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice.
The contract includes improved vacation benefits, a boost to the Seafarers Money Purchase
Pension Plan, and larger pension contributions.
Members also maintain their medical coverage at
the Core Plus level, the highest available under the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.
Fackett said, “It was an awesome process. Joe
did a great job, and everyone seems to think it’s a
great contract. Given the current conditions of the
industry, I think we did a good job.”
Duncan, who had served on a previous negotiating committee, said, “I think the new contract is
going to be good for everyone. I believe it’s going to
help our retirement benefits, as well as our weekly
paychecks. Joe Baselice helped us pull some things
together at the last minute, and was a real help during the whole process.”
The new contract covers approximately 25
members.
“Everything went well,” said Baselice. “We
were able to address everything that the members
had asked for, and it all came together in a nice
package that the membership overwhelmingly approved. It’s a good contract with a good company.”
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.
Adm. Paul F. Zukunft (Ret)
Former U.S. Coast Guard Commandant
Adm. Zukunft Named Next
American Maritime Hero
From left, Mate Jeff Fackett, Capt. Michael Daniels and Mate Greg Allman signal their approval of the new
contract.
USNS Puerto Rico Undergoes
Successful Integrated Sea Trials
A civilian-crewed U.S. military support ship recently took a big step towards
delivery.
The USNS Puerto Rico – which will
be crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU
Government Services Division – successfully completed the first integrated sea
trials for an expeditionary fast transport
(EPF) ship Aug. 22. The vessel returned
to the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile,
Alabama, following two days underway
in the Gulf of Mexico.
Integrated trials combine builder’s and
acceptance trials, allowing for the shipyard to demonstrate to the Navy’s Board
of Inspection and Survey the operational
capability and mission readiness of all
the ship’s systems during a single underway period. During trials, the shipbuilder
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 3
conducted comprehensive tests to demonstrate the performance of the Puerto
Rico’s major systems.
“The EPF program continues to be an
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is
affiliated, has announced the latest addition to its American Maritime Heroes campaign: former U.S. Coast Guard Commandant
Adm. Paul F. Zukunft (Ret).
According to AMP, “An American Maritime Hero is recognized
for his or her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities that have added to the rich history of America as a maritime
nation.”
The coalition said Zukunft has demonstrated strong support for
the Jones Act and the greater American maritime industry – understanding its vital importance in strengthening our national security.
Zukunft, who retired in 2018, has previously stated: “[Without
the Jones Act,] all of our coastwise trade will probably be done
by a third nation, namely China, [and] not just coastwise trade,
but plying our inland river systems as well.… The next thing that
goes away is the [U.S. and state] maritime academies. You don’t
need them because we have foreign mariners. We don’t know who
they are, but they are foreign mariners plying our waters and our
internal waters as well to conduct maritime commerce. Then the
next thing that goes is our shipyards and the technology that goes
with the shipyards.”
Zukunft joins a group of recognized American Maritime Heroes
including the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, Shipbuilder
Andrew Higgins, the late U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minnesota),
the World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners and U.S. Transportation
Secretary Elaine Chao.
For more information on the campaign, which will culminate on
the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act becoming law, visit https://
americanmaritimeheroes.com/
example of stable and successful serial
ship production,” said Capt. Scot Searles,
Navy Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office
Ships. “I look forward to seeing EPF 11
deliver in the fall and expand the operational flexibility available to our combatant commanders.”
SIU CIVMARS already sail aboard
the previously launched EPFs. The Navy
The USNS Puerto Rico wraps up sea trials. (Photo by Austal USA)
describes the ships as “non-combatant
vessels designed to operate in shallowdraft ports and waterways, increasing
operational flexibility for a wide range
of activities including maneuver and
sustainment, relief operations in small or
damaged ports, flexible logistics support,
or as the key enabler for rapid transport.
The ships are capable of interfacing with
roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, as
well as on/off-loading vehicles such as a
fully combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle
Tank.”
EPFs support a variety of missions
including overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief, supporting special operations forces, and supporting emerging
joint sea-basing concepts.
In addition to the Puerto Rico, Austal
USA is also currently in production on
the future USNS Newport, and is under
contract to build the future USNS Apalachicola and an additional sister ship that
hasn’t been named.
Seafarers LOG 3
9/19/2019 3:03:45 PM
�Richard Trumka: Workers ‘Not Interested in a Sliver
Of Change,’ Demand Economy That Works For Them
Workers are “not interested in a sliver of
change or gestures” from politicians, but demand massive shifts to an economy that works
for them rather than heavily benefiting the extremely wealthy, AFL-CIO President Richard
Trumka recently stated. And, primed by their
unions, they’re already demanding and getting
that commitment from presidential candidates
on the campaign trail, he added.
Trumka, a longtime friend of the SIU, made
those remarks and many others Aug. 29 during an annual pre-Labor Day press breakfast
hosted by The Christian Science Monitor. He
cited several important steps that would help
ensure an economy that works for all, including passage of the Protect the Right to Organize (Pro) Act, strong worker safeguards in the
U.S., and massive changes in labor laws (and
enforcement) in Mexico before any ratification
of an updated NAFTA. (The Pro Act, designed
to strengthen U.S. labor law, now has more than
200 U.S. House co-sponsors and 41 Senate cosponsors.)
Additionally, Trumka noted that unions’
popularity, at least as measured by an annual
Gallup Poll, recently reached a record 64% approval. But that hasn’t translated, yet, into increasing union numbers, due to the loopholes
and flaws of U.S. labor law.
He sees change coming, though, citing new
state-level legislation that will open the way
to organizing significant numbers of workers.
Trumka also expressed optimism stemming
from public-sector union membership gains
that happened after last year’s Supreme Court
Janus decision, which some had viewed as
a potentially devastating blow to organized
labor.
However, the federation president noted,
the disconnect between union popularity and
results has led the AFL-CIO, in its preparations
for the 2020 presidential campaign, to undertake a massive education effort among its affiliates’ members, prepping them on questions
for the contenders. The quizzes are a prelude
to what Trumka predicts will be a record labor
political effort next year.
Those questions involve kitchen-table issues, such as years of stagnant wages, pensions
which crashed in the Great Recession, increased
corporate shifting of health care spending from
firms to workers, and the right to organize free
of corporate interference and repression. The
kitchen-table questions also include so-called
“free trade” pacts and business’s corresponding
massive export of U.S. jobs to Mexico.
Those issues and others have come up on the
campaign trail as unionists have quizzed some
of the hopefuls. The results, Trumka said, have
been gratifying.
“We’re excited that all the candidates are
talking about workers’ rights and unions, and
that’s a big plus,” Trumka said when asked to
rank five top contenders: former Vice President
Joe Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders (Ind-Vermont),
Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), and Kamala Harris (D-California), and South Bend,
Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
Trumka declined to rank them. “Any (AFLCIO) endorsement will come from the bottom
up – from our members through our executive
council,” he replied. “And it’ll take 70% of the
vote there.”
“They’re asking candidates about their position on different issues that are important to
them, and forcing the candidates to think about
it,” Trumka said of union members. “And if
they have a position, it’s stated. If they don’t,
they think it through and get a position. That’s
where we’ve been largely successful and we
will do that again.”
And in that respect, all the current hopefuls
differ from 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary
Clinton, whom most unions supported early
in her contest with Sanders. She put kitchentable issues second, behind criticizing Donald
Trump, said Trumka.
He added that the possibility of winning
workers’ votes will increase if candidates spend
more time talking about “changing the rules –
and it’s not just trade, it’s tax laws, it’s regulations, it’s health and safety, it’s education, it’s
health care, it’s pensions…. It’s bankruptcy
laws that have stripped workers of their pensions over the years.”
On other issues, Trumka reiterated labor’s
opposition to the nomination of Eugene Scalia, a pro-management attorney, to be the new
Labor Secretary. Trump formally sent Scalia’s
name to the Senate on August 26. No hearings
have been scheduled yet on the nod.
“We actively opposed him in 2002, because
his record was so bad,” Trumka stated. “It’s
only gotten worse. His views are dangerously
outside the mainstream.”
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
Illinois Rep. Introduces Pro-Maritime Resolution
Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman
The Illinois General Assembly will have a
chance to show its support for the U.S. Merchant Marine, following the recent introduction
of a pro-maritime statement by Rep. Jay Hoffman (D).
Hoffman, the assistant majority leader, represents the state’s 113th District. His statement
is a well-informed description of why the nation
is best-served by maintaining a strong maritime
industry, including American crews.
In part, the statement reads: “The members of the Illinois House of Representatives
are supportive of federal statutes that ensure
that vessels engaged in the coastwise and inland trades are built and crewed by American
workers; the Jones Act, the Maritime Security
Program, the Passenger Vessel Services Act,
and U.S. cargo preference laws are critical in
maintaining a viable American Merchant Marine…. Without the Jones Act, the American
Merchant Marine and its well-paying jobs
would be destroyed, and the domestic water-
borne commerce of the U.S. would be controlled by foreign interests.”
The statement also credits the U.S. Maritime Security Program for its affordability and
military usefulness. “The program requires that
the vessels, crews, and participating companies’
intermodal assets are immediately available to
the Department of Defense in times of crisis;
military experts have said it would literally
cost tens of billions of dollars to replicate the
program’s assets, which currently are delivered
for a few hundred million dollars per year,” the
resolution points out.
Later, the statement backs cargo preference
laws, including the Food for Peace program,
“whose purpose is to promote the food security of developing countries. Food aid is grown
by American farmers, processed by American
workers, and transported on board U.S. vessels
to countries in need. Since the program’s inception in 1954, more than three billion people in
150 countries have benefited directly from U.S.
food aid that was delivered by the U.S. Merchant Marine.”
Moreover, the statement also supports development and expansion of America’s marine
highway system, and takes to task the so-called
flag-of-convenience setup, “in which avaricious
shipowners around the world register their vessels in phony flag states to evade labor, safety,
environmental, and tax laws.” The system “deserves condemnation [and] has resulted in the
global exploitation of seagoing maritime labor
and the reduction of international commercial
cargo carried by U.S. vessels….”
The statement concludes that the House
backs “the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s
fourth arm of defense and recognizes that the
American maritime industry is critical for U.S.
national, economic, and homeland security and
that our mariners and our maritime industry deserve our full support.”
The Illinois General Assembly reconvenes
in late October or November.
Seafarers March in Labor Day Parade
Seafarers were out in force for the 40th Labor Day parade in Wilmington, California. Pictured at the hall before joining the festivities are (from left) Port Agent Jeff Turkus, DEU
John Raquipiso, AB Edward Alfonso, AB Paul Elderts, Chief Cook Todd Curry, ACU David Simon, Bosun Ruben Saturday, AB Julius Dagoldol, ACU Ricky Sencida, SA Sheryl
Johnson, SA Ed Lopez, SA Gedrick Reyes, AB Leonard Ajoste and Chief Cook Richard Walker. “There was a great turnout this year overall,” noted Turkus. “There were about
5,000 union members and their families and supporters.”
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October 2019
9/19/2019 3:03:46 PM
�EPI Asks (and Answers): How is Economy
Working for America’s Working Families?
A new report from the Economic Policy
Institute (EPI) thoroughly examines the
economic plight of American workers.
“This report makes clear that despite
an unemployment rate below 4%, wage
growth continues to elude the vast majority of working families,” noted EPI Vice
President John Schmitt. “This is a result
of a decades-long attack on labor unions,
and trickledown policies that put corporate
profits and CEO pay ahead of the rights
and wages of working people.”
A headline on one of the essays contained in the overall report stated, “Working people have been thwarted in their
efforts to bargain for better wages by attacks on unions.”
The report, available online at epi.org,
was launched just before Labor Day. The
research therein is consistent with the
nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank’s selfdescribed mission of “including the needs
of low- and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions…. EPI conducts
research and analysis on the economic
status of working America. EPI proposes
public policies that protect and improve the
economic conditions of low- and middleincome workers and assesses policies with
respect to how they affect those workers.”
One of the report components, by Heidi
Shierholz, points out that the “share of
workers represented by unions has dropped
by more than half since 1979 – from 27.0%
to 11.7% in 2018. Not coincidentally, the
share of income going to the top 10% has
escalated in this period – these high earners
now capture nearly half of all income. The
decline of unions is not because people
don’t want to be in unions. They do: The
share of people who either have union coverage or report they want it is 60% – the
same as it was 40 years ago. But employers’ aggressive efforts to dismantle unions
and impede organizing efforts have robbed
workers of this opportunity. We need fundamental reform of labor law to restore and
protect workers’ rights to come together
and have a voice in their workplace.”
Her conclusion about the need for labor
law reform is shared by the AFL-CIO, to
which the SIU is affiliated. Such reform
is one of the federation’s top priorities,
though it’s also an enormous challenge.
“Impeding union representation has
been a primary goal of corporate interests in recent decades, and these interests
have convinced conservative policymakers to attack collective bargaining through
legislation, executive rulemaking, and the
courts,” Shierholz added. “Meanwhile,
policymakers claiming to care about the
economic struggles of typical Americans
have too often turned a blind eye to these
“This report makes clear that despite an unemployment
rate below 4%, wage growth continues to elude the vast majority of working families. This is a result of a decades-long
attack on labor unions, and trickledown policies that put
corporate profits and CEO pay ahead of the rights and wages
of working people.” - - - EPI Vice President John Schmitt
attacks. But if workers are not able to effectively organize into unions, broadly
shared prosperity that extends to most
working people has virtually no chance.”
Her part of the report states it is “no surprise that workers want unions.” The EPI,
using government data, found that on average, a worker covered by a union contract
earns 13.2% more than a peer with similar
education, occupation, and experience in a
nonunionized workplace in the same sector.
Union workers also are more likely to
have employer-sponsored health insurance, and their employers tend to contribute more toward those plans. They are also
more likely to have paid vacation and sick
Maritime Administrator
Pledges Jones Act Support
Outlines Efforts to Recapitalize RRF, Boost Manpower
The head of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently reiterated that the agency is constantly
pushing to revitalize the U.S. Merchant
Marine.
At a recent Navy League breakfast,
Maritime Administrator RAdm. Mark
Buzby (USN, Ret) spoke of the importance of the American maritime industry, in relation to both domestic security
and the nation’s economy. He also identified MARAD’s top priorities.
Buzby said, “We are addressing the
Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and ensuring that it is prepared to answer the call.
That has been a struggle, with readiness
of the 44-year-old fleet a day-to-day
challenge given our budgetary constraints. I’m pleased that Congress has
increasingly gotten it on their scope,
and having TRANSCOM Commander
General Steve Lyons testify that RRF
recap is his number one priority is a
huge deal. Long-term, we believe the
Navy’s surge sealift recapitalization
strategy, which includes a combination of targeted service life extensions,
acquiring and converting used vessels,
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 5
leave, more input into the number of hours
they work, and more predictable schedules.
Union employers are more likely to offer
retirement plans and to contribute more
toward those plans than comparable nonunion employers, the EPI found.
Other benefits of union representation,
according to the report, include providing
workers due-process protections; creating
safer workplaces (“because union workers
are protected by their unions from repercussions for reporting safety issues, they
are more likely to report safety concerns”);
and shrinking the racial wage gap.
“Furthermore, the benefits of collective bargaining extend beyond those em-
and building new sealift vessels in U.S.
shipyards, will get us where we need
to be.”
He continued, “I pledged myself to
a vigorous defense of the Jones Act.
There has been a lot of discussion
about the Jones Act of late, much of it
misinformed and some of it purposely
misleading. We’ve turned back several
serious challenges to this indispensable
policy, but only a vigilant watch will
protect this linchpin of American maritime policy from attack.”
A lifelong advocate of American
mariners and a former commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, Buzby said MARAD is working
“across the board, from growing the
U.S.-flag fleet and strengthening our
ports to improving and modernizing
maritime education and addressing
the mariner shortage, to help ensure
that America’s maritime community is
ready to meet all challenges in an increasingly contentious and competitive
world. That means not only addressing
the needs for the RRF, but also supporting U.S.-flag commercial carriers
ployees who are represented by a union,”
Shierholz wrote. “Where unions are strong,
they effectively set broader standards that
nonunion employers must meet in order to
attract and retain the workers they need and
to avoid facing an organizing drive. The
combination of the direct effect of unions
on union members and this ‘spillover’ effect to nonunion workers means unions are
crucial in fostering a vibrant middle class
and reducing income inequality.”
Shierholz also debunks a view held
by some outside the labor movement that
the decline in collective bargaining has
occurred naturally. “Quite the contrary,”
she wrote. “Fierce corporate opposition
has suppressed workers’ freedom to form
so U.S.-flag ships are there for us to
provide sustained sealift.”
He added, “The MSP (Maritime Security Program) stipend is a lifeline for
those carriers who struggle to compete
against foreign competitors who benefit
from government subsidies and preferential tax policies.”
He then addressed the manpower
shortage, saying, “Right now, we remain about 1,800 mariners short of
what we need to crew government and
commercial sealift ships to meet national security needs. Closing that gap
demands that we grow the U.S.-flag
fleet to ensure that qualified American
mariners have places to ply their trade.
“We also recently announced nine
new marine highway projects that will
join previously designated projects in
being eligible to apply for $7 million
of marine highway grants this year,”
he concluded. “Short sea shipping is an
additional way that we can boost Jones
Act shipping and support mariner jobs.
There are some really innovative ideas
emerging in the marine highways sector.”
The Navy League of the United
States, founded in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt,
is a nonprofit civilian, educational and
advocacy organization that supports
America’s sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag
Merchant Marine. As part of its mission focus, the Navy League of the
United States, according to its website,
unions and bargain collectively. Intense
and aggressive anti-union campaigns
– once confined to the most anti-union
employers – have become widespread; it
is now typical, when workers seek to organize, for their employers to hire union
avoidance consultants to orchestrate fierce
anti-union campaigns.
“And though the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) makes it illegal for
employers to intimidate, coerce, or fire
workers in retaliation for participating in
union-organizing campaigns, the penalties are insufficient to provide a serious
economic disincentive for such behavior
(there are no punitive damages or criminal
charges under the NLRA; penalties may
consist of being required to post a notice
or reinstate illegally fired workers),” she
continued. “This means that many illegal
tactics can be actively pursued; for example, employers often threaten to close the
worksite, cut union activists’ hours or pay,
or report workers to immigration enforcement authorities if employees unionize.
More than one in seven union organizers
and activists are illegally fired while trying
to organize unions at their place of work.”
Yet, despite such conduct, policymakers
“have egregiously failed to update labor
laws to rebalance the system,” she said.
“In fact, in many cases policy is moving
backward; 27 states have passed so-called
right-to-work laws, which are intended to
undermine union finances by making it illegal for unions to require nonunion members of a collective bargaining unit (who
don’t pay union dues) to pay ‘fair share
fees’ – fees that cover only the basic costs
of representing employees in the workplace. And the Supreme Court decision in
Janus v. AFSCME – a case financed by a
small group of foundations with ties to the
largest and most powerful corporate lobbies – made ‘right-to-work’ the law of the
land for all public-sector unions. Conclusion: We need to protect workers’ rights to
organize and bargain collectively.”
Mark Buzby
Maritime Administrator
“Enhances the morale of sea service
personnel and their families through
national and council level programs,
provides a powerful voice to educate
the public and Congress on the importance of our sea services to our nation’s
defense, well-being and economic
prosperity and supports youth through
programs, such as the U.S. Naval Sea
Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC and Young
Marines, that expose young people to
the values of our sea services.”
Seafarers LOG 5
9/19/2019 3:03:47 PM
�Mariners work on various electrical projects in the new electronics lab.
Upgraders work inside the new machine shop.
Students, Instructors Praise PHC Machine Shop Upgrades
As detailed in last month’s issue of the
LOG, the machine shop at the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education has recently undergone a complete
overhaul, with new equipment, classrooms
and specially designed trainers.
PHC Acting Vice President Tom
Orzechowski noted, “The shop is completely
retooled and set for the next level of training.
The building itself went through a complete
renovation, and we added new classroom
space adjacent to the new Electricians’ Lab.
New trainers encompassing every aspect
needed for upgrading and basic training are
now available and at the ready. This brings
our vocational shop up to date and prepares us
for the future.”
“This is a plus right here,” said QMED
Lamont Robinson of the new Electrical
Training Lab. “We had something like
2019 SEATU Convention
Builds Towards Future
Convention themes aren’t always so literal, but at the 2019 Seafarers Entertainment
and Allied Trades Union (SEATU) Triennial
Convention, “Building for the Future” was a
slogan that delivered.
The convention took place September 1011, at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Maryland, and brought with it
news of solid membership growth, new contracts and multiple new constructions, the latter of which potentially will provide jobs for
hundreds and hundreds of SEATU members
before the next convention.
SEATU is an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America.
In addition to reports from each SEATU
representative and a dozen resolutions, attendees were treated to presentations from:
Cornel Martin, President and CEO of the
Delta Queen Steamboat Company; Howard
Weinstein, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at The Cordish Companies;
Nelson Hill, Vice President of United Food
and Commercial Workers International
Union (UFCW) Local 27; Daniel Duncan,
Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; Valerie
Cole, SEATU’s Union Plus Representative;
and Brian Schoeneman, SEATU’s Legislative
Director.
Representing the SIU at the convention
were SIU (and SEATU) President Michael
Sacco, Executive Vice-President Augie Tellez,
Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice
President of Contracts George Tricker, Gen-
eral Counsel Leslie Tarantola, Vice President
Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi,
Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice
President West Coast Nick Marrone, Assistant
Vice Presidents Bryan Powell, Pat Vandegrift
and Mike Russo, Port Agent Mark von Siegel, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Port Agent Victor
Nunez, and Safety Directors Amber Akana,
James Brown and William Tyson Little.
The SEATU Representatives in attendance
were Akana, Monte Burgett, Brdak, Brown,
Patti Christian, Gerard Dhooge, Amber Gibson, Ashley Smith, Shane Sterry, and Little.
Each brought delegates from their respective
worksites to the convention.
Martin presented information on the long
history of the Delta Queen, a celebrated river
steamboat which operated from 1927 until
2008 as an overnight passenger vessel, often
carrying SIU crews. The vessel was granted
a Congressional Exemption on December
4, 2018, which will allow the Delta Queen
Steamboat Company to fully restore the boat
and return it to overnight river cruise service.
He explained that in 2007, the owners
of the boat at that time began to crew the
vessel with non-union, improperly trained
employees. Shortly thereafter, also in 2007,
the vessel’s exemption expired, as Congress
no longer felt the vessel was being operated
safely by qualified mariners. By October
2008, the vessel was retired from sailing the
waterways, and was operated as a floating
hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, until 2014.
SEATU representatives, delegates and guests look on during the convention session.
6 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 6
this, but it was very basic. Everything is
right here now, and organized much better.” Robinson also praised the other new
trainers, as well as the overall redesign of
the space.
QMED Reginald Hunter also credited
the new Electrical Training Lab, saying, “You
could wire whatever you want, it’s all right in
front of you. Much better than what we used
to have.”
Martin then spoke on how he became
involved with the Delta Queen: “The hotel
eventually came under the operation of
Randy and Leah Ann Ingram, longtime supporters of the Delta Queen, in 2010.... In
2012, they contacted me and said, ‘We’d like
to see the Delta Queen cruise again on the
river, and we’d like you to come on board
and help us.’ And I said, there’s only one way
I’ll do it, and that’s if you agree to [get input
from maritime labor].”
After a detailed report of the work it will
take to restore and modernize the vessel to
meet current safety requirements, Martin
stated that the boat will sail the inland rivers
again as soon as the restoration is complete.
Weinstein’s presentation also carried with
it the reveal of potential new jobs on the
horizon. After a look back at the history of
the working relationship between Maryland
LIVE! Casino and the union, he focused on
the future expansion of that property, as well
as new facilities.
“We are in the process of building two
new casinos,” he said. “The first is in Pittsburgh, which is due to open in August of next
year. And the second one is another casino, in
Philadelphia, which is also due to open next
year.” He further clarified that the Philadelphia property is both a hotel and casino, and
will employ hundreds of people in both facilities when it opens in December 2020.
He then mentioned that the partnership
with SEATU isn’t always perfect, and that
there have been plenty of disagreements and
grievances over the years. “I share that with
you because we have good, healthy disagreements, and the relationship stays intact. We’re
both committed to the long term here, and it
has worked very, very well,” he concluded.
Duncan explained the importance of
grassroots and community activities, and how
QMED Christian O’Brien agreed, adding,
“It’s awesome! Seems a lot more professional,
and definitely more organized. It makes me
feel a lot more confident now.”
PHC Instructor Chris Morgan also spoke
on the new upgrades, saying, “I think we’ve
seen a dramatic improvement with the recent
changes. With these technical advances, we
can teach a lot more in our classes. All welcome improvements.”
SEATU executives and representatives have
stepped up to do their part. For example, he
noted the union’s successful efforts to defeat
so-called right-to-work statutes in Missouri;
and SEATU’s volunteerism in assisting Habitat for Humanity in Baltimore.
Schoeneman offered a fact-based picture
of the current political landscape, saying, “Let
me put things into perspective. This Congress is on pace to being the most do-nothing
Congress in the history of the Union. Since
January when they came into office, they’ve
created and enacted 56 laws. 56. Of those
56, 26 were things like post office namings,
short-term extensions of programs and technical corrections bills.... That gets us to about
150 bills by the end of this Congress. When
President Truman ran in 1948 against the first
do-nothing Congress that he christened, that
Congress passed 906 laws.
“That being said, the 2020 election cycle
is probably going to be one of the most contentious in history,” he continued. “The 2016
election saw the largest number of Americans
in history voting, despite the turnout hovering
around 60 percent. Last year’s mid-term elections saw turnout of almost 50 percent, which
was the highest since 1966 and way up from
2014, when 37 percent of eligible voters cast
a ballot – the lowest in 72 years.” He then
urged everyone in attendance to get out to
the polls and vote, reminding them that every
vote counts.
Outside of the meeting hours, SEATU
representatives and delegates attended discussions and seminars, before being treated to a
crab feast as well as campus tours for those
so inclined.
Delegates unanimously re-elected Sacco
as president, Heindel as secretary-treasurer
and Tellez and Orzechowski as vice presidents.
From left, General Counsel Leslie Tarantola swears in the newly elected SEATU Executive Board: President Michael Sacco, Vice Presidents Tom Orzechowski and Augustin
Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.
October 2019
9/19/2019 3:03:50 PM
�‘Fuji’ Finds a Home for Lighthouse Collection
When longtime Seafarer Shawn “Fuji” Fujiwara realized he had to downsize from his residence, he wanted
to find a suitable home for some of his prized lighthouse
model collection.
It didn’t take long for him to identify his preferred destinations: SIU headquarters, and the union-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland.
“Now, people can enjoy them. That was a big thing,”
said Fujiwara, a recertified steward who is retiring due
to medical issues stemming from a major auto accident.
“Lighthouses are part of our industry, and our headquarters
is a beacon. The models are going to a good home.”
Fujiwara, 55, started sailing with the SIU in May 1988,
aboard the cruise ship Independence.
“I was kind of struggling before I joined the union,” he
recalled. “I went to the union hall (in Honolulu), got signed
up, did the physical. The port agent looked at me and said,
‘Hey you, you want a job? Ninety-day rotary.’ I didn’t know
what 90-day rotary meant. My mom was excited because
I was going to work on a cruise ship. I didn’t know what I
was getting into.”
It wound up being an excellent fit. Fujiwara pursued his
sailing career with constant enthusiasm – and with appreciation.
“I always had a good job and I always had something to
look forward to,” he noted. “As a steward, I always believed
Though he didn’t plan to retire this soon, Seafarer Shawn
Fujiwara (center) maintains a positive outlook about his career as well as his health. He’s pictured at the Tacoma hiring hall, receiving his first pension check. SIU Asst. VP Joe
Vincenzo is at right, while Port Agent Warren Asp is at left.
it was up to me to make a difference. You are the heartbeat
of the ship. Plus, I don’t care if you own the restaurant,
you’re not going to make the money you make on a ship.”
Fujiwara maintained similar passion for his lighthouse
models. A shipmate gave him a couple miniature lighthouses 30 years ago, and his interest quickly blossomed. He
collected approximately 110 of them (most were created by
artist Bob Younger, whom Fujiwara met). Purchases were
made both online and in person, at collector events and
stores.
“I went crazy with it,” he said with a laugh, adding that
the average cost was around $100 per item. “I had a cabinet
custom-built so I could see them from the side. Later, I built
a custom bookcase for some other ones.
“But I like it because when a sailor saw a lighthouse,
they knew safety was close,” he continued. “To me, the galley was a beacon of hope for the crew. Everything can be
going to hell on deck and in the engine room, but if the galley area was good, that was a safety zone for everyone.”
He donated nearly half of the lighthouses to the union
and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A few were designated for specific individuals (including SIU President Michael Sacco), but most are displayed
in offices and common areas throughout the respective locations.
“Shawn’s generosity has given a big boost to our member lounge in particular,” said Chuck Corbin, building
manager for the SIU headquarters facility in Camp Springs,
Maryland. “The lighthouse models are really well-made and
captivating.”
Fujiwara also made other donations and kept 15 for himself. But parting with the items didn’t leave him bittersweet.
He said he’s simply grateful to have survived the accident
and to have found a new home while collecting his SIU pension and other retiree income.
He also said he plans to remain involved with the
union, particularly through the hiring hall in Tacoma,
Washington.
“The union has been a big part of my life for 30 years,” he
The two photos above show some of the 110 lighthouse
models collected by Recertified Steward Shawn Fujiwara.
said. “That won’t change just because I can no longer sail.”
Asked what advice he’d give to people who are entering
the industry, he replied, “Keep your nose clean, believe in
yourself – and you have to care. The day you stop caring,
you need to get out. That’s true with any job. That’s what
kept me going. From day one, I cared.
“Also remember that you when you sign on board, you
have watch – whether you’re relief, rotary or permanent,”
he concluded. “You have the watch, so don’t put the blame
on the person you relieved. Be you, make it right, and leave
it better than the last person. With sadness, I have been relieved of watch and I have to come ashore.”
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Identify Cause of Dizziness
Editor’s note: The following article
was provided by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
Dizziness is a term used to describe a
range of sensations, such as feeling faint,
woozy, weak or unsteady on your feet. It
is one of the most common reasons that
adults will visit their doctor.
Dizziness that makes people feel
as though they are spinning or moving
when they actually are not is called vertigo. Frequent or constant vertigo will
interfere with individuals’ daily routines
and should be evaluated by a physician
as soon as possible.
There are a variety of possible culprits
when it comes to the causes of dizziness.
Included are: low blood sugar, dehydration, hyperventilating and migraine
headaches. Other causes are alcohol consumption, prescription medications, low
blood pressure, and/or very high blood
pressure that could also cause a stroke.
Inner ear infections, Meniere’s disease,
or problems with circulation and blood
flow (such as anemia) can also cause dizziness and even vertigo.
Treatments for dizziness need not be
complicated and often involve commonsense measures, including:
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 7
n Moving slowly – Do not just jump
up from a seated position. Instead, move
at a normal pace. It’s important to establish a good blood flow from the extremities back up to the heart/lungs and brain.
n Exercise daily – Do this to establish a routine for your body. Also remember to drink plenty of fluids.
n Take medications as instructed –
Do not miss doses or take more than prescribed.
n Know your diet – Avoid consuming foods that could possibly cause allergies.
n Treat inner ear infections with medications prescribed by your doctor.
n Check your blood pressure regularly – Use home blood pressure machines
to stay on top of readings. Immediately report any significant changes (too high, or
too low) to your doctor.
n Use a walking aid – If dizziness
persists, use a cane or walker. This will
provide needed stability.
n Limit the use of caffeine, alcohol
and tobacco.
Most cases of dizziness will clear
up on their own once the underlying
cause has been identified. If not, see
your doctor for testing.
Healthy Recipe
Cajun Chicken
Servings: 25
Ingredients
10 pounds chicken breast without skin,
trimmed of fat
Seasoning:
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons thyme, dry crushed fine
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
1 ½ tablespoons Spanish paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ tablespoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons oregano, dry crushed fine
1 teaspoon white pepper, ground
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
½ teaspoon nutmeg, ground
Garnish:
2 tablespoons parsley, fresh chopped
¼ cup red bell pepper, roasted and diced
Preparation
Place the chicken in a large container with
plenty of room. Pour the olive oil all over the
chicken.
Mix all the remaining dry ingredients together.
Mix the dry seasoning into the chicken. Marinate over night.
Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high
heat on a well-oiled grill. Cook for about 1-2
minutes on each side; cook half way through.
Place the seared chicken in 2” hotel pans. Bake
the chicken in a 350 degree F oven uncovered
for about 15-20 minutes until internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Garnish pans with chopped parsley and roasted
peppers.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 205
calories; 6g fat (28.6% calories from fat); 34g
protein; 1g carbohydrate; trace dietary fiber;
84mg cholesterol; 202md sodium. Exchanges;
0 grain (starch); 4 ½ lean meat; 0 vegetable;
1 fat.
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship.
Seafarers LOG 7
9/19/2019 3:03:53 PM
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
GATHERING IN PHILLY – SIU officials in August attended the Labor Council for
Latin American Advancement convention in Philadelphia. Pictured from left are SIU
VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, LCLAA National President Yanira Merino, AFLCIO President Richard Trumka and SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo.
SIU HONORED – Philadelphia City Councilman Alan Taubenberger on Aug. 21 presented a
proclamation to the union, thanking the SIU for its help and support in the community. Pictured
at the hiring hall are (from left) SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray, Taubenberger and SIU Port
Agent Joe Baselice.
BOATMEN BACK SPAD – Two Seafarers employed by G&H Towing recently signed up for
SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. They joined two fellow crew members who
already were donating. Pictured from left are Mate Francois Conde-Jahn, Deckhand Mauro
Gutierrez, Chief Engineer Christopher Wooten, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala and Capt. Jean
Sean Irish. Conde-Jahn and Gutierrez are the newly signed-up members.
B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – QEE Orlin
Thomas (left) is sworn
in for his B-book at
the hiring hall. SIU VP
Gulf Coast Dean Corgey is at right.
SPREADING THE WORD – Patrolman Ray Henderson sets up at a career fair at Port
Richmond High School in Staten Island, New York, in early August.
ABOARD USNS PETERSBURG – Pictured from left
aboard the TOTE Services vessel in San Francisco are GUDE
Julian Lacuesta, Bosun Roberto
Flauta, AB Elorde Ramos, AB
Leodiane Torrenueva, Chief
Steward Jurally Aseberos and
QEP Mohamed Sheriff.
8 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 8
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�ABOARD AMERICAN SPIRIT – Pictured in the photo directly above are Bosun Jabr Ali,
AB/Wheelsman Jamal Sailan and Gateman Ali Yahya. The photo at left includes Chief
Cook Mohamed Algalham and ACU Aldrin Saez. The American Steamship Co. vessel was
docked in Indiana Harbor, Indiana, in late July when the photos were taken.
ABOARD EL COQUI – This steward-department selfie aboard the Crowley vessel
features (from left) Recertified Steward
Juan Vallejo, SA La’Sonia Randolph and
Chief Cook Bryan Alvarez.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Pictured from left to right aboard the Transoceanic cable ship in Baltimore (above, left) are Chief Steward Brian Bautista, SIU Piney Point Port Agent
Victor Nunez, 3rd Cook Albert Hermoso and Chief Cook Casey Pearson. Nunez and AB Antonio Arizala are pictured in the center photo, while AB Alex Reyes, Nunez and Recertified
Bosun Sanyboy Whiting are shown in the photo at right.
MANY BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Several Seafarers received union
books at the August membership meeting. Picking up their respective A-books in photo above were Ali Ghaleb (left) and Jose Balerite
(right). They’re pictured with Port Agent Nick Marrone II. The photo
at the immediate right shows members who got their B-books (from
left): Jose Medina, Abdulrhman Omar and Jerwin Francisco.
SEAFARING SELFIE – Chief Cook Anthony Harrell (right) and SIU Port Agent
Amancio Crespo are pictured aboard
Crowley’s National Glory in Puerto Rico.
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 9
WELCOME TO CROWLEY VP – SIU Port Agent Amancio
Crespo (right) and Chief Cook Luis Perez (center) recently
conferred with Crowley Maritime VP of Labor Relations Ira
Douglas (left) at the hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Perez most recently sailed on Crowley’s Taino.
WELCOME ASHORE – Recertified Steward Randy
Stephens (left) picks up his first pension check at the
Houston hall. He’s pictured with Patrolman J.B. Niday.
PASSING DURING THE DAY – Two SIU-crewed tankers are pictured this
summer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That’s the West Virginia at left and the
Lone Star State at right. Both ships are operated by Intrepid Personnel and
Provisioning.
Seafarers LOG 9
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Remembering the SIU-Crewed SS Henry Bacon
Editor’s note: This article originally
appeared in a booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Written by the late
SIU historian John Bunker, the 44-page
digest recapped the often-heroic work
of Seafarers during the war. (More than
1,200 SIU members lost their lives during World War II.) The tale of the SS
Henry Bacon is the tome’s final entry. It
is presented here as both a respectful nod
to the union’s history – and a descriptive
reminder of why the U.S. Merchant Marine is known as America’s fourth arm of
defense.
Twenty-seven people, most of them
SIU members, perished as the Bacon was
attacked and then sank. The vessel was
the last Allied ship sunk by German aircraft during the war.
No better finale to the story of SIU
ships in World War II could be written
than the epic account of the SS Henry
Bacon, an SIU-manned Liberty operated
by the South Atlantic Steamship Company.
Cold were the Artic waters and forbidding was the sky when the Henry Bacon
added its name to the list of valiant fighting freighters.
Besides her crew, the Henry Bacon
carried 19 Norwegian refugees as passengers, when she headed back toward Scotland after a voyage to Murmansk, North
Russia, in the early winter of 1945.
After leaving the White Sea, the
Bacon had been in convoy, only to lose
contact with it on the 19th of February
because of heavy weather. She rejoined
it on the 20th, then dropped out again
two days later when trouble developed
with the steering gear. A heavy gale
was blowing, and Captain Alfred Carini
radioed his plight to the convoy while
the black gang worked on the steering
mechanism.
Contact Lost
With this finally fixed, the Bacon proceeded, meeting up with more moderate
seas, but seeing no sign of her companions which, Captain Carini then decided,
they must have passed during the night
as they hurried to rejoin the fleet. Having lost radio contact, and there being no
response to his messages, he decided to
turn back over his course for just one hour
in the hope of picking up their companion
ships.
It was while doubling back on her
wake that the Henry Bacon was suddenly
attacked by a huge flight of 23 torpedo
planes that pounced upon the lone Liberty
almost as soon as the thundering roar
of their engines was heard through the
leaden sky, sending the crew running to
battle stations.
Twenty-three planes against one
merchant ship! It was odds enough for a
battleship or a cruiser. Many a big aircraft
carrier that thought itself hard pressed
in the Pacific thundered back at half as
much opposition with a hundred times the
firepower that this unattended freighter
The SIU-crewed SS Henry Bacon
could muster for its defense there amid
the bleak, rolling waters. There was not
another ship around upon which to call
for help.
The bombers were Junkers 88s, coming in off the starboard bow in an extended, wing-to-wing formation no more
than 30 feet above the jumbled wave
tops.
All Guns Working
Every gun on the Bacon went into action as soon as the canvas covers could be
pulled off the barrels, and the magazines
clamped onto the breech of the 20-millimeters. The sky around the ship was
pocked with shell bursts as the fighting
merchantmen and the vessel’s armed
guard drove off sally after sally by those
audacious bombers that attacked simultaneously, one to a side, darting away
through a hail of 20-millimeter shells.
The gun on the bow boomed out at
point blank range, blowing one bomber to
pieces as it banked and exposed its belly
to the Bacon’s forward gun. Another Nazi
nosed into a wall of 20-millimeter fire
and dived into the sea in flames. A third
wobbled aimlessly over the waves with
smoke pouring from his engine. He probably crashed into the steep, green seas
soon after, but the crew had no time to
worry about verifying their hits.
When the Germans swooped down
on the unaccompanied Bacon they probably were expecting an easy time of it.
Three or four torpedoes and the laboring
Liberty would sink beneath the waves,
they no doubt thought. If they expected
any resistance at all, they were certainly
unprepared for the flame and fire of battle
with which the men of the Bacon met this
overpowering assault.
More Ammunition
The 20-millimeters stopped firing long
enough only to load more ammunition,
to change overheated barrels. A bomber
which tried to get in at the ship from
dead ahead ran into a storm of this small
shellfire and disintegrated into a thousand
pieces, as tracers found the torpedo slung
SIU Scholarship Helped
Member’s Son Launch Long,
Successful Legal Career
Editor’s note: This article was
written and submitted by Lynn
Thompson, a retired reporter in Seattle. She recently wrote a longer feature about civil rights attorney Lem
Howell for the legal community.
Seattle attorney Lembhard “Lem”
Howell spent a 50-year career cham-
10 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 10
pioning civil rights. He’s received
numerous awards for his legal advocacy, landmark lawsuits to expand
employment opportunities for African
Americans and for his work to reform
the criminal justice system in Washington state.
But Howell, now 83, has never forgotten that the Seafarers International
beneath the fuselage and blew up plane
and occupants in a terrible explosion of
steel and flaming debris.
Torpedo after torpedo missed the ship
when the pilots faltered in their aim in
the face of such concentrated fire from
this fighting Liberty. For twenty minutes
the gunners of the Henry Bacon, standing
side by side with the men of the merchant
crew, held off this armada of Junkers
bombers that had by now become so
madly exasperated by the heroic defense
of the ship that, once their torpedoes were
wasted, they flew at her with machine
guns blazing.
But such a fleet of planes had only
to persist, if nothing else, to be successful against one unescorted ship, and a
torpedo finally hit the Henry Bacon on
the starboard side in number-three hold,
forward. When another tin fish found its
mark soon after, Captain Carini ordered
the ship to be abandoned.
Not All Leave
The fateful signal to “leave her”’ was
sounded in long, solemn blasts from the
whistle while the Junkers – about eight or
nine fewer than when they had begun the
fight – roared away from the scene toward
the coast of Norway 200 miles to the east.
The doughty Bacon had kept them in action longer than they wanted.
With their gas getting low, they could
find no satisfaction in winging around as
this “bulldog” settled beneath the waves.
The order from the Skipper was “passengers first” and, though two of the lifeboats had been smashed in high seas, the
Norwegian refugees – man, women and
children – were put safely over the side
into the first boat launched, along with
some of the merchant crew and Navy
gunners.
Into the second lifeboat went as many
more as could be accommodated. It could
not possibly hold them all, but still there
was no rush for seats of safety. These
SIU crewmen and their Navy comrades
waited quietly as Third Mate Joseph Scott
counted the regular crew assigned to the
boat, and then called to the deck above
for half a dozen more to climb down over
the scramble nets and take their places between the thwarts. During this time Bosun
Holcomb Lemmon was making what the
survivors later described as “heroic efforts” to help his shipmates over the side
into lifeboats and onto several life rafts
which had been launched into the chilling waters. This done, he hurried about
the sinking ship gathering boards to lash
together as emergency rafts.
The Henry Bacon was slowly sinking. Water was pouring into her holds.
The black gang had left the engine room
and all was deserted down below. Bit by
bit the cold water rose higher around her
rust-streaked side plates.
One of the men assigned to a place in
the Third Mate’s boat was Chief Engineer
Donald Haviland, who climbed over the
side into the bobbing craft only to decline
his chance for rescue in favor of a young
crewman. The Chief had already taken
a seat in the boat when, looking up at
the men still left on the Bacon’s deck, he
saw among the forlorn group a youthful
crewman staring down at those who were
about to push away from the settling hulk.
Deserting his own place in the boat,
Mr. Haviland yelled to the lad to hurry
down the net and take his chance for
safety.
So Long, Brothers
“Hey, you,” he called. “You’re a young
fellow. It won’t matter so much if I don’t
get back.”
As the Henry Bacon went down, the
survivors in the lifeboats saw Chief Engineer Haviland leaning against the bulwarks with Bosun Holcomb Lemmon, as
casually as though the ship was leaving
the dock for another routine voyage. Captain Carini waved to them from the bridge
and, as he did so, the Henry Bacon slid
swiftly and quietly under the sea.
A big wave rolled over the spot and
soon only some floating boards and
crates marked where this gallant fighting freighter of the SIU had written such
a glorious chapter into the annals of the
American merchant service.
Union awarded him a scholarship
in 1955 that allowed him to lay the
educational foundation for his future
success.
Howell’s father, Seafarer Cleveland Howell, a Jamaican immigrant
and union activist who worked to
integrate SIU, encouraged his son’s
academic achievement from an early
age. Howell recalls his father pointing to his head and saying, “What
you have up here, they can’t take
away from you.”
Howell received a four-year,
$6,000 union scholarship – about
$57,000 in today’s dollars. Howell
Continued on Page 13
Lem Howell
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 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
ANTHONY ADA
Brother Anthony Ada, 66, began
sailing with the SIU in 2005 when
he shipped on the Green Lake. He
was a member of the deck department and most recently sailed on
the Overseas Key West. Brother
Ada makes his home in Hacienda
Heights, California.
ALFONSO BOMBITA
Brother Alfonso Bombita, 69,
started sailing with the SIU in 1983,
initially shipping aboard the Santa
Maria. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney
Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Bombita last sailed
aboard the Gem State. He resides in
American Canyon, California.
ROBINSON CRUSOE
Brother Robinson Crusoe, 60,
signed on with the
SIU in 1998 when
he shipped on the
Keystone State.
The deck department member’s
final vessel was
the Green Bay.
Brother Crusoe
makes his home in New Orleans.
WILLIAM DOBBINS
Brother William Dobbins, 62, embarked on his career with the union
in 1978, first shipping aboard the
J.A. Kling. A deck
department member, he upgraded
on multiple occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Dobbins
concluded his career on the Olive
L. Moore. He calls Willoughby,
Ohio, home.
STEVEN DUDLEY
Brother Steven Dudley, 71, started
his career with the SIU in 2001
when he sailed on the John Paul
Bobo. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Dudley concluded his
career on the North Star. He resides
in Gig Harbor, Washington.
SHAWN FUJIWARA
Brother Shawn Fujiwara, 55, began
his career with the SIU in 1989
when he sailed on
the Independence.
A steward department member,
he upgraded
his skills at the
union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Fujiwara most
recently sailed on the California and
settled in Tacoma, Washington.
EDDIE HALL
Brother Eddie Hall, 63, joined the
SIU in 1979, initially sailing on
the Jefferson Davis. He primarily
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 11
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Hall last sailed
on the Ocean
Jazz and makes
his home in
Houston.
HERBERT HYDE
Brother Herbert Hyde, 71, signed
on with the SIU
in 2003 when
he sailed on the
Delaware Bay.
An engine department member, he upgraded
on several occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Hyde last sailed on the Alliance St Louis. He lives in Tampa,
Florida.
ROBERT LANGDON
Brother Robert
Langdon, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 1998,
initially sailing aboard the
USNS Stalwart.
A member of the
steward department, he upgraded
at the Piney Point
school in 2001. Brother Langdon
last sailed on the Green Point. He
calls Pembine, Wisconsin, home.
LIONEL LEE
Brother Lionel Lee, 72, started sailing with the SIU
in 1987 when
he shipped out
aboard the USNS
Harkness. He
sailed in all three
departments and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Lee’s last vessel
was the Liberty. He resides in Oakland, California.
ALI MUTHER
Brother Ali Muther, 46, joined
the SIU in 1993, initially sailing
on the Independence. He
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school in 2009
and shipped
in the steward
department.
Brother Muther
last sailed on the Horizon Anchorage and resides in Tacoma, Washington.
EDWIN ORTEGA
Brother Edwin Ortega, 59, signed
on with the SIU in 1979, first
sailing on the Pisces. He sailed in
the deck department and upgraded
often at the maritime training
center located in Piney Point,
Maryland. Brother Ortega most
recently shipped on the Maersk
Seletar. He lives in Rockaway
Beach, New York.
KENNETH POWELL
Brother Kenneth Powell, 66, began
sailing with the union in 2003,
initially shipping
aboard the Lykes
Explorer. An engine department
member, he upgraded on multiple
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Powell
last worked on the
Golden State before settling in Warsaw, Missouri.
Gladstone, Michigan, home.
WILLIAM MULCAHY
Brother William Mulcahy, 59,
began sailing with the SIU in
1977, first shipping out aboard the
Adam E. Cornelius. A deck department member, he upgraded often
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. Brother Mulcahy most
recently shipped on the Walter
J. McCarthy. He lives in Orange
Park, Florida.
LOUIS ULESKI
JAMES RUSH
Brother James Rush, 64, joined the
SIU in 1980. The deck department
member’s first vessel was the Santa
Mariana. Brother Rush upgraded at
the Piney Point school on numerous
occasions. He most recently shipped
on the Alliance St. Louis and calls
Jacksonville, Florida, home.
IRINA SHUBOV
Sister Irina Shubov, 73, embarked
on her career with the SIU in 2005
when she sailed
on the Liberty.
She was a steward department
member and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Sister
Shubov last
shipped on the
Courage in 2013. She makes her
home in Brockton, Massachusetts.
Brother Louis Uleski, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1978, initially
sailing on the Aries. Sailing in the
deck department,
he upgraded on
multiple occasions
at the Piney Point
school. Brother
Uleski concluded
his career on the
Detroit Princess.
He makes his
home in Chesterfield, Michigan.
INLAND
RAY BROWN
Brother Ray Brown, 71, began his
career with the SIU in 2005 when
he worked for G&H Towing. A
deck department member, he remained with the same company
for the duration of his career.
Brother Brown resides in Rockport, Texas.
EDWARD SOSA
CRISPIN CARINO
Brother Edward Sosa, 71, signed on
with the Seafarers in 1999, initially
shipping on the
Express. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded on
multiple occasions
at the Piney Point
school. Brother
Sosa concluded
his career on the
Green Cove. He lives in Sunrise,
Florida.
Brother Crispin Carino, 62, joined
the union in 2002, first shipping
on the R.J. Pfeiffer. He upgraded
on numerous occasions at the Paul
Hall Center and sailed in both the
steward and deck departments. After
spending most of his career in the
inland division, Brother Carino last
sailed on the USNS Loyal. He resides in the Philippines.
RANDY STEPHENS
Brother Randy Stephens, 64, joined
the union in 1987 when he sailed
on the USNS Bartlett. He sailed in
the steward department and in 2000
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center.
Brother Stephens most recently
shipped aboard the Palmetto State.
He resides in Houston.
GREAT LAKES
DAVID DEMENTER
Brother David Dementer, 62, became an SIU
member in 1977
when he worked
for Quality Quarries. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1995
and worked in
both the deck and
steward departments. Brother
Dementer’s final vessel was the
Joyce L. VanEnkevort. He calls
JAMES CRISHER
Brother James Crisher, 65, embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers in 2005
when he shipped
with the Association of Maryland
Pilots. He continued to work
for the same
company for the
remainder of his
career. Brother Crisher calls Virginia
Beach, Virginia, home.
ROBERTO DIAZ CANDELARIO
Brother Roberto Diaz Candelario,
66, joined the SIU in 1976 when he
worked for Crowley Puerto Rico
Services. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Piney Point school.
Brother Diaz Candelario last sailed
on the Producer. He resides in Orlando, Florida.
GARY GILLISPIE
Brother Gary Gillispie, 62, started
sailing with the SIU in 1988. A
deck department member,
he worked for
Orgulf Transport
for the duration
of his career.
Brother Gillispie
makes his home
in Columbia,
Kentucky.
GLENN HUGHES
Brother Glenn Hughes, 63, signed
on with the union in 1974. A deck
department member, he worked for
Crescent Towing and Salvage for his
entire career. Brother Hughes calls
Gretna, Louisiana, home.
ROBERT MULHOLLAND
Brother Robert Mulholland, 55, embarked on his career with the SIU in
1996 when he worked for Crowley.
He was employed by the same company for the duration of his career.
Brother Mulholland calls Sewell,
New Jersey, home.
RAYMOND SAMARIA
Brother Raymond Samaria, 60,
joined the SIU
in 2001. A deck
department
member, his
first vessel was
the Columbia
Bay. Brother
Samaria trained
at the SIUaffiliated Paul
Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education
around the same time he signed on
with the Seafarers. He was last employed with OSG Ship Management
and makes his home in Miami.
WILLIAM SMITH
Brother William Smith, 66, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1988, initially sailing
with Steuart
Transportation.
He upgraded on
several occasions
at the Piney Point
school and was
a member of the
deck department.
Brother Smith
most recently
worked for Penn Maritime and is a
resident of Middleburg, Florida.
HEWSON WILLIAMS
Brother Hewson Williams, 69,
signed on with the SIU in 1992
when he worked for Higman
Barge Lines. Sailing in the deck
department, he remained with
same company for his entire career. Brother Williams resides in
Groves, Texas.
MARK WILLIAMSON
Brother Mark Williamson, 62,
donned the SIU colors in 1978. He
sailed in both the deck and engine
departments and was employed by
Hvide Marine. Brother Williamson
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in
1985 and continued sailing with the
same company for the duration of his
career. He lives in Livingston, Texas.
Seafarers LOG 11
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Renovations take place (photo at right) on the building in 1953. The updated facility is pictured in photo at left.
Farewell to a Waystation
Editor’s note: This article was written by Rafael Alvarez,
who spent 20 years as a city desk reporter for the Baltimore
Sun. The son of a longtime member of the SIU’s inland division
(pensioner Manuel Alvarez, 85), he has published numerous
books in addition to briefly sailing with the union. This piece
first appeared in Chesapeake Bay Magazine, in late June; it
is reprinted with the author’s permission, under its original
headline. The subject is one of the SIU’s old hiring halls in
Baltimore.
for having been taken by the
Khmer Rouge the year before
in the last official battle of the
Vietnam War.
I sailed on the Mayaguez
for two consecutive summers;
first in the deck department
and in ’77, as a wiper down
below. Soon after getting my
discharge papers that second
As the Tall Ships sailed into the Port of Baltimore over
year, I landed a job dispatchthe Bicentennial Summer of 1976, I waited to ship out of
ing trucks in the circulation
Crabtown at the Seafarers International Union hall just east of
department of the Baltimore
downtown.
Sun.
I had graduated high school just a few weeks before; 18,
In June of 1978, the Seaeager to take a bite out of the world and completely unprefarers made the hall available
pared for the work soon be expected of me in the deck deto their union brethren in
partment. The only knot I’d mastered was the one I used to tie
the Baltimore-Washington
my shoes.
Newspaper Guild. There, in
But however ignorant of actual seafaring, I was long fathe same room where the port
miliar with the large building where I waited for a job on a
agent had called my name for Members and officials meet in the hall in early 1955.
ship – 1216 East Baltimore Street, just off the corner of Central work just a year before – I
Avenue and a block away from the Lloyd Street synagogue and and my fellow newspaper
to the Jewish Education Alliance and demolished to make way
Attman’s Delicatessen in Baltimore’s original Jewish neighcolleagues voted to strike the
for the Michael S. Levy Memorial building, a wonder of recborhood.
Sunpapers, a disruption that lasted three days.
reation and edification with a rooftop playground, not unlike
My father, a retired chief engineer now receiving a generThat was more than 40 years ago. Until the other day, I had
the one that once graced the roof of the City Recreation Pier on
ous and well-earned pension, is a lifetime member of the SIU.
not been back inside. The only thing recognizable to me from
Thames Street.
As a boy in 1966, my family attended a large Christmas party
the past were brushed aluminum handrails and what was left
Local architect Joseph Evans Sperry, perhaps best known
at the hall during a protracted tugboat strike against the Bakerof the star-and-diamond shaped terrazzo tiles. There were discs
for the Bromo Seltzer tower downtown – inspired in part by
Whiteley and Curtis Bay towing companies. My brother and
cut out of wooden passageway doors, but the portholes which
the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence – was commissioned by the
I were given G.I. Joes. In grade school, I was treated there by
once filled them had been yanked out, most likely in some laJEA to design the Levy building, which was dedicated in 1913.
union physicians, one of whom diagnosed me with allergies. It
borer’s basement or garage.
Had the building remained as Sperry envisioned it – brick
was as close to a functioning American socialism as ever exThe first building developed on the footprint known as
with arched windows in an overall “Colonial Revival” spirit
isted and the men were proud of it.
1216 East Baltimore Street – now part of the Jonestown
– it likely would have been protected by historic status and
Later, on the notion that to be a writer you needed advenHistoric District, the earliest settlement of note in colonial
spared the wrecking ball that awaits it.
ture, I sat in the large open hall reading Tolstoy (which I didn’t
Baltimore along with Fells Point – was the Second Unitarian
But after the Jewish community sold the building to the
understand any more than I knew what it meant to “go aloft”)
Church, cornerstone 1860.
SIU in 1952, Sperry’s conception was radically altered by a
while waiting for an entry-level job to be posted on a large
A quarter-century later, the Redemptorists religious order
massive – and much celebrated – makeover, according to a
board that resembled a movie marquee. My chances were best
acquired the property for the city’s first incarnation of St.
report by Baltimore City’s Commission for Historical and Aron a vessel that more senior men – meaning everybody else –
Wenceslaus Bohemian Catholic Church, which opened in
chitectural Preservation.
had no interest in.
1886.
The Seafarers opened the hall to its members on NovemThe ship was the S.S. Mayaguez, built in Wilmington,
Next to occupy the building were two theater operators
ber 10, 1954, a much-ballyhooed event that garnered TV
North Carolina, for the federal maritime commission and
offering live entertainment – including Yiddish drama, vaudecoverage.
launched as the S.S. White Falcon in 1944 less than two weeks
ville and boxing matches – for a predominantly Jewish audiIn addition to squaring off the arched windows with stainbefore D-Day. By the time I trudged up the gangway (a satchel
ence, first known as Baltimore Theater and better known as the
less steel, the building’s brick skin was covered by white
of notebooks and pencils and cassette tapes in my seabag), the
Princess Theater.
stucco to mimic the SIU hall in New York; a “bump-back”
freighter had been converted into a container ship, infamous
The big change came in 1912 when the building was sold
addition was added on the east side, and, overall, said Walter
W. Gallas, a city preservation planner, the post-war seafaring
“showplace” fell victim to “an unsuccessful effort at modernist
design.”
Oh, but what a prosperous, Eisenhower-era palace it was
to sailors shipping out of the Chesapeake Bay compared to the
small union hall it replaced on above the Lorraine Tavern on
Gay Street.
In 2000, claiming that the area had become too rough even
for salty dogs, the SIU sold the building to the mdlogix healthcare and information technology firm. A number of tenants
followed – including a Christian school, which left a New Testament passage from Hebrews in red paint on a wall. In 2016
the building was bought by the non-profit Helping Up Mission,
which is headquartered across the street.
“We’re putting up a 150,000 square feet building to house
210 adult women and their children,” said Robert K. Gehman,
chief executive officer of the Mission. “We weren’t buying the
building; we were buying the future.”
The future is set to open in September of 2021. And by the
time you read this, the past will be dust.
These undated file photos from the Baltimore hall are believed to be from the mid to late 1950s.
12 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 12
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�SIU Issues Notice About 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 phoneservice plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe
from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to
97779.
To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to 97779.
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
Continued from Page 10
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.
Scholarship
The Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more
WIRELESS
DISCOUNTS
CREDIT
CARDS
than $4.5 million to students from working families who
want to begin or continue their post-secondary education.
Find out more about this and other great Union Plus
FREE
COLLEGE
programs by visiting unionplus.org.
CAR
RENTALS
10/19
For more information:
unionplus.org/scholarship
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 13
Union Grant
Paves Highway
To Greatness
said the generous award allowed
him to attend the private Lafayette
College in Pennsylvania, where
Howell graduated in 1958 with honors in history.
“Daddy was so proud,” Howell
recalls.
So was the union. The Seafarers LOG wrote an article about him
when he received the scholarship
and again when he was the first in
his family to graduate from college.
The newspaper even sent a photographer to Easton to document the
event.
Howell served four years in the
Navy, but his father was impatient.
He wanted his son to go to law
school. Howell graduated from New
York University Law School in 1964
and headed west on a Ford Foundation Fellowship. He interned in
the Washington governor’s office,
clerked for the state supreme court
and served as an assistant attorney
general before moving to Seattle to
start a private law practice.
As a young Seattle attorney,
Howell quickly established a reputation as an advocate for equal opportunity in employment. His lawsuits
on behalf of black construction
workers opened the state’s trade
unions to minority applicants. He
also defended the city’s affirmative
action program which ensured the
promotion of qualified black union
firefighters.
Howell’s advocacy on behalf
of African American construction
workers led to a successful career as
a personal injury attorney representing workers killed or injured on the
job.
But it was his work challenging
police killings of African American
men, beginning in 1971 and continuing over the next several decades,
often without pay, that made Howell
a hero among community members
and within the legal field. In an era
before cell phone videos and police
dash cams, Howell repeatedly challenged the official police versions
of fatal shootings and questioned
whether the use of force was justified. He advocated for more police
accountability and for a greater emphasis on de-escalation techniques
rather than the immediate use of
deadly force when apprehending
criminal suspects.
In 2016, at age 80, Howell received the Outstanding Attorney
Award from the King County Bar
Association, which cited his “courage and relentless pursuit of justice
on behalf of the marginalized and
underrepresented.”
Ron Ward, former Washington
State Bar president, said Howell’s
work led to significant changes to
police policies and practices that
in turn “improved basic civil rights
protections for Washington citizens.”
Cleveland Howell died in 1974,
long enough to share in some of
his son’s early successes and to
have his faith in his potential confirmed. After his death, Howell
found in his father’s wallet two
folded copies of the article from
the Seafarers LOG.
Seafarers LOG 13
9/19/2019 3:03:55 PM
�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
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education.
Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?
Raymond Johnson
Recertified Bosun
I joined to see the world and because of
the excellent wages and excellent benefits.
I have stayed because it’s now in my blood.
Shawn Strand
Recertified Bosun
I joined because I wanted to travel, see
the world and make money. I remain with
the union because the SIU gave me the opportunity to have a career, grow, and support
my family..
Ronald Webb
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU because I always had
daydreamed about traveling the world. The
chance came and I jumped on it. What keeps
me going is the travelling, seeing different
places.
Christopher Rosado
Recertified Bosun
Because of the opportunities for career
advancement. You can go as high up as you
want in this career, and the SIU gives you
the tools to do it. I’ve remained because with
the SIU, I have job security and I belong to
something big. The opportunity to get a job
at any of our 20 halls is amazing.
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 St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
John O’Shaughnessy
Recertified Bosun
I was offered the chance to join when my
life was in a period of uncertainty. A chance
to see the world and get paid sounded good.
I stayed because of the money, of course,
but also the time off and adventure.
Donley Johnson
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU to travel and see the
world. I have remained in the union because it’s a good career. I am able to support my family and live a very comfortable
lifestyle.
William Lima
Recertified Bosun
My dad and uncle were merchant seamen. I started off in the NMU. In 1987, I
was on board the USNS Neosho, where I met
(current SIU VP) Kate Hunt. I listened to her
remarks about the union and that’s when I
joined. Now, we became the SIU and it has
been great. (The unions merged in 2001.)
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, 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) 549-400
Foaad Saleh
Recertified Bosun
I joined because my father was a sailor
and he got me into it. I remained because
the SIU changed my life. I get time off for
vacation. I have better and more benefits
than I had before. This was my dream and it
became true. When I was younger, I worked
in many industries, but I’ve never found one
better than this career.
Lovell Smith
Recertified Bosun
A friend of my father came home from
work with an application (for the trainee
program) and told me to make a copy so I
can get my life together. This was back in
1990. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but from the moment I walked into
the school, I knew that I wanted to be part of
the SIU. The SIU saved my life in all areas.
Antjuan Webb
Recertified Bosun
I became a merchant seaman because my
uncle David Dove went through the program
and my mother saw a great opportunity for me
to travel around the world and be financially
stable. I’ve been sailing 30 years. I encourage
my fellow seamen to take advantage of the opportunities available for upgrading. This field
allows us to have a very comfortable lifestyle.
Pic From The Past
After the Bloomfield Steamship vessel
Anne Butler ran aground in 1953 and
ended up drydocked in a Japanese shipyard, crew members passed some time
on the softball field. The U.S. squad won
two of three games against a team of
shipyard workers. They opened with a
16-7 victory, dropped the second game
by a score of 18-10, and then “came
through in the rubber in good old SIU
style, 19-9,” according to information submitted with this photo. The original image
is noteworthy for a few reasons. The footwear on the mariners in front appears to
have been drawn, and the 1953 version
of white-out was added in the lower part
of the frame before publication. Also, the
original submission included nicknames
(“Tiny” and “Big Nose”) that didn’t make
it to print.
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 Auth Way, 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
54930_Seafarers.indd 14
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�PHC Offers Culinary 2.0
As previously reported, the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to help
students boost their skills while
complying with a new rule that
takes effect next year. Completing the coursework also is intended to aid individual shipping
opportunities.
Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which
will go into effect January 1, 2020,
states, “Within each class of seniority in the Steward Department,
priority shall be given to those
seamen who possess an advanced
Culinary 2.0 certificate from the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School
of Seamanship, in the event such
program is being offered and that
the seaman is registered in Group
I, Steward Department.”
While every new member
of the steward department who
completes their apprenticeship at
the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg
School of Seamanship will have
successfully passed Culinary
2.0, it’s important to remem-
ber that those already sailing as
chief cooks and chief stewards
must also take the coursework in
order to exercise preference and
priority beginning next year (unless they have received training
after January 1, 2017 at the Piney
Point, Maryland-based campus).
For those seamen currently
employed as permanent stewards
aboard commercial vessels, they
must attend Culinary 2.0 in order
to maintain their current employment status.
For those already sailing as
chief cooks and chief stewards,
there are two new revalidation
courses that have been designed
to ensure a consistent level of culinary training and efficiency: Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward
2.0 and Orientation/Assessment
Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are
being offered regularly, but spaces
are limited, so members are encouraged to plan ahead and enroll
as soon as possible.
For more information, contact your port agent and/or the
school’s admissions office.
NMC Issues Final Update
On FY2019 Shutdown
The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC)
on Aug. 26 issued the following
notice, which is available both
on the SIU website (in the News
section) and on the agency’s site.
Merchant mariner credentials
(MMC) and medical certificates
(national endorsements only)
that expired in December 2018,
January 2019, February 2019,
March 2019, April 2019, May
2019, June 2019, or July 2019
will remain valid only until
August 31, 2019. No further
credential extensions are authorized.
The backlog of credential
applications and increased net
processing time caused by the
lapse in appropriations and partial government shutdown has
improved. Within the next 2
weeks, the National Maritime
Center (NMC) will resume processing all MMC applications
within the stated goal of 30 net
days. Applications for medical
certificates are currently processed well under the stated goal
of 20 net days.
The NMC recommends mariners submit their application
packages at least 2 months prior
to the expiration date of their
current credentials.
If you need immediate assistance or require expedited processing, contact our Customer
Service Center via the NMC
online chat system, by e-mailing
IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by
calling 1-888-IASKNMC (4275662).
For general information, visit
the NMC website at http://www.
uscg.mil/nmc.
October & November 2019
Membership Meetings
Piney Point................................ Monday: October 7, November 4
Algonac.......................................Friday: October 11, November 8
Baltimore................................Thursday: October 10, November 7
Guam...................................Thursday: October 24, November 21
Honolulu..................................Friday: October 18, November 21
Houston...............*Tuesday: October 15, **Tuesday:November 12
Jacksonville..........................Thursday: October 10, November 7
Joliet.................................Thursday: October 17, November 14
Mobile.........................Wednesday: October 16, November 13
New Orleans........................Tuesday: October 15, November 12
Jersey City..........................Tuesday: October 8 , November 5
Norfolk................................Thursday: October 10, November 7
Oakland...........................Thursday: October 17, November 14
Philadelphia........................Wednesday: October 9 , November 6
Port Everglades......................Thursday: October 17, November 14
San Juan................................Thursday: October 10, November 7
St. Louis..................................Friday: October 18, November 15
Tacoma..................................Friday: October 25, November 22
Wilmington..............................Monday: October 21, November 18
*Houston change due to Columbus Day Holiday
**Houston change due to Veterans Day Holiday
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 15
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” Data is cumulative from Aug. 16-Sept.15. “Registered on the Beach” Data is as of Sept. 16.
Total Registered
All Groups
B
Total Shipped
C
A
All Groups
B
Port
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
3
7
20
1
4
7
27
25
27
2
7
23
13
5
1
4
39
2
29
266
7
3
4
9
1
4
3
21
16
9
2
3
15
7
0
1
3
6
0
11
125
4
3
1
5
0
3
0
9
6
4
1
2
8
1
0
5
0
6
0
5
63
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
1
1
11
0
1
9
6
20
15
0
2
16
8
1
1
7
10
1
12
125
1
0
3
4
0
2
5
11
11
16
1
2
10
5
0
3
1
7
3
15
100
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
6
1
0
0
0
1
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
3
0
0
8
0
5
7
19
24
9
0
3
10
14
3
4
3
16
2
14
144
3
0
4
5
0
1
3
7
6
0
0
1
5
4
0
4
6
1
0
8
58
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
0
1
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13
Steward Department
4
2
0
0
1
3
10
2
0
1
0
0
8
2
17
1
15
3
4
3
0
1
2
0
10
4
12
2
3
0
2
2
5
1
8
0
1
0
8
8
110
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
TOTALS
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
3
0
0
0
1
3
0
2
0
5
1
1
22
4
1
0
1
0
2
2
11
16
15
1
0
7
13
1
1
0
9
1
18
103
7
1
2
5
0
3
2
9
15
4
2
0
28
4
0
7
0
8
0
8
105
Entry Department
1
1
0
1
0
2
0
3
0
1
1
2
1
0
3
11
1
19
0
4
0
0
0
1
1
13
1
9
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
4
0
0
1
11
11
83
GRAND TOTAL:
557
386
203
Deck Department
20
6
2
0
4
1
14
12
1
0
6
1
7
3
38
14
11
14
29
5
1
2
4
5
22
12
6
3
3
0
4
2
5
3
23
6
3
0
17
5
220
94
Registered on Beach
C
Trip
Reliefs
A
All Groups
B
C
3
0
1
3
0
0
0
7
3
1
0
3
2
2
1
1
1
0
1
1
30
7
0
2
9
0
1
0
17
12
11
0
4
12
2
2
0
4
6
1
12
102
27
4
6
28
3
11
17
71
68
63
4
15
39
29
4
0
7
63
6
57
522
16
6
4
9
1
7
4
32
39
22
5
6
22
10
0
3
9
13
0
26
234
3
3
0
8
0
6
0
5
11
6
2
4
10
2
0
4
1
11
2
10
88
1
0
0
4
1
1
0
11
8
5
0
0
8
0
0
0
3
6
0
7
55
6
2
3
17
1
5
12
23
33
21
1
4
25
14
2
1
6
22
3
25
226
2
0
3
11
0
3
4
21
30
19
2
5
17
6
0
7
5
11
2
22
170
2
1
0
1
0
2
1
6
3
3
3
1
12
2
0
0
1
4
2
9
53
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
10
0
0
2
4
0
0
1
9
5
4
0
0
6
4
0
1
2
3
0
8
49
4
0
1
16
1
10
17
29
34
18
0
5
22
27
3
5
1
24
2
29
248
3
1
3
8
2
2
5
8
17
4
0
4
13
10
0
3
11
5
1
13
113
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
4
1
0
0
5
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
16
4
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
10
2
0
0
14
5
0
8
1
3
0
2
52
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
3
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
15
2
0
0
0
0
0
5
10
4
4
0
1
0
3
0
1
0
10
0
4
44
16
2
1
7
0
1
9
18
31
27
3
0
22
23
3
1
1
21
1
36
223
17
1
3
5
0
3
6
13
68
9
4
0
44
11
1
1
0
14
1
25
226
102
221
1,040
740
383
Engine Department
3
1
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
5
2
1
1
1
0
1
2
0
6
2
0
11
13
0
11
3
0
10
6
2
2
0
0
1
1
0
16
13
1
5
4
1
3
1
0
1
0
0
7
5
0
13
2
1
1
1
0
7
10
3
105
70
10
446
282
Seafarers LOG 15
9/19/2019 3:03:55 PM
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
LUCIANO ALFEO
Pensioner Luciano Alfeo, 90, has
passed away. He joined the SIU in
1970, sailing first on the Manhattan. An engine department member,
Brother Alfeo last sailed aboard
the Falcon Champion. He retired
in 1993 and lived in Yonkers, New
York.
FIDEL BROAS
Pensioner Fidel Broas, 82, died July
20. He signed on
with the Seafarers in 1979 when
he sailed on the
Del Sol. Brother
Broas sailed in all
three departments
and concluded his
career on the Liberator in 2001. He
went on pension the following year
and made his home in the Philippines.
CARLOS CACHO
Brother Carlos Cacho, 49, passed
away July 17. Born in Honduras,
he became an SIU member in 1994
when he sailed on the Independence.
Brother Cacho primarily sailed in
the deck department. He was most
recently employed by American
Service Technology, working on
shore gangs. Brother Cacho resided
in Houston.
JOHN CARMELLO
Pensioner John Carmello, 89, died
August 24. He joined the union in
1966 and first sailed on the Beaugard. Brother Carmello shipped
in the engine department and also
worked on shore gangs. He became
a pensioner in 1994 and was a resident of Venice, Florida.
RODNEY CLARK
Pensioner Rodney Clark, 66, passed
away July 27. He embarked on his
SIU career in 1975, initially sailing
on the Sea-Land Market. Brother
Clark sailed in the deck department,
most recently aboard the Horizon
Spirit. He became a pensioner in
2014 and settled in Surprise, Arizona.
2006. Brother Erdt resided in Kenmore, New York.
ERNEST GIBSON
Pensioner Ernest Gibson, 78, died
August 25. He
began his career
with the SIU in
1964 when he
sailed on the Trans
Orleans. An engine
department member, Brother Gibson
last shipped on the
Pride. He went on
pension in 2008 and lived in Moscow, Texas.
HERBERT HOLLINGS
Pensioner Herbert Hollings, 85,
passed away September 2. He embarked on his SIU
career in 1951,
first working with
Waterman Steamship Corporation.
Brother Hollings
sailed in the steward department,
most recently
aboard the William R. Button. He became a pensioner in 1999 and made
his home in Mobile, Alabama.
Pensioner Gregory Johnson, 61,
died August 14. He joined the union
in 1980, initially sailing aboard
the Point Susan. Brother Johnson
worked in the steward department
and concluded his career on the
Benavidez. He retired in 2016 and
settled in Jacksonville, Florida.
PHILLIP NILES
Pensioner Phillip Niles, 74, passed
away August 19. He signed on with
the SIU in 2001
during the NMU/
SIU merger. An
engine department
member, he first
shipped on the
Lykes Explorer.
Brother Niles’ final
vessel was the Philadelphia Express.
He went on pension in 2016 and
made his home in Houston.
JOHN RYAN
Pensioner Alvin Dyer, 92, died September 8. He became a member of
the SIU in 1945 and
sailed in the deck
department. Brother
Dyer’s first vessel
was the Del Comp;
his last, the Long
Island. He retired
in 1992 and lived in
Gouldsboro, Maine.
EDMUND ERDT
EDWARD SINGLETON
Pensioner Edmund Erdt, 81, passed
away July 19. He signed on with the
Seafarers during the 2001 NMU/SIU
Merger. Brother Erdt was an engine
department member whose first SIU
vessel was the Seabulk Trader. He
last sailed on the Seabulk Mariner
before becoming a pensioner in
16 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 16
NORMAN TAYLOR
Pensioner Norman Taylor, 64, died
July 31. He embarked on his career with the SIU
in 1981 and first
sailed on the USNS
Contender. Brother
Taylor was a member of the deck department and most
recently shipped on
the Maersk Utah.
He went on pension in 2017 and
made his home in Iron Mountain,
Michigan.
GREAT LAKES
JAMES KUCHNICKI
Pensioner James Kuchnicki, 82,
passed away August 3. He became
a member of the SIU in 1987 when
he shipped on the Steel T. Crapo. A
deck department member, Brother
Kuchnicki concluded his career on
the Paul H. Townsend. He became
a pensioner in 2002 and resided in
Alpena, Michigan.
GREGORY JOHNSON
Pensioner John Ryan, 77, died
September 7. He donned the SIU
colors in 1967,
initially shipping
on the Seatrain
New York. Brother
Ryan worked in the
engine department.
He last sailed on
the San Juan, and
became a pensioner
in 2007. Brother
Ryan was a resident of Toms River,
New Jersey.
ALVIN DYER
sailed in the steward department and
last shipped on the Gulf Merchant.
He retired in 1991 and settled in
Mobile, Alabama.
Pensioner Edward
Singleton, 90,
passed away August 1. He joined
the union in 1951,
and his first vessel
was the Lafayette.
Brother Singleton
INLAND
COLIN CHALMERS
Pensioner Colin Chalmers, 83, died
August 29. He signed on with the
Seafarers in 1980,
initially working
for Dixie Carriers.
Brother Chalmers
sailed in the steward department and
was last employed
with OSG Ship
Management. He
retired in 2003 and
lived in Plant City, Florida.
OMAR COLLINS
Pensioner Omar Collins, 90, passed
away August 26. He became a
member of the SIU in 1957, first
working for Taylor Marine Towing. A deck department member,
Brother Collins concluded his career sailing with the same company
and retired in 1987. He was a Philadelphia resident.
was a deck department member and
continued to ship with the same
company for his entire career. He
began collecting his pension in 1996
and called Alliance, North Carolina,
home.
BILLY PADGETT
Pensioner Billy Padgett, 88, died
August 10. He signed on with the
Seafarers in 1980,
initially sailing
on the Manhattan
Island. A deck department member,
Brother Padgett
last worked on the
Dodge Island. He
became a pensioner
in 1996 and resided in Lake Park,
Georgia.
ROGER RAINEY
Brother Roger Rainey, 64, passed
away August 22. He joined the SIU
in 2000 and first
worked for Allied
Transportation. The
engine department
member’s final vessel was the Legacy.
He called Gulf
Breeze, Florida,
home.
GEORGE STEWART
Pensioner George Stewart, 82, died
September 5. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1981 when
he shipped on the
Manhattan Island.
Brother Stewart was
a member of the
engine department.
He last sailed on the
Dodge Island and
went on pension in 2000. Brother
Stewart lived in Seffner, Florida.
NMU
JULIAN GARCIA
away August 7. He was an NMU
member before the 2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother Garcia began collecting his pension in 1974 and was
a Miami resident.
BERNARDO MARIANI
Pensioner Bernardo Mariani, 106,
died August 6. He sailed with the
NMU prior to the 2001 merger
with Seafarers International Union.
Brother Mariani retired in 1980 and
lived in Puerto Rico, his birthplace.
THOMAS O’DONNELL
Pensioner Thomas O’Donnell, 79,
passed away April
23. Born in Portland, Maine, he
was a member of
the NMU before
the 2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother
O’Donnell became
a pensioner in 2010
and continued to
live in his hometown.
ALBERT RHEINER
Pensioner Albert Rheiner, 93, died
August 18. Brother Rheiner went on
pension in 1981 and made his home
in Tuckerton, New Jersey.
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
Cerna, Marcial
Dawson, Thomas
Ebanks, Hoyt
Flores, Frank
Gibson, Mervain
Knight, Wilford
Phillips, John
Pritchett, Wade
Rodgers, James
Traywick, Joe
Age
94
91
76
94
92
90
91
88
93
82
DOD
08/18/2019
06/10/2019
07/18/2019
08/19/2019
08/11/2019
06/25/2019
09/09/2019
07/23/2019
09/01/2019
09/04/2019
Pensioner Julian Garcia, 91, passed
Talking Maritime with Congresswoman
GEORGE ESPONGE
Pensioner George Esponge, 83, died
August 14. Upon joining the SIU in
1984, he initially
sailed with Crowley
Towing and Transportation. Brother
Esponge was a
member of the deck
department and was
employed with the
same company for
most of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2004 and resided
in Galveston, Texas.
JAMES MAYO
Pensioner James Mayo, 85, passed
away August 2. He embarked on his
SIU career in 1974, working for Allied Transportation. Brother Mayo
SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny (left) and SIU Government Services
Division Representative Sam Spain (right) welcome U.S. Rep.
Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) to a Hampton Roads Port Council meeting earlier this year in Norfolk, Virginia. They and other meeting
attendees discussed various maritime issues. Rep. Luria reiterated her strong backing of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 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.
HORIZON PACIFIC (PASHA),
June 2 – Chairman Daniel Ticer,
Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Jessie Turner, Deck
Delegate Antjuan Webb, Engine
Delegate Muthana Koraish, Steward Delegate Mercurion Abuan.
Chairman gave reports to union
regarding TV and WiFi issues on
ship. He noted next year’s upcoming election and urged members
to contribute to SPAD. Secretary
reported a job well done by crew.
Members quickly turned the ship
over after the drydock to pass the
COI inspections with flying colors.
Educational director reminded crew
about upgrading opportunities available at union-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Satellite dish
needs fixed for cable and WiFi functionality, at least while at port. Next
Port: Oakland, California.
upgrade often. No beefs or disputed
OT reported in deck or steward
departments. Members discussed
recent surprise sanitary inspection
by captain. Crew unsure if advanced
notice of inspection is contractually
required.
EVERGREEN STATE (Crowley), June 9 – Chairman Reginald
Watkins, Secretary Jorcell Davis,
Educational Director Michael Robinson, Steward Delegate Andres
Brown. Educational director went
over upgrading procedures. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members
discussed the LOG and were urged
to be active in the union. Crew requests physical requirements return
to one per year. Members were
encouraged to do their best while
working safely.
ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines),
June 23 – Chairman Daniel Seagle,
Secretary Justo Reyes, Educational
Director Michael Kelly, Deck Delegate Terrence Carmody, Engine
Delegate William Mogg, Steward
Delegate Douglas Neubauer. New
TV will be purchased. Educational
director reminded members 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 requested dayfor-day vacation time.
AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning), June
12 – Chairman Felsher Beasley,
Secretary Cynora Hunter, Educational Director Rodriques Carson,
Deck Delegate Shaib Juma, Engine
Delegate Wordell Prescott, Steward
Delegate Adolfo Bermudez. Chairman reminded crew to stay hydrated
and to cool down often when working in the heat.
Also discussed retroactive OT for
engine department members. Educational director advised crew to
LOUISIANA (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), June 13 – Chairman
Gregory Jenkins, Secretary Timothy Dowd, Educational Director
Kevin Hall, Deck Delegate Damon
Johnson, Steward Delegate Carlos
Suazo. Crew waiting for info on
new mattresses. Educational director
encouraged members to renew documents early. Ongoing dispute for
penalty pay due to oilers for burning
garbage. Crew asked for clarification on day’s pay in lieu of day off.
Members requested new toaster.
Crew discussed concerns about galley inventory and portions.
OCEAN GLORY (Crowley), June
23 – Chairman Jerrold Foke, Secretary Johnny Palencia, Educational
Director Sixin Ling, Deck Delegate
Abdulsalam Issa, Engine Delegate
Edward Galbis. Galley appliances
working well. Chairman reminded
members to go to Piney Point and
upgrade. Crew was paid for dangerous cargo pickup. Secretary reported
low supply of everyday items including honey, cookies, ice cream,
butter, etc. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew continues having
issues with late direct deposits. No
TV in rooms and members not being
paid for travel transportation. Microwave, rice cooker and additional
dishes needed in galley. Members
read letter from Vice President
Contracts George Tricker. Captain
ensured travel pay for members that
joined overseas. Satellite fixed and
phone and internet working. Members requested better overseas transportation. Next Port: Quebec.
On the Job in San Francisco
HORIZON RELIANCE (PASHA),
June 30– Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary Mark Cabasag, Educational Director James Donohue,
Deck Delegate Jesse Sunga, Steward Delegate Teresito Reyes. Chairman went over contract. Secretary
advised crew to check documents
six months ahead. He reminded
members to leave clean linen and
empty trash when finishing rotation.
Educational director encouraged
crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center and to donate to SPAD, the
union’s voluntary political action
fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported.
ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska
Tanker Company), July 7 – Chairman Alvin Martin, Secretary Johnson Ashun, Educational Director
Kassim Mohamed, Engine Delegate Corey Hann. Request made
concerning crew-lounge computer.
Phone booster on B-deck. Ship sailing smoothly. New classes posted in
crew mess via portal. Educational
director reiterated importance of
staying up to date on documents. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Busy
port stay in Port Angeles, Washington. Next Port: Valdez, Alaska.
GREAT REPUBLIC (Key Lakes),
July 7 – Chairman Amin Quraish,
Secretary Rolando Batiz.
Crew discussed basic information
about merchant mariner credentials and the Jones Act. Chairman
Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman performs preventive maintenance for radar foundation aboard the USNS Algol (Ocean Duchess) in San Francisco.
discussed safe working practices.
Forms in the rec room for crew signing off. Members discussed port
agent’s report. Educational director
reminded crew of culinary 2.0 requirements for chief cooks in 2020.
Deck delegate encouraged members
to register within 12 hours and to
support union by paying dues. Crew
went over president’s report from
Seafarers LOG, the SIU’s official
publication.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime), July 28 – Chairman James
Blitch, Educational Director Leon-
ard Ajoste, Deck Delegate Shawn
Williams. No union meeting on last
trip. Patrolman was asked to settle
rates on garbage pay. Store seems to
be in short supply. Steward department needs latex gloves. Educational
director reminded members to
upgrade at Piney Point and to keep
papers in order. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Chairman urged crew
to read current LOG and to stay
informed of union affairs. Members
discussed contract and made request
concerning vacation benefits. Crew
unable to get new movies. Next Port:
Freeport, Texas.
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
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 17
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
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 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Seafarers LOG 17
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. 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
Steward Department Courses
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
Date of
Completion
October 26
November 16
November 30
November 1
November 22
December 6
Safety Upgrading Courses
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
October 12
AB to Mate Modules
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
Basic Training/Basic FF
October 19
November 2
November 16
December 7
October 25
November 8
November 22
December 13
Basic Training Revalidation
October 18
October 25
November 15
December 6
October 18
October 25
November 15
December 6
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
September 14
September 20
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
September 21
September 27
Government Vessels
October 12
October 26
November 16
December 7
October 18
November 1
November 22
December 13
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
October 19
October 25
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
November 9
December 7
November 15
December 13
November 8
Crane Familiarization
October 5
October 11
ECDIS
November 16
November 22
Lifeboat
October 19
November 16
December 14
November 1
November 29
December 27
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW
November 9
December 6
100 Ton Master
October 19
November 8
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
BAPO
November 9
December 6
FOWT
October 12
November 8
Machinist
October 19
November 8
Marine Electrician
October 12
November 15
Pumpman
November 9
November 15
Welding
October 19
November 8
Steward Department Courses
Certified Chief Cook
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start October 14.
Chief Steward
October 19
December 6
Galley Operations
November 9
December 6
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
October 19
November 2
December 7
October 25
November 8
December 13
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.
18 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 18
SHBP Trustees Approve Modification of Rules
Regarding Eligibility for Upgrading Programs
Due to recent feedback from the
membership, the Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan (SHBP) Trustees approved a modification to the rules regarding eligibility requirements for
scheduling and attending classes at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education. The new rule allows
mariners to apply as long as they have
a valid U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate that covers the duration of the
class, and removes the requirement for
a valid SHBP Fitness Certification form
(sometimes referred to as a clinic card).
Since the Coast Guard Medical Certificate is valid for a two-year period,
this should allow for mariners to apply
and attend classes while they are in the
process of updating their medical exams
that are required for shipping.
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, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or
fax to (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.
10/19
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class
#851 – Graduated June 14 (photo
at right, in alphabetical order):
Andre Barbary Jr., Keshyra Brinkley, Rhiannon Buttrum, Denny
Hale, Romello Johnson, Gregory
Nash, Travis Nesar, Sharde Ross,
Nikia Stripling and Luis Ricardo
Venegas Nolasco.
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.
Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated May 17
(above, from left) Maurice Woodhouse Jr. and Osborn Miranda. Also graduating, but not pictured, was
Billy Sawyer III.
MSC Supply Configuration Management – Graduated May 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Bernard Baker, Barry Bettis, Ana
Marie Chona Razon Calma, VanNessa Curd, Christopher Flood, Eric Hondel, Eric Johnson, Porcia Johnson and Christopher
Waters. Class instructor Matthew Rogers is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Government Vessels – Graduated May 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Jeffrey Amestoy, Rodelo Blanco Ayaton, Roche Aurea Bonita, Hector Ismael Caballero, Nelxon Colon Diego,
Faustino Tmodrang Cosby, Mario Humberto Cruz Levy, A’trenique Tramani Deamus, Smyrno Desir, Dexter Douglas Jr., Carlicia Jones, Gizelle Jones, Kyle Knickerbocker, Vincent
Knight, Deshante Luchien, Deven McCoy, Mohamed Abdullah Ali Mohamed, Patricia Ricks, Terry Santure and Curtis Spencer. Their instructor Keith Adamson, is at the far left. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 19
Seafarers LOG 19
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Digna Castillo,
Jawonn Nicholson, Glenn Snow, Jamika Thomas, Sutthipong Ticer and Nicole Walton.
ECDIS – Graduated April 19 (above, from left): John Schmanski and Jason
Boyer. Instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at right.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdul-Ghaffar Abu-Bakr, Ali Ahmed, Evan Bradley, Ferdinand Malicay Cabanlit, Gary Davis Jr., Ashley Fabor, Harold Gerber II, Hussein Kareem Howe, Nat Lamb, Thomas MacGregor, Jesus Manuel Pacheco, Kyle Parson, Efren Asdrubal Ramos-Sosa, Chenequa Moet Rodriguez,
Ovidio Joana Santos, Terry Santure, Charles Williams and Matthew Wright.
Junior Engineer – Graduated May 10 (above, in alphabetical order): John Abernathy, Ryan Cameron, Oliver Luc Especa, Marquez Fields, Viliamu Milikini, Bryan Moreira, James
Parker, Robert Pendarvis, Michael Smith, Boleslaw Tomasz Szatkowski and Keshawn Webster.
20 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 20
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
UA to FOWT – Graduated May 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Keondre Bell, Justin Bodnar, Kevin Campfield Jr., Elyser Valdez Carpio, Samuel Fanjoy, Vincent Hall, Joshua Irvine,
Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Kevin Lueddeke, Ryan Kaleolani Manlapit, Robert Murphy, Srawut Petchsaitip, Tresten Porter, Gabriel Santa Ramos and Nicholas Simoneaux. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)
Medical Care Provider – Graduated April 26
(photo at left, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Hussein Mohsin Alrayyashi,
William Born, Corey Covington, Charles
Drumm, Michael Iverson and Andrzej Tlalka.
John Thomas, their instructor, is at the far right.
ARPA – Graduated May 31
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed,
Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi,
Smyrno Desir, Christopher
Hickey, Martin McDonald, Ian
McDonough, Michael Norman,
James Norsworthy and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. Instructor Brian
Moore is at the far left.
UA to Able Seaman (Deck) – Graduated May 24 (photo at left,, in alphabetical
order): Tommy Benton, Devin Hoerr, Rahsean Lillard and Brian Wendler. Welton
Grooms, their instructor, is at the far right.
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 21
Seafarers LOG 21
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
GMDSS – Graduated May 10
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz
Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Christopher Hickey,
Brennon Hough, James
Pierce and John Reyes. Instructor Patrick Schoenberger
is at the far right.
Radar Observer – Graduated May 24
(photo at left, in alphabetical order):
Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Hussein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Smyrno Desir, Christopher
Hickey, Martin McDonald, Ian McDonough
and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. Brian Moore,
their instructor, is at the far left.
Small Arms – Graduated
May 24 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): Justice
Agha-Kuofie, Johnnatan Escobar, Amos London, Loreto
Antonio Orosco and Timothy Valentine Sr. Instructors
John Thomas and Matthew
Rogers are at the far left and
far right, respectively.
Advanced Refer Container
Maintenance – Graduated
May 31 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Carlos Eduardo Amaya Avila, Ricardo
Bonuel Ducay, John Groom,
Vernon Humbles, Lon Tige
Maduro, Carl Montoya, Michael Murphy, Tijani Rashid
and Brian Wilder. Instructors
William Dodd and Mike Fay
are first and second from the
left, respectively, while Instructor Christopher Morgan
is at the far right.
22 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 22
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Bridge Management (Delta Mariner)
– Graduated April 5 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Scott Accardi, John
Bilich Sr., Antonio Manuel Carreiro Jr.,
Lee Hendrix, Hussein Marumbo Hussein,
Thor Pearson, Van Powell, Carson Shallenberger, Johnny Skipper and Thomas
Sullivan.
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated May 31 (photo at right, in alphabetical order):
Jonamie Antonio Encarnacion, Angelo Hernando
Golden, Gladys Grant, Michael Matthews, Frederick Neese, Kwame Owusu, Carlos Ovidio Palacious-Nunez, William Jose Sanchez and Marshall
Turner Jr.
MSC Ship Reaction Force – Graduated May 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Justice
Agha-Kuofie, Johnnatan Escobar, Amos London, Loreto Antonio Orosco and Timothy
Valentine Sr. Instructors John Thomas and Matthew Rogers are at the far left and far
right, respectively.
Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated May 24 (above, from left): William Jose Sanchez, Demarius Jones and John Chaney.
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 23
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated May 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Thalis Ealy, Gerald
Kirtsey, Just B Self and Samuel Sinclair.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated May 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Nasr Ahmed Ali
Almusab, James Cherico, Gerard Cox, Reynard Gibbs and Andrew Miller.
Seafarers LOG 23
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�VOLUME 81, NO. 10
OCTOBER 2019
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for SIU
Text Alerts
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
Hands-on Training Highlights PHC Curriculum
A
state-of-the-art vocational school in southern Maryland acts as a gateway to rewarding careers for experienced mariners and entry-level students as well.
The Piney Point, Maryland-based SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education opened its doors
in 1967. Since that time, it has enjoyed more than a half-century of steady growth and has developed into a cutting-edge
school with wide-ranging curriculums.
A characteristic that hasn’t changed from the facility’s
outset, however, is its continuing emphasis on practical training. Hands-on instruction is featured in virtually every one
of the school’s 81 U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. Many
classes are department-specific (deck, engine, or steward),
while numerous others provide comprehensive safety training for the entire crew. Similarly, the Paul Hall Center offers
entry-level instruction for those just embarking on their
respective maritime careers, plus upgrading coursework for
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 24
experienced Seafarers.
Some hands-on segments take place aboard the Freedom
Star, a modern training vessel which also is one of the most
visible parts of the campus’ waterfront. Proactive training
also takes place at the nearby Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and
Safety School, located on a satellite campus just a few miles
from the main base.
While the Paul Hall Center mainly is known for vocational training – including its highly regarded apprentice
program, which is registered with the U.S. Department of
Labor – it also offers academic support along with separate
programs for earning a high school degree and a two-year
college degree.
The photos on this page show a small sample of practical
coursework in Piney Point. Additional information about the
school is available in the Training and Careers section of the
SIU website: www.seafarers.org
9/19/2019 3:03:57 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
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
Description
An account of the resource
Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the 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
2010-2019
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 2019
Description
An account of the resource
Headlines:
AFT BECOMES MTD'S NEWEST AFFILIATE
EXPRESS MARINE CREWS APPROVE NEW CONTRACT
ADM. ZUKUNFT NAMED NEX AMERICAN MARITIME HERO
USNS PUERTO RICO UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATED SEA TRIALS
RICHARD TRUMKA: WORKERS 'NOT INTERESTED IN A SLIVER OF CHANGE,' DEMAND ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR THEM
ILLINOIS REP. INTRODUCES PRO-MARITIME RESOLUTION
EPI ASKS (AND ANSWERS): HOW IS ECONOMY WORKING FOR AMERICA'S WORKING FAMILIES?
MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR PLEDGES JONES ACT SUPPORT
STUDENTS, INSTRUCTORS PRAISE PHC MACHINE SHOP UPGRADES
2019 SEATU CONVENTION BUILDS TOWARDS FUTURE
'FUJI' FINDS A HOME FOR LIGHTHOUSE COLLECTION
IDENTIFY CAUSE OF DIZZINESS
REMEMBERING THE SIU-CREWED SS HENRY BACON
FAREWELL TO A WAYSTATION
SIU ISSUES NOTICE ABOUT TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS
PHC OFFERS CULINARY 2.0
NMC ISSUES FINAL UPDATE ON FY2019 SHUTDOWN
HANDS-ON TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS PHC CURRICULUM
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
10/1/2019
Format
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Newsprint
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Vol. 81, No. 10
2019
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
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JULY 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 7
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
National Maritime Day
Salutes Past, Present
And Future U.S. Mariners
Maintaining a long tradition, the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education turned out in force for this year’s National Maritime Day observance at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C. Taken immediately after the ceremony
on May 22, the large group photo below includes World War II mariners, Paul Hall Center apprentices, featured speakers, SIU officials and others. Among those pictured are (back row, from left)
SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Port Agent Victor Nunez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel,
President Michael Sacco, Gen. Stephen Lyons (USA, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command), Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and SIU Exec.
VP Augie Tellez. In the photo at right, Apprentice Shannon Gail Peterson is flanked by Gen. Lyons
and Administrator Buzby as they display a life ring that was used during the ceremony. Pages 12-14.
Matson Christens ConRo Lurline
The SIU recently helped welcome the new Matson vessel Lurline, built by union
members at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The Jones
Act ship is an 870-foot-long, 3,500 TEU, 44,200 deadweight metric ton, combination container ship/roll-on, roll-off (ConRo) vessel featuring LNG-capable engines.
Christened and launched at the yard June 15, the Lurline is the lead ship of a twovessel contract.
At right, the
ship’s final grand
block is eased
into position in
early February.
The photo at left,
taken by drone
in May, shows
the nearly completed ship. Visit
the SIU website
for additional information about
the vessel and
the ceremony.
(Photos courtesy
Matson)
Jones Act News
Pages 2, 4
‘Maritime Heroes’
Page 3
USNS Gianella Feature
Page 24
�President’s Report
Fourth Arm of Defense Ready
Global tensions were on the rise last month in the aftermath of attacks
on two foreign-flag tankers in the Gulf of Oman. While I’m thankful the
mid-June incidents, which happened in international waters, did not result
in any serious injuries to the crew members, they definitely underscored
the ongoing need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.
If that sounds like an overstatement, here’s what the U.S. Central Command stated in response to the attacks: “The U.S. and our partners in the
region will take all necessary measures to defend
ourselves and our interests. Today’s attacks are a clear
threat to international freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce.”
History has taught us that it’s not a question of
“if” the next conflict will occur, but when and where.
That’s just reality. And that’s a big reason why our
nation absolutely must be able to carry the fight and
deliver the goods for our men and women in uniform.
It’s usually a surprise to people who aren’t familiar
with our industry when they learn that the U.S. MerMichael Sacco
chant Marine delivered more than 90 percent of the
materiel needed by our troops in Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. But, as Seafarers know, American citizen mariners have answered the call dating back
to the very earliest days of our country.
The Central Command added, “The United States has no interest in engaging in a new conflict in the Middle East. However, we will defend our
interests.”
It goes without saying that my sincere hope is that these two attacks
were isolated mistakes that won’t be repeated.
And it also goes without saying that if the balloon goes up, the SIU will
answer the call. We are proud to serve as America’s fourth arm of defense.
That’s a role we’ve upheld – without exception – every time we’ve been
needed since our founding in 1938.
New Tonnage
Not all of the recent news was stressful. A few days after the aforementioned incidents, the SIU helped welcome a new Matson ship in San Diego
that’ll sail in the Jones Act trade. This union-built beauty, the Lurline,
means ongoing job security for SIU members. Like other Jones Act ships,
it boosts America’s national, economic and homeland security. Like many
other new U.S.-built vessels, it has LNG-capable engines.
Congratulations to Matson and to the union workers and executives at
General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego on the christening and launch.
It’s a great milestone and a tribute to our industry’s shared commitment to
produce state-of-the-art vessels that carry the world’s best-trained crews.
Well-Earned Honors
Be sure to check out our coverage of the new “American Maritime Heroes” campaign that recently was launched by the major coalition American Maritime Partnership (AMP). The first two honorees – U.S. Secretary
of Transportation Elaine L. Chao and, collectively, the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II – are nothing short of fantastic, in my estimation.
Secretary Chao is on a short list of greatest advocates our industry has
ever known. That’s why I was incredulous when she recently came under
attack by some in the press for having the audacity to be part of a politically active family. My bottom line is that Secretary Chao’s pro-maritime
record speaks for itself, and that’s including crucial behind-the-scenes work
for which she won’t take credit.
As for our mariners from The Greatest Generation, their service and
sacrifice remain unsurpassed in our industry. One of our late pensioners who
sailed during the war managed to put a humorous spin on it. He’d often say,
“Just remember, if it weren’t for us, we’d all be speaking German.”
That always cracked me up but the truth in it is noteworthy.
A hearty tip of the SIU white cap to Secretary Chao and to the U.S.
Merchant Marine of World War II!
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 81 Number 7
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) recently highlighted the positive effects of the Jones
Act on the Pacific Northwest.
The SIU is affiliated with AMP, the primary
coalition representing all components of the domestic maritime industry.
Citing a new study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the Transportation Institute, AMP’s first announcement focused on the
state of Washington. The domestic maritime industry in Washington ranks sixth among all American
states for jobs and labor income relating to the
Jones Act, according to the study, and employs
more than 22,500 individuals. The industry also
produces $6.12 billion for the local economy, and
generates more than $1.5 billion in worker income.
“The Jones Act is a juggernaut when it comes
to helping us, and we are not talking about a relic,
but a key tool in growing our economy for the
future,” said U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) while speaking at Seattle maritime event.
“As shown in this report, the Jones Act has created
22,000 jobs here in Washington State, a 34 percent
increase since the last report in 2014.”
The second study focused on the state of
Alaska, where the domestic maritime industry employs more than 6,500 individuals, produces $1.98
billion for the local economy, and generates $469
million in worker income.
“In my state, a strong domestic maritime industry is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said U.S. Sen.
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). “The welfare of our
people and our economy is dependent on the U.S.
maritime industry, providing over 6,000 Americans with maritime jobs that significantly contribute to the economies of Alaska and our nation. I
proudly support the work of the Alaska and American Maritime Partnerships, and am pleased by the
growth of maritime industry jobs in Alaska.”
“The Jones Act is vital to maintaining a strong
and stable domestic maritime industry that transports goods to Alaska and, as this study indicates, helps strengthen our economy by providing
good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan
(R-Alaska). “Further, the Jones Act protects our
homeland, ensuring that in times of dispute,
Alaska and other states across our country will
not be caught in the crossfire and held hostage by
foreign-flagged vessels.”
TOTE’s SIU-crewed North Star is one of many
Jones Act vessels delivering economic benefits to
the Pacific Northwest.
July 2019
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 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth
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Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
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2 Seafarers LOG
AMP Underscores Maritime’s Positive
Impacts on Alaska, Washington State
“The Jones Act is vital for protecting the U.S.
maritime industry and promoting a very important
sector of Alaska’s economy,” said U.S. Rep. Don
Young (R-Alaska). “Simply put, the Jones Act is
critical to maintaining a strong maritime workforce and ensuring the U.S. has shipbuilding capabilities that can keep pace with our competitors.
This study is further proof of its immense success
and the importance of protecting the Jones Act.
For the sake of our maritime industry, our jobs,
and national security, we must continue to support
the Jones Act for years to come.”
Some of the largest domestic shipping leaders
also spoke on the importance of the maritime industry to Washington and Alaska.
“The new economic data is proof positive that
U.S.-built vessels crewed by American mariners
provide our communities and our country substantial benefits from jobs and investments,” said
Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Seafarerscontracted Crowley Maritime Corporation. “This
study shows the domestic maritime industry is
integral to the economic success of Alaska, the
Pacific Northwest and the entire nation. The men
and women in the maritime industry also provide
irreplaceable support to our military’s readiness
and homeland security. These benefits demonstrate why experts and elected officials readily
support the U.S. maritime industry and the legal
framework protecting it.”
TOTE Maritime Alaska President Grace
Greene stated, “TOTE is honored to call Washington home and we are proud of the many contributions that our employees, vendors, contractors,
partners and peers have made over the last 40
years to help drive one of the most significant
economic engines in the Pacific Northwest, the
domestic maritime industry. TOTE’s success, and
that of our industry, is rooted in our commitment
to safety, innovation and focused investments that
create a significantly positive impact for those we
serve and the areas in which we operate.”
“The Pacific Northwest is a leader in the domestic maritime industry, supporting nearly
22,500 family-wage jobs and contributing over
$6.12 billion to the local economy,” said James
L. Henry, chairman and president of Transportation Institute. “The findings in our most recent
study demonstrate the strength and necessity of
the Jones Act, which serves as the backbone of
the American maritime industry, the U.S. industrial base, and job creation for the hardworking
men and women that crew the vessels delivering
both in times of war and peace.”
“Quite simply, the Jones Act is American security,” said Matt Woodruff, president of the
American Maritime Partnership. “In addition to
the job creation benefits detailed in this study,
our American mariners are relied on by defense
leaders to project American force overseas in a
national emergency. Alongside our waterfront
workers, they are the eyes and ears of homeland
security on our nation’s coasts and waterways.
Our American-controlled fleet provides economic
security, ensuring that our nation’s internal freight
transportation system is not subject to foreign interference. American maritime jobs always have
and will continue to be vital in the never-ending
task of keeping America safe, strong and prosperous for generations to come.”
SIU Members Ratify Penn Maritime Pact
Union Crews Approve New Three-Year Agreement
SIU members working for Penn Maritime recently ratified a new three-year contract featuring
annual wage increases while maintaining benefits.
The agreement, approved by an overwhelming majority, took effect May 1 and lasts through April
2022.
In addition to boosting wages, the contract maintains health benefits at the top level available to SIU
members (Core-Plus); maintains Seafarers Pension
Plan benefits; and increases company contributions
to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It
covers approximately 200 Seafarers.
The SIU bargaining team consisted of Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President
Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President
Michael Russo, Engineer Jeff Rydza, Mate John
Harvard and ABT Mike Lyons.
Soresi said, “The negotiations went well and we
ended up with a good contract. I think the majority
of the members are pleased with the outcome.”
“I think it went really well,” said Lyons. “I’m
very excited for the new contract, and very happy
with it. There were some things that we didn’t get,
but overall, I think the majority of the membership
is pretty 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. The
company was acquired by Kirby Corporation in
2012.
July 2019
�SIU Applauds Launch of ‘Maritime Heroes’
When the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) in early June announced the
kickoff of its year-long celebration titled
“American Maritime Heroes,” the SIU
enthusiastically backed the first two honorees: U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Elaine L. Chao, and the U.S. Merchant
Marine of World War II.
In an online post applauding the selections, the union noted, “Secretary Chao is a
tireless, unwavering advocate of the American maritime industry. Her effectiveness
and commitment to our industry are unsurpassed. The SIU is proud and humbled to
respectfully count her as a friend.”
SIU President Michael Sacco described Chao as “someone who not only
understands our industry, but also truly
cares about the American worker. She is
a tremendous leader and is universally respected, admired and trusted throughout
our industry.”
Chao’s support for American-flag shipping and U.S. mariners is nothing new.
Beginning in 1986, when she became
Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, she has consistently
advanced programs that boost the industry. This also held true during her service
as Chairwoman of the Federal Maritime
Commission (1988-89), as Deputy Secretary of Transportation beginning in 1989,
and as Secretary of Labor from 2001-2009.
The SIU further stated, “We are honored
to have hosted Secretary Chao at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in
2002, 2005 and 2017. We deeply appreciated her keynote remarks in October 2003
when the late SIU President Paul Hall was
inducted to the DOL Hall of Fame. And we
enjoyed celebrating together in June 2005
when she christened the Pride of America
in New York City. More recently, we were
heartened when one of her first official acts
as Transportation Secretary was delivering
DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao speaks at the 2017 SIUNA convention in Piney Point,
Maryland.
keynote remarks in Beaumont, Texas, as
the car carrier Liberty Passion formally
reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in
March 2017. Later that same month, SIU
President Sacco was a featured speaker at a
gathering in the nation’s capital that served
as both a formal welcoming of Secretary
Chao and an observance of the department’s 50th anniversary.”
Sacco added, “There is nobody better
qualified to be Secretary of Transportation
than Elaine Chao, as she has demonstrated
since day one. Throughout her time in government, she has been a steadfast friend to
the SIU and to maritime labor. She has
stood up to defend the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference
and the other key programs that keep our
industry alive. She understands the importance of providing jobs to America’s work-
ing families, and she has seen firsthand the
value of the United States Merchant Marine to our nation’s defense and prosperity.”
AMP’s other selection – the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II – hits home
with the union. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service;
their names are individually memorialized
on a large plaque at the union’s affiliated
school in Piney Point, Maryland.
Overall, the U.S. Merchant Marine
of World War II proved nothing short of
indispensable for the Allies. As noted by
AMP in its kickoff of the American Maritime Heroes campaign, “Almost 250,000
merchant mariners transported tens of
millions of tons of war supplies and more
than seven million servicemen under the
most challenging circumstances imaginable. As a result, they suffered the highest
casualty rate of any service during World
War II, with one mariner out of every 26
lost. Often defenseless against enemy vessels, these merchant mariners continued to
sustain the war effort. A total of 8,241 merchant mariners died in World War II, and
many others were captured and became
prisoners of war. Today only about 2,000
remain.”
The late SIU historian John Bunker
wrote in 1951, “Before any of the nation’s
armed services were ready for all-out duty
in World War II, the merchant marine and
the men who manned it were on the front
lines of global action. No executive manifestos; no formal enlistment, no testings
of loyalty or pledges of devotion to their
country’s service were required to put SIU
crews into action or prove their willingness
to face danger – and death.”
For more information on the campaign,
which will culminate on the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act becoming law, visit
https://americanmaritimeheroes.com/
Building Named in Honor
Of Late SIU VP John Fay
New residential facilities in the
U.K. memorialize one of the SIU’s
most steadfast officials.
The union Nautilus International on
May 29 dedicated the John Fay House
at Mariners Park in Wallasey, England.
Built with financial support from Nautilus and the International Transport
Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Seafarers’
Trust, the apartments are named after
the late SIU Executive Vice President
John Fay, who died in 2005 at age 73.
In addition to his half-century of service with the SIU, Fay also was the first
American ever to serve as chairman of
the ITF Seafarers’ Section, a position
he held from 1995-2002.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer and Chairman of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust David
Heindel – Fay’s SIU successor and
close colleague, and currently also
chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section
– was a featured speaker at the ceremonial opening. Several of Fay’s
family members attended, including
his brother, Frank; his son John Jr.;
daughter-in-law Christina Fay; daughter Kelly Fay; sister, Cathy Tompkins;
and granddaughter, Shaina Fay.
Nautilus (which represents members in the U.K., the Netherlands and
Switzerland) described the dozen
dwellings as “state-of-the-art independent apartments for retired seafarers and their dependents.” They were
constructed as part of an ongoing
program “to upgrade and expand”
services for retired mariners and their
families. (Two of the apartments in the
July 2019
new block were built with a donation
from the Aged Veterans Fund and are
reserved for merchant seafarers who
served alongside the armed forces at
times of conflict or during national
emergencies.)
During the dedication, Heindel
noted that he worked with John Fay for
many years. “He became my mentor
and someone I admired,” he recalled.
“John was a true friend and one of those
rare individuals who brought calm to
any heated discussion. Whether it was
contentious labor negotiations or dealing with political leaders, he had a way The expanded facility features 12 new state-of-the-art dwellings.
of making people feel comfortable.
And if needed, he had a way of intimidating his counterpart without raising
his voice.”
Heindel continued, “On a personal
note, John loved his family. He was
very proud of his children and the path
they chose in life…. This building is a
testament to John’s professional life.
I hope his spirit brings the peace and
calm that made him the man that I
came to know.”
Nautilus International General
Secretary Mark Dickinson said he
was pleased to see the latest development in the 162-year history of the
union’s welfare work. “We are rightly
proud of our past, but we have never
sat back and rested on our laurels,”
he said. “Mariners Park bears witness to the process of constant change
and reassessment to ensure that we Pictured at the dedication are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, John Fay Jr.,
(Continued on next page)
ITF Seafarers’ Trust Head Katie Higginbottom and Nautilus International General Secretary
Mark Dickinson.
Seafarers LOG 3
�NY Waterway Crew Rescues Helicopter Pilot
Heroic Extraction Takes Place on Hudson River
A NY Waterway ferry crew aboard
the Gov. Thomas Kean on May 15 rescued the pilot after a helicopter crashed
in the Hudson River.
SIU member Capt. Adam Sciaino
was carrying passengers between West
39th Street in Manhattan and 14th Street
in Hoboken when he saw the helicopter
go down at about 2:20 p.m. This is Sciaino’s second rescue in 10 years with
the company.
SIU member Deckhand Edwin
Montoya deployed the Jason’s cradle
rescue device off the bow of the ferry
and pulled the uninjured pilot (Eric Morales) aboard. There was no one else on
the helicopter.
“It was just instinct – just another
day for NY Waterway rescues,” Sciaino
said. “We’re right here. Edwin Montoya
is an outstanding deckhand. He moved
instantly to the rescue.”
Both Seafarers have completed safety
training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center in Piney Point, Maryland.
According to preliminary report
from the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB), Morales had just refueled the helicopter and was trying to
maneuver it to the pad where he picks
up passengers when he felt “the loss
of the effectiveness of the tail rotor.”
Shortly thereafter, the aircraft started an
uncontrollable spin, at which time the
pilot deployed floats for a water landing.
News reports quoted Morales as saying
the helicopter functioned normally earlier
that day, including a pair of landings.
Montoya recalled, “We were just
leaving the Jersey side and saw the helicopter spinning, and then it went down
in the water. The pilot was hanging outside of it, standing on it.”
The ferry was “very close” to the
helicopter, and Montoya said they “approached very slowly and carefully. The
whole thing only took three minutes. I
asked him (the pilot) a couple of times
if anyone else was on board and if he
was hurt. He said he was okay and there
was no one else. He was a little nervous
but had good overall awareness.”
Montoya also said that the Gov.
Thomas Kean had passengers on board
during the rescue “so we kept people
inside the boat. We did the rescue and
then dropped off the passengers in New
York and continued our service.”
In 32 years, NY Waterway crews
Congressman Babin Backs Jones Act
A United States congressman from
Texas recently used a hypothetical
image to drive home a very real point.
U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas)
on May 16 spoke on the House floor
to commend President Trump for not
waiving the Jones Act and to express
support for the nation’s freight cabotage
law. The congressman’s office created
a fictional image of a Chinese-flagged
freighter navigating the Mississippi
River under the St. Louis Gateway Arch
to demonstrate what would happen if
the Jones Act were waived or eliminated.
“For the past 100 years, the Jones
Act has brought strength and certainty to
maritime commerce here in the United
States,” said Babin. “It has protected the
rights of American sailors, created and
maintained American jobs, and has been
one of the single largest factors in facilitating the strong American economy that
we are enjoying. The Jones Act states
that goods shipped between U.S. ports
are to be built, owned, and operated by
the citizens of the United States.”
He continued, “Can you imagine a
Chinese-built vessel, flying the Chinese
national flag, and operated by Chinese
citizens traveling through the American
heartland to deliver goods to our ports?
Although this is a hypothetical situation, it could easily become a reality if
the Jones Act is waived. Our national
security, economic growth, and our
ability to provide American jobs would
be in jeopardy. Worst of all, waiving the
Jones Act would allow these foreignoperated ships into our waterways and
could be opening the door to espionage.
“We need the Jones Act, and I encourage those who want to repeal it to
watch my speech and explain why the
image that you see in the video would
make for a better and stronger America,” he concluded.
As reported in last month’s LOG,
multiple news outlets had indicated the
president was pondering an extended
Jones Act waiver for moving American
LNG to domestic ports. However, U.S.
Senators Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi),
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Cassidy
(R-Louisiana), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska),
John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) and Cindy
Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) as well as
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (RLouisiana) met with the president May 1
and came away assured that he will fully
stand behind the maritime law.
A new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the nation’s freight
cabotage law helps sustain nearly
650,000 American jobs while contributing $154 billion to the nation’s economic growth annually.
Moreover, 91 countries across the
globe maintain some form of cabotage
law.
Capt. Adam Sciaino (left) and Deckhand Edwin Montoya
have rescued almost 300 people from
the waters of New York Harbor, including 143 people rescued from U.S. Air-
ways Flight 1549 in “The Miracle on
the Hudson,” the most successful marine rescue in aviation history.
Facility Pays Tribute to Late SIU Official
(Continued from Page 3)
deliver not just quality services, but services
that meet the real, changing and increasingly
complex needs of our retired members and
their partners.”
Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, said the charity was delighted to
support the new development. “My mission
in the Trust is to learn from great examples
such as this, and to do more work with unions
to improve seafarers’ welfare around the
world,” she said.
John Fay Jr. stated, “I can’t begin to put
into words the thanks and gratitude of the family. This really is a great honor for my dad.”
John Fay joined the SIU as a teenager in
1949 and sailed in both the deep sea and in-
land divisions. He came ashore in the mid1950s and continued working for the SIU
for the next 49 years. He served as executive
vice president from 1997-2005 after working
as the union’s secretary-treasurer since 1990.
Previously, the Boston native held various
port-level positions in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn and elsewhere.
While his contributions to the union’s advancement in the United States were substantial, he also played a pioneering role in fully
involving not just the SIU but all of American maritime labor in international efforts
to promote and protect mariners’ wellbeing.
Beginning in 1975, he participated in forums
and other activities involving the ITF; the
International Maritime Organization; and the
International Labor Organization.
This plaque is displayed in the new building
Coast Guard Issues New Radar Observer Rule
Congressman Babin speaks on the House floor and uses an illustration to warn of
the dangers of waiving the Jones Act.
4 Seafarers LOG
The U.S. Coast Guard has published a
final rule, titled: “Amendments to the Marine Radar Observer Refresher Training
Regulations.” The rule amends the requirements for renewal of a Radar Observer Endorsement, eliminating the stipulation that
a mariner actively using their MMC complete an approved or accepted refresher or
recertification course to maintain a Radar
Observer Endorsement.
When the new rule enters into effect
on July 22, 2019, any mariner who serves
in a “relevant position” aboard a radarequipped vessel for one year in the previous five years will no longer be required to
complete a radar refresher or recertification
course to renew the endorsement.
The official announcement and related
links are posted on the SIU website – look
under News, then Latest Posts. The article
is dated June 11. The respective links go to
the policy letter and the rule itself.
July 2019
�SHBP Awards $132,000 in Scholarships
Eight individuals – three active
Seafarers and five dependents – are
one step closer to realizing their
educational aspirations thanks to the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
(SHBP). The SHBP’s 2019 Scholarship Committee on May 17 bestowed
scholarships totaling $132,000 on the
former group.
Convening at the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point,
Maryland, the committee selected
OMU Terrell Cuffee and Mate Troy
Janelle as recipients of a pair of twoyear scholarships worth $6,000 each.
Junior Engineer Thomas Swayne was
chosen to receive a four-year award
worth $20,000. Dependents picked
for four-year, $20,000 grants were:
Muhab Abdelwahab, Emily May,
Bjorn Soriano, Katherine Scott and
Alana Thomas.
OMU Terrell Cuffee
Deep Sea OMU Terrell Cuffee
hails from Chesapeake, Virginia. He
signed on with the union in 2014 and
was a member of Paul Hall Center
Class 778.
After completing his apprentice
training, his
initial voyage
was aboard the
Sealift, Inc.operated Advantage where
he sailed in the
engine department. When he
applied for the
2019 SHBP Scholarship Program, he
was a crew member aboard the LTC
John U.D. Page, another Sealift, Inc.
vessel.
Cuffee is 2009 graduate of Chesapeake’s Oscar Smith High School. He
was active in his community, dedicating numerous hours making positive
contributions to neighborhood youths.
Cuffee served as a youth leader, mentor and basketball coach. He also
volunteered his time assisting in community center events.
In his SHBP application package,
Cuffee recalled that during his apprentice graduation ceremony, he made a
promise to himself (and to the union)
that one day he’d be sailing as a mate
or an engineer.
“Well, it’s now time for me to
begin the process of fulfilling that
promise,” he said.
“I have been sailing for six years,
and during that time, I have come to
be knowledgeable enough to have the
confidence to [say] that I will not only
become an engineer, but a successful
one.”
Cuffee has applied for admission
to Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy,
where he hopes to major in engineering.
Mate Troy Janelle
Inland Mate Troy Janelle (wife,
Rebecca) was born in Portland, Maine,
and currently makes his home in Dickinson, Texas. A 2005 graduate of Oak
Hill High School in Wales, Maine, he
posted an overall 3.502 grade point
average (GPA) and ranked ninth in his
class of 112 students.
Janelle holds a bachelor’s degree
in Community Recreation & Sports
Management, having graduated from
the University of Utah in 2010. Not
long thereafter he
landed what he
thought was his
dream job as a
program coordinator at a Salt Lake
City recreation
center.
As much as he
loved his job, he
quickly realized that he had amassed
far too much student loan debt to prosper and enjoy life on his recreation
center salary. At that point he began
looking to the maritime industry as a
solution. Janelle was accepted for admission at the Maine Maritime Acad-
July 2019
emy (MMA) in 2012 and enrolled in
the school’s Small Vessels Operations
Program. Two years later, he earned an
associate’s degree and his next move
was to start sailing under the SIU banner. His current duties involve ship
assist and escort services for the Texas
Ports of Houston, Galveston and Corpus Christi.
“I used my degree and licenses at
MMA to get hired at G&H Towing
Company as a mate where I have been
employed for the past five years,” he
said. “Changing professions turned out
to be one of the best decisions I ever
made.”
Since joining the maritime industry, Janelle said he has come to realize
that “…the educational backgrounds
of ashore office employees tend to be
drastically different from the vessel
personnel that they are overseeing.
Often this results in hiring people with
the educational background to qualify
them for a position but they have no
idea how the industry of ships systems
actually works.”
Janelle sees this situation as a divide that potentially could negatively
impact a company’s productivity.
“This disconnect between the company and its workforce is why I want
to get my master’s degree,” he said.
“I believe that getting more people to
go from the ship to the office can only
provide greater communication and
cohesion between the different divisions of companies in our industry.”
His goal is be accepted to the
MMA’s master’s program in international logistics management. “[This]
would allow me to use that degree and
my work experience in the maritime
industry to advance my career from
the vessel to the office where I know
that both … would be an asset to any
organization.”
In addition to MMA, Chanelle has
applied for admission to Texas A&M
Galveston, Grand Canyon University
and Sam Houston State University.
JE Thomas Swayne
Deep Sea Junior Engineer Thomas
Swayne (wife, Zakiah) is a native of
San Leandro, California and a 1999
graduate of Oakland, California’s Skyline Senior High School. An avid athlete, he participated in football, track
and field, and wrestling. As a community activist, Swayne contributed
countless volunteer hours serving as
an assistant in a senior citizen facility.
Swayne joined the SIU in 2001
and successfully navigated the Paul
Hall Center’s apprentice program.
Since then, he
has returned to
the Piney Point,
Maryland-based
campus no fewer
than six occasions
to enhance his
skills. Swayne
earned his junior
engineer rating in 2006 and currently
sails aboard the Sunrise Operations
LLC (Pasha) operated Horizon Enterprise. His first vessel was the Red
River Carriers operated Black Eagle.
“It’s been 20 years since I gradu-
ated from high school and I always
considered myself an overachiever,”
Swayne shared in his scholarship
application package. “I attended a
community college hoping to succeed
from the bottom up but quickly had to
drop out to find employment to support my grandparents and their needs.
“Soon after, I became a merchant
marine, lived life, traveled around
the world and started a family,” he
continued. “In today’s society, it can
be challenging to raise and teach two
children, and there is a part of me
that’s missing. For the last year I have
been motivated to go back to school
and fulfill a promise I made to myself
and grandmother.”
During his educational pursuits,
Swayne said he hopes not only to
obtain an associate’s degree but also a
bachelor’s as well as master’s degree
and “apply them all in the corporate
world of my trade that I’ve been in for
the past 18 years.” Ultimately his goal
is to secure his engineering license
and “be a better asset to any company
in my field and influential to the next
generation and my peers.”
Swayne has applied for admission
to the College of Southern Maryland,
Cal Maritime and Cal State East Bay.
His focus will be on engineering and
business administration.
Muhab Abdelwahab
Muhab Abdelwahab is the son of
Deep Sea Able Seaman Mohamed
Abdelwahab (mother, Ehram) who
sails aboard the Maersk Atlanta. He
has three siblings who are ages 20, 25
and 28.
Muhab is a 2019 graduate of
Southwest High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he posted an
overall 3.92 GPA.
He participated
in tennis, cross
country, soccer
and ping pong
and held membership in a myriad
of non-athletic
student organizations. Included
were: National Honor Society, Muslim
Youth of North America, Muslim
Student Alliance, Biology Club, Math
Team and Choir.
He spent numerous hours volunteering at a wide variety of Minnesotabased bodies such as Minneapolis
Community Education, Habitat for
Humanity and Hennepin Healthcare
just to name a few.
“Growing up as a first-generation
American, I recognize the expansive
opportunities that come with receiving a degree,” he said in his SHBP
application package. “My father was
the sole breadwinner for my family
of six, and my sisters and I became
profoundly aware of the obstacles that
many immigrant families face. This
early realization has motivated me to
strive for academic success, taking the
most challenging courses offered and
involving myself with extracurriculars
in high school with the eventual goal
of attending college.”
Muhab said that as a high school
senior, his aspirations became broader:
Members of the 2019 Calendar Year SHBP Scholarship Committee (above,
from left) were Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr.
Trevor Carpenter, College of Southern Maryland (retired); Dr. Hank Toutain,
dean of students, Kenyon College (retired); Dr. Marla Kohlman, professor,
Department of Sociology, Kenyon College; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s
College (retired); and Dr. Keith Schlender, dean emeritus, college of graduate studies, University of Toledo College of Medicine.
“I hope to establish programming, specifically targeted at elementary-aged
students in underserved communities,
to help promote excellence in academia and the professional workforce.
I personally have experienced the
disparity in our educational system,
through the limited access I had to
academic-based extracurriculars, and I
believe that this type of programming
would help elevate many underprivileged communities.”
He has applied for admission to
the University of Minnesota, Harvard
College and Yale University. If accepted, “I will pursue a biological
sciences major. These classes will give
me hands-on opportunities to learn.”
After college, Muhab hopes to attend medical school.
Emily May
Emily May is 2019 graduate of
Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Texas. She ranked first in her class
of 365 peers and posted a 105.94 GPA.
The daughter of Inland Master
Phillip May
(mother, Nancy,
a dietician) who
works for G&H
Towing, Emily
was extremely
active in extracurricular activities
at her school.
As a baton
twirler she regularly entertained audiences during band performances at
parades, football games and pep rallies. Emily earned superior ratings and
top accolades in her craft during local,
regional, state and national competitions. Included were a host of first
place awards during American Twirling Federation and National Baton
Twirling Association outings.
She also is an accomplished musician (saxophone), having participated
in her school’s varsity marching band,
wind ensemble, jazz band and pep
band. Emily was section leader during
her junior and senior years and was
an active member in a host of school
clubs and organizations. Included
were the science Olympiad, mayor’s
fitness council, environmental club,
and National Spanish Honor Society.
In the community service arena,
Emily spent countless hours enhancing the lives of San Antonio citizens.
Among the organizations that benefitted from her service were: Animal
Defense League of San Antonio,
environmental club and Lake Canyon
Sailing Club. She also reached out to
fellow students, providing tutoring to
freshmen and other students requiring
help in geometry and preparation for
standardized testing.
“I plan to use my skills to study
biochemistry for undergraduate and
advanced degrees,” she said in her
application package. “I am passionate about science and research. I see
a direct path of influential discovery
through cellular communications and
am excited for my growth in the field
through college and beyond. “
Emily has applied for admission to
the University of Texas at Austin, Rice
University and Baylor University. She
plans to major in biochemistry/molecular biology.
Bjorn Soriano
Bjorn Soriano hails from Olympia,
Washington, and is the son of Deep Sea
ABG Leonard Soriano (mother, Eleanor, a certified nursing assistant) who
sails aboard the Alaskan Navigator.
A 2019 graduate of Timberline
High School, Bjorn has one sibling. He
accumulated a 3.92 GPA at Timberline
and participated in both the tennis
and swimming
teams. Bjorn held
membership in the
National Honor
Society, Key Club
and Honor Guard.
As a community activist,
he donated time
at a neighborhood middle school and
served as a reader to elementary school
children. During the holidays, he collected donations for the Salvation Army
while serving as a bell ringer.
“As a child of Filipino parents, I
understood at an early age the value of
education,” Bjorn said in his application package. “Realizing the sacrifice
my parents made by leaving their
homeland in hopes for a better life for
their children, I made a commitment
to myself that I would capitalize on the
opportunities provided to me.”
Bjorn plans to earn a degree in engineering. He has applied for admission
at the University of Washington, Seattle
University and Gonzaga University.
Katherine Scott
Katherine Scott was born in
Galveston, Texas. She is a 2018 graduate of Ball High School and currently
is attending Galveston College. She
is the daughter of Inland Pilot Martin Scott (mother, Anne) who works
aboard G&H Towing’s David B. She
has one sibling.
Katherine amassed an overall 3.72
GPA in high school and ranked 44 in
her class, which
numbered 460
graduates. She
participated in
golf and was a
member of the
National Honor
Society, the student council and
Key Club.
As a volunteer, she donated many hours providing assistance to the Galveston Island
Humane Society. Katherine also
participated in a community endeavor
dubbed the Big Event Beach Cleanup.
On the collegiate level, Katherine
has already completed five semesters of
work and earned 28 credits at Galveston College. She has posted a 3.12 GPA
and is majoring in kinesiology.
Her ultimate goal to become a
physical therapist. [After obtaining my
degree in kinesiology] “I plan to continue on into physical therapy at the
University of Texas Medical Branch
and eventually become a physical
therapist that specializes in pediatric
therapy, in order to help children that
need it for their everyday lives,” she
said in her scholarship application
package.
Alana Thomas
Alana Thomas is the daughter of
Deep Sea GUDE Aaron Thomas
(mother, Erinn, a process improvement analyst) who sails aboard
Keystone Shipping Service’s Cape
Domingo. She has three siblings.
Alana hails from Jacksonville,
Florida, and is a 2019 graduate of Atlantic Coast High School. At Atlantic,
she amassed an overall 3.57 GPA and
ranked 135 in her class, which numbered 562 graduates.
Alana held membership in and
was elected to office in both the
National Honor Society and Spanish
National Honor
Society. As a volunteer, she logged
more than 100
hours of service
at the UF Florida
Health Jacksonville Hospital.
“I specifically
want to become
a nurse practitioner because it will
allow me to expand the leadership
qualities I already have and to become a better, more calm problem
evaluator and solver,” she said in
her SHBP scholarship application
package. “These are skills I will
need once I decide to open my own
practice.”
Alana has applied for admission to Florida State University, the
University of Central Florida and
the University of North Florida. She
plans to major in nursing and minor
in business.
Seafarers LOG 5
�SIU Asst. VP Chester ‘Chet’ Wheeler Retires
Spent 32 Years Sailing,
23 as Union Official
Anyone familiar with longtime SIU Government Services Division Assistant Vice President Chester “Chet”
Wheeler won’t be surprised by the fact he’s staying quite
active in retirement.
A tireless worker throughout his decades as a mariner
and an official, Wheeler, 74, officially called it a career
earlier this year. He’s enjoying the new lifestyle, but if
the particulars of a given day have changed, the pace
isn’t much different.
“It’s fine and I’m busy,” said Wheeler, who lives with
his wife, Becky, in Cobb, California. “I realize now all
the things my wife did without me, and now those are
my jobs. I’ve remodeled a house and was already helping out at a senior center, which I’m continuing. I’m
service-oriented anyway, but it’s nice to be able to give
back. There are some real characters there.”
Wheeler also plans to accommodate his wife’s request
for European travel – admittedly not a huge concession
from someone who said travel was the highlight of his
32 years as a mariner.
He cited “family considerations” as the driving force
behind his retirement, which officially commenced
March 28. Wheeler also said he thoroughly enjoyed both
his time at sea and the years spent working as an official.
SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone stated,
“Chet had a very steady attitude towards his fairness and
diligence in representing his mariners. He definitely was
dedicated. He grew up in that fleet and was involved as
a delegate under Buck Mercer (the late vice president of
the union’s Government Services Division). Chet understood the complexities of the Military Sealift Command
(MSC) and was able to navigate effectively through the
various processes.”
SIU Vice President Government Services Kate Hunt
said, “Chet and I worked well together over the years. I
always respected him as a union representative who really had the best interests of the mariners at heart.”
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.
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.
“Most importantly,” said retired SIU Counsel Deborah Kleinberg, who worked very closely with Wheeler,
“Chet guided thousands of CIVMARS, wage mariners
and Suisun Bay boat handlers, representing employees
in grievances and disciplinary actions, and assisting
employees who were injured or ill. He helped mariners
leave their vessel assignments to attend to ill family
members. He assisted many employees with the medical
exam process, retirement counseling, workers’ compensation advocacy and making sure mariners could return
home from afar when sick or injured.”
Never one to worry about popularity, Wheeler definitely earned respect and appreciation both from fellow
officials and from rank-and-file members. This was reflected by his having not one but two retirement parties
– the first at the Oakland, California, SIU hiring hall in
February, the second closer to his home in northern California in late April.
At those gatherings, Wheeler received large binders
packed with appreciative messages from people he represented and worked with through the years. Here’s a small
sampling of those sentiments:
“Thanks for all the advice, support, wisdom and guidance you so gracefully gave to all the mariners. You will
be sorely missed.” – Bill Machie, Second Asst. Engineer
“Thank you for looking out for us, your brother
CIVMARS, all these years. You always commanded attention with your booming voice and no-nonsense talks
about our rights. Many mariners benefited from your
advice.” – Rob Cruz
“I have known you for close to 20 years and have
admired your work and indefatigable efforts to make the
working conditions, quarters and lives of CIVMARS
better. I have seen firsthand how CIVMARS and agency
folks alike respected, liked and in some cases, loved
you.” – Joe Vincenzo, SIU Asst. VP
“It has been an honor to have worked with you. I have
learned so much from you and am grateful for all of your
efforts. Your dedication to the Seafarers is unmatched.” –
John Madden, SIU Associate Counsel
When presenting the albums, Kleinberg said, “If a
person’s career is measured by how many people he has
supported and helped during their life’s work, then your
career is truly without measure. You were instrumental
in helping me and all you have come in contact with,
obtain a better understanding and appreciation of the
unique working environment of federal mariners. Your
extraordinary passion, hard work, persistence and exceptional dedication to seagoing workers and their families
inspired me each day to live up to your example. I know
for certain that your advocacy and unwavering efforts
will never be duplicated.”
Reflecting primarily on his time as an official,
Wheeler said, “I’m proud of the representation we gave
them. It was a 24/7 job and it’s a complicated unit. Also,
issues affecting government services can also affect the
Wheeler (left) is pictured with SIU President Michael
Sacco in 2008.
private sector.”
Wheeler said Kleinberg was “the best support I could
have,” and expressed solid confidence in Vincenzo as his
successor.
Moreover, Wheeler said that while he never was pressured to enter the maritime industry, it came naturally.
“My great grandfather was an indentured servant in the
Swedish merchant marine beginning when he was 10
years old,” he noted. “My uncles all went to sea and I
grew up around water on the coast. I was surrounded by
seamen. But I didn’t have to go to sea; I like it.”
He said his fondest memory of shipboard life is “I got
to travel a lot of places. In the old days, when I sailed, it
took maybe a week or two weeks to unload. There were
lots of adventures.”
His advice for those entering the industry? “Get as
much out of it as you can,” Wheeler replied. “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). Keep going back and keep learning. It’s
a wonderful occupation and I’m really glad I did it.”
Retiring SIU Asst. VP Chet Wheeler (second from left in photo directly above) always felt most at home with fellow
CIVMARS. He’s pictured at a 2016 MTD event in San Diego with members of the SIU Government Services Division
and with other officials. The photo at right is a cover page in one of the two keepsake albums Wheeler received at a
retirement gathering.
6 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�SALUTING WWII MARINERS, AUTHOR – SIU Executive VP
Augie Tellez (right) surprises author William Geroux with a framed,
declassified listing of the U.S. Merchant Marine convoys bringing
supplies to the Soviet Union during World War II via the Arctic
convoys to Murmansk and Archangel. Geroux recently published
a book on the subject: “The Ghost Ships of Archangel – The Arctic
Voyage That Defied the Nazis.” The event was hosted on Capitol
Hill by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and U.S. Rep.
Don Young (R-Alaska), both longtime backers of the maritime industry.
WITH SEAFARERS ON WEST COAST – The SIU contingent at the yearly tribute in San Pedro, California,
included Wilmington Port Agent Jeff Turkus (fourth from right) and (among others) GUDE George Galanas, GVA
Kris Bechtel, Bosun Rick Barnhart, GUDE Hamza Jinah and Bosun Rudy Nuno.
National Maritime Day Celebrated Coast to Coast
The annual National Maritime Day ceremony hosted by
the U.S. Department of Transportation always proves noteworthy, but it’s definitely not the only such observance. The
SIU once again in 2019 also turned out for ceremonies in
Texas, Virginia and California; some Seafarers also marked
the occasion aboard ship. Additionally, a high-ranking SIU
official made a surprise presentation at a pro-maritime gettogether in Congress.
The photos on this page were taken at those respective
gatherings.
ABOARD HONOR – Vessel Master Capt. Shawn Hagerty reports: “On May 22nd at 1230 hours local, while at sea from
Charleston to Bremerhaven, the M/V HONOR held an onboard National Maritime Day ceremony. The all-hands event
included learning about the history of National Maritime Day from our Third Officer and hearing this year’s Presidential
Proclamation read by both Kings Point and Maine Maritime Academy cadets. We ended with eight bells struck on the ship
bell followed by a moment of silence.” Thanks to Capt. Hagerty for the photo, which features the whole crew of the TOTE
Services-operated vessel.
NORFOLK CEREMONY – Chief Cook Michele
Woodley (left) and SIU Safety Director Anthony
Houston (right) helped represent the union at the
city’s Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center.
GALVESTON GATHERING – Pier 21 was the site of the tenth
annual National Maritime Day ceremony in Galveston, Texas.
The group photo at right includes SIU Safety Director Kevin
Sykes (third from left) with U.S. Coast Guard personnel. In
the photo above, longtime SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre addresses attendees before the tossing of a memorial wreath.
July 2019
Seafarers LOG 7
�USNS Maury Completes Whirlwind Voyage via Panama Canal
RN/MSO Brandon Maeda, medical department representative aboard the USNS Maury provided the photos
appearing on these two pages.
The photos were taken during what Maeda described
as the completion of roughly an 11,500 nautical mile voyage which had the Maury sailing from Florida to Hawaii
via the Panama Canal. The return trip took the vessel and
crew from Hawaii to California; once again through the
Panama Canal and back to the East Coast.
In his correspondence to the LOG, Maeda portrayed
the Maury’s SIU crew as an interesting blend of mariners,
a real microcosm of the United States. “We have seamen
who are originally from America, Asia, [the] Caribbean,
Africa, Arabia and the Pacific Islands,” he said. Included
are “both men and women, young and old, from the east,
west and gulf coasts with a sprinkling of military veterans.”
The vessel is operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.
Bosun Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi
AB Demilton Wheat
ABG Eugene Evans
ABG George Fababier
In the photos below, the USNS Maury approaches, enters and exits the locks at the Panama Canal.
8 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�STOS Christian Mercado Nunez
STOS Terrance Paige
Oiler Zachary Cartwright
Oiler Michael Ribeiro
GVA Mason Abdulfattah Kamhed
CC Brandon Hamilton
July 2019
QE4 Daniel Resultan
SKS Michael Dupee
GVA Camilo Villafania
Oiler Derrick Walker
GVA Isaka Koanda
SA Crystal Cobbs
MDR Brandon Maeda
Seafarers LOG 9
�CIVMAR MEETING – Members of the SIU Government Services Division met in mid-May in Norfolk, Virginia, with
SIU VP Government Services Kate Hunt (standing fourth from left) and SIU Government Services Representative
Sam Spain (standing far left).
A-BOOK IN PINEY – Chief Cook Rachel Janssen (left) received
her A-book June 5 from SIU President Michael Sacco (right) in
Piney Point, Maryland. Janssen most recently sailed aboard the
Horizon Spirit before heading to the Paul Hall Center.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD CROWLEY TANKER CALIFORNIA – These photos were taken in mid-April in Martinez, California. Pictured at the gangway (above, left) is AB Raymond Contreras. Chief
Cook Najeeb Ginah (above, center) is shown in the galley, while the remaining photo includes (from left) Bosun Ruben Datu, Port Agent Nick Marrone II and QMED/Pumpman Joshua
Zelinsky.
BOOKS GALORE IN HONOLULU – Three members
recently received their respective full B-books at the hall
in Hawaii. AB Rolan Aguilar is at right in photo at left,
with Shureen Yatchmenoff, administrative assistant. Assistant Storekeeper Tanya Awong stands at left in photo
above, with Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. The photo at
the immediate right includes Wiper Chanel Peters and
Yatchmenoff.
10 Seafarers LOG
A-BOOK IN JAX – QMED Samir
Tarsha (left) gets his A-book from
Safety Director Joseph Koncul at the
hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, on
May 9. The two were classmates in
Piney Point (No. 736) and have been
close friends ever since.
July 2019
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
MILESTONES IN SAN JUAN – Steward
department Seafarer Bernice Reyes (left) is
pictured at the new hiring hall, proudly displaying her first vacation check and her first
Maritime Defense League receipt after completing her initial voyage. Her next planned
stop was the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center
in Piney Point, Maryland, for upgrading training. Pictured at right is Port Agent Amancio
Crespo.
FULL BOOK IN PINEY – Chief Cook Luis Perez
Acosta (left) receives his full membership book
from Port Agent Victor Nunez in early May. The
Seafarer was enrolled in the certified chief steward course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center.
NEW CONTRACT APPROVED – Seafarers at the Association of Maryland Pilots have unanimously approved a
new five-year contract featuring wage increases, seniority bonuses and per-diem gains. Pictured recently at the
Solomons Island station are (from left) members Adam
Xenides and Kevin Kuhne, and Port Agent Victor Nunez.
Xenides is the shop delegate.
ABOARD WEST VIRGINIA – Pictured recently on
the Crowley tanker in Houston are (from left) Patrolman Kelly Krick and Recertified Bosun John Cedeno.
July 2019
ABOARD SAFMARINE NGAMI – Pictured from left are AB Saidu Sesay, AB Orlando Da Cruz, Bosun Leroy Sierra, AB Roberto Flores and AB Ron Ramos. Their
chief mate submitted the photo in early June and noted, “I’ve been sailing master
and mate for almost 20 years. This is one of the most productive teams I’ve encountered.” The vessel is operated by Maersk Line, Limited.
DELIVERING FOOD AID – Bosun Jerrold Foke submitted these photos of fellow Seafarers aboard the Crowley-operated
Ocean Glory. The snapshots were taken in April while the heavy lift ship was in Djibouti, delivering U.S. food aid (wheat
grain) ultimately bound for Yemen. Pictured at the gangway (above, left) is AB Daniel Mensah. AB Lomarro West is shown
in the photo at center, while the photo at right features Chief Steward Johnny Palencia.
TAKING THE OATH IN HOUSTON – AB Nexlon Colon Diego (right) is sworn in for his full B-book by Patrolman J.B. Niday at
the hiring hall in late May.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben (USN, Ret.)
Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret.)
Maritime Administrator
Gen. Stephen Lyons, USA
Commander, USTRANSCOM
Jennifer Boykin, President
Newport News Shipbuilding
Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet, Ph.D. (USN, Ret.)
Deputy NOAA Administrator
SIU Celebrates National Maritime Day in Nation’s Capital
T
he SIU made a typically strong showing for this year’s National Maritime Day observance in the nation’s capital. Union officials and an enthusiastic group of apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education – two of whom played key roles in the ceremony –
were on hand at Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters for the annual gathering May 22.
The SIU contingent included President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Great Lakes Tom
Orzechowski and Port Agent Victor Nunez. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Shannon Gail Peterson served
as the official wreath-tender while fellow Apprentice Charles Patchin sounded eight bells, consistent with
tradition.
Hosted by the DOT’s Maritime Administration, the ceremony drew hundreds of people from all segments
of the industry. This year’s theme was “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community.”
Speakers were (in order) Deputy Maritime Administrator Richard Balzano (master of ceremonies); Rear
Adm. Margaret Kibben, USN (Ret), who also gave the invocation; Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. Mark
Buzby, USN (Ret); Gen. Stephen Lyons, USA, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command; Rear Adm.
Timothy Gallaudet, Ph.D., USN (Ret), assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and deputy NOAA administrator; Jennifer Boykin (keynote), president, Newport News Shipbuilding; and The Hon.
Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon, commissioner, Puerto Rico.
Awards were presented to: Capt. Arthur R. Murray Jr. for his service as a merchant mariner during World
War II; Andrew Bouchot of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, who saved the life of a stowaway while
training at sea; and Catherine Morrison, a real-life “Rosie the Riveter” who worked as a welder during World
War II. The administration also showed a video highlighting the historic role women have played in various
components of the American maritime industry.
The speakers covered an array of maritime topics. In addition to remarks consistent with this year’s
theme, many also reinforced the ongoing, indispensable role of the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s
fourth arm of defense. Several recognized the Paul Hall Center apprentices and thanked them for attending.
Buzby during his remarks relayed greetings from Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, a maritime
stalwart who was in Germany that day.
He continued, “As we celebrate our industry today, I salute all the women from the maritime industry,
afloat and ashore, who continue to make a difference…. Maritime Day celebrates our indispensable industry
and commemorates a historic yet largely forgotten technological achievement: the first trans-Atlantic crossing of a ship under steam power, the SS Savannah. Its voyage from Savannah, Georgia, to Liverpool, England, that took place began on May 22, 1819, and marked the passing of the era of sail power and the coming
of the first industrial age, which would transform the speed of commerce and the entire nature of naval
warfare. That’s part of why Maritime Day is so important. It’s a time to honor those who served, too many of
whom gave their lives as patriotic merchant mariners.”
He said the day offers a chance “to pause to remind ourselves of just how critical maritime issues are to
the security and prosperity of this island nation of ours – something that’s generally out of the public’s focus.
It’s also up to us to ensure that there is always a new generation of American mariners prepared to relieve the
watch.
Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon
Commissioner, Puerto Rico
“Two centuries on from the historic cruise of the Savannah, America’s strength still rises and falls with
the health of the maritime community,” Buzby concluded. “We will need it to meet the challenges ahead, and
I have great confidence in the future because of the people here today.”
Lyons opened his speech by “recognizing the hard-working men and women of the United States Merchant Marine and the maritime industry that have made and continue to make significant economic and national security contributions to the United States of America in peace time and war.”
He recalled the crucial service of World War II mariners specifically and the U.S. Merchant Marine in
general through the centuries, which he said “has made significant contributions to our nation’s survival.”
Lyons noted that upwards of 9,000 civilian U.S. seamen died in World War II (including more than 1,200
SIU members), either during the formal hostilities or afterward as a result of injuries sustained.
Continued on next page
Paul Hall Center Apprentice Shannon Peterson carries a life ring, used
this year in lieu of a wreath. SIU President Michael Sacco is at the right.
From left: SIU President Michael Sacco, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski
and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
12 Seafarers LOG
The U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard arrives.
The U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard posts the Colors.
July 2019
July 2019
Paul Hall Center Apprentice Charles Patchin prepares to ring “eight
bells.”
Seafarers LOG 13
�President Trump Issues Proclamation for National Maritime Day 2019
On National Maritime Day, we honor the men and
women who, throughout our history, have served
with professionalism, dedication, and patriotism in
the United States Merchant Marine. We recognize
these seafaring merchant mariners for helping to
fuel our economy, maintain our sea power, and
support our national security.
Merchant mariners extend goodwill into all parts
of the world, serving as a peaceful United States
presence on international waterways. Today,
American mariners facilitate the import and export of billions of dollars of goods, including fuel,
agricultural products, and raw materials through
the Marine Transportation System. They are also
among the first to respond to help their fellow citizens in the wake of national disasters.
During times of war, merchant mariners courageously sail into combat zones to provide sealift for
the Department of Defense, carrying weapons and
supplies to America’s fighting forces. In every con-
Event Theme Recognizes
Importance of Empowering
Women in Maritime Industry
Continued from Page 13
“Fast forward to today,” he stated. “The DOD and TRANSCOM continue to depend on U.S.-flag merchant ships, their
incredible trade networks, and our incredible mariners – exceptional mariners who sail. These ships that carry important exports in peace time rapidly transition to a Navy auxiliary in war
time, delivering the vast majority of supplies and equipment to
protect and sustain our military forces globally.”
He described the merchant marine as “an essential part of
our DOD war plan. This is why I remain a strong advocate of
Administrator Buzby and MARAD’s selfless work to preserve
emergency preparedness programs like VISA, and incentive
programs like the Maritime Security Program. It’s vitally important to the United States of America to retain the viability
of a fleet of ships that sail underneath the U.S. flag. This fleet
provides assured access to the United States Transportation
Command and the Department of Defense, and these programs
and the work that MARAD does are critical to our national
security.”
He concluded, “To all the merchant mariners around the
globe, thank you for your patriotism, for your support, and
your unwavering commitment to defend our great nation. Together, we deliver.”
Boykin, who overseas a union shipyard with 24,000 employees, discussed changing times in the maritime industry and
how she recognizes the significance of having become the first
woman president of Newport News Shipbuilding.
“There’s never been a more exciting time to be a shipbuilder,” she said. “For the first time in over a decade, all
of our available drydocks are full…. We have more work
under contract than we’ve had in two decades.” (For ex-
flict, United States citizen mariners have answered
the call to duty and risked their lives. Some have
sadly made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Because the United States Merchant Marine
plays a central role in bringing American goods
to market and in bolstering our military readiness
abroad, we must encourage more people to pursue career opportunities on America’s waterways
and the oceans of the world. For this reason, I
recently signed an Executive Order to help veterans of the Armed Forces transition seamlessly
into civilian careers in the United States Merchant
Marine by allowing them to apply relevant military
training and experience toward becoming credentialed merchant mariners. This will help support
a robust, well-equipped, and safe merchant fleet
crewed by well-trained mariners.
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
ample, the yard recently signed a contract to build two
aircraft carriers. That means 14 years’ worth of work, she
explained.)
Gonzalez-Colon saluted America’s rich maritime history
and emphasized the reliable service provided by Jones Act
ships to Puerto Rico. She recalled Hurricane Maria and credited the domestic maritime industry for timely delivery of all
the supplies needed to survive and rebuild. She said it was a
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, 2019, 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 twentieth day of May, in the year of
our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and forty-third.
DONALD J. TRUMP
“lifeline” and that the “American shipping industry” made recovery possible.
Domestic maritime is “a loyal, dependable partner” with the
territory, she stated.
Gallaudet, a Navy veteran, recalled serving on an aircraft
carrier during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. “We could have done none of that without the sealift and
supplies from our merchant marine,” he said.
Catherine Morrison (second from right), age 95, worked as a welder during World War II to support the war effort. She’s
pictured with (from left) Gen. Lyons, Jennifer Boykin and Maritime Administrator Buzby.
SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (standing, center) and SIU Piney Point Port Agent Victor Nunez (standing, left) chat with Paul Hall Center apprentices before the ceremony.
14 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�Urgent Notice/Reminder
Culinary 2.0 Training
Available at Paul Hall Center
As previously reported, the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to
help students boost their skills
while complying with a new
rule that takes effect next year.
Completing the coursework
also is intended to aid individual shipping opportunities.
Shipping Rule 5.A.(6),
which will go into effect January 1, 2020, states, “Within
each class of seniority in the
Steward Department, priority
shall be given to those seamen
who possess an advanced Culinary 2.0 certificate from the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship, in the
event such program is being
offered and that the seaman is
registered in Group I, Steward
Department.”
While every new member
of the steward department who
completes their apprenticeship
at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
will have successfully passed
Culinary 2.0, it’s important to
remember that those already
sailing as chief cooks and
chief stewards must also take
the coursework in order to exercise preference and priority
beginning next year (unless
they have received training
after January 1, 2017 at the
Piney Point, Maryland-based
campus).
For those seamen currently
employed as permanent stewards aboard commercial vessels, they must attend Culinary
2.0 in order to maintain their
current employment status.
For those already sailing
as chief cooks and chief stewards, there are two new revalidation courses that have been
designed to ensure a consistent level of culinary training
and efficiency: Orientation/
Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
and Orientation/Assessment
Chief Cook 2.0. The courses
are being offered regularly, but
spaces are limited, so members
are encouraged to plan ahead
and enroll as soon as possible.
For more information,
contact your port agent and/
or the school’s admissions
office.
Correction
An article in the June LOG misidentified the union affiliation of Christopher Kalinowski. He’s a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P).
July & August 2019
Membership Meetings
Piney Point........................................Monday: July 8, August 5
Algonac.............................................Friday: July 12, August 9
Baltimore.......................................Thursday: July 11, August 8
Guam............................................Thursday: July 25, August 22
Honolulu...........................................Friday: July 19, August 16
Houston............................................Monday: July 15, August 12
Jacksonville....................................Thursday: July 11, August 8
Joliet.............................................Thursday: July 18, August 15
Mobile......................................Wednesday: July 17, August 14
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: July 16, August 13
Jersey City........................................Tuesday: July 9 , August 6
Norfolk...........................................Thursday: July 11, August 8
Oakland........................................Thursday: July18, August 15
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
May 16, 2019 - June 15, 2019
San Juan..........................................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
ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD Works For You.
July 2019
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
Port
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
Deck Department
18
6 1 11 6 0 5 29
12
2
4 1 1 1 0 1 2 5 2 2
7 4 1 1 3 0 1 8 4 2
27 15 3 18 10 1 10 35 20 6
1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0
13
3 2 4 5 1 3 22
4 3
6 7 1 3 5 0 2 15
6 1
46 20 13 42 24 6 29 93 35 17
33 19 6 23 19 1 20 54 28 10
39 10 4 25 11 3 13 61 14 8
3 3 0 2 3 1 0 4 4 1
11 10
2 7 5 1 6 17
9 4
25 10 5 15 9 6 13 43 18 19
15
3 4 7 5 1 7 18
4 5
1 4 0 1 4 0 2 4 2 1
4 6 1 4 3 0 4 4 7 1
8 2 1 4 0 0 3 16
8 2
20 11 5 20 12 2 18 55 14 5
2 0 2 2 0 2 2 3 2 2
30 10 6 17 8 1 13 53 21 11
313 144 58 208 132 27 153 543 214 102
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
Engine Department
2 0 4 0 0 2 0 5 0 2
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
2 2 1 5 3 0 2 4 3 1
9 11 1 6 9 0 7 15
12
1
0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0
1 5 0 4 1 0 3 4 5 0
5 6 1 8 2 1 1 15
7 2
20
9 4 11 6 2 9 34
13
5
22 14 2 10 7 1 10 31 26 3
12
6 2 8 7 0 7 20
8 2
2 0 1 1 0 0 2 3 1 3
4 4 1 3 8 0 1 5 3 3
15 13 9 16 13 4 11 21 14 9
4 6 1 6 0 0 3 10
7 3
3 2 1 1 3 0 1 2 2 1
4 3 0 2 2 0 1 2 3 0
3 5 0 4 1 0 2 9 8 0
11 7 2 9 4 0 3 28
8 2
3 0 0 1 1 1 0 3 3 0
10
10
2 7 7 2 7 21
15
4
133 105 32 102 75 13 70 235 141 41
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
Steward Department
4 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 4 0
7 2 0 7 1 0 7 16
5 1
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
5 2 2 3 1 1 2 8 1 1
9 1 1 4 0 0 2 22
0 1
20
4 1 18
5 1 9 38
4 2
22
9 0 17
7 0 9 32
18
1
7 1 1 10
0 2 2 16
4 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
2 2 0 3 0 0 2 7 5 0
10
6 3 11 8 1 5 22
9 5
15
5 1 11 3 1 5 34
4 0
3 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0
2 3 3 0 1 3 2 3 4 0
2 1 0 0 3 0 2 7 5 0
11 0 2 7 2 1 5 16
8 3
2 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 1
11 7 1 10
3 0 7 35
25
2
133
46 16 104
34 10 60 276
98 20
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
Entry Department
2 6 16
1 3 9 1 4 10
13
1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 1
0 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 1 2
0 3 2 0 3 2 2 0 6 2
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
1 2 3 0 1 0 0 1 5 4
0 6 2 1 3 2 1 0 9 2
2 14
11 1 6 4 4 5 26
15
1 24 25 1 21 14 6 2 40 43
0 19
8 2 10
6 2 0 27
11
0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1
1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 15 25 0 11 27 4 0 26 35
1 12
10
2 4 5 7 4 24
12
0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0
0 3 0 0 2 2 3 0 1 0
1 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0
2 10
10
4 6 0 2 7 17
19
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
1 16
11 4 12
4 5 3 40
24
13 136
128
17 83 81 40 31 243
187
GRAND TOTAL:
592 431 234 431 324 131 323 1,085
696 350
C
Trip
Reliefs
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Philadelphia................................Wednesday: July 10, August 7
Port Everglades.............................Thursday: July 18, August 15
Total Registered
A
All Groups
B
C
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent class of recertified stewards.
Question: Why did you join the SIU, and why have you remained with the union?
Frank Ramones
Recertified Steward
I joined the SIU because of the opportunities that I got. I was able to
send my daughter to graduate school,
thanks to the economic stability afforded by the union. Plus, I travel the
world for free! I enjoy everything
this organization has done for me.
Robert Owens
Recertified Steward
After a 10-year stint in the Navy, I
wanted more adventure. I’ve traveled
to all parts of the world thanks to the
SIU. The union has provided me and
my family a most beautiful life, and
joining has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Rocky Dupraw
Recertified Steward
My parents decided to send my
younger brother to Piney Point, and
asked if I wanted to go. It was the
best decision I’ve ever made. The
SIU has provided my family and me
with a better quality of life.
Angela Robertson
Recertified Steward
I decided to join the union to
travel, and meet people from different parts of the world. Continuing to
travel and meet new people keeps me
sailing SIU.
Fakhruddin Malahi
Recertified Steward
I joined the union in 1998 in San
Francisco, and joined the steward department. I started from the bottom,
and built my way up to recertified
steward. The SIU is a great union,
and works with the best maritime
school in the U.S.
Ali Munsar
Recertified Steward
I joined the union because my dad
was in the union, and he told me how
nice it was to go to sea, and that was
the truth. I love it, and I am going to
get my kids to join the union. I want
to thank everyone in the union for everything you’ve done for me.
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
Pics From The Past
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
P.O. Box 75, 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) 549-400
These 1984 photos were taken during and after the SS Inger paid off in New Jersey. The inset features then-SIU Representative
Kermett Mangram (now a retired VP). The larger image shows Bosun Stanley Jandora and his wife “happily reunited,” according
to the original caption.
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 Auth Way, 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
July 2019
�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
AUBREY BENJAMIN
Brother Aubrey Benjamin, 65,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1997, initially
sailing with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. A member
of the deck
department, he
last worked with
Maersk Line,
Limited when
he sailed on the Constellation.
Brother Benjamin makes his home
in San Diego.
MICHAEL BREWLEY
Brother Michael Brewley, 71,
became a member of the union
in 1974 when he shipped on the
Arizpa. He primarily sailed in the
deck department and upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. Brother Brewley
most recently sailed on the Maersk
Memphis. He resides in Bayonne,
New Jersey.
LAWRENCE CLINE
Brother Lawrence Cline, 65,
joined the SIU
in 1975, first
sailing on the
Arecibo. He
sailed in all three
departments and
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Cline last shipped on the Voyager
and lives in Ashford, Washington.
JOAQUIM FIGUEIREDO
Brother Joaquim Figueiredo, 68,
began sailing with the union in
2003, first shipping on the
Maersk Maine.
In 2010, he enhanced his skills
by upgrading at
the Piney Point
school. A member
of the engine department, Brother
Figueiredo most recently sailed
aboard the Maersk Columbus. He
calls Palm Coast, Florida, home.
KEVIN GIBBONS
Brother Kevin Gibbons, 65, embarked on his
SIU career in
1978. His first
ship was the
Santa Maria
and he sailed in
both the deck
and steward
departments.
Brother Gibbons
concluded his career sailing on
the Reliance. He resides in San
Francisco.
DANIEL HAEGELE
Brother Daniel Haegele, 66, joined
July 2019
the union in 1991 when he sailed
on the USNS Tenacious. He was
a deck department member and
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the Piney Point school. Brother
Haegele’s last vessel was the
Balboa. He calls Woodbury, Minnesota, home.
RICHARD HICKS
Brother Richard Hicks, 63, donned
the SIU colors in 1976, initially
sailing aboard the Sealand Resource. A steward department
member, he
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the maritime
training center
located in Piney
Point, Maryland.
Brother Hicks
most recently sailed on the Maersk
Columbus. He resides in West
Palm Beach, Florida.
DONALD HUFFMAN
Brother Donald Huffman, 65,
became an SIU member in 1978
when he shipped
on the Pisces. He
was a member of
the steward department and upgraded on several
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Huffman
last shipped on
the Green Lake. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
LEROY JENKINS
Brother Leroy Jenkins, 71, signed
on with the SIU in 1968 and
first sailed on the La Salle. He
upgraded often at the Paul Hall
Center and sailed in all three departments. Brother Jenkins most
recently sailed aboard the Cape
Island. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington.
JOHN MCMURTRAY
Brother John McMurtray, 65,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1979 when he sailed on
the Arecibo. A deck department
member, he upgraded on multiple
occasions at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. Brother McMurtray last sailed aboard the
Beaver State. He resides in St.
Helens, Oregon.
FRANCISCO RAMILO
Brother Francisco Ramilo, 69,
became a member of the union
in 2003, initially
sailing aboard
the Cape Horn.
An engine department member, he upgraded
his skills on several occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Ramilo most recently sailed on
the Pennsylvania. He makes his
home in College Station, Texas.
DEREK ROSS
Brother Derek Ross, 65 joined
the Seafarers in 1992. His first
vessel was the
USNS Denebola
and he primarily sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Ross enhanced his skills
in 1999 when he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center.
He last shipped on the Maersk
Denver before settling in Brooklyn, New York.
AHMED SHARIF
Brother Ahmed Sharif, 67, signed
on with the SIU in 1982, initially
sailing aboard the Maunalei. He
was a steward department member
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Sharif most recently sailed
aboard the John Boland before settling in Dearborn, Michigan.
ROBERT TANAKA
Brother Robert Tanaka, 65, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1980, first sailing on the Oceanic
Independence. He shipped as a
steward department member and
last sailed on the Independence
in 1992. Brother Tanaka is a Las
Vegas resident.
EMMANUEL WABE
Brother Emmanuel Wabe, 67,
donned the SIU colors in 1993
when he sailed on the Global
Mariner. A member of the deck department, he upgraded often at the
Piney Point school. Brother Wabe
most recently sailed on the Corsica.
He makes his home in Baltimore.
GREAT LAKES
ROSS WAISANEN
Brother Ross Waisanen, 65, started
shipping with the union in 1996,
initially sailing on the Steel
T. Crapo. The
deck department
member enhanced his skills
in 2005 when he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center.
He last shipped
on the John Boland and resides in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
INLAND
STEPHEN HATHORN
Brother Stephen Hathorn, 62,
began sailing with the SIU in
1976 when he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage. A deck
department member, he remained
with the same company for the
duration of his career. Brother Hathorn makes his home in Kenner,
Louisiana.
PETER MADDEN
the SIU colors
in 1978 when he
sailed with Hvide
Marine. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Madden most recently shipped
aboard the Liberty and resides in
Virginia Beach, Virginia.
ROBERT MCDERMOTT
Brother Robert McDermott, 65,
signed on with the union in 1979,
initially working for G&H Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Paul Hall Center.
Brother McDermott concluded
his career with Moran Towing of
Texas in 1992 and lives in Anahuac, Texas.
JAMES NEWCOMB
Brother James Newcomb, 65,
joined the SIU in 1971, sailing
first on the Wacosta. He sailed in
both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Piney
Point school in 1978. Brother
Newcomb was last employed with
Atlantic Towing. He resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
MANUEL PIMENTEL
Brother Manuel Pimentel, 62,
became a member of the SIU in
1977 when he worked for Crowley Puerto Rico
Services. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1979.
Brother Pimentel
worked for the
same company
for the duration of his career. He
lives in Tampa, Florida.
ANTHONY PRIMEAUX
Brother Anthony Primeaux, 62,
donned the SIU colors in 1975,
first shipping with Higman Barge
Lines. A deck department member,
he continued his employment with
the same company for his entire
career. Brother Primeaux calls
Lufkin, Texas, home.
RAYMOND RICHARDSON
Brother Raymond Richardson,
59, started sailing with the SIU in
1981, initially working for Red
Circle Transport.
He upgraded
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school on
multiple occasions and was a
member of the
deck department. Brother
Richardson most recently shipped
with Crowley Towing and Transportation before settling in White
Springs, Florida.
GEORGE ULLYOT
Brother George Ullyot, 66, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1973, sailing first
with McAllister
Towing of Philadelphia. A deck
department member, he upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Ullyot was last employed
by Mariner Towing. He resides in
Waterford, New Jersey.
STEVEN WOODS
Brother Steven Woods, 61, began
shipping with the SIU in 1996, initially working for
Crescent Towing
and Salvage. He
sailed in both
the engine and
deck departments
and upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Woods
continued to work for the same
company throughout his career. He
lives in Foley, Alabama.
JOHN ZENTS
Brother John Zents, 64, joined
the SIU in 1974 when he worked
for Moran Towing of Maryland.
He sailed in the engine department and remained with the same
company for his entire career.
Brother Zents makes his home in
Baltimore.
NMU
RODOLFO AGUSTIN
Brother Rodolfo Agustin, 65,
signed on with the union in 2001.
He sailed with
the NMU prior
to the SIU/NMU
merger. Brother
Agustin sailed
in the engine department. He is a
resident of Chula
Vista, California.
JOEL EDWARDS
Brother Joel Edwards, 66, became
a member of the SIU in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. He was
an engine department member and
first sailed aboard the Cape Horn.
Brother Edwards’ last vessel was
the Maersk Nebraska. He is a resident of Brooklyn, New York.
PILAR HERNANDEZ
Brother Pilar Hernandez, 79,
joined the SIU in 2001 during the
SIU/NMU merger. He was a deck
department member and last sailed
aboard the Argonaut. Brother
Hernandez lives in Catano, Puerto
Rico.
Brother Peter Madden, 62, donned
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
PATRICK CARROLL
Brother Patrick Carroll, 51,
died May 5. He joined the SIU
in 1991, sailing first on the Gus
W. Darnell. An engine department member, Brother Carroll
last sailed aboard the Mykonos.
He made his home in Cypress,
Texas.
ELEX CARY
Pensioner Elex Cary, 85,
passed away May 31. He became an SIU
member in 1966
when he sailed
aboard the Mt.
Vernon Victory.
A deck department member,
Brother Cary last
sailed on the Enterprise. He
went on pension in 1998 and
lived in Milpitas, California.
RICKEY CAVENDER
Pensioner Rickey Cavender,
62, died May 15. Signing on
with the Seafarers in 1970,
Brother Cavender first shipped
with Michigan
Tankers. He was
a member of the
engine department and last
sailed aboard the
Thompson Pass.
Brother Cavender started collecting his pension in 2007 and
called San Pedro, California,
home.
EUGENE CIPULLO
Pensioner Eugene Cipullo,
89, passed away April 8. He
started sailing
with the SIU in
1969 when he
shipped on the
Red Arrow. An
engine department member,
Brother Cipullo
last sailed aboard
the John Paul Bobo. He retired
in 1994 and settled in Largo,
Florida.
ROY CONN
Pensioner Roy Conn, 80, died
April 27. He began his career
with the SIU in
1992, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Assertive. Brother
Conn shipped in
the deck department and last
sailed on the Jack Lummus. He
became a pensioner in 2006
and resided in Fort Worth,
Texas.
18 Seafarers LOG
GARY DOYEN
Pensioner Gary Doyen, 76,
passed away May 18. He signed
on with the Seafarers in 1967,
initially sailing on the Commander. An engine department
member, Brother Doyen last
sailed aboard the Horizon Consumer. He began collecting his
pension in 2007 and made his
home in Downey, California.
SAMUEL ESHUN
Brother Samuel Eshun, 69,
died May 6. Born in Ghana,
he became an SIU member in
2004. Brother Eshun’s first vessel was the Cape Diamond. He
shipped in all three departments
and most recently sailed on the
Maersk Sentosa. He called East
Orange, New Jersey, home.
ALFONSO GARCIA
Pensioner Alfonso Garcia, 74,
passed away May 9. He joined
the union in
1985 when he
sailed aboard the
Constitution. A
deck department
member, Brother
Garcia last sailed
on the Endurance. He became
a pensioner in 2010 and lived in
Pico Rivera, California.
JOHN HOPKINS
Brother John Hopkins, 92, died
March 27. Born in Oklahoma, he
donned the SIU colors in 1979
when he shipped on the President Adams. Brother Hopkins
worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the
Rover in 1999. He lived in Portland, Oregon.
RAYMOND JONES
Pensioner Raymond Jones, 71,
passed away May 17. He signed
on with the SIU
in 1969, initially
sailing on the
Hattiesburg Victory. Brother
Jones was a steward department
member and concluded his career on the Richard
G. Matthiesen. He retired in
2008 and settled in Haines City,
Florida.
CLIFTON MAINERS
Pensioner Clifton Mainers, 96,
died May 22. He joined the
union in 1955
when he worked
for Z Maritime
Operations. An
engine department
member, Brother
Mainers last
sailed aboard the
Puerto Rico. He retired in 1982
and lived in Pinson, Tennessee.
JOAQUIN PASSAPERA
Pensioner Joaquin Passapera, 78,
passed away June 5. He began
his career with
the SIU in 1962,
initially working
with Waterman
Steamship Corporation. Brother
Passapera sailed
in the deck department. He last
shipped on the Perseverance
before retiring in 1999. Brother
Passapera was a resident of Humacao, Puerto Rico.
LAWRENCE ROSE
Pensioner Lawrence Rose, 84,
died March 29. Initially sailing
on the Cape Horn, he joined the
SIU in 1990. Brother Rose was
an engine department member
and last sailed on the Harry
Martin. He went on pension in
2005 and made his home in Melbourne, Florida.
KYLE SCHULTZ
Pensioner Kyle Schultz, 59, passed
away June 8. He donned the SIU
colors in 1978, first sailing on the
Great Land. Brother Schultz was a
deck department member. He last
shipped on the Ocean Crescent
and became a pensioner in 2016.
Brother Schultz resided in Livingston, Texas.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Pensioner William Williams, 77,
died June 3. He joined the union
in 1964, initially sailing with
McAllister Towing of Virginia.
Brother Williams primarily
sailed in the engine department
and concluded his career on the
Stonewall Jackson. He went on
pension in 2006 and settled in
Dupont, Louisiana.
HOWARD YAEKEL
Pensioner Howard Yaekel, 78,
died May 15. Born in Brooklyn,
New York, he
became an SIU
member in 1961.
Brother Yaekel
was a deck department member and
first shipped on
the Steel Artisan.
He retired in 2001
after sailing on his final vessel,
the Quality. Brother Yaekel lived
in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
GREAT LAKES
DONALD GIMPEL
Pensioner Donald Gimpel,
84, passed away April 13. He
embarked on his SIU career in
1967, when he worked for Price
Brothers. Brother
Gimpel was last
employed with
Great Lakes Towing before his retirement in 2001.
He resided in Duluth, Minnesota.
MERTON LYONS
Pensioner Merton Lyons, 92,
died June 7. He joined the Seafarers in 1963 and first sailed
with Inland Lakes Management.
Brother Lyons was a deck department member. He concluded
his career on the Steel T. Crapo
and became a pensioner in 1992.
Brother Lyons made his home in
Alpena, Michigan.
INLAND
JOHN DANIELS
Pensioner John Daniels, 76,
passed away
April 24. He
joined the SIU
in 1961 when
he shipped with
Interstate Oil.
Brother Daniels
last worked for
IBC Company before going
on pension in 2005. He was a
resident of Belhaven, North
Carolina.
WILLIAM MEYER
Pensioner William Meyer, 70,
died May 16. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1985
when he worked for Sheridan
Transportation. Brother Meyer
sailed in the deck department
and remained with the same
company for the duration of his
career. He became a pensioner
in 2011 and resided in Dania
Beach, Florida.
TED MILLIGAN
Pensioner Ted Milligan, 86,
died April 13.
He signed on
with the union
in 1961, initially
sailing with
Bethlehem Steel.
Brother Milligan
last sailed aboard
the Lemmerhirt.
He became a pensioner in 1995
and lived in Brimley, Michigan.
ANTHONY NOCELLA
Pensioner Anthony Nocella, 91,
passed away May 18. He began
sailing with the SIU in 1961
when he worked for P.F. Martin.
Brother Nocella last shipped
with McAllister Towing of
Philadelphia. He retired in 1989
and settled in Haddonfield, New
Jersey.
WILLIAM SHUBERT
Pensioner William Shubert, 87,
died May 19. He embarked on
SIU career in 1973 when he
worked for National Marine
Service. Brother Shubert was a
deck department member. He
continued to work for the same
company until he became a pensioner in 1994. Brother Shubert
lived in Bessemer City, North
Carolina.
JAMES WOODS
Pensioner James Woods, 65,
passed away May 19. He joined
the union in 1994,
first working
for Piney Point
Transportation.
Brother Woods
worked in the engine department
and last sailed
with Allied Transportation. He went on pension
in 2012 and made his home in
Charlotte County, Virginia.
NMU
GEORGE MORAN
Pensioner George Moran, 84,
died May 2. Born in Baltimore,
he was an NMU member before
the 2001 SIU/NMU merger.
Brother Moran began collecting
his pension in 1990 and was a
resident of Jacksonville, Florida.
EDWARD QUIGLEY
Pensioner Edward Quigley, 76,
passed away May 16. He sailed
with the NMU prior to the 2001
merger with Seafarers International
Union. He retired in 1999 and lived
in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
FRANCIS WOJCIK
Pensioner Francis Wojcik, 86,
died May 19. Born in Maryland,
he shipped as a member of the
NMU before the SIU/NMU
merger. Brother Wojcik became
a pensioner in 1993 and resided
in Bel Air, Maryland.
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
Aguilar, Donald
82
Alonzo, Julio
98
Burton, Earl
91
Chisholm, Davis
77
Cross, Alvin
79
Cruz, Jaime
99
Gaines, Paul
90
Garcia, Francisco
96
Gibbs, Arthur
90
Goodo, Henry
85
Konieczny, Peter
92
Ladd, Leon
86
Thompson, Roland 78
DOD
06/07/2019
06/24/2018
05/18/2019
07/18/2018
05/24/2019
05/27/2019
05/16/2019
05/06/2019
06/01/2019
06/05/2019
05/17/2019
04/12/2019
05/26/2019
July 2019
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
ENDURANCE (TOTE), March
14 – Chairman Dominic Marco,
Secretary Robert Davis, Deck
Delegate Richard Grubbs, Engine
Delegate Benjamin Stanley, Steward Delegate Sandra Vann. Crew
discussed old business including
December visit from SIU representative during vessel’s last arrival in
Jacksonville, Florida. Union representative found no issues. Chairman went over new working rules
regarding duties assigned while
on watch. Duties will be assigned
as master deems necessary and
during regular shift, not overtime.
Secretary advised members to use
ship computer to get on SIU website to find new postings regarding
jobs, medical requirements, or
documentation. He reminded crew
to replace linen when leaving the
vessel. Educational director urged
members to check expiration dates
of documents and to upgrade often
at Piney Point. Crew brainstormed
ways to spend ship’s fund and
mentioned purchasing two bicycles
and tire repair kits. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members ask
for company provided work gear
or reimbursement for work gear.
Crew noted lack of Wi-Fi availability. Members requested upgrades
to computers and entertainment
system. Steward department was
thanked for a job well done. Members expressed gratitude to counter
staff at hiring halls. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas.
USNS STOCKHAM (Crowley),
March 16 – Chairman Munassar Ahmed, Secretary Shanita
Flachbart, Educational Director Randy Slue, Deck Delegate
Ethan Mims. Chairman advised
crew to have all current documents
and shipping cards upon arrival
to vessel. Secretary reminded
members to wipe their feet when
entering the house. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew discussed travel reimbursements,
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.
ventilation repairs and costs of
transporting baggage to vessel.
They requested new contents for
vending machine as well as a new
coffee maker. Crew requested new
washing machine, microwaveable
covers for plates, and bikes to ride
to and from gate. Members would
like fewer days to be required in
order to qualify for pension. Next
port: South Korea.
Celebrating New Tonnage
HORIZON RELIANCE (Pasha),
April 6 – Chairman Kissinfor
Taylor, Secretary Mark Cabasag,
Educational Director Jason Powell.
Chairman discussed new policy
regarding random drug testing. Secretary suggested crew renew their
documents six months ahead of
expiration. He reminded everyone to
keep rooms clean for oncoming crew.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at Piney Point.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
HORIZON PACIFIC (Pasha),
April 9 – Chairman Daniel Ticer,
Secretary Donald Irvine, Educational Director Thomas Flynn,
Deck Delegate Antjuan Webb,
Steward Delegate Mercurion
Abuan. Chairman commended
crew for a job well done bringing
the ship out of the yard. Educational director reminded members
of necessary LNG course for new
generation ships and encouraged
them to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requests availability of satellite and Wi-Fi aboard
ship. Members were thanked for
cleaning up the ship safely. Next
Port: Oakland, California.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty
Maritime), April 21 – Chairman
David Campbell, Secretary Abraham Mills, Steward Delegate
Nilsa Manaiza. Crew was thanked
for a safe voyage. Ship payoff will
be at next port. Steward department was thanked for keeping the
The SIU helped welcome Matson’s new containership Kaimana Hila on May 3 during a reception in
Seattle. Pictured from left are ACU Saleh Sewileh, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Matson CEO
Matt Cox, Shoregang Bosun Steve Ackley, Chief Cook Alberto Insong and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp.
ship clean and for their cooperation. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman encouraged crew
to go to SIU meetings for updated
information. Members expressed
gratitude to SIU President Mike
Sacco for a great job leading the
way to excellent contract. Crew
requested pensioners be given a
cost of living increase every two
years. They would like an increase
in vacation pay and vacation days.
Members request availability of
Wi-Fi and satellite phone on ship.
Replacement DVD player needed
for crew. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for good food.
Next Port: Freeport, Texas.
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
July 2019
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
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 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. 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
Junior Engineer September 28 November 22
Machinist October 19 November 8
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
FOWT August 17 September 13
October 12 November 8
Marine Electrician August 10 October 4
Able Seafarer Deck
August 17
September 13
Marine Refer Tech July 13 August 23
October 12 November 8
Pumpman July 20 July 26
AB to Mate Modules
Modules must be taken in order. Those who November 9 November 15
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Welding July 20 August 9
Office for further details.
August 17 September 6
ARPA September 28 October 4
Bosun Recertification July 20 August 5
Crane Familiarization
October 5
October 11
ECDIS September 21 September 27
November 16 November 22
Fast Rescue Boat July 20 July 26
August 17 August 23
September 14 October 4
October 19 November 8
Steward Department Courses
Advanced Galley Operations
September 21
October 18
Certified Chief Cook
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start July 15.
Chief Steward July 27 September 13
October 19 December 6
Galley Operations July 20 August 16
GMDSS July 20 August 2 September 14 October 11
August 31 September 13
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
July 20
July 26
Lifeboat July 27 August 9
August 3 August 9
August 24 September 6
September 21 October 4
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 July 13
July 19
October 19 November 1
July 27 August 2
November 16 November 29
December 14 December 27
Safety Upgrading Courses
Radar Observer September 14 September 27
Basic Training/Basic FF July 13 July 19
July 27 August 2
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW July 20 August 16
September 14 October 11
November 9 December 6
100 Ton Master September 7 September 27
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
July 13
July 26
BAPO July 20 August 16
September 14 October 11
November 9 December 6
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
Basic Training Revalidation
July 26
July 26
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
September 14
September 20
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
August 17
August 23
Government Vessels July 27 August 2
August 17 August 23
Medical Care Provider
August 24
August 30
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
July 27
August 2
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
July 20
July 26
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, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax
to (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.
7/19
July 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #848
– Graduated March 22 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): Thomas Bateman,
Roche Aurea Bonita, A’trenique Tramani
Deamus, Jalen Jaquan Denson, Susha
Dore, Jason Hill, Christian Kalinowski,
Chauncey Kukahiko, Deshante Luchien,
Tyler Maddox, Shawn McDowell, Corey
Reseburg, Lydia Robinson, Randy Slue,
Calvettta Taylor, Anthony Timmson-Brown
and Joel Williams.
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.
Junior Engineer (Basic Refrigeration) – Graduated February 22 (above, in alphabetical order):
Patrick Dean, Vincent Freeman, Deondre Gardner, Arvin Tarroza Heras and Yves Mbuiti Nsuami.
Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right.
RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Steven
Ellis Jr., Joshua Gail, Jamel Smith and Lucas Tiderman. Upon the completion of
their training, each plans to work in the deck department of SIU-contracted vessels.
BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): William Alston III, Toren Bolden, Joshua Nino Bonita, Daveyon Burton, Micah Champion, Keilah Freeman,
Marcel Gordon, Darius Jackson-Jordon, Dequan Joe, Brady Martin, Ivan Meza, Orion Milazzo, Kirk Puchert, Quinton Sashington, Betram Solomon Jr., Anias Stanford and Demario
Walter. Each plans to work in the engine department aboard union-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training.
July 2019
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels –
Graduated February 15
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): James Abilad,
Barry Bettis, Roni Anival
Castillo, Juan Amilcar
Colon, Deirick Coltrane II,
Daniel Davenport, Dominic
Gilmartin, Eric Jackson,
Mahare Kidane, Stephen
Martin, Jeffrey Nicholson,
Guiomar Rancel, Jameel
Robinson, Ben Skuban
and Eric Williams. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)
MSC Storekeeper – Graduated February 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Jason Bentz,
Carlos Enrique Gibbons, Enchantress Charmaine Johnson, Paul Klear, Demarkus Antoine McNabb, Robert Resurreccion, Douglas Vaughn and Beverly Williams. Instructor
Matthew Rogers is at the far left.
Small Arms – Graduated February 15 (above, starting second from left): Brett Van Pelt,
Abraham Dionela Tunguia and Will Jordan. Instructors John Thomas and Leonard Wayne
Johnson Jr. are at the far left and far right, respectively.
Tankship Familiarization
DL – Graduated February 22
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Barry Bettis, Joel
Boyd, Roni Anival Castillo,
Dominic Gilmartin, Maurice Henry Jr., Hussein Kareem Howe, Niven Hurlston,
Eric Jackson, Christopher
McAfee, Thomas McClure
Jr., Jason Newsham, Jeffrey
Nicholson, Atm Zahid Reza,
Lamont Robinson, Darryl Roundtree, Wilson Ruiz,
Tyler Unkle, Oscar Vencer,
Travis Williams Sr., and Eric
Williams. (Note: Not all are
pictured.)
Government Vessels – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Francisco Mecator Amada, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Jarrett Andrews Jr., Sandra Baker, Nahun Moises
Bernardez Bernard, Albert Chandradat Bharrat, Jack Boscia, Charles Villamia Catunao, Richard Dogcio Digman, Danilo Cabrera Fullante, Tyrone Hernandez, Nadzeya Mikhailovna
Kuptsova, Ruthellen McDonough, Jessie Azurin Parente, Kyle Parson, Rolly Aguilar Pascua, Casey Pearson, Antonio Rico Bragado, Wilson Ruiz, Jakeem Montreal-Rashad Simmons
and Elston Sintok Yu-Mateo.
22 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
SUA (Galley Operations) – Graduated October 5 (photo at left, in
alphabetical order): Alexandra Erickson, Paisami Gay, Daniel Howard, Lamarai Jones, Shadonna
Jones, EsStonia Moore, Eugenia
Porter,
Noah Susumu SantiagoBasic Self-Unloading – Graduated
February Lareesa
8 (photo at left,
in alphabetical
Stephens,
Warren,
Jessica
order): Desmon Graham, Maeen Abdulla
Williams,
Kendra
and
Jinah, Allen
Ludlow,Williams
Amer Mousa,
Mo-Jarid
hamed Omer, Tyrone Wilson and Husam
Wilson.
Ali Mohamed Yahya. Instructor Don Jaegle
is at the far left.
Advanced Self-Unloading – Graduated February 15 (above, in alphabetical order):
Douglas Bellmore, Justin Bellmore, Allen Ludlow and Tyrone Simmons. Class instructor
Don Jaegle is at the far right.
BAPO – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Rodney Holmes, Joshua
Kraynak, Lawrence Mills Jr., Tracy Mitchell Jr., Chanel Peters, Marcelino Jose Santos
Bermeo and Jessica Valentin. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Christopher King, Antonio Mendez Cruz, Carlos Hugo
Sanchez and Elston Sintok Yu-Mateo.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 3) – Graduated February 22
(above, from left): John Kenneth De Borja Panuelos, Aaron Helton-Cox and Curtis Snow.
July 2019
alphabetical order): Tommy BelWilliams.
Galley Ops – Phase III Apprentice Myles Otis
(above) graduated from this course March 1. Upon
the completion of his training, he plans to work in the
steward department of SIU-contracted vessels.
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated February 8 (above, in alphabetical order): James Abilad, Sergio Nunez Castellanos, Oscar Anibal Gomez, Derrick Moore, Donald Spangler and Edward Echague Villanda.
Seafarers LOG 23
Galley Operations – Graduated October 5 (above, from left): Stevon Taylor, Porcia Johnson and Tuliga Fuega.
�VOLUME 81, NO. 7
JULY 2019
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
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
The Gianella (left in photo at left) performs an historic underway replenishment in 1992 with the aircraft
carrier USS Independence. In the photo above, the Gianella (right) assists the USCGC Polar Sea (left)
on a supply mission to Antarctica in 2002.
USNS Lawrence Gianella Completes Final Voyage
The last of the T-5 petroleum tankers, the
U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC)-owned,
Ocean Ships-operated USNS Lawrence H.
Gianella has completed its final mission for the
U.S. Navy. The SIU-crewed vessel sailed to
Norfolk, Virginia, as part of National Maritime
Day, bringing the tanker’s storied history to a
close. The vessel was crewed by SIU members
in all three departments.
The final crew of the USNS Gianella included Captain Robert J. Mills III, Chief Mate
Robert Grove, 2nd Mate Tian Chi, 3rd Mate
Dillon Davidson, 3rd Mate Jeffrey Harcq,
Bosun Nicholas Hoffman, ABG Owen Hammond, ABG Lionel Hall, ABG Lloyd La
Beach, ABG Matthew Furlong, ABG Adam
Ropp, Chief Eng. Daniel Lee, 1st Asst. Engineer Jonathan Miller, 2nd Asst. Eng. Charlie
Umali, Pumpman Richard Lawson, QMED
Bernard Smalls, QMED Samuel Sanders
Jr., DEU Eric Jackson, DEU Shawn Smith,
Chief Steward Michael Sanders Jr., Chief
Cook Linda McPhetridge, GSU Rhonda
Williams and GSU Brandon E. Bob.
ABG Hall remarked, “She was a great ship,
and we’re sad to see her go. It’s weird being
on a ship that’s about to get mothballed, sort of
like putting a great old car out to pasture. We
all figure with a spit shine and a fresh coat of
paint, she’d be sailing another 40 years.”
Chief Steward Sanders Jr. said that although
the vessel’s service life is ending, “The galley
was still nice. The galley and the mess halls
were in great shape, not at all out of date.”
Sanders added, “We were able to attend
the Maritime Day event in Norfolk, Virginia,
thanks to the company (Ocean Ships). That
was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to be there
with the ship serving as the background, and
see the vessel off.”
Christened in 1986, the USNS Gianella’s
primary role has been to perform point-to-point
delivery of petroleum products to Department
of Defense storage and distribution facilities
worldwide. A 615-foot tanker, the Gianella had
a capacity of 237,766 barrels and a top speed
of 16 knots.
“USNS Lawrence H. Gianella is the last
and longest-serving U.S. government-owned
champion class T-5 tanker,” said Matthew
Sweeney, MSC tanker project officer. “As the
longest-serving T-5 Tanker she moved more
petroleum for the U.S. military than any other
vessel in U.S. military history.”
“USNS Lawrence H. Gianella was the last
of five T-5 tankers built,” said Capt. Mills III,
USNS Lawrence H. Gianella’s ship master
since 1998. “The Gianella is a liaison between
commercial petroleum terminals and Department of Defense fuel facilities around the
world.”
The other T-5 tankers in the U.S. Navy’s
inventory were the SIU-crewed MV Gus. W.
Darnell, USNS Paul Buck, USNS Richard G.
Matthiesen and USNS Samuel L. Cobb.
The vessel has a long and interesting history, all involving SIU crews since the ship
was christened. The Gianella has provided
direct support to U.S. troops in multiple wars,
performed notable rescues at sea, and took part
in almost countless military exercises.
Additionally, “USNS Lawrence H. Gianella
is fitted with reinforced framing on the hull
which allowed us to sail through icy waters to
support the annual resupply missions Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica and Operation
Pacer Goose at Thule Air Base, Greenland, in
the Arctic,” said Mills. “We have supported a
total of 11 of these missions.”
The ship earned a passage in the U.S.
military’s book of “first times” when a successful underway replenishment operation
was completed with the aircraft carrier USS
Independence in the Persian Gulf in 1992. The
port-side-to-starboard-side fuel transfers while
underway, which took place in late July, is
believed to be the first time a civilian-operated
tanker replenished a combatant ship of this
class under operational conditions, according
to a statement issued by the U.S. Navy’s chief
of information.
The Gianella was involved in a rescue in
2007, saving the lives of 13 Cuban refugees
whose boat had suffered engine failure in the
Gulf of Mexico. The rescued men and women
were given medical attention, and fed and
housed by the crew of the Gianella until they
were transferred over to a Coast Guard boat.
However, the vessel has primarily served in
military operations throughout its history. It is
capable of providing underway replenishmentat-sea services with combatants using the
modular fuel distribution system (MFDS), according to Sweeney.
“During the Iran-Iraq War in 1988, USNS
Lawrence H. Gianella supported U.S. fleet and
convoy operations in the Gulf of Oman and
Persian Gulf by providing fuel consolidation
CONSOL) support to MSC fleet oilers,” Sweeney said. “The ship also provided CONSOL
and petroleum logistics support for Operation
Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
Freedom.”
“While in the MSC inventory, USNS Lawrence H. Gianella has incurred minimal down
time and its length of time in service is a testament to how well this ship was built,” said
Mills. “We have typically been crewed by 23
civilian mariners and occasionally travel with
two maritime academy cadets.
“We, the crew of USNS Lawrence H.
Gianella, feel very fortunate to have had the
opportunity to serve aboard this ship,” Mills
concluded. “Serving aboard this ship has been
very much like serving with family.”
Upon deactivation, the USNS Lawrence
H. Gianella will be placed in layup in coastal
Texas.
The final crew of the USNS Lawrence H. Gianella
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
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Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
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July 2019
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Headlines:
AMP UNDERSCORES MARITIME'S POSITIVE IMPACTS ON ALASKA, WASHINGTON STATE
SIU MEMBERS RATIFY PENN MARITIME PACT
SIU APPLAUDS LAUNCH OF 'MARITIME HEROES'
BUILDING NAMED IN HONOR OF LATE SIU VP JOHN FAY
NY WATERWAY CREW RESCUES HELICOPTER PILOT
CONGRESSMAN BABIN BACKS JONES ACT
COAST GUARD ISSUES NEW RADAR OBSERVER RULE
SHBP AWARDS $132,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
SIU ASST. VP CHESTER 'CHET' WHEELER RETIRES
NATIONAL MARITIME DAY CELEBRATED COAST TO COAST
USNS MAURY COMPLETES WHIRLWIND VOYAGE VIA PANAMA CANAL
SIU CELEBRATES NATIONAL MARITIME DAY IN NATION'S CAPITAL
CULINARY 2.0 AVAILABLE AT PAUL HALL CENTER
USNS LAWRENCE GIANELLA COMPLETES FINAL VOYAGE
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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7/1/2019
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Vol. 81, No. 7
2019
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2a8eb15ce60b19c7e0a9a89dd82f276f.pdf
de4100d0c093effbaec7e3382371908f
PDF Text
Text
MARCH 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 3
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 Jobs Secure Aboard
USNS Montford Point,
USNS John Glenn
Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. recently was awarded an operating contract for
the U.S. military support ships USNS Montford Point (above) and USNS
John Glenn. If all options are exercised, the agreement will last until November 2024. The SIU-contracted company already operates both vessels
for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Page 3. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter Burghart)
SIU President Addresses AMO Board
SIU President Michael Sacco
last month spoke to the executive board of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers
(AMO) in Dania Beach, Florida.
He is at center in photo at the immediate right, with AMO National
President Paul Doell (left) and
Second Assistant Engineer Gregory Shepard, an SIU hawsepiper.
The photo below includes Sacco
(front row, second from right), SIU
Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (back row,
second from right) and former SIU
members who are current AMO members or officials (from left) AMO East
Coast Representative Todd Christensen; AMO National Vice President,
Deep Sea, Joe Gremelsbacker; AMO National Executive Vice President
Mike Finnigan; Chief Mate Jennifer Senner; AMO National Vice President,
Inland Waters, Danny Robichaux; and Captain Timothy English.
Labor Mobilizes to Support Gov’t Workers
The SIU and the Maritime Trades
Department, AFL-CIO, joined with
many other labor organizations to
assist workers during the recent
government shutdown that ended
in late January. In photo above,
Seafarers in Oakland, California,
gather food donations for U.S.
Coast Guard personnel. The other
photo shows SIU members in Honolulu, Hawaii, demonstrating in
support of workers who went without pay for weeks. Coverage starts
on Page 2.
Piney Point Update
Page 5
Great Lakes Towing
Page 8
Members React to New San Juan Hall
Page 12
�President’s Report
Power of Solidarity
Both during the recent government shutdown and throughout the
teachers’ strike in Los Angeles, union members showed the enduring
power of collective action and solidarity. Grassroots mobilization,
standing up for the truth, and having each other’s backs led to positive
outcomes in both cases.
Community outreach across the country also proved very uplifting, and unions were very involved in those efforts as well. Specifically concerning the shutdown, I’m proud of SIU
members and our union collectively for making
donations, rallying, and simply offering encouraging words along the way. In some cases, we were
reaching out to our own: NOAA crews who are
part of the SIU Government Services Division.
Both the successful strike and the rank-andfile pressure that led to ending the shutdown
underscored that when we stick together, we win
together, as AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka
often puts it. That’s a good lesson to remember
Michael Sacco
as we move forward in protecting workers’ rights
and reminding folks about the power of collective
action.
America Needs the Jones Act
Since the founding of our country, America’s Merchant Mariners
have answered the nation’s call – no matter how big the task, no matter when. These men and women, including our own Seafarers, are
America’s fourth arm of defense.
On the books for nearly a century, the Jones Act helps ensure that
the United States will have world-class American mariners ready and
available at a moment’s notice to crew U.S.-flag ships around the
world. We saw that in Puerto Rico when Jones Act vessels arrived
within hours of the Port of San Juan reopening after Hurricane Maria.
We saw that when U.S.-flagged vessels with American crews who had
sailed aboard Jones Act ships along the coasts and on the Great Lakes
formed a steel bridge of supplies to U.S. armed forces during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. We saw that in 2009 when
Jones Act crews immediately rescued passengers and crew after a US
Airways jet had an emergency landing in the Hudson River.
The Jones Act serves and protects our country. Anyone who says
otherwise either doesn’t know the facts or has an agenda that’s contrary to the best interests of the United States of America.
Keep that in mind as the misguided attacks against our nation’s
freight cabotage law continue.
Maritime Trades Department
As of this writing, the Maritime Trades Department is preparing for
the winter meeting of its executive board. We’ll have full coverage in
next month’s LOG.
If you’re new to the SIU or otherwise not completely familiar
with the MTD, it’s a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO – and
it’s one of our most important affiliations. The MTD, of which I also
serve as president, has 23 affiliated unions with a combined membership of around 5 million. The MTD also has a network of 21 port
maritime councils that function a lot like central labor councils or area
labor federations. The port councils (who were among the organizations stepping up to support furloughed workers) help provide American and Canadian maritime workers with a strong grassroots presence
in port and coastal cities and towns across both nations.
Like our association with the AFL-CIO, the SIU’s affiliation with
the MTD is a vital tool for amplifying our voice when we’re standing
up for the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, workers’ rights and more. It gives us a greater chance of success
for revitalizing and maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, and
that’s why we proudly align with this indispensable department.
Members of Congress meet with workers at the SIU hall in Honolulu. Standing in back, starting fourth from
right, are Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Ed Case.
SIU, MTD Support Furloughed Workers
Organizations Donate, Demonstrate During Historic Shutdown
Unions were undeterred during a 35-day federal
government shutdown that ended in late January.
During that unprecedented closure, SIU members
and officials as well as representatives from several
port councils affiliated with the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, energetically supported many
of the 800,000 employees who were either temporarily out of work or were told to work even though their
paychecks weren’t forthcoming. The SIU and MTD
teamed up with donations to fellow union members,
Coast Guard personnel and other government workers. They also participated in demonstrations in the
nation’s capital; in Honolulu, Hawaii; and elsewhere.
The SIU utilized its Disaster Aid Fund to assist
members of the union’s Government Services Division who sail with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Many members
relayed their thanks via emails to SIU Government
Services Division Vice President Kate Hunt.
One member wrote, “Thank you! Can’t tell you
how much this helps. It also helps remind folks that
the rougher things are, the more they need the union.”
Another NOAA mariner said, “Thank you for
supporting the members in this time of need!”
Honolulu was an especially active area for the
SIU during the shutdown. The SIU hosted multiple
food drives in addition to welcoming members of
Congress for informal discussions. Those members
included U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D), U.S. Sen.
Brian Schatz (D), U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D) and U.S.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D), who were on hand at the
hiring hall Jan. 18 to listen to workers and discuss
their concerns.
Many other labor organizations were involved in
the effort in Hawaii, including the State AFL-CIO,
AFGE, Teamsters Local 996, IBEW 1260, HGEA,
MM&P, MEBA, MFOW, and the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council.
Seafarers in Oakland, California, put together
a food drive for Coast Guard personnel, while the
Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council,
SIU, Port Everglades Association and Port Everglades Pilots donated gift cards and other items to
Coast Guard members in that area.
Although the threat of another shutdown in midFebruary loomed as of press time, the AFL-CIO and
many pundits credited rank-and-file workers and
their unions for ending the longest federal stoppage
Continued on Page 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
Volume 81 Number 3
March 2019
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 Auth Way; 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 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Piney Point Photographer, Harry
Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content
Curator, Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Seafarers and other volunteers at the hiring hall in Honolulu, Hawaii, prepare food for delivery to furloughed
workers.
2 Seafarers LOG
March 2019
�A U.S. Marine Corps truck drives off a ramp during exercise Pacific Horizon 2017 aboard the
SIU-crewed USNS John Glenn. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Roxanna Gonzalez)
A military vehicle with a trailer (toward center of photo) drives up a ramp from one SIUcrewed ship (the USNS John Glenn, right) to another (USNS Dahl) during an exercise
in the Pacific in 2017. (U.S. Marnie Corps photo by Sgt. Rodion Zabolotniy)
Ocean Ships Inc. Awarded ESD Contract
Union Jobs Secure Aboard USNS Montford Point, USNS John Glenn
Seafarers will continue sailing aboard
two expeditionary transfer dock (ESD)
vessels, following a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense
(DOD).
The DOD on Jan. 25 reported that
SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.
has been selected to continue operating
the USNS Montford Point and the USNS
John Glenn for up to five-and-a-half
years. Ocean Shipholdings already operates both of those ships for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The newly
awarded contract features a base period
of one year, four 12-month option periods and a six-month option. If all options
are exercised, the agreement will last until
November 2024.
“This announcement is a credit to SIU
crews and to Ocean Shipholdings,” stated
SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker.
“The ships themselves as well as the mariners who crew them are vital to America’s
sealift capabilities. With this agreement, our
members can look forward to solid opportu-
nities for ongoing job security.”
The ESD ships (built by union shipyard workers) originally were called mobile landing platforms. According to the
Navy, an ESD “is a highly flexible ship
that provides logistics movement from
sea to shore supporting a broad range of
military operations. ESD-class ships leverage an existing commercial design of
the Alaska-class crude oil carrier built
by General Dynamics National Steel and
Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), to
ensure design stability and low developmental costs. These ships operate within
Maritime Prepositioning Ship squadrons
as mobile sea bases or as the component
commander requires providing the U.S.
Navy fleet with a critical access infrastructure that supports the flexible deployment of forces and supplies.”
The vessels are 785 feet long and have
164-foot beams. They can sail at 15 knots
and feature “commercial diesel electric
propulsion,” according to MSC. The
agency also notes that both ships “utilize
float-on/float-off technology and a reconfigurable mission deck to maximize
capability. Additionally, the ships’ size al-
The USNS Montford Point (front) performs a skin-to-skin maneuver with another SIUcrewed ship, the USNS Fred W. Stockham, in 2016 near South Korea. (U.S. Navy photo
by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Madailein Abbott)
Port Council Planning in Puerto Rico
Union representatives gather at the new SIU hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 22 to continue launch plans for
the new Maritime Trades Department Port Council for the territory. Attendees included Puerto Rico AFL-CIO President
Jose Rodriguez-Baez of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Capt. Eduardo Iglesias of the
Masters, Mates and Pilots; Andres Lloret, president, UFCW Local 481; Carlos Marrero, president, Local 901 Teamsters of
Puerto Rico; Carlos Sanchez, president, Local 1740 Longshoreman; and SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (far left). Many
topics were covered, including the ongoing need to promote facts about the direct, positive impact of the Jones Act on
Puerto Rico. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for late February.
March 2019
lows for 25,000 square feet of vehicle and
equipment stowage space and 380,000
gallons of JP-5 fuel storage.”
U.S.-Flag Great
Lakes Fleet Finishes
2018 on Strong Note
U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters, many of
them featuring SIU crews, carried 8.5 million tons of cargo in December, an increase
of 17.5 percent compared to a year ago, the
Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) reported.
Driving the surge was a 16-percent increase
in iron ore cargos. Limestone and coal cargos
also registered increases, 31 and 19.5 percent,
respectively.
For the year, U.S.-flag lakers carried 83.7
million tons of cargo, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared to 2017, according to the LCA.
Iron ore cargos totaled 45.8 million tons, a decrease of 0.4 percent.
“That the iron ore total essentially pulled
even with 2017 is noteworthy; the delays that
resulted from heavy ice in March and April
had the trade 16 percent off 2017’s pace at
the end of April,” the association noted in late
January. “In fact, the U.S. and Canadian Coast
Guards continued to break ice in Whitefish
Bay at the eastern end of Lake Superior and
the St. Mary’s River that connects Lake Superior to the lower four Great Lakes into May.”
Coal cargos totaled 11.8 million tons, a decrease of 11.4 percent. Limestone loadings approached 22 million tons, an increase of 1.9
percent.
Seafarers LOG 3
�SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (left) helps present donations to Coast Guard personnel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Maritime Community, Allies Rally to Aid
Of Workers Hit by Government Closure
Continued from Page 2
in U.S. history. They cited major demonstrations across the country along with working
people regularly contacting their elected representatives.
The federation noted, “After holding federal workers’ paychecks hostage for 35 days,
President Donald Trump finally gave in to
immense nationwide pressure and signed
legislation to reopen the government on
[Jan. 25]. As AFL-CIO President Richard
Trumka (UMWA) said, ‘President Trump
didn’t want to end this shutdown – the collective action of working people demanded
it.’
The federation statement continued,
“From the beginning of this manufactured
crisis, working people throughout the labor
movement and across the country have
fought alongside our 1 million-plus brothers
and sisters going without pay. From a massive rally and march in front of the AFLCIO’s headquarters to actions across the
country, working people took to the streets
to show our solidarity.
“We flooded the halls and lit up the
phones of Congress, to make our voices
heard by those responsible for this debacle,” the AFL-CIO pointed out. “We lifted
up the stories of struggling workers and demanded that politicians do their jobs so we
could do ours. As this shutdown dragged
on – and as workers still wait for back pay
– we stepped up to care for each other in a
time of forced hardship.”
The AFL-CIO communication concluded, “By standing together, working
people got each other through this shutdown. We mobilized, organized and proved
the indispensable value of our labor to
those who have tried to ignore us. Now we
will fight for a long-term government funding bill and legislation to guarantee that all
Seafarers prepare supportive signs at the Honolulu hall.
workers are made whole.”
Union members demonstrate at Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Union Membership Remains
Fairly Steady During 2018
BLS Report Again Shows Union Members Get Better Pay
The yearly report on union membership
from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) showed very little change in 2018.
According to the agency’s report, issued
Jan. 18, membership declined slightly from
2017 to 2018, to a total number of 14.744
million. That’s a decrease of 73,000; union
density in 2018 was 10.5 percent.
The report again reinforced that union
members usually earn more money than their
unrepresented counterparts. Data from the
BLS report shows that in 2018, the median
union worker earned $1,051 per week, compared to $860 for the median non-unionist.
(The median is the point where half of workers are above and half below.)
Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO issued a press
statement in advance of the report that read in
part: “Here’s what the numbers alone won’t
tell you: 2018 was one of the most substantial years for collective action in American
history. The following are some significant
4 Seafarers LOG
ways workers are standing together to improve our workplaces and communities, not
included in today’s report:
Tens of thousands of teachers going on
strike for better pay and stronger schools
in red and blue states, including more than
30,000 currently striking in Los Angeles (the
teachers subsequently won numerous gains
and voted to return to work).
Google workers worldwide walking out
for an end to workplace sexual harassment
and a voice on the job.
UNITE HERE hotel workers taking on
Marriott, the most profitable hotel chain in
the world, and winning higher wages, a safe
work environment and a say on how technology is deployed.
And, working people electing pro-worker
candidates from coast to coast, including
more than 950 union members.
Private-sector union membership is up,
despite the fact that Taft-Hartley, a labor law
rigged to embolden anti-worker employers,
has been on the books for more than 70 years.
Workers from Boeing to JetBlue to Harvard
University won union recognition in 2018.
And 60 million workers – the population of
New York and California combined – would
vote to join a union today if given the chance.
Public sector union membership essentially held steady, despite the Supreme
Court’s ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, the case
pundits predicted would be the labor movement’s death knell. In fact, some public sector unions saw membership growth in 2018.
Shortly after Janus was decided, the people
of Missouri overturned “right to work” by
2-1, the first-ever state to repeal this antiworker law by popular vote.
In the face of unprecedented attacks, the
labor movement continues to show tremendous resilience. Public approval of unions is
soaring. And new organizing campaigns in
non-union workplaces are gaining steam.
Give working people a level playing field to
join and form unions and there will be a dramatic spike in membership by the time the
2019 BLS numbers are released.”
Additionally, Mark Gruenberg of Press
Associates pointed out, “The agency reported that a slight majority of union members were in the private sector, 7.577 million,
compared to 7.167 million in the public
sector. The public sector was more heavily
unionized, with one of every three workers – state and local government workers,
teachers, fire fighters, and federal workers –
unionized, compared to one of every 16 (6.4
percent) in the private sector. Teachers and
protective services, each with even higher
percentages, led the way.”
As usual, union members were concentrated in the Northeast, the Great Lakes and
the Pacific Coast states. The most uniondense states last year were Hawaii (23.1 percent), New York (22.3 percent), Washington
(19.8 percent), Alaska (18.5 percent) and
Rhode Island (17.5 percent).
The biggest union numbers BLS calculated were in California (2.405 million, down
87,000 and with 14.7 percent density), New
York (1.872 million, down 145,000, 22.3
percent), Illinois (786,000, down 86,000,
13.8 percent), Pennsylvania (701,000, up
36,000, 12.6 percent), Michigan (625,000,
down 33,000, 14.5 percent), Ohio (639,000,
up 4,000, 12.6 percent) and Washington
(649,000, up 61,000, 19.8 percent).
According to Gruenberg, “Washington
was the biggest numerical gainer, but BLS
calculated many of the other gains were in
the least-unionized area, the South. Florida
(plus 38,000), Georgia and Alabama (plus
28,000 each), Louisiana (plus 11,000) and
South Carolina (plus 3,000) all added union
members.”
March 2019
�QMED Ann Mensch handles some equipment.
QMED Guiomar Rancel inspects a panel. QE4 Michael
Gray is behind him.
QMED Guiomar Rancel works on a refrigerated unit.
PHC Unveils Cutting-Edge Reefer Course
The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education (PHC) is offering a new course in
Advanced Reefer Container Maintenance (ARCM), which replaces the previous course.
Mike Fay, a longtime mariner and electrician, was instrumental in the development of the new course and curriculum.
He’s worked in the industry for over 40 years, much of that
time spent with the Crowley shore gang in the Port of Philadelphia, where he worked with reefer units on a daily basis.
Following last year’s PHC Advisory Board meetings, and
responding to concerns of the industry, the school tapped into
Fay’s knowledge and expertise in this field and asked him to
evaluate and provide input on the ARCM course.
“The new ARCM course is modeled after our training program in use by the Crowley shore gang in the Port of Philadelphia,” he stated. “This is a condensed course, focusing on
unit operating systems and troubleshooting. The old course
has been discarded and completely replaced with training that
is directly in alignment with the job requirements on board
the vessel.”
Fay then addressed some of the specific additions made
to the new course: “We added two more up-to-date reefer
units, which were donated by SIU-contracted ship operators.
In addition, there are now several benchtop microprocessors
and keypads that allow the students to program controllers,
update software and navigate the menu functions.”
PHC Director of Vocational Training and Education
Priscilla Labanowski compared the new course to the previous class, saying, “The course was written with more
hands-on training. We have added additional reefer containers donated from shipping companies to allow for actual
equipment from the ships to be used in our machine shop as
learning tools. This will allow for a better-trained mariner
being able to work under guidance of an instructor here at
the school prior to performing the work required of them
NMC Notices Concerning
Documents, Shutdown
Editor’s note: Following are the most recent communications from the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center
related to the government shutdown. These notices were issued
the night of Jan. 25, after an agreement was reached to reopen
the government. Any additional updates from the NMC will be
shared on the SIU website. Also, the “attached letter” mentioned below is linked on the SIU and NMC sites.
STCW Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations and Partial Government Shutdown
Due to circumstance of exceptional necessity, the United
States is currently not able to process Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) or related endorsements issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.
Pursuant to STCW Article VIII, dispensations may be
granted for continued service for mariners operating on endorsements that expired on or after December 1, 2018, providing a renewal application was submitted to the National
Maritime Center (NMC) and the company applied to the Coast
Guard for dispensation. Requests should be submitted via email to STCWDispensations@uscg.mil and should include
the ship name, IMO number, mariner name, mariner reference
number, capacity per STCW regulations, company name,
company point of contact, and valid mariner e-mail. The Coast
Guard will consider dispensation requests in accordance with
the provisions of STCW Article VIII. If approved, dispensa-
March 2019
on one of our contracted ships.”
“I have shipped for years as an electrician, and found the
following very helpful,” remarked one student who completed
the course, before listing various elements of the curriculum
that they found particularly useful. “Thorough description of
capacity control and economizer operation, a detailed walkthrough of programming and configuration of a controller,
detailed instruction of emergency bypassing of each unit, instruction for manual use and testing of the solenoid values,
and the freeze/chill thresholds and operations.”
PHC Acting Vice President Tom Orzechowski stated, “The
school remains committed to improving all of our curriculum,
in order to stay current with industry needs. Consistent with
the physical improvements and additions made to the school,
the Paul Hall Center will continue to provide first-class training at a first-class facility.”
The next course is scheduled to start May 18. Students
must have previously completed the Marine Electrician and
Marine Reefer Tech courses in order to take Advanced Reefer
Container Maintenance.
Electrician Mike Fay (third from right) modifies refrigerated units at the Philly Shipyard.
tions will expire May 31, 2019. Once the STCW dispensation
letter is issued, mariners shall carry the letter and a copy of this
bulletin with the MMC.
Mariners who submitted applications for STCW endorsements prior to December 1, 2018, and are actively working or
seeking employment may contact the NMC.
Medical Certificates are only valid for 3 months from the
expiration date in accordance with STCW Regulation I/9 and
applications are being processed upon receipt.
If you have questions, visit the NMC website, or 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).
Update 3 – Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in Fiscal Year 2019
Appropriations and Partial Government Shutdown
To mitigate the impact caused by the lapse in appropriations and shutdown of National Maritime Center (NMC) operations, the following updated actions are being taken:
Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) and Medical
Certifications (National Endorsements only) that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended as
valid until May 31, 2019. Mariners who are actively working
on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must
carry the expired credential with a copy of the attached letter.
The following items that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended to April 30, 2019:
Additional Information (AI) letters, Qualified Assessor (QA)
letters, Designated Examiner (DE) letters, Proctor approval
letters, Approval to Test (ATT) letters, and mariner training
course certificates.
� For mariners whose 90-day testing cycles were inter-
rupted by Regional Exam Center (REC) closures (starting on
December 26, 2018), the days the RECs were closed will not
count against the 90-day period. REC appointment calendars
will be re-opened once appropriations are restored and RECs
are fully operational.
The NMC understands the partial shutdown may affect our
industry customers and stakeholders and we apologize for any
potential inconvenience.
Dear U.S. Mariner,
Due to the federal government’s partial lapse in appropriations for fiscal year 2019, the Coast Guard is unable to process
mariner credentials in a timely manner. To provide relief to
impacted mariners and under the authority of 46 United States
Code § 7507 and § 7508, the Coast Guard is granting extensions effective immediately to National Endorsements and
Medical Certificates until May 31, 2019, for mariners whose
credentials expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019.
All mariners sailing under the authority of their National
Endorsement(s) should print and retain a copy of this letter
with their Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and Medical
Certificate to produce it upon request by the U.S. Coast Guard,
other agencies or officials. The National Maritime Center
(NMC) does not intend to issue any separate or new MMCs to
correspond to this extension for mariners sailing domestically.
This extension does not apply to Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) endorsements.
Applications submitted before or during the partial government shutdown will be processed as soon as possible once
the NMC is reopened and is legally authorized to begin operations.
Seafarers LOG 5
�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 97779. To sign up for the alerts,
text the word JOIN to 97779.
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.
EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE
THROUGH THE HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL!
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of
Seamanship (SHLSS) has partnered with the
College of Southern Maryland (CSM) to offer
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an Associate of Applied Science degree in
Maritime Operations Technology with a
x Associate of Applied Science Degree
concentration in either
x
Nautical Science (Deck department)
x UA courses apply toward the degree
-orx
Marine Engineering (Engine dept.)
x Fully accredited
Students must complete a combination of
academic general education courses and
technical education courses in order to earn
x Some courses held at SHLSS
the degree.
Courses completed during the Unlicensed
Apprentice program apply toward the
x Online classes
degree.
Students can complete English, Math and
x Scholarships available
Physics courses at SHLSS. The remaining
general education courses can be completed
online.
The following classes will convene at
SHLSS:
June 3 – June 21, 2019
English 1011 – Composition and Rhetoric
Math 1011 – Math for Technologies
Enrollment Information
7 Credit Hours
Please contact Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School Academic Coordinator Dale Rausch
(301) 994-0010 Ext. 5411 -ordrausch@seafarers.org
Includes: tuition, textbooks, room and
board plus one hour of tutoring following
each daily class session
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 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:
■ Hold elections of officers of local unions
by secret ballot at least every three years.
■ 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
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Avoid Frostbite: Keep Moving, Dress in Layers
With the winter months upon
us and cold temperatures commonplace, people should be on
guard for frostbite.
Frostbite is an injury caused
by the freezing of the skin and
underlying tissues. It occurs
mostly in the fingers, toes, nose,
ears, cheeks and the chin. In
short, frostbite occurs in skin
that is exposed to cold, windy
weather; and it could happen
even when the skin is covered
with gloves or other articles of
clothing.
For those who get frostbite,
the skin will feel very cold and a
pricking feeling will ensue. This
usually is followed by numbness
and changing tones in the skin
ranging in color from red, white,
bluish-white, yellow, to gray.
Some may also experience
clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness, intense shivering,
slurred speech and drowsiness
as a result of frostbite. In severe
cases, blistering is possible after
6 Seafarers LOG
rewarming affected areas.
Those who get frostbite
should seek medical attention
right away, as the condition
can damage skin tissue, muscles and bones. Complications
from the condition include
infection, nerve damage and
possibly amputation of the affected area.
Frostbite prevention is all
about protecting the skin. People
should limit their time outdoors
during periods of cold, wet and
windy weather. It’s also important to dress in several layers of
clothing. Air trapped between
the layers acts as an insulator
against the cold.
It is also recommended to
wear: a hat that fully cover the
ears; gloves to protect the fingers; socks that fit well; and
boots that do not leak. Doing
“keep moving” exercises is also
a good practice as it will keep the
blood flowing and help keep you
warm.
Healthful Recipe
Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry
Servings: 25
Ingredients
5 pounds shrimp, medium sized (21-25 count)
6 cloves garlic, minced fine
¾ cup olive oil
2 quarts celery, diagonally sliced
1-quart onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, grated
*1/4 teaspoon ground ginger may be substituted and added
with soy sauce.
2 quarts snow peas, cleaned
**One package (10 ounce) frozen peas or 1-1/2 cups fresh,
shelled peas may be substituted.
2 quarts mushrooms, sliced
2 cups water
¾ cup soy sauce
1 cup white wine
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup cornstarch
Preparation
Sauté the shrimp over med-high heat in batches. Set aside for
later step.
In a large skillet cook the garlic in the olive oil for about 1
minute then remove the garlic. Add celery, onion and ginger;
cook for about 2 minutes. Add the snow peas and mushrooms; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add in the cooked shrimp.
Combine water, soy sauce, wine, lemon juice and cornstarch; add to shrimp and vegetable mixture. Cook and
stir until sauce boils and thickens. Salt to taste. Serve
over hot rice.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 201 calories; 8g fat
(38.3% calories from fat): 20g protein; 9g carbohydrate; 2g
dietary fiber; 138mg cholesterol; 665 sodium. Exchanges:
0 grain (starch); 20 ½ lean meat; 1 ½ vegetable; 0 fruit; 1
½ fat.
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School
of Seamanship
March 2019
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
HONORING DR. KING – Houston-area Seafarers on Jan. 21 participated in an annual parade honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. Some of the SIU attendees are pictured in the photos at right. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo is third from left in
photo at the immediate right. The photo above features members
of city council and other dignitaries, including SIU VP Dean Corgey
(second from right on the float), who is a member of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.
WITH BOATMEN IN THE GULF – Pictured in Houston aboard the G&H
Towing tugboat The Deacon are (from left) Capt. Doug Scott, Mate Jake
Fuller, Deckhand Madeline Thibeault, Patrolman Kelly Krick and DDE Pete
Ntaamah.
KUDOS TO APPRENTICE – Steward/Baker Donna
Hickman submitted this photo of Apprentice Joshua
Baily Glancy aboard the SNLC Goodwill (Chesapeake Crewing). Hickman said the Phase 2 student
from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center “was a pleasure to work with and a great help in the galley. He
was passionate about the work and has the skills to
be an excellent addition to any SIU galley.” Glancy
made pizza twice while on board, and also got excellent reviews for his Thai beef curry and orange
chicken.
AT THE NORFOLK HALL – Receiving their respective membership books from Port
Agent Georg Kenny (left in both photos) are SA Delphine Simmons (photo at left) and
GUDE Antonio Hamilton.
March 2019
A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QMED Aleksander
Djatschenko (left) picks up his A-seniority book at
the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with Port Agent Mark von Siegel.
ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – Pictured aboard the new Matson vessel on the West
Coast are (from left) SA Domiciano Nonato, ACU Abdul Munasar and Chief Cook Khalid
Mohamed.
Seafarers LOG 7
�With Great Lakes Towing Crews
The photos on this page were taken during servicing visits by SIU AlgonacPort Agent Todd Brdak. The Wyoming, the Cleveland and the Missouri are all tugboats operated by
Great Lakes Towing.
Cleveland
AB Russ Lempke tosses a mooring line.
AB and SIU Delegate Tim McKenna
helps moor the Cleveland.
The Cleveland’s new pilothouse
Wyoming
AB and SIU Delegate Tim McKenna
checks the engine levels.
Missouri
ABs Eric Johnson (left) and Adil Hussein aboard the Wyoming
The crew of the Missouri receives some engine
room training.
From left to right: Port Agent Todd Brdak, AB Cary Gimpel, AB
Dave Willoughby and SIU Assistant VP Bryan Powell
The tug Wyoming docks in Detroit.
From left to right: AB Scott Rosseel, AB Jeff Davis and Port
Agent Todd Brdak
8 Seafarers LOG
The tug Missouri docks in Duluth, Minnesota.
March 2019
�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
ESMEIL ABORADY
Brother Esmeil Aborady, 72, became a member of the union in
1991 when he
shipped on the
Cape Canaveral. He was an
engine department member
and upgraded
on several occasions at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Aborady most recently
sailed on the USNS Stockham. He
resides in Mobile, Alabama.
shipped on the
Independence.
The deck department member
upgraded his
skills at the
Piney Point
school in 2012.
Brother Dwyer’s
last vessel was
the Horizon Pacific. He lives in
Honolulu.
DOUGLAS GANTENBEIN
Brother Abdulla Alwaseem, 65,
joined the SIU in 1979, first sailing on the Overseas Natalie.
He primarily sailed in the deck
department and upgraded often
at the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Alwaseem last shipped on the
Maersk Kensington and lives in
Wilmington, California.
CLIFTON AYARS
ANTHONY HEINOLDT
Brother Clifton Ayars, 66, embarked on his SIU career in 2001.
He first sailed
aboard the Cape
Victory and was
a member of the
deck department.
Brother Ayars
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school in 2001.
He most recently
shipped on the Alaskan Explorer
and resides in Nine Mile Falls,
Washington.
Brother Anthony Heinoldt, 65,
signed on with the SIU in 1979.
He primarily sailed in the deck
department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point
school. Brother Heinoldt’s first
vessel was the Guyama; his last,
the Alliance St. Louis. He calls
Palm Coast, Florida, home.
ANDREW BELL
Brother Andrew Bell, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 2001 and initially worked on the Cape Farewell. He upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions and
sailed in all three departments.
Brother Bell concluded his career
aboard the Alaskan Navigator. He
makes his home in Federal Way,
Washington.
HOWARD BLANKS
Brother Howard Blanks, 65, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1990, first
sailing on the
Sealift Atlantic.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1998
and shipped as
a deck department member.
Brother Blanks
most recently
sailed on Maersk Sentosa. He is a
New York City resident.
WILLIAM DWYER
Brother William Dwyer, 67,
joined the union in 1989, when he
March 2019
Brother Thomas Murphy, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 1979. He
was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the
Piney Point school. Brother Murphy’s first vessel was the Jefferson Davis; his last, the Freedom.
He makes his home in Bonifay,
Florida.
RUBEN ONG
Brother Douglas Gantenbein, 66,
joined the SIU in 2001 during
the merger with
the NMU. A
deck department
member, his first
SIU vessel was
the Overseas
Washington.
Brother Gantenbein upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions. He last sailed
on the Alaskan Legend and resides
in Fallbrook, California.
ABDULLA ALWASEEM
THOMAS MURPHY
KATHLEEN LANAHAN
Sister Kathleen Lanahan, 65,
became a member of the SIU in
1989 when she sailed on the Independence. She shipped in the
steward department and upgraded
often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Lanahan concluded her career
aboard the Overseas Nikiski. She
is a resident of Northport, Washington.
ANTONIO LIBO-ON
Brother Antonio Libo-On, 66,
joined the union in 1999, first sailing aboard the Independence. He
worked in the engine department
and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school.
Brother Libo-On last sailed on the
USNS Bowditch. He lives in San
Diego.
CALVIN MILES
Brother Calvin Miles, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1974
when he sailed
on the Pecos.
He primarily
sailed in the
deck department. Brother
Miles upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Overseas Martinez and is a resident
of Mobile, Alabama.
Brother Ruben Ong, 66, signed on
with the union in 2002. He first
worked on the
Moku Pahu and
was a member
of the steward
department. In
2004, Brother
Ong upgraded
his skills at
the Paul Hall
Center. He last
sailed on the USNS Petersburg
before settling in Stockton, California.
DIMITRIOS PAPANDREOU
Brother Dimitrios Papandreou, 71,
joined the union in 1990. His first
vessel was the
Meteor. Brother
Papandreou
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded on several occasions at
the Piney Point
school. He concluded his career
on the Yorktown Express and resides in Houston.
ROBERT RAGER
Brother Robert Rager, 65, joined
the SIU in 1987 when he sailed
on the USNS
Harkness. A
deck department member,
he upgraded his
skills in 2001
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Rager most recently sailed on
the SeaLand Pride. He makes his
home in Marianna, Florida.
STEVEN ROLLINS
Brother Steven Rollins, 64, began
his SIU career in 1981, first sailing on the Massachusetts. He
worked in both the engine and
deck departments. Brother Rollins
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. He most recently shipped
on the Marjorie C and resides in
Bellflower, California.
NAPOLEON SAN MARTIN
Brother Napoleon San Martin, 63, donned
the SIU colors
in 1989 when
he worked
with Crowley
Towing and
Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Paul Hall Center. Brother
San Martin’s last vessel was the
Mykonos. He makes his home in
Houston.
GERARDO VEGA
Brother Gerardo Vega, 72, became an SIU member in 1970,
first working for Michigan Tankers. He sailed in both the deck
and engine departments and
upgraded on several occasions at
the Piney Point school. Brother
Vega concluded his career aboard
the Ohio and settled in Clewiston,
Florida.
JUSTIN WHITE
Brother Justin White, 75, signed
on with the
union in 2005,
initially sailing
on the USNS
Bob Hope. He
shipped as a
deck department
member. Brother
White most
recently sailed
aboard the USNS Altair. He resides in Marrero, Louisiana.
GREAT LAKES
PETER BURNS
Brother Peter Burns, 63, began his
career with the Seafarers in 1977,
first shipping
with National
Marine Service.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school within
his first year,
and shipped as a
deck department
member. Brother
Burns last worked for Crescent
Towing and Salvage and makes
his home in Daphne, Alabama.
NORMAN DAUPHIN
Brother Norman Dauphin, 68,
signed on with the Seafarers in
2002 and first
sailed aboard
the Sumner. An
engine department member,
Brother Dauphin
upgraded on
several occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. He
concluded his career working for
Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in Middletown,
Connecticut.
ROGER MILLS
Brother David Knuth, 65, started
shipping with the Seafarers in
1973. The deck department member sailed in both the deep sea and
Great Lakes divisions, initially
with Hudson Waterways. Brother
Knuth upgraded often at the maritime training facility located in
Piney Point, Maryland. He concluded his career on the Walter J.
McCarthy and lives in Oscoda,
Michigan.
Brother Roger Mills, 60, donned
the SIU colors in 1993, initially
working with
Piney Point
Transportation. He sailed
in the deck
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Mills was most
recently employed by Penn
Maritime. He resides in Belleview,
Florida.
CHARLES RICHARDSON
ROBERT SOLENSKI
Brother Charles Richardson, 64,
signed on with the SIU in 1974.
His first vessel
was the Adam
E. Cornelius.
He was a deck
department
member and upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Richardson’s
last vessel was the American
Spirit. He calls Naples, Florida,
home.
Brother Robert Solenski, 63,
signed on with the SIU in 1996
when he worked for Crowley. He
remained with the same company
for his entire career. Brother
Solenski is a resident of Philadelphia.
DAVID KNUTH
INLAND
STEVEN BRANNAN
Brother Steven Brannan, 65,
joined the SIU in 1979. He
worked as a deck department
member and was employed with
McAllister Towing of Virginia for
the duration of his career. In 2002,
Brother Brannan upgraded his
skills at the union-affiliated Paul
Hall Center. He calls Tyner, North
Carolina, home.
ROBERT TAYLOR
Brother Robert Taylor, 63, began
his career with the Seafarers in
2010. He started in the deep sea
division; one of his first vessels
was the Advantage. Brother Taylor
was a deck department member
and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school.
He most recently shipped aboard
the Resolve and lives in Aberdeen,
Washington.
Seafarers LOG 9
�Hands-on Training Remains Piney Point Staple
Union-Affiliated Paul Hall Center Emphasizes Practical Coursework
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) for Maritime
Training and Education serves as a gateway to rewarding careers for experienced mariners and entry-level students alike.
A state-of-the-art vocational school located in Piney Point,
Maryland, the PHC opened as a bare-bones facility in 1967.
Since that time, the maritime training and education hub has
enjoyed more than a half-century of steady growth and has
developed into a cutting-edge school with wide-ranging curriculums.
One thing that hasn’t changed from the start is the center’s emphasis on practical training. Hands-on instruction is
featured in virtually every one of the school’s 70-plus U.S.
Coast Guard-approved courses. Many classes are departmentspecific (deck, engine, or steward), while numerous others
provide comprehensive safety training for the entire crew.
Similarly, the PHC offers entry-level instruction for those just
embarking on their respective maritime careers, plus upgrading coursework for experienced Seafarers.
Some hands-on segments take place aboard the modern
training vessel Freedom Star, one of the most visible parts
of the campus’ waterfront. Many also happen at the nearby
Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located on a
satellite campus just a few miles from the main base.
While the PHC mainly is known for vocational training –
including its highly regarded apprentice program, which is
registered with the U.S. Department of Labor – it also offers
academic support along with separate programs for earning a
high school diploma and a two-year college degree.
The photos on these two pages show a small sample of
practical coursework in Piney Point. Complete information
about the school is available in the Paul Hall Center section
of the recently improved SIU website. To access it, go to
www.seafarers.org click on the Training and Careers tab, then
navigate to Paul Hall Center.
10 Seafarers LOG
March 2019
March 2019
Seafarers LOG 11
�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
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by Seafarers at the new hiring in hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Question: What do you think of the new hall?
Fernando Marques
Chief Cook
The new hall is great. We were
waiting for this for a long time, and
it was definitely worth the wait.
This is a great thing for me and it’s
a great thing for my family, too. We
are blessed.
Antonio Mendez
Recertified Steward
The union is showing the commitment they have to us with this
new hall. I’m glad we have it. It’s
showing the SIU is dedicated to
Puerto Rico and to the Jones Act,
too. Along with the new ships, this
shows that our union and the Jones
Act are strong.
Noel Otero
Recertified Bosun
It’s beautiful – a nice place that
was needed for a long time. Everyone feels comfortable and happy
here. It’s a great place for every
member and much better than the
old hall.
Marcos Rivera
Bosun
The new hall is in a good location that’s free of crime. Everything
is new, including the technology.
The parking lot is good, and so is
the first level, where everybody can
meet to find their jobs. I’d suggest
this hall for any member to come
and enjoy.
Abel Vazquez
Recertified Bosun
The new hall is a new beginning
for the SIU in Puerto Rico. It’s our
new home, plus there are four new
ships (sailing between the territory
and Florida). The hall has boosted
morale for all the guys. It’s the beginning of great things and solid for
the industry, too. It’s just spectacular!
Michael Cruz
QMED
It’s great! It makes me proud.
You can come here with your family
and when you see that building, you
think, “That’s my building. That’s
our building.” The location is great.
It gives me more hope, along with
the new ships coming out. I already
brought my family here.
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, 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 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 Ave., 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
Pic From
The Past
Donn Pearce, the author of
“Cool Hand Luke,” was an
SIU member. He’s pictured
at left in 1965 with the late
LOG Editor in Chief Herb
Brand. Pearce sailed with
the SIU in the late 1940s
before turning to a life of
crime. His experiences in jail
led him to write the novel,
and he was later hired to
write the screenplay for the
iconic Paul Newman film
adaptation. Pearce went on
to a successful career as a
novelist and journalist, and
he’s still writing at age 90.
(Editor’s note: Be sure to
check out the SIU Facebook
page every Friday morning
for vintage photos. While we
usually don’t repeat content
between the printed LOG
and the social media account, the background associated with the photo at
right warrants an exception.)
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4000
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 Auth Way, 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
March 2019
�IMB Issues Annual
Piracy Report, Uptick
In Incidents Noted
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
January 1, 2019 - January 30, 2019
Total Registered
Port
The International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has released their annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report,
in which the bureau notes that 2018 saw an uptick in
incidents from previous years. In a departure from the
recent trend, the center of the increased pirate activity was African nations, not South East Asian waters.
The regions with the largest increases in acts of
piracy were Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and The
Congo. In total, 201 incidents were reported in 2018,
compared to 180 in 2017, and those reported off the
coast of African countries accounted for 87 separate
incidents.
As stated by the IMB, “The Gulf of Guinea remains
increasingly dangerous for seafarers. Reports of attacks in waters between the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo more than doubled in 2018,
accounting for all six hijackings worldwide, 13 of the
18 ships fired upon, 130 of the 141 hostages taken
globally, and 78 of 83 seafarers kidnapped for ransom.”
The report shows that in the last three months of
2018, 41 kidnappings occurred in waters off Nigeria
alone. In contrast, no ships were hijacked off the Somali coast, although two were fired upon by pirates.
This shift in violence also comes with a different
set of targets. According to the report, “Armed criminals are reaching further out to sea and targeting a
wider variety of ships: bulk carriers, container vessels
and general cargo vessels in addition to local attacks
on tankers, oil industry support vessels and fishing
vessels.”
“There is an urgent need for increased cooperation and sharing of intelligence between the Gulf of
Guinea’s littoral states so that effective action can be
taken against pirates, both at sea and on-shore where
their operations originate and end,” an IMB spokesman said. “There has been some improvement in the
estimated number of unreported attacks in 2018, but
at around 48 percent there is still a long way to go.”
The report did contain relatively good news. While
there were 241 reported instances of violence towards
crews, no sailors were killed in the attacks. Additionally, attacks off the coast of Indonesia have dropped
off significantly, and of those that did occur, the vast
majority were low-level opportunistic thefts.
No U.S.-flagged vessels were attacked in 2018, according to the report.
March & April
Membership Meetings
Piney Point.........................................Monday: March 4, April 8
Algonac...............................................Friday: March 8, April 12
Baltimore........................................Thursday: March 7, April 11
Guam...........................................Thursday: March 21, April 25
Honolulu..........................................Friday: March 15, April 19
Houston............................................Monday: March 11, April 15
A
All Groups
B
Total Shipped
C
A
Registered on Beach
All Groups
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
A
All Groups
B
C
0
0
1
2
0
2
0
5
4
2
0
2
2
0
0
1
1
2
1
4
29
2
2
2
9
0
2
3
25
14
11
0
2
11
3
6
1
2
10
0
11
116
60
4
11
30
6
15
10
93
63
74
6
16
29
20
9
5
10
48
5
51
565
22
3
2
15
5
10
8
28
29
15
5
6
18
10
4
1
12
21
1
17
232
1
3
0
8
1
5
1
14
15
9
0
5
15
3
0
2
0
12
0
9
103
0
0
1
1
0
0
4
2
2
1
1
0
4
1
0
0
0
2
0
3
22
0
0
0
4
0
1
2
4
10
7
1
0
6
2
0
1
1
5
1
3
48
12
0
3
15
2
6
25
24
21
24
4
7
21
8
5
2
8
16
3
27
233
3
1
3
12
2
7
4
13
21
7
1
7
20
11
3
3
0
12
2
17
149
3
0
1
4
0
0
1
4
1
4
0
1
8
3
0
0
4
4
1
2
41
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
43
2
12
23
3
11
4
47
42
44
6
11
25
15
6
6
7
34
3
24
368
21
3
2
8
2
6
5
11
19
10
3
4
13
6
2
0
6
11
1
9
142
1
1
1
7
1
2
2
12
11
3
0
3
7
1
0
2
1
4
0
6
65
Deck Department
7
5
0
2
6
2
22
9
1
0
9
2
6
2
43
13
27
10
25
5
1
1
5
2
23
14
8
4
6
2
1
1
12
2
24
4
0
0
27
7
253
87
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
6
0
2
13
0
3
12
13
16
12
3
5
13
10
4
2
2
12
3
12
143
3
0
6
8
1
2
3
6
19
4
1
5
12
5
2
1
1
8
1
13
101
2
0
1
2
0
0
2
3
2
3
0
0
8
0
0
0
1
1
1
2
28
Engine Department
0
0
3
0
1
3
14
2
0
0
1
1
3
3
13
3
23
13
13
2
3
1
2
2
9
13
5
2
1
3
1
1
3
2
10
5
2
0
4
4
111
60
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
9
0
2
12
0
9
10
18
17
10
2
3
18
17
3
5
2
16
2
22
177
3
0
0
5
1
0
1
2
9
2
1
4
5
3
0
1
2
3
0
7
49
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
1
2
1
0
1
0
2
1
0
12
Steward Department
1
0
0
0
1
0
13
2
2
1
7
0
10
0
14
3
20
5
2
2
0
0
3
5
9
4
9
4
2
0
1
1
2
4
8
2
2
0
18
5
124
38
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
4
1
0
1
2
0
2
5
3
6
1
0
4
5
6
1
1
2
6
0
10
56
13
0
2
14
0
8
16
28
33
21
2
3
30
32
4
6
5
25
1
30
273
4
1
1
7
1
2
1
6
12
5
3
5
13
4
0
3
6
5
0
15
94
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
4
4
0
0
0
2
3
0
1
0
3
1
0
21
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
1
1
1
0
1
1
8
3
3
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
5
0
0
28
18
4
1
2
1
4
6
15
23
16
0
0
18
9
1
1
0
8
1
16
144
15
0
1
8
0
3
5
5
26
8
0
1
23
8
1
1
1
8
2
12
128
Entry Department
0
0
0
3
0
1
0
4
0
1
1
1
0
3
5
8
0
14
1
7
0
0
0
0
0
14
1
5
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
9
1
0
0
13
12
83
0
1
0
3
0
0
3
5
12
3
0
0
10
2
1
0
0
4
0
8
52
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
2
3
2
0
0
6
2
0
0
0
3
0
2
23
3
1
0
1
0
1
4
6
6
5
0
0
1
3
0
0
1
8
0
5
45
20
3
0
8
2
4
9
26
39
30
2
1
29
14
2
2
0
13
2
39
245
20
1
3
12
2
3
6
28
65
18
1
2
40
26
1
1
2
11
0
13
255
GRAND TOTAL:
716
436
233
107
243
1,116
720
420
Jacksonville...................................Thursday: March 7, April 11
Joliet............................................Thursday: March 14, April 18
Mobile......................................Wednesday: March 13, April 17
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: March 12, April 16
Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: March 5, April 9
Norfolk...........................................Thursday: March 7, April 11
Oakland........................................Thursday: March 14, April 18
Philadelphia................................Wednesday: March 6, April 10
Port Everglades............................Thursday: March 14, April 18
San Juan........................................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 2019
500
268
Seafarers LOG 13
�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.
Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAERSK HARTFORD
(Maersk Line, Limited), November 10 – Chairman Anecito
Limboy, Secretary Johnnie
McGill, Educational Director
Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Gremar Rio, Engine Delegate Gregorio Blanco, Steward
Delegate Jose Burgos. Chairman
reminded crew to maintain their
rooms. He announced upcoming
plans for pilot pickup and encouraged members to contribute
to SPAD. Payoff scheduled for
next day. Secretary reported a
smooth-sailing ship. Educational
director advised crew to attend
upgrading courses at Piney Point
and to keep documents up to
date. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members raised questions regarding pay procedures
in lieu of time off. Computer and
new washing machine needed for
crew. Members thanked steward
department for a job well done.
Next port: Charleston, South
Carolina.
OVERSEAS ANACORTES
(Overseas Ship Management),
November 11 – Chairman James
Walker, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director Cary
Pratts, Deck Delegate Arthur
Quinney, Engine Delegate Jr.
Lee Eludo, Steward Delegate
Jorcell Davis. Chairman thanked
crew for their cooperation. Educational director reminded members to keep track of documents
and upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Patrolman recently on
board and discussed union news.
New charter to start this month.
Company offered to fly members
out of preferred airport. Crew
prefers flights back to airport
of choice rather than port of engagement. Bosun thanked steward department for keeping ship
clean and providing good food.
Members requested ship to supply fresh stores every two weeks.
Next port: Nederland, Texas.
MAERSK COLUMBUS
(Maersk Line, Limited), November 18 – Chairman Ion Irimia,
Secretary Jerome Jordan,
Educational Director Joaquim
Figueiredo, Deck Delegate
Michael Ratigan, Engine Delegate Keith Carswell. Chairman thanked crew for a safe
voyage. Members gave vote
of thanks to deck department.
Payoff to take place in Newark,
New Jersey. Secretary thanked
all departments for their hard
work and reminded them to
leave clean rooms for oncoming
crew. Educational director suggested upgrading the Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew waiting for
date of Wi-Fi installation and
requested new dryer and bigger
ice machine. Members discussed
bringing back standby job for all
vessels and asked for one day off
per 30 days on.
NORFOLK (Argent Marine),
November 25 – Chairman Martin Baker, Secretary Jermell
Hicks, Educational Director
Dwight Hunt. QMED pay rate
discussed, as was memorandum
of understanding concerning standard freight agreement. Chairman
seeking retroactive pay to resolve
issue for members. Educational
director encouraged crew to
update as soon as possible. He
reminded members of waiver for
medical benefits while attending
courses at Piney Point.
HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), November
26 – Chairman Daniel Ticer,
Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Jason Powell,
Deck Delegate Norberto Castillo, Engine Delegate Rommel
Crespo, Steward Delegate Rudy
Oliva. Chairman provided information for upcoming dry dock
and announced a one-month layup near the end of January. He
announced payoff date and advised members to contact captain
if visas are needed for China.
Educational director reminded
members to keep documents
current and to take advantage of
upgrading opportunities at Piney
Point. Schedule can be found
in the LOG as well as online on
the union’s website. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew gave
a vote of thanks to SIU president and SIU staff for a job well
done. Members were reminded
to take LNG course in order to
claim jobs on new Pasha ship as
well as other LNG-fueled ships.
Bosun thanked crew for their
cooperation and consideration
of others while keeping the ship
safe. Next Port: Honolulu.
PACIFIC COLLECTOR (Tote
Services), November 26 – Chairman Richard Barnes, Secretary
Rang Nguyen, Educational Director Rodrigo Castillo. Chairman thanked crew for doing a
good job while working safely.
Secretary reminded members
to check Z cards and STWC for
expiration dates. USCG medical
certificate should also be current. Renew as soon as possible
to avoid trouble for future ship-
ping. Educational director urged
members to upgrade at Piney
Point. Course dates can be found
in LOG and on the SIU website.
Crew discussed overtime requirements and clarifications for
time-off procedures. Members
requested new pillows and mattresses. Crew expressed interest
to raise pension benefits. Vote
of thanks given to steward department for keeping ship clean
and preparing excellent food for
crew. Next Port: Honolulu.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), December 2 – Chairman Arsenio Omabao, Secretary
Christina Mateer, Educational
Director Steven Miller, Deck
Delegate Cheryl Lee, Engine
Delegate Christopher Sykes,
Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Chairman thanked crew for
a great trip and reminded them
to work safely. Secretary asked
members to leave clean rooms for
oncoming crew and encouraged
everyone to invest in Seafarers
401k retirement plan. Educational
director urged members to upgrade
at Piney Point. He stressed importance of keeping documents up
to date. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew voiced concern regarding current relief requirements
for entry-level positions. Members
requested increase in pension,
increase in vacation, Wi-Fi access
on all decks and updated computers. Ship in need of new vacuum,
carpet cleaning machine, and
two new microwaves. Steward
department was thanked for great
Thanksgiving meals. Next Port:
Norfolk, Virginia.
MAERSK KENSINGTON
(Maersk Line, Limited),
December 9 – Chairman Wilfred Maurice, Secretary Philip
Paquette, Engine Delegate
Reinaldo Roman. Chairman
reported a safe trip. Secretary
reminded members to check
documents when registering
and to keep documents up to
date. Deck gang would like
personal protective equipment
(PPE) issued when signing on.
Crew experiencing difficulty
receiving proper PPE during
trip. Members praised galley
gang for good food, especially
barbecue and smoked meats.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk
Line, Limited), December 19
– Chairman Cleofe Bernardez Castro, Secretary Steven
Dickson, Educational Director Robert Stafford, Deck
Delegate Reynaldo Nugui,
Engine Delegate Albert Riollano, Steward Delegate John
Nunez. Hard drive for movies
available in lounge. Chairman
announced payoff in Newark,
New Jersey. Secretary stressed
importance of keeping documents current and allowing
ample time to renew. Educational director noted pertinent
information on union website.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed
Election Day results. New
refrigerator in crew mess.
Requests for SAT phone and
Wi-Fi in progress. New deck
material for both walk-ins to
come at next port. Crew requests more transportation to
and from ship. Members seek
changes in pension benefits
and qualification requirements.
Galley gang thanked for a job
well done. Next Port: Newark.
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. The annual financial committee
will be elected during the April 8 headquarters
membership meeting to review the 2018 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 be-
14 Seafarers LOG
tween the union and the employers, they should
notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified
mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
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 execu-
tive 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 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
March 2019
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
ALI ABDULLA
Pensioner Ali Abdulla, 80, died
December 8. He signed on with the
union in 1991 when he sailed on
the William Baugh. Brother Abdulla
was a steward department member
and concluded his career aboard the
Integrity. He became a pensioner
in 2004 and settled in Melvindale,
Michigan.
RUSSELL BARRACK
Pensioner Russell Barrack, 62,
passed away January 18. He embarked on his SIU
career in 1975
and shipped in the
deck department.
Brother Barrack
first sailed with
Hudson Waterways. His last
vessel was the
ITB Philadelphia.
Brother Barrack retired in 2002 and
lived in Edenton, North Carolina.
MANUEL BASAS
Pensioner Manuel Basas, 70, died
July 15. Born in the Philippines,
he joined the SIU
in 1981. Brother
Basas initially
sailed on the
Santa Maria and
primarily worked
in the steward department. He last
shipped aboard the
Cape Intrepid and made his home
in Federal Way, Washington.
KEVIN BERTEL
Pensioner Kevin Bertel, 66, passed
away January 14. He joined the
union in 1973 when
he shipped on the
Bethex. Brother
Bertel sailed in
both the steward
and engine departments and also
worked on shore
gangs. His last ship
was the Tacoma. Brother Bertel
retired in 2008 and resided in Tacoma, Washington.
DAVID BLAND
Brother David Bland, 63, died August 12. He started shipping with
the SIU in 1978 when he sailed
on the El Paso Southern. Brother
Bland worked in both the deck and
engine departments. He last shipped
on the Pacific and lived in Richmond, California.
GABRIEL BONEFONT
Pensioner Gabriel Bonefont, 73,
passed away January 6. He became
an SIU member
in 1964 and first
sailed on a Rye
Marine ship.
Brother Bonefont
was a deck department member and
last sailed on the ITB Mobile. He
became a pensioner in 2007 and
resided in Houston.
March 2019
ISAIAH GRAY
Pensioner Isaiah Gray, 92, died
January 4. Born
in Plaquemine,
Louisiana, he
joined the SIU
in 1961 and first
sailed aboard
the Del Compo.
Brother Gray was
a steward department member. He
last shipped on the Arabian Sea and
resided in Gretna, Louisiana.
MOHAMAD JARADIE
Pensioner Mohamad Jaradie, 93,
passed away January 4. He began
shipping with the Seafarers in 1966
and initially sailed on the Ocean
Wave. Brother Jaradie was a steward
department member and last sailed
aboard the Integrity. He began collecting his pension in 1994 and
settled in Topeka, Indiana.
shipped on the Hennepin. Brother
Maynard was a steward department
member. He concluded his career
aboard the St. Clair and became a
pensioner in 2001. Brother Maynard
called Tawas City, Michigan, home.
the union in 1960
and first sailed
aboard the Lasalle. Brother
Wilson was a
deck department
member. His final
ship was the Consumer. Brother
Wilson retired in 1988 and lived in
Saraland, Alabama.
INLAND
DEAN WOOSTER
Pensioner Dean Wooster, 80, died
January 16. He donned the SIU colors in 1960, initially sailing on the
Oremar. Brother Wooster shipped
in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Golden
Monarch and went on pension in
2003. Brother Wooster resided in
Interlachen, Florida.
NMU
UNIS MALAHI
Pensioner Daniel Payne, 71,
passed away December 16. Born
in Morenci, Arizona, he embarked
on his SIU career in 1990. Brother
Payne first shipped on the USNS
Hess and sailed in the steward department. He concluded his career
aboard the Liberty Promise and lived
in Richmond, Texas.
Brother Unis Malahi, 26, died November 28. He started his SIU career
in 2013, initially shipping aboard the
St. Mary’s Challenger. An engine
department member, Brother Malahi
most recently sailed aboard the Terrapin Island. He resided in Dearborn, Michigan.
Pensioner Elias Ruiz, 75, died January 17. He signed on with the SIU
in 1978, initially
sailing aboard the
Mount Explorer.
Brother Ruiz primarily sailed in the
engine department
and concluded his
career aboard the
El Faro. He began
collecting his pension in 2008 and
made his home in Houston.
JOSEPH VALDES
Pensioner Joseph Valdes, 95, passed
away January 8. He began his career
with the SIU in
1951, first working for Terminal
Steamship Company. An engine
department member, Brother Valdes
last shipped on
the Santa Maria.
He started collecting his pension in
1984 and resided in Las Vegas.
Pensioner Willie Istre, 85, died January 18. He became an SIU member
in 1993 when he
was employed with
Higman Barge
Lines. A deck
department member, Brother Istre
remained with the
same company for
the duration of his
career. He retired in 2002 and settled
in Morse, Louisiana.
GREAT LAKES
RAYMOND MAYNARD
Pensioner Raymond Maynard, 75,
passed away January 28. He signed
on with the union in 1972 when he
Pensioner Johnny McKee, 79, died
December 20. He sailed with the
NMU prior to the 2001 merger with
Seafarers International Union. A
deck department member, Brother
McKee last sailed on the Cape Knox.
He retired in 2008 and called Harvey, Louisiana, home.
WILLIE ISTRE
DANIEL PAYNE
ELIAS RUIZ
JOHNNY MCKEE
FLORENTIN JOHNSON
Pensioner Florentin Johnson, 80,
passed away January
20, 2017. He was an
NMU member before
the 2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother Johnson sailed in the engine department and
last shipped aboard
the USNS Henson. He
began collecting his pension in 2007
and was a Houston resident.
Editor’s note: 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
Alejandro, Marcos
91
Arzu, Rufino
97
Browne, Pilar
101
Castillo, Pedro
88
Lima, Jorge
88
Mason, Anthony
93
Montoya, Jose
89
Palmer, Alfredo
81
Patton, Jessie
88
Rieger, Elisabeth
93
Roberts, Raye
88
Romero, Jose
80
Rosario, Herminio
82
Velez, Jorge
94
DOD
01/07/2019
08/19/2018
12/18/2018
12/15/2018
01/10/2019
12/21/2018
01/12/2019
12/15/2018
01/13/2019
01/17/2019
01/10/2019
11/22/2018
01/02/2019
12/11/2018
Wilmington-Area
Seafarers Converge
In Piney Point
When SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel participated in informational meetings late last year at
the union-affiliated school in Piney
Point, Maryland, he noticed a large
contingent of upgraders from his
home port of Wilmington, California.
Many of them are pictured here.
Chief Cook Todd Curry, AB Eduardo Jorge
RICHARD WARDLAW
Pensioner Richard Wardlaw, 87,
died January 11. He joined the union
in 1951 and first
shipped aboard the
Joseph Priestley.
Brother Wardlaw
sailed in the deck
department and
last shipped on the
Atlantic. He retired
in 1993 and called
Cleveland, Texas, home.
AUBREY WILSON
Pensioner Aubrey Wilson, 74,
passed away January 7. He joined
OS Bernardo Perez
From left: Chief Cook Ian Schluder, SA Michael Poblete, SA Ty Lewis,
Chief Cook Dindo Reforsado, Chief Cook Reno Duque, ACU Amado
Angeles, Chief Cook Alvinmar Aldana, Safety Director Gordon Godel,
AB Jesse Sunga.
Seafarers LOG 15
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. 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
Gap Closing Courses
Leadership & Managerial Skills
June 29
July 5
Storekeeper Courses
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
May 18
May 31
BAPO
March 30
May 25
April 26
June 21
Engineroom Resource Management
June 22
June 28
FOWT
April 27
May 24
Junior Engineer
March 16
June 22
May 10
August 16
MSC Storekeeper Basic
April 13
May 3
Marine Electrician
May 18
July 12
MSC Supply Configuration Management
May 4
May 31
Marine Refer Tech
July 13
August 23
MEECE
June 1
June 14
Welding
May 18
June 8
June 7
June 28
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
April 27
AB to Mate Modules
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
Advanced Galley Ops
March 30
Advanced Meteorology
May 4
May 10
Certified Chief Cook
Advanced Shiphandling
May 11
May 24
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start March 18.
Advanced Stability
April 27
May 3
Chief Steward
April 27
June 14
ARPA
April 27
May 25
May 3
May 31
Galley Operations
March 30
April 26
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
March 23
March 29
Crane Familiarization
April 6
April 12
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
March 16
March 22
ECDIS
April 13
April 19
Fast Rescue Boat
June 1
June 7
Basic Training/Basic FF
April 6
April 12
GMDSS
July 20
August 2
Basic Training Revalidation
March 15
March 15
Lifeboat
April 6
May 4
June 1
June 29
July 27
August 24
September 21
October 19
April 19
May 17
June 14
July 12
August 9
September 6
October 4
November 1
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
March 30
April 5
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
April 13
June 8
April 19
June 14
Government Vessels
March 23
March 29
Medical Care Provider
April 13
May 11
April 26
May 24
April 20
June 1
April 26
June 7
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
March 23
June 8
March 29
June 14
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
March 30
April 20
April 5
April 26
Radar Observer
May 24
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW
March 30
May 25
April 26
June 21
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member 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_______________________________________________________________________
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
Steward Department Courses
April 26
Safety Upgrading Courses
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, 45353 St. George Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674; or
fax to (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.
3/19
March 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class
#844 – Graduated November 30 (photo
at left, in alphabetical order): Caleb Andresen, Oswaldo Jose Barrera, Jaleel
Brown, Ayen Negre Cabasag, Jacob
Couvillon, Victor Duplesis, Taurean
Harold, James Kooistra, Teva Kurth,
Deshante Luchien, David May, Steven McKelvey, David Palumbo, Ghadir Sarkis, Benjamin Scott, Frederick
Shows, Anthony Timmson-Brown,
Blake Washington, Patrick Wheat and
Trevion Williams.
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.
Water Survival Upgraders – Graduated November 30: Oscar Jan
Vencer (left) and Bernardo Perez.
Welding – Graduated November 12 (above, in alphabetical order): George Beaufils, Robert Bryson III, Earl
Carlos Dimmick, Samuel Fagerness, Ethan Love, Isaiah Thomas and Stephen Venditti. Class instructor Chris
Raley is at the far left.
BAPO – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdul-Ghaffar Abu-Bakr, Christian Canci, Sean Yutaka
Carter, Christopher Hinton, Eddie O’Bannon III, Fradarius Smith, Travis Sumpter and Jose Jess Jalog Yanez. John Wiegman III, their instructor, is at the far right.
Radar Observer – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Chantell
Dawson, Travis Golightly, Kevin Hanmont, Sterling McCosh, Yuriy Prytchak and John
Reyes. Class instructor Brian Moore is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
March 2019
GMDSS – Graduated October 5 (above, in alphabetical
order): Carlton Banks, Chantell Dawson, Todd Kasler
and Sterling McCosh.
Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated October 5 (above, in alphabetical order):
Oscar Cesena, Justin D’Angelo, Terren Fields, Kalil Hughes, Tarrell Jones, Melchor Lagria Lapac
Jr., Domenick Longmire, Samuel Sanders Jr., David Smart and Alvin Surrency. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
RFPNW – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Phase III Apprentices Timothy
Behnke, Tommy Benton, Joseph Crane, Carlos Omar Diaz-Torres, Luis Felipe Flores-Ramos,
Rannie Fore II, Rahsean Lillard, Gus Papas, Andrew Porpora, Taylor Vertrees, John Wattam and
Omaree Williams. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck department of union-contracted vessels.
ECDIS – Graduated October 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Glenn Valera
Agustin, Robert Bryson III, Johnathon Gager, Shoal Nervo, Harry Schrefer
III and Gavin Scott.
Marine Engineer – Graduated October 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Tousif
Ahmed, Abdulaziz Mohamed Nagi Alsinai, Vernon Van Humbles, Carlos Mohler
Vega, Jaquel Nesmith, Justin Nicholson, Michael Souza, Jeffrey Thrash, Kareem
Walters and Edward Williams.
BAPO – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Phase III Apprentices Jamal Akia Anders, Lavontat Anderson, Kevin Brown, Vincent Hall, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Robert Murphy, Pedro
Antonio Rivera-Hernandez and Nicholas Simoneaux. Each plans to work in the engine department of
SIU-contracted vessels when their training is complete. Instructor John Wiegman III is at the far right.
Government Vessels - Graduated October 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Nabil Saleh Ahmed, Lindsey Austin, Joseph Bowen, Marsheta Brooks, Christian Bryant, Corey Covington, Lamont Faulks, Merville Lariosa Gallema, Joseph Garnett, Travis Golightly, Alfred Hogan Jr., Russell Horton, Vincent Ippolito Jr., Sheena Jumamil, Eileen Mendiola, David Amer
Mohamed, Ryan Palmer, Philip Sharp, Mary Slade and Lawrence Todd Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Government Vessels –
Graduated November 2
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Amado
Paulito Estimada Angeles, Matthew Day, Bobby
Dunn Jr., Phillip Harmon, Cameron Keating,
Christian Oding, Jesus
Geovannie Ortiz-Rivera,
Neiman Pettis, Jorge Luis
Roman Feliciano, David
Smart, Leanne Smith,
Simone Smith, Samuel
Thatcher, Tyree Watkins
Jr., Teena Werner, Rickey
Yancey and Mary Young.
Instructor Tom Truitt is at
the far right. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)
18 Seafarers LOG
March 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization
LG – Graduated October 26
(photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Angel Manuel Berrios
Jr., Carlos Jose Castillo, Jogene Reyes Cerezo, Glenard
Chaney Jr., Travis Golightly,
Antonio Hamilton, Phillip Harmon, Chris Linsley, Domenick
Longmire, Josean Martinez
Serrano, Yuri Adrian Oliveros, Neiman Pettis, Jorge Luis
Roman Feliciano, Teon Shelton, David Smart, Leanne
Smith, Simone Smith, Travis
Sumpter and Steven Supplee.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
Tankship Familiarization
DL – Graduated October 10
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Angel Manuel Berrios
Jr., Latiffe Brooks, Carlos Jose
Castillo, Jogene Reyes Cerezo, Glenard Chaney Jr., Antonio Hamilton, Phillip Harmon,
Brennon Hough, Kenneth
Johnson, Reynaldo Bermudez
Lacayo, Domenick Longmire,
Josean Martinez Serrano, Karl
Mayhew III, Neiman Pettis,
Jorge Luis Roman Feliciano,
Teon Shelton, David Smart,
Leanne Smith and De’vine
Washington. (Note: Not all are
pictured.)
Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated November 2: St.
Clair Brown Jr. (left) and Devin Bivins.
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated October 26: Delbra
Singleton-Leslie (left) and Donna Hickman.
March 2019
Galley Ops – Graduated November 2:
Phase III Apprentice Lebrena Simmons.
Upon the completion of her training,
Simmons plans to work in the steward
department of union-contracted vessels.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 6) – Graduated October 10: Shawn Cox
(left) and Delmis David.
Chief Cook 2.0. – Graduated October 5: Diani Rosana Melendez
Castillo (left), Carlos Edgardo Suazo (center) and Wardell Paze.
Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated November 2: John Ward
(left) and Jason Beckford.
Seafarers LOG 19
�MARCH 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 3
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 17-19
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
Snapshots from the West Coast
Aboard Overseas Long Beach
Chief Cook Latosha Love (left in photo at left) and Chief Steward Ernest Dumont prepare lunch. The OSG
vessel (photo above) arrives in Richmond, California.
Aboard Sagamore
USMC Birthday Planning
The Sealift, Inc.operated vessel
(photo at right)
docks in Concord,
California,
for
cargo operations.
Pictured following
a union meeting
(photo below) are
Bosun Albert Williams, Chief Cook
Rhonda Williams,
Chief Steward Mohamed Nour, OMU
Randall Craig, AB
Mark Manalansan,
AB Fayez Mohamed, AB Charles Turner, Oakland Port Agent Nick Marrone II, AB Pedro Ambe,
SA Eugenia Porter and AB Robert Harlow.
From left, SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, San Francisco Giants Exec. VP Mario Alioto and First
Sgt. Allen Lotanero, USMC, help plan for a Marine Corps birthday event this November that’s
scheduled to take place at Oracle Park in San Francisco.
At the Oakland Hall
Recertified Steward Gerald Figg (photo at left) recently called it a career
and picked up his first pension check. He began sailing with the SIU in 1979,
aboard Delta Lines vessels. QMED Russell Bravo
(left in photo at immediate
right) displays his newly
acquired A-seniority book
while being congratulated
by Port Agent Nick Marrone II. In the photo at the
far right, ACU Ali Obad
(left) receives his A-seniority book from Port Agent
Nick Marrone II.
�
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Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
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March 2019
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Headlines:
SIU, MTD SUPPORT FURLOUGHED WORKERS
OCEAN SHIPS INC. AWARDED ESD CONTRACT
U.S.-FLAG GREAT LAKES FLEET FINISHES 2018 ON STRONG NOTE
UNION MEMBERSHIP REMAINS FAIRLY STEADY DURING 2018
PHC UNVEILS CUTTING-EDGE REEFER COURSE
NMC NOTICES CONCERNING DOCUMENTS, SHUTDOWN
WITH GREAT LAKES TOWING CREWS
HANDS-ON TRAINING REMAINS PINEY POINT STAPLE
IMB ISSUES ANNUAL PIRACY REPORT, UPTICK IN INCIDENTS NOTED
SNAPSHOTS FROM THE WEST COAST
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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3/1/2019
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Newsprint
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Vol. 81, No. 3
2019
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6e73299b9570f3c8d0a283055c14a88f.pdf
46dc47a861e66ce953f8fe27a9bcda81
PDF Text
Text
FEBRUARY 2019
VOLUME 81, 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 Welcomes New Jobs Aboard Taíno
LNG-Powered ConRo Sailing in Jones Act Trade
Seafarers in late 2018 crewed up
the new Crowley Maritime vessel
MV Taíno (top right). The combination container/roll-on roll-off
(ConRo) ship completed its maiden
voyage to Puerto Rico on Jan. 11.
SIU mariners and AMO officers are
pictured on deck (immediate right).
Recertified Bosun Wilfredo Velez
(top left) loads stores, while Electrician Carlos Parrilla (top center)
works on an AC unit. Page 3. (Ship
photo courtesy Crowley Maritime.
Additional photos available on the
SIU Facebook page, @SeafarersInternational)
Tacoma Seafarers
Answer Call Again
The spirit of giving remains alive and well in Tacoma,
Washington, where SIU members donate each year to a
philanthropic project named Santa’s Castle. The outreach
provides gifts for families of U.S. military personnel. The
union also hosts a related luncheon at the hiring hall; pictured at the 2018 gathering are Seafarers, military guests
and volunteers from Santa’s Castle. Page 24.
Updated Website, Portal Launched
Page 2
Rescue at Sea
Page 4
Tax Tips for Mariners
Pages 12-14
�President’s Report
Green Lake to the Rescue
There is no greater example of our union’s motto, Brotherhood of the Sea,
than the outstanding rescue efforts that were made by Seafarers aboard the
Green Lake on New Year’s Eve. Our members were first on the scene of a tragic
fire aboard a Panamanian-flagged vessel that caused its crew to abandon ship.
As others joined in the rescue, union members from the SIU-crewed ship pulled
seven mariners to safety. There were nine other survivors, while five individuals
from the disabled ship didn’t make it.
It’s a tragedy that could have been worse if not for the work of the SIU,
MM&P and MEBA members from the Central Gulf
Lines-operated Green Lake. Worth noting: All of the
SIU members aboard that ship have trained at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. And
the bosun said the training definitely made a difference.
Check out our coverage elsewhere in this edition, and
in the meantime, I extend heartfelt kudos to the Green Lake
crew along with condolences to the victims and their families.
This particular rescue made international headlines,
but for the SIU, it was just the latest of many. Our members normally assist in several rescues per year, and while
not every incident receives prominent coverage, each
Michael Sacco
operation reinforces why I believe SIU members are the
world’s best-trained mariners.
Jones Act Fight Continues
There should be a statute of limitations on ridiculous attacks against America’s freight cabotage law, but last month saw another round of falsehoods – specifically about the Jones Act’s effect on Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
If you’re new to the industry or otherwise weren’t keeping up with this saga
for the last year-plus, the short – and fully accurate – version is that Jones Act
ships were first on the scene in the territory once the ports reopened. Because
of the devastated inland infrastructure, relief supplies stacked up at the ports.
The Jones Act not only didn’t delay or prevent any aid, it actually helped ensure
timely deliveries.
The Jones Act doesn’t prevent foreign-flag vessels from calling on Puerto
Rico, which in fact normally receives about two-thirds of its cargoes from foreign bottoms. Also often lost in the bizarre retellings of Jones Act-related Maria
stories is that a temporary waiver was granted. It didn’t make any difference
because it wasn’t needed in the first place.
As mentioned recently, we’re in the midst of what promises to be a long and
tough fight. Jones Act opponents are throwing tons of money, other resources,
and something I can’t mention in a family newspaper in a targeted attempt to
sink this crucial law. But the facts are on our side, and we’ll keep swinging until
we’ve won.
Productive Dialogue
One of our union’s most important affiliations is with the AFL-CIO, where
I am the longest-serving member of the executive council, other than federation
President Richard Trumka.
Late last year, the council adopted a statement titled, “Solidarity Pledge
for America.” The resolution reads in part, “Political extremism has become
the norm in America. Constant conflict is cheered and polarizing ideas are
reinforced, while conscience-driven compromise is dismissed as weakness.
Defamatory mistruths and repugnant rhetoric are hurled from every direction
and echoed across social media. We simply don’t listen to each other…. This
complete and utter breakdown of civil discourse in America is a threat to our
very democracy, and it must stop.”
While that’s an unpleasant paragraph, it reflects the disturbing reality of our
times. But as we in the executive council went on to say, the labor movement
has a special responsibility to challenge and reject the current state of affairs.
Our movement was created more than 130 years ago by a small group of workers looking to create change at work and more broadly in society. Throughout
our long history, we’ve used our position as America’s diverse coalition of
working families to beat back attempts to divide and destroy us. Unions are like
crews on a ship. We come from different backgrounds but we work together to
accomplish the goal.
Our statement was about more than just being polite even when we disagree,
but that’s not a bad place to start, whether you’re on a ship or at the hall or, yes,
on social media. Take a deep breath, stick to facts, and stand up for what you
believe in.
Let’s keep working together to promote our industry, defend workers’ rights,
and uphold the reputation of the Brotherhood of the Sea.
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 81 Number 2
Some of the sub-menus are visible in this screen shot of the new website.
SIU Launches New Website, LOG Database
Mobile-Friendly Member Portal a Highlight of Revamp
The SIU late last year
launched a new version of its
website, www.seafarers.org,
that’s easier to navigate from
any device.
As part of the project and like
the main site itself, the member
portal has been redesigned so
it’s “fully responsive,” a tech industry term that basically means
a site will look good and offer
solid functionality whether the
user is on a desktop, mobile device, tablet or laptop.
Alongside the website, the
SIU has rolled out another new
online resource: the Seafarers
LOG Digital Archives database.
The database, seafarerslog.org,
hosts every copy of the Seafarers LOG from the first issue in
1939 to the present day. Members, researchers, and the general public are free to view
nearly 1,500 digitized issues
on the browser of their choice,
or they may download the PDF
files to their electronic devices.
Launched just before last
Christmas, the Seafarers LOG
Digital Archives was no small
undertaking. LOG Content Curator Mark Clements has spent
the past five years assembling,
digitizing, uploading and describing the contents of each
issue. With many of the older
printed issues brittle from age,
Clements had to turn to the Paul
Hall Maritime Library’s collection of microfilm to safely create digital copies.
“While the microfilm had its
own limitations, I didn’t have
to worry about the issues turning to dust in the scanner bed,”
Clements said. Microfilm copies of the Seafarers LOG were
only made up until 1994, and
the roll of film covering 1984 to
1988 was either never made or
has since gone missing. To fill
in the gaps, Clements manually
scanned LOG issues at his desk.
Starting with 2002, the remaining issues in the database were
the original born-digital PDF
files the LOG staff sends to the
publisher every month.
Once the digital copies were
made, Clements and Log Administrative Assistant Jenny
Stokes (along with summer
interns) read each issue from
cover to cover to make note of
any quality concerns. While the
text of the issues is fully searchable, both the quality of the microfilm and the column layouts
of the older LOG issues created
problems with search accuracy.
In light of this difficulty, Clements and Stokes generated a
list of headlines for each issue
for easy browsing.
The database is powered
by Omeka, a popular archival platform used not only by
universities and museums but
also organizations such as the
Seamen’s Church Institute.
Although Omeka itself is not
optimized for mobile use, the
LOG staff knows how important
mobile access is to the membership. Bearing this in mind, the
PDF files were compressed to
file sizes that would be gentle
on data plans – although access
to the high-quality master files
is available upon request.
Now that the full run of Seafarers LOGS is online, the next
step for the Digital Archives is
uploading the LOG’S exhaustive collection of photographs,
particularly those from early
days of the SIU. Many of these
images remain in good condition, despite changing physical locations several times and
even surviving a fire. “Whether
we’re talking about the Isthmian
organizing drive or the General
Maritime Strike in 1946, we
can’t fully appreciate the SIU
of today without its history seeing the light of day,” Clements
added.
The first installments of
the photographic collections will be made available
throughout the year, and
those interested should check
the SIU’s social media pages
Continued on Page 5
Crew of Crowley-Operated Wright Honored
SIU crew members sailing
aboard the S.S. Wright, a Crowleyoperated, U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Ready Reserve
Force (RRF) ship, were recently
honored with Merchant Marine
Medals for Outstanding Achievement for their actions in the wake
of Hurricane Maria.
The medals were presented by
Jeff McMahon, MARAD ship operations and maintenance officer
(SOMO) for Atlantic Operations,
while the vessel, an aviation logistics
support container ship, was in port in
Morehead City, North Carolina.
Along with the Maritime Administrator’s Professional Ship
Award, these accolades recognize
the crew’s participation in humanitarian operations in the U.S. Virgin
Islands (USVI), where the mariners
provided onboard lodging for nearly
4,000 different emergency responders and almost 10,000 meals.
In addition to offering berthing
assets, the Wright carried an FAA
mobile air traffic control tower,
which was critical to enabling air
transportation to and from the is-
lands, as well as meals ready to eat
(MREs), bottled water and tactical/
response vehicles.
“The rapid activation and deployment of the S.S. Wright to St.
Thomas and success of the mission
was unprecedented, thanks to the
cooperation and joint effort of afloat
and shore-side personnel,” said Mike
Golonka, Crowley vice president,
Government Ship Management.
“The entire effort was a true testament of how Crowley – and the maritime industry as a whole – can offer
relief during times of great need.”
February 2019
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 Auth Way; 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 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Piney Point Photographer, Harry
Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content
Curator, Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Reversed to White
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
Crew members and guests aboard the Wright, including SIU members, pose for a photo.
February 2019
�Crowley ConRo Taíno Joins SIU Fleet
SIU members are sailing aboard the new
Crowley Maritime vessel MV Taíno following
the Jones Act ship’s delivery late last year.
The second of the company’s new combination container/roll-on roll-off (ConRo)
ships, the Taíno completed its maiden voyage to Puerto Rico on Jan. 11.
“Things are going well,” said Recertified
Bosun Wilfredo Velez the day the liquified
natural gas-powered vessel arrived in the
commonwealth. “We have a good crew, and
it’s smooth sailing so far. I like the run and
the ship. Life is good, man!”
Crowley hailed the maiden voyage as
putting “a historic capstone on the company’s Commitment Class modernization
project and begin[ing] a new era of worldclass supply chain services between the island commonwealth, U.S. mainland and the
Caribbean Basin.”
Like its sister ship, the MV El Coquí
(which entered service in July 2018), the
Taíno utilizes Jacksonville, Florida, as
its mainland home port. Each ship is 720
feet long, 26,500 deadweight tons (DWT),
and can transport up to 2,400 twenty-footequivalent container units (TEUs) at a cruising speed of more than 22 knots. The ships
carry a wide range of cargo types and sizes,
including: 53-foot by 102-inch-wide, highcapacity containers; up to 300 refrigerated
containers; and 400 cars and larger vehicles
in the enclosed and ventilated vehicle garages that are unique to the trade.
The Taíno is named for the native Puerto
Ricans who lived off the land with great appreciation and respect for their environment,
and the El Coquí is named for the popular
indigenous frog on the island. The vessels
were constructed by VT Halter Marine at its
Pascagoula, Mississippi, shipyard.
When the Taíno was delivered, Crowley
Maritime Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley
stated, “I want to congratulate and thank all
the men and women at Crowley and VT Halter
Marine who helped to bring these marvelous
new ships to life. They are shining examples
of maritime innovation and craftsmanship
available right here in the United States
thanks to the Jones Act. From a business
standpoint, Taíno and El Coquí are key components of our integrated logistics offerings
that are bringing speed to market and creating
a competitive advantage for our customers in
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. With our own
vessels and proprietary transportation and
distribution network, we’re reducing friction
and complexity while increasing the velocity
of customers’ goods moving to market and
reducing their landed costs.”
Modernizations by Crowley include the
Commitment class vessels along with investments at Crowley’s Isla Grande Terminal in
San Juan, including three new shore gantry
cranes, the first to be delivered in Puerto
Rico in 50 years; a new 900-foot pier; container handling equipment; and efficiency
improvements. Additionally, a proprietary
feeder service has been launched to seamlessly link Puerto Rico to the Dominican
Republic and other islands of the Caribbean
Basin.
The first SIU crew aboard the Taíno included Velez, ABs Dominique Johnson,
Emil Norales, Arthur Patterson, Julio
Perez and Sonny Perez, QMEDs Sherrod
Frazier and Victor Rios Lopez, QEE Carlos Parilla, Oiler Angel Cintron, Recertified Steward Kim Strate, Chief Cook Luis
Perez Acosta and SA Steven Lopez Ferrer.
The new SIU-crewed ship (photo above) arrives in Puerto Rico on Jan. 11. (Photo courtesy
Crowley Maritime) In photo below, Seafarers gather with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White
(fourth from right) aboard the Taíno on New Year’s Eve in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
New Jobs Aboard Matson’s Kamokuiki
Late last year, Seafarers-contracted Matson launched a new direct U.S.-flag service between Honolulu and
the Marshall Islands. The company purchased a 700-TEU containership for the route: the Kamokuiki (pictured at the immediate left), which is equipped with two 45-ton cranes, hydraulic folding hatch covers and
high maneuverability. Pictured aboard the 411-foot vessel are (center photo, from left) SIU Port Agent Hazel
Galbiso, Steward/Baker Tim Laird and Recertified Steward Ruti Demont. The other group photo includes
(from left) Demont, Capt. Roland Hobson, Galbiso and the captain’s wife, Kelly.
OSG Announces 10-Year
Charter of Jones Act Tanker
New jobs for SIU members are on the way
following a Jan. 3 announcement by Seafarerscontracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG).
The company reported that it has entered
into a 10-year bareboat charter agreement for
the Oregon Voyager, a tanker that was built in
1999 at Newport News (Virginia) Shipbuilding. OSG plans to utilize the 620-foot vessel
in the Jones Act trade, beginning in the second
quarter of 2019.
“This is a welcome addition to the SIU
fleet, and a clear vote of confidence in the professionalism of SIU crews,” stated SIU Vice
President Contracts George Tricker. “It also
strengthens the Jones Act fleet overall, which
benefits U.S. national, economic and homeland security.”
OSG plans to rename the ship as the Overseas
Key West. Previous names included HMI Ambrose Channel, Bristol Bay, and Seabulk Energy.
OSG President and CEO Sam Norton
February 2019
stated, “Following closely on our decision to
extend all of the leases for our American Shipping Company (AMSC)-owned tankers, the
addition of the Overseas Key West to our fleet
of Jones Act tank vessels is an important and
visible signal of OSG’s continuing commitment to sustaining our leading position in the
markets which we serve. The extended duration of this new lease agreement is both an affirmation of our positive outlook for the future
as well as a validation of OSG’s reputation as
a preferred counterparty in operating Jones Act
tank vessels to the high standards demanded
by its customers.”
OSG also operates the following SIUcrewed vessels for AMSC: Overseas Houston,
Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Ange-
les, Overseas New York, Overseas Texas City,
Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski, Overseas
Martinez, Overseas Anacortes and Overseas
Tampa.
The Jones Act requires that cargo travelling
between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned
American. On the books since 1920, the law
helps maintain nearly 500,000 U.S. jobs.
Last year, a new study was released by Seafarers’ Rights International revealing that 91
nations maintain some form of cabotage law.
The Oregon Voyager is pictured near Port Everglades, Florida, in December 2017. (Photo by Vladimir Knyaz)
Seafarers LOG 3
�Pictured aboard the Green Lake in the Pacific Northwest (photo above, from left) are Safety Director Ben Anderson, SA Jolanta Goch, AB John Rawlings, AB Bernardo Bartolome, AB Robert Calvo, Bosun Isaac Amissah, AB Paul Gottschling, AB
Ted Thompson, OMU Mario Santos, SB Peter Schuetz and CC Jose Clotter. The two photos at right show the Sincerity Ace
during the shipboard fire.
MV Green Lake Rescues 7 in Deadly Car Carrier Fire
The crew of the MV Green Lake, including SIU members sailing aboard the Central
Gulf Lines-operated vessel, sprang into action on New Year’s Eve, using their rescue
training to save lives in the Pacific Ocean.
The Green Lake was the first vessel to
respond to a Coast Guard alert from the
Panamanian-flagged Sincerity Ace, a 2009built car carrier sailing from Yokohama to
Hawaii. The master had reported a serious
vessel fire, ongoing firefighting efforts and
the intent to abandon ship approximately
1,800 nautical miles northwest of Oahu.
The crew and officers of the Green
Lake spent the next 18 hours battling poor
weather conditions as they rescued seven
mariners and searched for the missing.
They were joined in the search efforts by
three other merchant ships, as well as a U.S.
Coast Guard Hercules HC-130 aircraft and
a Navy 7th Fleet P-8 Poseidon.
In total, the crews of the merchant vessels that responded to the disaster rescued
16 members of the Sincerity Ace’s crew.
Five were not recovered, after a total of
13 searches covering 5,544 nautical square
miles were conducted over a span of three
days.
The SIU crew of the MV Green Lake
included Bosun Isaac Amissah, ABs Nicolas Bernardo Bartolome, Robert Calvo,
Paul Gottschling, John Rawlings and Ted
Thompson, OMUs Godofredo Manding
Banatao and Mario Santos, Steward/Baker
Peter Schuetz, Chief Cook Jose Felipe, and
SA Jolanta Goch. All of them have com-
pleted training at the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
The deck officers aboard the Green Lake
are members of the MM&P, and the engineers are represented by the MEBA.
Bosun Amissah retold the event, saying,
“We had left Yokohama maybe three days
before, when we got the alert that a ship
was on fire. When we got to the scene, the
crew were spread out over the water, in life
jackets.”
He explained that the Green Lake retrieved seven men from the ocean, bringing
them into warm areas on the ship to rest and
recover: “By the time we pulled them out of
the water, they were so tired. They’d been
in the water for maybe eight hours by that
point, so they needed to rest and warm up.”
“Our training helped a lot,” he concluded, “especially the man-overboard
drills. We’d be picking up one guy out of
the water here, then the next guy would be
three miles away, they were so spread out.
Our training was really important in saving
those seven lives.”
“The entire crew did a truly incredible
job under extreme conditions,” said Capt.
William Boyce. “Winds were blowing a
steady 25 knots, gusting to 30 knots, with
a heavy 20-25-foot north-westerly swell.
Due to the sea state and our high freeboard,
it was very difficult to maneuver, bring the
ship alongside each survivor, and get them
on board with limited retrieval resources.”
Boyce continued, praising the work of
School Welcomes U.S. Senator
The burning vessel is visible in this photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard.
his crew: “MEBA Chief Engineer Joseph
Tierney, First Engineer Shauna Glasser,
Second Engineer Zac Pollock and Third Engineer Maria Asuncion assisted in retrieval
and constant maneuvering for 18 straight
hours. The entire SIU deck crew and bosun
worked tirelessly from 0200 to 2000 to get
the exhausted survivors on board.
“The crew showed incredible perseverance, teamwork and determination,” he concluded, “constantly improvising with each
survivor’s recovery in very difficult and
dangerous conditions. I am proud of each
and every one of this crew for saving seven
souls that had experienced horrific condi-
tions and were exhausted.”
“We are very grateful for the assistance
the crews of these vessels have given during the search and rescue efforts,” said a
spokesperson for the Coast Guard. “These
crew members went out of their way to aid
their fellow mariners, and because of the
remoteness of the incident, the outcome
may have been very different had they not
responded.”
The Green Lake diverted to Honolulu to
disembark the survivors once the search for
additional survivors was called off. At last
report, the Sincerity Ace was being towed
to Japan.
NY Waterway Crew Helps Save a Life
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC)
hosted U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) for a tour on Jan. 4. Pictured at the
school in Piney Point, Maryland, are (from left) SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Acting PHC VP
Tom Orzechowski, Van Hollen, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and PHC ManagerConference and Lodging Howard Thompson.
4 Seafarers LOG
On Dec. 19, Seafarers sailing on a NY
Waterway ferry went above and beyond to
prevent an attempted suicide by drowning.
SIU members Capt. Ken Recine and
Deckhands Travis Brumfield and Roberto
Valdez Garcia put years of awareness training to use when, at around 9:30 p.m., Brumfield spotted a woman acting strangely as
they prepared to dock at the Battery Park City
ferry terminal.
“I saw a lady who was sitting and looked
kind of dispirited,” said Brumfield. “As Waterway employees, we are trained in security
awareness. I decided to take precautions, so I
asked her, did she want to board, and she said
no, she’s alright.”
When the ferry returned to the terminal,
he realized they needed to act: “As we approached Brookfield again, she was approaching the wall next to the terminal, and
these are the words that came out of her
mouth, ‘I feel betrayed. I don’t want to live
any more. There’s nothing for me.’”
Brumfield and Garcia alerted the captain,
who called the New York Police Department’s harbor patrol.
“We were already headed into Slip 4,
where we were supposed to dock, and I
backed out and positioned the vessel over
by where she was on the wall,” said Recine.
“We were full of passengers at the time, but
I didn’t even consider the schedule at that
point. Someone’s life was in danger.”
As the deckhands donned life vests and
made ready the vessel’s hook and ladder lifesaving equipment, an off-duty ticketing agent
ran up to the woman and began to talk her
down.
Recine said, “We returned to Jersey City
to drop people off and by the time we turned
around, there were police boats here, a helicopter in the sky, the fire department was
at the wall. It took all of five minutes. They
were quick.”
The captain credited the awareness of
his deckhands with spotting the distressed
woman, and stated, “The only thing that prepared me for something like this was a lifetime in the boating industry, and being a team
player. I’d encourage all mariners to be aware
of your surroundings at all times, and look
out for one another.”
February 2019
�House Bill Aims to Honor WWII Mariners
A bill saluting the service of World War
II U.S. Merchant Mariners is under consideration in the new U.S. Congress.
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) on Jan. 15 introduced H.R. 550,
the Merchant Mariners of World War II
Congressional Gold Medal Act, with U.S.
Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Susan
Brooks (R-Indiana) joining as original
cosponsors. This legislation would award
a Congressional Gold Medal, one of the
highest honors in the United States, to
mariners who sustained our armed forces
during World War II.
“Throughout the Second World War,
our armed forces relied on the merchant
marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and
they paid a heavy price in service to their
country,” said Garamendi. “The merchant
marine suffered the highest per capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during
World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners
lost their lives, and another 12,000 were
wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these mariners who put their lives on the line were
not even given veteran status until 1988.”
(More than 1,200 SIU members gave their
lives during the war.)
“Last year, I got the chance to meet with
three World War II Merchant Mariners:
Charles Mills of Texas, age 97; Eugene
Barner from Kansas, age 92; and Robert Weagant from Illinois, age 92. These
mariners put their lives on the line for this
country, braving German and Japanese
submarines in their Liberty ships as they
delivered critical supplies to our service
members in the European and Pacific theaters,” Garamendi added. “Unfortunately,
their sacrifice is commonly overlooked.
A Congressional Gold Medal would give
them the recognition they deserve, and
that’s why I’ve introduced this bill: to give
these veterans and their families the honor
and respect they are owed.”
Christian Yuhas, vice president of the
American Merchant Marine Veterans
Rep. Garamendi (third from left) meets with WWII Merchant Marine Veterans and family members of deceased veterans in Washington, D.C.
(AMMV) and a chief engineer, stated,
“The time has come for our nation to provide a well-deserved thank you and honor
the remaining Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII with a Congressional Gold
Medal. This group of unsung heroes nobly
served our country by operating the ships
that transported critical supplies to front
lines of the war, and in doing so suffered a
casualty rate higher than any other branch
of the military. In fact, one out of every 26
casualties during World War II was a volunteer merchant mariner. America would
not be the great nation it is today without
their valiant service of yesterday. I urge
Congress to support this important bill and
recognize this dwindling group of Merchant Marine Veterans that have served our
NMC Issues Mitigation Update
On Government Shutdown
Aboard Empire State
When this photo was taken in late December, crew members on the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning
vessel were celebrating Christmas as well as 3,000 lost-time-incident-free days, reports vessel master
Capt. Kevin W. Griffith, who submitted the snapshot on behalf of Chief Steward Wilfredo Espinosa. Well
done to the SIU crew and AMO officers.
New Website Boasts Improved Features
Continued from Page 2
or seafarerslog.org for updates.
Meanwhile, the main SIU site has been reorganized and streamlined. There’s a site map
linked at the bottom of every page, and the
union’s social media accounts also are prominently linked at the top of every page. They include a relatively new Flickr site that hosts all
available lifeboat class photos from the union’s
February 2019
nation so admirably.”
The Merchant Mariners of World
War II Congressional Gold Medal Act
was introduced in the Senate simultaneously by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski
(R-Alaska).
The bill is currently awaiting action by
the House Financial Services Committee,
Garamendi’s office reported.
affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
Additionally, many of the PDF forms on the site
have been modified so visitors can complete them
online. (The fillable forms still have to be printed
and sent to the intended recipients.)
The SIU first launched a website in 1997, and
started a mobile site in 2013. While cutting-edge at
launch and for a while thereafter, the mobile site
had some limitations that don’t exist with the new
version.
Editor’s note: The following news release (which ran
under the headline: “Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in
Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations and Partial Government
Shutdown”) was issued by the
National Maritime Center on
Jan. 8. At press time, it was
the most recent communication from the agency concerning the partial shutdown.
Check the SIU website for
updates. The “attached letter” mentioned in the article
is linked in the news section
of the SIU site in addition to
being available on the NMC
website.
To mitigate the impact
caused by the partial lapse
in appropriations and shutdown of National Maritime
Center (NMC) operations, the
following actions are being
taken:
Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (National
Endorsements only) and
Medical Certificates that expired in December 2018 or
expire in January 2019 are
extended as valid until March
31, 2019. Print the attached
letter and carry it with your
credential.
Additional Information
(AI) letters, sent to mariners
that expired in December
2018 or expire in January
2019 are extended to March
31, 2019.
Approval to Test (ATT)
letters and mariner training
course certificates that expired in December 2018 or
expire in January 2019 are extended until March 31, 2019.
For mariners whose 90day testing cycles were interrupted by Regional Exam
Center (REC) closures (starting on December 26, 2018),
the days the RECs were
closed will not count against
the 90-day period. REC appointment calendars will be
re-opened immediately once
appropriations are restored.
E-mail any course approval
extension requests to NMCCourses@uscg.mil.
The NMC understands the
partial shutdown may affect
our industry customers and
stakeholders and we apologize for any potential inconvenience.
If you have questions, visit
the NMC website, or 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 5
�Seafarers Celebrate Holidays at Halls
For the SIU, holiday get-togethers at the
hiring halls are a time-honored tradition nearly
as venerable as the union itself. As noted in last
month’s LOG, some of the oldest photos in the
union’s archives show Seafarers celebrating
winter holidays at various halls.
The most recent holiday season saw SIU
gatherings across the country, both ashore and
aboard numerous vessels around the world.
Many of them have been featured in past issues
and on the SIU’s social media pages.
The photos on this page were taken at the
halls in Jersey City, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; Jacksonville, Florida; and New Orleans.
Philanthropy is also a longstanding SIU
tradition. In that spirit, the SIU in Jersey City
conducted a volunteer toy drive benefiting local
children who are less fortunate. Those gifts
were delivered Dec. 20 (three days after the
Christmas party, the cutoff for donations) to a
century-old organization named Women Rising.
In Norfolk, the annual Christmas party
doubled as a fond farewell to Kermett Mangram, who’d recently retired from his post as
vice president of the SIU Government Services
Division. Mangram spent more than 40 years
with the union.
The other parties were traditional but no less
enthusiastic.
Editor’s note: See pages 8, 10, 11 and 24 for
related photos and coverage.
Norfolk
Approximately 100 members, retirees and guests attended the
16th annual celebration in Norfolk, Virginia.
Port Agent Georg Kenny, QEE Kevin Quinlan, Retiree Stanley “Butch” Vane, Recertified Bosun Robert
Blackie Fraser Linsday Jr.
Newly retired SIU VP Kermett Mangram (center) is pictured with family members, officials and staff.
Jersey City
New Orleans
Port Agent Chris Westbrook (standing fifth from left) reports that seafood gumbo was among the
menu items enjoyed by guests in New Orleans
Jacksonville
Chief Steward Jermaine Robinson baked
this cake for the event in New Orleans.
6 Seafarers LOG
AB Vicente Mansilungan went all-out with his dish for
the potluck holiday lunch.
Members and guests in the Jersey City hiring hall wave to the camera while
waiting for the start of their Christmas Party. In photo below, Port Agent Mark
von Siegel (left) delivers donations
to Latoya Smith of Women Rising. Seafarer Ariel Lopez Albino
helped with the delivery. According to the organization’s website,
“For over 110 years, Women Rising has been helping women and
their families. Our clients are in
need – in need of jobs, safety from
domestic violence, freedom from
substance abuse, safe homes for
children. Women Rising meets
these needs by providing supportive counseling, crisis intervention, workforce development and
job placement, shelter for victims
of domestic violence, outreach,
advocacy, and referrals. Women
Rising is the foremost communitybased organization for women in
Hudson County. Women Rising
assists women and their families
to achieve self-sufficiency and live
safe, productive and fulfilling lives,
through social services, economic
development, and advocacy services.”
February 2019
�Mariners and their guests gather near the Crowley-operated vessel.
Children and their counselors are pictured with personnel from the ship.
USNS Victorious Mariners Help Orphans in Philippines
Editor’s note: The following article was submitted by
Captain Jon Skoglund (a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers), serving aboard the
Crowley-operated USNS Victorious. The vessel is crewed
by SIU members and AMO officers.
While the Victorious was in Subic Bay, Philippines,
during December 2018, mariners decided that we would
look into how we might be able to help out a local orphanage. Chief Mate Robert Swinburne identified an
orphanage for sexually assaulted girls in Olongapo. After
touring the facility, it became evident these girls needed
our help. Although the city of Olongapo had workers
there installing new showers and a septic system, they
lacked basic necessities, such as enough beds, fans for
ventilation (there was no A/C in any part of the building), a washer for clothes, storage for their clothes, bedding and towels…. The list goes on.
The chief mate did some research and found that four
beds and a washer would cost $679. The good people
aboard the Victorious raised $1,400 in just two days. In
addition, the Crowley Business Unit donated $679 to
cover the initial expenses, and the fantastic folks that are
a part of the Crowley Jacksonville Team donated another
$445 to the cause.
With this extreme generosity and the hard work of
Chief Mate Swinburne, 1AE Nick Swanson, 2AE Jenna
Palaschak and QMED Deven McCoy, we were able to
make the girls’ home a safer and more pleasant place,
while providing them with the basics that most of us take
for granted: five bunk beds, a new washing machine, a
freezer (full of food), six fans, sheets, towels, blankets,
plates, cups, silverware, cleaning supplies, personal
hygiene products and lastly, we had enough money left
over to fill the cupboards with dry goods.
We were also lucky enough to host the girls and their
counselors aboard the Victorious for a tour and a pizza
night. You could tell by the smiles that both the girls and
the crew enjoyed our time together. As it turns out, no
matter where you are in the world, pizza and ice cream
are popular with a crowd!
Thank you all for your help! A heartfelt Happy Holidays from the crew of the Victorious.
The tour is a hit with these visitors.
QMED Deven McCoy (left) and 1st Engineer Nick Swanson volunteer at the orphanage.
Some of the donated items are delivered to the orphanage.
Camera shyness isn’t a problem on deck.
February 2019
Residents and employees enjoy their gifts.
Seafarers LOG 7
�Members roll bicycles onto the truck.
Seafarers team up and transport toys from the hall to a truck.
AB Obaid Ali
Union Stages Another Successful Santa’s Castle Outreach
Continued from Page 24
deserve help when they need it. It was nice to
meet some of the people from our installation
at JBLM, and I’m really proud of our union and
glad I had the chance to join.”
AB Michael Bell stated, “I think it went
great. When you walk in there and see all those
toys, it really brings a good feeling, knowing
the members are doing something for somebody else. I really enjoy doing it. We didn’t
have a lot when I was growing up; myself, and
I know, a lot of the other guys like to make sure
kids have a good Christmas – have at least one
thing under the tree.”
Bell added compliments to Vincenzo, Safety
Director Ben Anderson, Patrolmen Warren Asp
and George Owen and Administrative Assistant
Brenda Flesner for their work on the project.
“I take my hat off to them,” Bell said. “They
all do a great job getting this thing going and
keeping it going. They deserve an ‘attaboy’
because they’re the driving force behind it. It’s
one of the highlights of the entire year, and I
think a lot of people look forward to it every
year. You see a lot of smiles.”
Addressing Seafarers and Army personnel,
Vincenzo recalled a moment from decades earlier.
“I remember as a young PFC at Fort Riley,
Kansas, home of the Big Red One (1st Infantry
Division), an older gentleman toured the motor
pool where I was working on an M577 (an
armored vehicle). It was routine maintenance.
The man thanked me for my service, but I did
not feel that I had earned his thanks. Today
so many years later, I still don’t – but today I
understand his need to express his thanks and
the genuine gratitude that he must have felt that
day. And quite frankly, all these years later it
is clear that his thanks were not necessarily or
only about me but something much bigger and
what I stood for, and still stand for today. It is
an honor to be trusted with the capacity as your
port agent to organize and advocate for this toy
drive with the help of so many. You are the ones
who even make this possible, and your generos-
ity speaks for itself year after year.”
Shelly Hinzman, president of Santa’s Castle,
said, “Our season went great. I don’t have
final numbers, but we did 850 to 900 families.
Seafarers were a big part of that, because the
donations that we receive from them – really,
they’re awesome donations. We put them to
good use. We always love going to the Seafarers luncheon, too; it’s a highlight of our season.
They’ve always been great supporters and
we’ve always felt very welcome every time we
go. I’m not exaggerating – we just love them.”
JBLM is located approximately nine miles
southwest of Tacoma.
Santa’s Castle is a private 501(c)(3) organization. According to their website, participating
service members are identified “by their chain
of command – commander, chaplain, 1SG and
above – and referred to the program. Once accepted, the service member is scheduled for
a shopping appointment where they come to
Santa’s Castle to select gifts for their child or
children.”
Enjoying the gathering are SIU members (from left) Joey Lata, Saleh Ahmed,
Carlos Noriega, Eric Hondel and Erwin
Renon.
Guests enjoy the luncheon at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Combating the Common Cold
Editor’s note: The following article
is provided by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
If you have a severe cough, a sore
throat and your nose is stuffy, you
may have a cold. It could, however, be
something else.
Regardless of what your condition
could be, it’s a good idea to get a head
start on the healing process. Getting
rest, drinking lots of water and eating smaller but more frequent meals
are all actions that should make you
feel better. Taking Tylenol or anti-inflammatory medications will also help
improve how you feel, provided you
haven’t been told previously by your
physician not to do so.
If it is just a cold, your symptoms
generally last for a period of three
to 10 days. If your symptoms fail to
subside during this time, and you also
develop a running nose, watery eyes,
constant sneezing and coughing that
gets worse, it’s probably time to con-
8 Seafarers LOG
sider calling a doctor.
Such a call should be mandatory
for someone who, in addition to having the forgoing symptoms, develops
trouble breathing, fevers and body
aches, severe vomiting, sinus pain,
swollen glands, chest pains or pressure
and feelings of faintness.
Everyone should be aware that
colds can cause swelling in the nose
and lungs, which in turn can lead
to sinus infections or exacerbate
asthma and other lung problems.
Colds can also weaken immune systems, thereby opening the door to
other infections.
There are a number of preventive
actions individuals can take to improve
the state of their overall health while
also guarding against developing any
of the foregoing conditions. Included
are: getting proper rest, drinking lots
of fluids, limiting alcohol intake, stopping smoking, exercising as often as
possible, taking vitamins and required
inoculations and eating a heart-healthy
diet..
Healthful Recipe
Grilled Chicken Santa Fe
Servings: 25
Ingredients
10 pounds chicken breast without skin
2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
Corn salsa:
2 cups frozen corn kernels, defrosted
2/3 cup red and green bell peppers, diced small
½ cup red onion, diced small
2 2/3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation
Grill the chicken on a medium-high heat grill or
lightly oiled griddle. Cook the chicken halfway
done.
Place the chicken into 2-inch hotel pans evenly.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Mix all the salsa ingredients together in a large
container.
Bake the chicken in a 350-degree oven for about
15-20 minutes until internal temperature of 165
F is reached.
Top the cooked chicken with the corn salsa.
Cover and serve.
Nutrition information: Per Serving (excluding
unknown items): 191 calories; 3g fat (16% calories from fat); 34g protein; 5g carbohydrates; 1g
dietary fiber; 84mg cholesterol; 99mg sodium.
Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 4 ½ lean meat; 0
vegetable; ½ fat; 0 other carbohydrates.
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
February 2019
�With Seafarers on the Great Lakes
The photos on this page were taken by SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak while servicing
members aboard the American Steamship Company-operated John J. Boland and Indiana
Harbor last year. The Boland was in Toledo, Ohio, while the Indiana Harbor was in St.
Clair, Michigan.
John J. Boland
The John J. Boland lowers a boarding ladder.
Bosun Saleh Mohamed Ahmed and AB Abdulaziz Faisal Zain
Port Agent Todd Brdak and Chief Cook Bernard Lawes
The John J. Boland loads cargo onto the ship.
Indiana Harbor
Chief Cook John Chaney
AB Wheelsman Mohamed Mosed and Gateman Thomas McClure
QMED Ameen Abdo Yahya and Port Agent Todd
Brdak
February 2019
ACU Dave Warner
The Indiana Harbor docked in St. Clair, Michigan
Safe operations are a source of pride aboard the
Indiana Harbor.
Seafarers LOG 9
�PROMOTING MARITIME TO CONGRESSMEN – Shortly before Election Day 2018, SIU Port Agent Mark von Siegel and Patrolman Ray Henderson helped reinforce support for the
U.S. Merchant Marine in Congress. Pictured from left in photo at right are von Siegel, U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-New Jersey) and Henderson. Henderson is shown with U.S. Rep. Bill
Pascrell (D-New Jersey) in the photo at left.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ON SEABULK ARCTIC – Pictured from left in photo above are AB Blake Braye, Recertified Bosun John Cedeno, Houston
Patrolman Kelly Krick, AB Christopher Sanchez, Pumpman Brian Jackson, AB Marcos Rivera, Chief Steward Rafael Cardenas and Houston Patrolman J.D. Niday. The photo at right features AB Richard Benoit aboard the Seabulk Tankers vessel.
AT SAN JUAN HALL – QMED Angel Cintron (left)
made a bit of history last December when he became
the first Seafarer to pick up a vacation check at the new
hall in Puerto Rico. He was also the first A-seniority
book member serviced at the hall, according to Port
Agent Amancio Crespo (right).
AT HOUSTON HALL – In photo above, inland Capt. Jamie Norsworthy (right) takes the union oath and receives his full book.
The photo at right features members of the Chacon family – pensioner Jose (center) flanked by his wife, Ramona (left) and their
daughter, Dr. Osana Chacon. Jose stopped by to pick up a pension verification letter; all three family members spoke favorably
of the new hiring hall.
ABOARD PELICAN STATE – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning ship in
Martinez, California, are Recertified
Steward Gregory Lynch, GVA Abdulfata Shammam, SA Kassem Salem,
QMED/Pumpman Alex Canada,
QMED Derrick Clark, Oakland Port
Agent Nick Marrone II, AB Nasser
Kassim and Bosun Derik Rye.
10 Seafarers LOG
February 2019
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
TALKING MERCHANT MARINE WITH CONGRESSMAN – U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (DCalifornia) (center) conducted a community event Dec. 16 in Dublin, California, and SIU
representatives were on hand to discuss the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime
Security Program and more. Pictured with the congressman are Port Agent Nick Marrone
II (right) and Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli.
ABOARD PRESIDENT CLEVELAND – Pictured aboard the APL vessel in Oakland,
California, are (from left) ACU Jessie Espiritu, Recertified Steward Joseph Welle and
Chief Cook David Rodak.
UNPLANNED REUNION – Four friends who are recertified stewards (from left: Ed Viana,
Juan Vallejo, Michael Carello and Alex Banky) took this photo outside the Paul Hall
Center’s Mooney Pub to celebrate a rare reunion over the holiday. Vallejo said he submitted the photo to the LOG “so that the new generations understand the importance of
our school that, in addition to educating us, finds us again.” He and Viana were in the
same recertification class (in 2012). Banky completed the program in 2002, while Carello
graduated in 2008.
ALHOA FROM PINEY POINT – Six new recruits from the Marimed Foundation’s program
for native Hawaiians are among those pictured, while recently enrolled in the apprentice
program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Standing (from left)
are SIU Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, Apprentices Kalanihooulumoku Holt and Delson Smith, Marimed Program Coordinator Melissa Hebert, Apprentice Alika Kukahiko and
Marimed President/CEO Matt Claybaugh. In front are (from left) Apprentices Kalae Huihui,
Billie Kawelo and Noah Santiago.
AT JACKSONVILLE HALL – In photo at left, Pumpman Steven Supplee (right) receives his Abook from Safety Director Joseph Koncul. AB Joseph Wattam is at right in photo at right, also with
Koncul, receiving his full B-book. The below photo shows OS Jamila King in front of the podium,
taking the oath and receiving her full B-book from Patrolman Adam Bucalo.
ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Christmas spirit and excellent food are evident
aboard the TOTE vessel. Pictured from left are SA Brandon Harvell, Chief Cook
Jacob Parrilla and Steward/Baker Ingrid Ortiz.
February 2019
Seafarers LOG 11
�What’s New for the
2019 Tax Filing Season
Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2018 and 2019, along
with provisions that remain in effect from 2017. Please check www.irs.gov
before filing your return.
Due date of return - File Form 1040 by April 15, 2019.
Exemptions - For tax year 2018, the deduction for the personal exemption
is reduced to zero.
Standard Deductions – The standard deduction for married couples filing
a joint return has increased to $24,000 for 2018. The standard deduction for
single individuals and married couples filing separate returns has increased to
$12,000 for 2018. The standard deduction for heads of household increased
to $18,000 for 2018. The additional standard deduction for people who have
reached age 65 (or who are blind) is $1,300 for married taxpayers or $1,600
for unmarried taxpayers.
Itemized Deductions – Before 2018, an individual’s itemized deductions
were reduced by 3% of the amount adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeded certain threshold amounts. This phaseout of itemized deductions was eliminated
by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), and therefore does not apply to 2018.
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.
Medical Care Itemized Deduction Threshold - For tax year 2018, for
all taxpayers, unreimbursed medical expenses may be claimed as an itemized
deduction to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income.
Earned Income Credit (EIC) - The EIC is a credit for certain people who
work. The credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. The
maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for
2018:
n Credit of $6,341 if you have three or more qualifying children and you
earn less than $49,194 ($54,884 if married filing jointly)
n Credit of $5,716 if you have two qualifying children and you earn less
than $45,802 ($51,492 if married filing jointly)
n Credit of $3,461 if you have one qualifying child and you earn less than
$40,320 ($46,010 if married filing jointly), or
n Credit of $519 if you do not have a qualifying child and you earn less
than $15,270 ($20,950 if married filing jointly)
For tax years beginning after 2015 – a TIN is not valid for EIC purposes
unless it was used 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.
Social Security and Medicare Taxes - The maximum amount of wages
subject to the Social Security tax for 2018 is $128,400.
There is no limit on the amount of wages subject to the Medicare tax.
In 2018, hospital insurance tax in addition to the Medicare tax will be an
additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the following threshold amounts:
$250,000 for married filing jointly, $125,000 for married filing separately,
and $200,000 for all others. This additional assessment also applies to selfemployed workers. For 2019, the maximum amount of wages subject to Social Security tax is $132,900.
Self-Employment Tax Rate and Deduction – The FICA portion of the
self-employment tax is 12.4% in 2018. 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. The SE tax rate for 2018 is 15.3%, and the
deduction is equal to one-half of self-employment tax.
Capital Gains and Losses - Continuing from 2012 you must report your
capital gains and losses on Form 8949 and report the totals on Schedule D.
If you sold a covered security in 2018, 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.
New for 2018: For years 2018-2025, the personal casualty and theft loss
deduction is eliminated, except for personal casualty losses incurred in a federally declared disaster.
Qualified Dividend and Capital Gains Tax Rate – In 2018, the tax rate
on long-term gains and qualified dividends is 20% for income that exceeds the
37% tax bracket threshold amount of:
n $600,000 for married filing jointly and surviving spouses
n $500,000 for head of household
n $300,000 for married filing separately
n $500,000 for single
The rate goes down to 15% for lower tax brackets and then 0% for the
10%-15% tax brackets. In 2018, capital gain income will be subject to an
additional 3.8% Medicare tax for income that exceeds the threshold amounts
listed above.
Medicare Tax on Investment Income – In 2018, 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 (AGI) exceeds the threshold
amount. The threshold amounts for the additional Medicare tax are as follows:
n $250,000 for married filing jointly and surviving spouses
n $125,000 for married filing separately
n $200,000 for all others
Investment income reduced by deductions properly allocable to that income is net investment income. Investment income includes income interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents and net gain from disposition of
property, other than such income derived in the ordinary course of a trade or
business. However, income from a trade or business that is a passive activity
and from a trade or business of trading in financial instruments or commodities
is included in investment income.
Modified adjusted gross income 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.
Adoption credit - The maximum adoption credit has increased to $13,810
per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $207,140. 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 2018 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents.
Child Tax Credit - The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extends
the enhanced child tax credit of $2,000 maximum credit per child through the
end of 2018.
For 2018 tax year, the child tax credit starts to be reduced when income
reaches the following levels:
12 Seafarers LOG
n $200,000 for married couples filing separately
n $200,000 for single, head of household, and qualifying widow(er) filers, and
n $400,000 for married couples filing jointly
The TCJA eliminated the exemption deduction for dependents for years 20182025. Therefore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent
does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction; however, it does make the
noncustodial parent eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child.
In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each
$1,000 of income above these threshold amounts.
The child tax credit is generally nonrefundable credit that is limited to
regular tax liability plus alternative minimum tax liability. However, a portion
of the credit is refundable for certain taxpayers (see Form 8812 and IRS Pub.
972). Effective from 2016: Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for
any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual
TIN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year: For tax
years beginning after 2015 – the Child Tax Credit is not allowed for (1) two
tax years after a final determination or reckless or intentional disregard of rules
and regulations or (2) 10 tax years after a final determination of fraud. If the
Child Tax Credit is denied due to failure to supply required information to the
IRS, no Child Tax Credit is allowed for any later tax year unless the taxpayer
supplies the needed information.
Child and Dependent Care Credit - For 2018, there is a credit equal to the
amount of qualified expenses multiplied by an applicable percentage determined
by the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The maximum amount of qualified expenses to which the credit may be applied is $3,000 for cost to care for one child
under the age of 13 or up to $6,000 for two or more children, so that the parents
can either go to work or be in the process of looking for work. There must be
earned income in order to take the credit (the credit amount has not changed).
The American Opportunity Tax Credit - For tax year 2018, 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 reduced
if your Modified AGI is:
n $90,000 for Single, Head of Household, and Qualifying Widow(er)
n $180,000 for Married Filing Jointly
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. For Tax
years beginning after 2015, the American Opportunity Credit is not allowed
for (1) two tax years after a final determination or reckless or intentional disregard of rules and regulations or (2) 10 tax years after a final determination
of fraud. If the American Opportunity Credit is denied due to failure to supply
required information to the IRS, no American Opportunity Credit is allowed
for any later tax year unless the taxpayer supplies the needed information.
Taxpayers must report the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made.
Lifetime Learning Credit - For tax year 2018, 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
$57,000 ($114,000 if married filing joint return) and is completely eliminated
if your Modified AGI exceeds $67,000 ($134,000 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.
Tuition and Fees Deductions – The tuition and fees deduction expired at
the end of 2017. However, this discussion is retained in the event the deduction
is extended, as it has been many times. The deduction is not allowed for Married Filing Separately filers or for any taxpayer who qualifies as a dependent
(whether or not claimed) on another taxpayer’s tax return. For 2018, the tuition
and fees deduction may not be claimed if an education credit is claimed for the
same student in the same year [IRC Sec. 222 (c)(2)(A)].
Expanded Definition of Qualified Expenses for Qualified Tuition Programs - 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.
New for 2018: The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For purposes 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 [IRC Secs. 529(c)(7) and
530(b)(3)(B)]. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000
for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per-student. [IRC
Sec.529(e)(3)(A)].
Educator Expenses – The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of
2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible elementary and secondary school teachers of up to $250 per year ($500 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.
State & Local Sales and Use Tax Deduction – For 2018, the itemized
deduction for state and local taxes is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of
the aggregate of (1) state and local property taxes and (2) state and local income, war profits and excess profits taxes (or sales taxes in lieu of income, etc.
taxes) paid or accrued in the tax year. Caution: The provision also includes a
rule stating that an individual may not claim an itemized deduction in 2017 on
a pre-payment of income tax for a future tax year in order to avoid the dollar
limitation applicable for the tax years beginning after 2017.
Individual Retirement Accounts:
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.
Traditional IRAs - For 2018, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is
the lesser of $5,500 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50 or older as of
year-end, an additional catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 is allowed. Thus,
the 2018 contribution limit for these taxpayers is the lesser of $6,500 or your
compensation. For the deduction, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
phase-out range in 2018 is $63,000-$73,000 for single and head of household,
$101,000-$121,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er),
and less than $10,000 for married individuals filing separate returns when a
taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year.
Continued on Page 14
Tax Tips for Members
How to Prepare
A Tax Return
Step 1. Get all records together.
n Income Records. These include
any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099
n Itemized deductions and tax credits
n Medical and dental payment records
n Charitable contributions
n Real estate and personal property
tax receipts
n Interest payment records for items
such as a home mortgage or
n Home equity loan
n Records of payments for child
care so an individual could work
Step 2. Get 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.
Step 4. Check the return to make sure
it is correct.
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. Attach all required forms and
schedules. Attach Copy B of Forms W-2,
W-2G and 1099-R to the front of the
Form 1040. Attach all other schedules
and forms behind Form 1040 in order of
the attachment sequence number. If tax
is owed, attach the payment to the front
of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V
(original only). Write name, address,
phone number, Social Security number and form number on your check or
money order. Payment also can be made
by credit card. You may use American
Express, Discover, Visa or Master cards.
To pay by credit card, call the toll-free
number 1-888-872-9829 or 1-888-7291040 or visit websites www.officialpayments.com/fed or www.pay1040.com.
There is a fee charged based on the
amount you are paying.
Rounding Off to Whole Dollars:
Cents may be rounded off to the nearest
whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to
99 cents to the next dollar. For example,
$1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes
$2.
Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to
request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 20b, 20c and
20d on their Form 1040. Line 20b is
for the bank’s routing number. Line 20c
indicates the type of account, and line
20d is the taxpayer’s account number
at the bank. When tax returns are filed
electronically, a refund will be received
in about 3 weeks or in 2 weeks if it
is deposited directly into a savings or
checking account. For a charge, many
professional tax return preparers offer
electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. Beginning in
2009, an individual that prepares his or
her own return can access most commonly used Federal tax forms from the
IRS website and website at: www.irs.
gov.
What Are Considered
Deductions and Credits
Personal Exemption Amount: The
TCJA eliminated the exemption deduction for dependents for years 2018-2025.
Therefore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does
not entitle that parent to an exemption
deduction; however, it does make the
noncustodial parent eligible for the child
tax credit with respect to the child.
Standard Deduction: The standard
deduction, or dollar amount that reduces
the amount that is taxed, which increased
for married couples filing jointly in 2018
at $24,000. The standard deduction for
single individuals and married couples
filing separate returns also increased in
2018 at $12,000. The standard deduction for heads of household increased to
$18,000 for 2018.
Personal Interest Deductions: For
2018, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest
on car loans, credit cards, personal loans
and tax deficiencies.
Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Deduct all your home mortgage
interest depending on the date of your
mortgage, the amount of the mortgage
and how the proceeds were used. Interest
paid on investments is also 100 percent
deductible but limited to the amount of
investment income earned each year. Any
excess can be carried forward to the next
year.
Union Dues Deduction: Union dues,
including working dues, are no longer deductible for 2018-2025.
Club Dues Deduction: No deduction
is permitted for club dues; however, dues
paid to professional or public service
organizations are deductible for business
reasons.
Deductions Subject to 2% of Adjusted Gross Income: The TCJA suspended the deduction for miscellaneous
itemized deductions subject to the 2%-ofAGI limit for 2018-2025 [IRC Sec.
67(g)]. Therefore, these expenses are not
deductible in 2018. Miscellaneous itemized deductions not subject to the 2%-ofAGI limit remain deductible on Schedule
A.
Dependent’s 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 weeks to receive
a SSN.
Additional (Refundable) Child Tax
Credit – This credit is for certain individuals who get less than the full amount of
the child tax credit. The additional child
tax credit may give you a refund even if
you do not owe any tax.
Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers
may be able to deduct up to $2,500 of
interest paid for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents.
The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income.
Other Tax Information
Private Delivery Services: Tax
returns and extensions can be mailed
through private delivery services such as
DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Ex-
Standard Deduction
This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older
or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($1,300 for a married person or
“spouse” or $1,600 for an unmarried person).
Filing Status Standard Deduction
Single and Married filing separate ................................................................$ 12,000
Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent chidren........$24,000
Head of household...........................................................................................$ 18,000
February 2019
February 2019
press and United Parcel Service.
Forms of Payments: One can pay the
Internal Revenue Service through credit
cards, debit cards, charge cards, bank
check or money order. If you file your
return electronically you may be able to
make your payment electronically.
Which Records To Keep
Keep records of income (such as
receipts), deductions (for example, 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.
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
2018, 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
is in charge of the taxpayer’s property.
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 Certain amounts received as a
scholarship
Filing an Extension
Taxpayers can get an automatic
6-month extension if, no later than April
15, 2019, 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.
Where is 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. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should
know your Social Security Number (or
IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing
Separate Return, Head of Household, or
Qualifying Widow(er)) and the refund
amount. It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on
your return.
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
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 taxpayerrelated services. At a minimum, IRS
forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin,
Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London,
England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris,
France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome,
Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan.
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 Information
General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for
general information between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. your local time.
Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and
prior year forms, instructions and publications.
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. To find the location
of an IRS office, look in the phone book under “United States
Government, Internal Revenue Service.”
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.
Personal Computer: Access the IRS’s internet 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.
Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding
the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director
(listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with
the letter.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Tax Filers Face Assorted Changes During 2019 Season
Continued from Page 12
Roth IRAs - The maximum total yearly
contribution that can be made by an individual
to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $5,500 (increased
to $6,500 for taxpayers age 50 or older at year
end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs are
subject to income limits. The maximum yearly
contribution is phased out for single and head
of household taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross
Income (AGI) between $120,000 and $135,000,
for joint filers and qualifying widow(er) with an
AGI between $189,000 and $199,000, and married filing separate filers with an AGI between
$0 an $10,000. Although the contributions are
not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free
depending on when and why they are made.
Special Charitable Contributions for
Certain IRA Owners - The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 permanently extends the Qualified Charitable
Distributions. It offers older owners of IRAs a
different way to give to charity. An IRA owner
age 70 and one-half 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, donoradvised 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.
Foreign Financial Assets - If you had foreign financial assets in 2018, you may have to
file Form 8938 with your return. In addition,
a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by
April 15, 2019 if the aggregate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 in any time during the calendar year.
Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer
Credit - The first-time homebuyer credit is not
available for homes purchased in 2018. However, taxpayers who claimed the credit, which
was available for homes purchased during 20082011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits.
Mortgage Insurance Premiums – The
deduction for mortgage insurance premiums
expired December 31, 2017. Unless congress
extends this provision, it will not be available for
mortgage insurance premiums paid after 2017.
Residential Energy Efficient Property
Credit – For property placed in service after
December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2022,
the credit is available only for eligible solar
electric property and solar water heating property. The credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost
of eligible property placed in service in 2018
or 2019; 26 percent of the cost of the property
placed in 2020; and 22 percent of the cost of
property placed in service in 2021.
Standard mileage rates - The standard
mileage rate for 2018 is 54.5 cents per mile for
business miles driven and was increased to 18
cents per mile for medical or moving expenses.
The rate for providing services for a charity is
set by statute and equals 14 cents per mile.
Personal Casualty & Theft Loss – For
2018- 2025, personal casualty losses are deductible only if attributable to a federally declared disaster. The loss is reported on Form
4684 (Casualty and Theft Losses), Part A. A
casualty loss equals the lesser of the adjusted
basis in the property before the casualty, or the
decrease in fair market value of the property as
a result of the casualty.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion – For
tax year 2018, the maximum foreign earned
income exclusion amount is $103,900. This
amount is up $1,800 from tax year 2017.
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
Exemption – New for 2018: The TCJA increased the AMT exemption amounts and significantly increased the income at which the
exemption begins to phase out ($1,000,000 for
married filing jointly and $500,000 for other filers). Therefore, it’s likely fewer individuals will
be subject to AMT beginning in 2018.
Health Care Coverage – In 2018, individuals must have health care coverage, to qualify for
a health care coverage exemption or make shared
responsibility payment with their tax return.
Coverage Exemptions: An individual may
be exempt from the requirement to maintain
14 Seafarers LOG
minimum essential coverage and thus will not
have to make a shared responsibility payment
if, for 2018, they:
n
Had no affordable coverage options
because the minimum amount he must pay for
the annual premiums is more than 8.05% of his
household income;
n Had a gap in coverage for less than three
consecutive months or
n Qualified for an exemption for one of
several other reasons, including having a hardship that prevents him from obtaining coverage,
or belonging to a group explicitly exempt from
the requirement.
If the taxpayer, spouse or any of the dependents did not have minimum essential coverage
and didn’t have a coverage exemption for any
month in 2018, an individual shared responsibility payment must be computed and reported
on line 61 of Form 1040, Schedule 4.
New for 2018: The TCJA reduced the individual shared responsibility payment amount to
zero beginning in 2019. However, the penalty
remains in effect for each month of 2018.
For 2018, the annual payment amount is the
greater of:
n 2.5% percent of the household income
that is above the tax return filing threshold for
taxpayer’s filing status, or
n The family’s flat dollar amount, which
is $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, limited
to a family maximum of $2,085.
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.
Individuals who are eligible for PTC need to
meet 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 Have household income at least 100%,
but no more than 400% of the federal poverty
line for taxpayer’s family size. Exception: In
some cases, taxpayers with household income
less than 100% of the federal poverty line can
take the credit.
n If married, individuals must file a joint
return. Note: 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.
Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) –
The Health care tax credit is a tax credit that
pays a percentage of health insurance premiums
for certain eligible taxpayers and their qualifying family members. The Health Coverage Tax
credit is a separate tax credit with different eligibility rules than the premium tax credit.
Affordable Care Act – Several very important provisions of the Affordable Care Act
(ACA) that affect individuals and businesses
first became effective in 2015. The Employer
Shared Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or
more full-time equivalent employees to either
offer minimum essential coverage that is “affordable” and that provides “minimum value”
to their full-time employees and their dependents, or potentially make an employer shared
responsibility payment to the IRS.
Transit Benefits – The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include van pool benefits,
transit passes and qualified parking. Beginning
in 2018, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $260.
Earned Income Credit and Additional
Child Tax Credit – IRS Refund Claim – The
IRS has additional time to review refund claims
based on the Earned Income Credit 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.
Form 1098-T Required to Claim Certain
Education Incentives – 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.
Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs – For rollover
contributions made after December 18, 2015,
distributions from employer sponsored retirement plans and traditional IRAs may be rolled
over into a SIMPLE IRA, as long as the SIMPLE IRA has been open for at least two years.
Tax Rates for 2018 – For 2018, there
is a 37% bracket (for single individuals at
$500,001, head of household at $500,001 married filing jointly at $600,001 and married filing separately at $300,001). Trusts and estates
will hit the 37% bracket at $12,500. The rate for
capital gains and qualified dividends is 20% if
the income is in excess of the threshold amount:
n $500,000 for single individuals
n $500,000 for heads of household
n $600,000 for married filing joint
n $300,000 for married filing separately
Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence – Cancellation of
indebtedness income is generally includible in
income. However, income from cancellation of
debt on a qualified principal residence, of up to
$2 million, may be excludable.
Uniform Definition of a Qualifying Child
-To be claimed as a qualifying child, the person
must meet four criteria:
n Relationship - the person must be your
child, step child, 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 - the person must be under age 19
at the end of the year, or under age 24 and be a
full-time student for at least five months out of
the year, or any age and totally and permanently
disabled.
n Support - the person did not provide more
than half of his or her own support during the year.
Hurricane Relief - Congress is currently
considering legislation that would provide additional tax relief for those affected by Hurricane
Harvey, Irma, or Maria, and tax relief for those
affected by other disasters, such as the California wildfires.
California Wildfire Victims - The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 generally provides
the same tax relief to victims of the California
wildfire that hurricane victims received under
the Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2017. This includes the following:
n Special tax rules for qualified wildfire
distributions from retirement plans. A qualified
wildfire distribution is a distribution from most
types of tax-favored retirement plans, including
IRAs, made on or after October 8, 2017 and
before January 1, 2019 to an individual whose
principal place of residence during any portion
of the period from October 8, 2017 to December 31, 2017 is located in the California wildfire
disaster area and who has sustained an economic loss by reason of the wildfires to which
the declaration of such areas relates.
n Temporary suspension of limitations on
charitable contributions made during the period
beginning October 8, 2017 and ending on December 31, 2018 for relief efforts in the California wildfire disaster area.
n Special rules for computing qualified
disaster-related personal casualty losses, which
are casualty losses which arise in the California wildfire disaster area on or after October 8,
2017 and which are attributable to the wildfires
to which the declaration of such area relates.
See Pub. 976 for more information.
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 - The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 was enacted on
February 9, 2018. The law’s primary purpose
was related to spending and the budget of the
U.S. government.
Possible Legislation - Congress is currently
considering legislation that would extend certain tax benefits that expired at the end of 2016
and that currently can’t be claimed on your
2018 tax return, such as:
n Cancellation of Debt (COD)-Mortgage
Debt
n Mortgage Insurance Premiums Deduction
n Tuition and Fees Deduction
n The credit for alternative fuel vehicle
refueling property
n Energy Credit
n New Energy Efficient Homes Credit
n Personal Energy Property Credit
n Residential Energy Efficient Property
n Two-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Vehicles
Credit
To learn whether this legislation was enacted
resulting in changes that affect your 2018 tax
return, go to Recent Developments at IRS.gov.
What’s New for 2018 - 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. See some additional changes in the
tax provisions below:
n Miscellaneous Deductions - Job-related
expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to
the 2%-of-adjusted-gross-income floor, are no
longer deductible in 2018. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation,
union dues, and investment fees.
n Kiddie Tax - The taxable income of a
child attributable to earned income is taxed
under the rates for single individuals, and
taxable income of a child attributable to net
unearned income is taxed according to the
brackets applicable to trusts and estates. The
rule applies to the child’s ordinary income and
his income taxed at preferential rates.
n
Mortgage Interest Deduction - The
deduction for mortgage interest is limited to
underlying indebtedness of up to $750,000
($375,000 for MFS). The deduction for interest
on home equity indebtedness is eliminated. The
new lower limit doesn’t apply to any acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017.
n Charitable Contribution Deduction The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash
contributions to public charities and certain
private foundations is 60%. Contributions exceeding the limitation are generally allowed to
be carried forward and deducted for up to five
years, subject to the later year’s ceiling.
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 Deduction for Qualified Business Income - 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. A limitation
based on W-2 wages paid or capital investment
is phased in for MFJ taxpayers with taxable income of $315,000 or more ($157,500 for other
individuals). A disallowance of the deduction
with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold
amounts of taxable income.
n Moving Expenses – 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.
Your Online Account – In order for you 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 18 months of payment history, access online payment options, and
create or modify an online payment agreement.
You can also access your tax records online.
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 a scam whose
purpose is to obtain personal and financial
information — such as name, Social Security
number, bank account and credit card 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 tollfree at 1-800-366-4484 or TTY/TDD 1-800877-8339. You can forward suspicious emails
to the Federal Trade Commission at: spam@
uce.gov or contact them at www.ftc.gov/
idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
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 toll free
case intake line at 1-877-777-4778.
February 2019
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Aboard USNS Maury
December 15, 2018 - January 15, 2019
Aboard the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel, steward
department Seafarers wish all of their SIU brothers and
sisters the best in the new year. Pictured from left are
GVAs Camilo Villafania, Walter Wise and Rey Ramos, SA
Crystal Cobbs, Chief Cook Brandon Hamilton and Steward/Baker Joseph Hernandez. Thanks to MDR Brandon
Maeda for the pic.
Personal
Craig Vann would like to hear from anyone who sailed with his late
grandfather, Willie P. Smith, a Navy veteran and mariner. Smith had
family in the Philippines and for a time resided in New York. Vann can
be reached at Davis-craig1971@gmail.com, (928) 202-0436.
February & March
Membership Meetings
Piney Point..................................Monday: February 4, March 4
Algonac..........................................Friday: February 8, March 8
Baltimore...................................Thursday: February 7, March 7
Guam......................................Thursday: February 21, March 21
Honolulu....................................Friday: February 15, March 15
Houston......................................Monday: February 11, March 11
Jacksonville...............................Thursday: February 7, March 7
Joliet......................................Thursday: February 14, March 14
Mobile................................Wednesday: February 13, March 13
New Orleans..............................Tuesday: February 12, March 12
Jersey City...................................Tuesday: February 5, March 5
Norfolk.......................................Thursday: February 7, March 7
Oakland..................................Thursday: February 14, March 14
Philadelphia............................Wednesday: February 6, March 6
Port Everglades......................Thursday: February 14, March 14
San Juan...................................Thursday: February 7, March 7
St. Louis.....................................Friday: February 15, March 15
Tacoma.......................................Friday: February 22, March 22
Wilmington................*Tuesday: February 19, Monday: March 18
* Wilmington change due to Presidents Day observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Another New Ship
SPAD Works For You.
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD
February 2019
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
Port
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
Deck Department
33
17
0 7 4 0 3 47
16
0
3 2 1 2 3 0 4 3 2 2
8 2 1 4 2 0 1 8 2 1
20 6 8 17 11 7 10 34 13 6
4 3 0 2 0 0 0 6 5 0
13
1 2 12
3 3 7 16
5 6
6 3 1 4 2 1 2 11 8 2
46 10 13 33 13 14 29 99 28 16
37 19 8 24 17 3 13 63 23 15
44 7 7 27 7 1 17 65 14 10
4 2 0 1 2 0 0 3 5 0
12
4 4 7 2 1 2 17
6 5
26 16 7 24 12 3 10 30 21 13
11 3 3 5 1 1 3 21
7 5
6 2 0 6 2 0 7 10
2 1
3 1 2 0 3 1 1 5 1 2
9 5 1 5 2 0 1 16
10
2
28
8 1 22
3 5 8 51
19
8
2 0 2 0 0 2 1 3 1 1
26 6 5 21 7 4 11 52 13 10
341 117 66 223 96 46 130 560 201 105
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
Engine Department
4 3 3 2 0 0 1 9 4 4
1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0
2 6 0 0 3 1 1 5 3 0
11 4 0 12
4 1 6 15
7 2
0 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 0
3 2 0 1 0 0 1 5 8 0
7 2 2 3 3 2 2 19
3 4
11 6 2 12
4 2 6 25
15
3
21 18 2 18 8 1 8 33 25 3
12
2 3 12
0 0 4 25
5 4
2 1 1 1 1 0 1 4 1 1
1 3 0 3 2 0 0 3 5 1
14 13 11 10 15 6 9 18 20 13
7 5 1 6 3 2 1 10
9 2
3 1 0 1 4 0 0 5 4 0
0 4 0 1 3 0 1 1 3 0
3 2 2 4 1 0 1 11 3 4
11 6 3 8 0 2 2 20
13
6
3 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 1 0
10
8 1 14
9 2 8 15
12
3
126
89 31 111 61 20 53 230
144
50
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
Steward Department
3 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 3 0
0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0
10
2 1 8 4 0 3 15
4 2
1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
5 0 0 3 0 0 1 8 2 1
7 1 0 4 1 0 2 14
1 0
15
3 1 9 2 0 3 30
6 3
19
5 3 19
5 0 6 32
11 4
6 3 0 1 3 0 0 18
4 0
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
1 5 1 5 3 1 3 4 6 0
17 6 2 12 7 3 12 29 11 2
20
6 0 8 4 1 4 30
6 1
6 0 0 4 0 0 2 4 0 0
4 1 2 3 2 1 2 3 2 2
3 1 0 2 3 0 1 5 5 0
15
4 0 6 0 0 1 24
7 1
2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0
18 11 0 11 10 0 14 37 14 0
154
51 10 103
46 6 54 263
87 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
Entry Department
0 12
10
1 2 0 0 1 8 13
1 2 1 0 3 2 0 1 2 2
1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
0 3 7 0 5 0 2 1 8 14
0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 2
1 2 3 1 0 1 1 1 3 4
1 3 5 1 5 3 1 2 8 8
4 19
11 4 6 7 2 4 21
23
3 32
24
1 11 11 2 6 38
73
0 12
12
0 7 5 4 5 24
19
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1
0 17 22 0 11 10 7 0 26 41
0 5 10
0 7 9 2 4 9 25
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2
5 9 7 1 8 5 2 7 14
9
1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 1
0 21
14
0 11 6 1 5 49
19
19 140
132
9 78 59 24 40 221
261
GRAND TOTAL:
640 397 239 446 281 131 261 1,093
653 432
C
Trip
Reliefs
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
A
All Groups
B
C
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What are your plans for the New Year?
Casey Pearson
Chief Cook
My goal for this year is to get
my A-book, then apply for colleges.
I’ll also be applying for the (SHBP)
scholarship, which will help me pay
for whatever college I enroll at. I’m
also planning on moving this year,
and on top of all that, I’m getting
married!
Devon Pullins
OS
My plan is to sail as much as I
can, so I can save up to start my own
business. This job is really secure,
and I love what I do, but I’m trying
to be my own boss as soon as I can..
Jack Boscia
Chief Cook
Get my schooling done, then get
back to work on board a ship. Later
in the year, I’m coming back to Piney
Point to upgrade my skills and become a chief steward.
Nathaniel Hunter
GUDE
I’m going to keep on upgrading by
taking classes here at the Paul Hall
Center. My goal is to become an AB
next, then continue on up as far as I
can go. I’m SIU for the long haul.
Eddie Solichin
Junior Engineer
Finish my studies, and then switch
over to working on tankers. I’ve
never sailed on one before, and I’m
excited to take on the new challenges
that type of ship brings.
Brittany Steward
Chief Cook
Education-wise, I’m going to keep
coming back to Piney Point and keep
upgrading my skills. Being around
the trainees is very inspirational, and
brings back memories – Class 826!
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 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
Pics From The Past
For the second month in a row, retired Bosun
John Gallagher is sharing photos from the
1940s. Pictured at anchor in the Persian Gulf
is the T2 tanker SS Stony Creek. The bosun
is standing at far left in the inset, with SIU
shipmates. The vessel was one of approximately 500 such tankers built for the U.S.
during World War II.
PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, 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
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 Auth Way, 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 2019
�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
AHMED AHMED
Brother Ahmed Ahmed, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1981, initially
working aboard
the Connecticut.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1997
and sailed in all
three departments. Brother
Ahmed concluded his career aboard the Overseas Houston.
He makes his home in Dearborn,
Michigan.
TRACY AUSTIN
Brother Tracy Austin, 69, began
his career with the Seafarers in
2002, first sailing on the John
U.D. Page. He
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school the same
year, and shipped
as a deck department member.
Brother Austin
most recently sailed on USNS
Bowditch. He calls Hatteras, North
Carolina, home.
LOUIS BROOMFIELD
Brother Louis Broomfield, 65,
joined the SIU in 1969, initially
sailing on the
Columbia Owl.
He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center within
his first year
and shipped in
all three departments. Brother
Broomfield last
sailed aboard the Ogden Traveler
and resides in New Orleans.
DAVID CASTRO
Brother David Castro, 67, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1989, first sailing aboard the
USNS Algol. He
worked in the engine department
and upgraded
on multiple occasions at the
Piney Point
school. Brother Castro last sailed
on the USNS Fisher. He settled in
Borrego Springs, California.
ROGER CLEGG
Brother Roger Clegg, 68, joined
the SIU in 2005 when he sailed on
the Pride of Aloha. An engine department member, he upgraded his
skills in 2017
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Clegg most
recently sailed
on the Pride of
America. He
makes his home
in Honolulu.
February 2019
KEVIN COOPER
Brother Kevin Cooper, 66, joined
the union in 1971. His first vessel
was the Bienville. Brother Cooper
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded often at the Paul
Hall Center. He last sailed on the
Safmarine Nimba and resides in
Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania.
with Crowley Puerto Rico. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul
Hall Center in 2001 and concluded
his career working on the Endurance. Brother Mottley is a resident
of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
VLADIMIR NITRIANSKY
Brother Michael Earhart, 65,
began his SIU career in 1990. He
initially sailed on the Independence and worked in the deck
department. Brother Earhart upgraded on multiple occasions at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. He most recently shipped
on the Pacific Collector and resides in Merlin, Oregon.
Brother Vladimir Nitriansky, 73,
signed on with the Seafarers in
2000 when he
shipped aboard
the American
Merlin. Brother
Nitriansky was
a deck department member
and last sailed
on the Patriot.
He calls Theodore, Alabama, home.
DESTA GEBRAI
BENNY OROSCO
MICHAEL EARHART
Brother Desta Gebrai, 66, donned
the SIU colors in 1993 when he
sailed aboard the
Independence.
He worked in
both the deck
and steward
departments and
last sailed on
the Yorktown
Express. Brother
Gebrai makes his
home in Tacoma, Washington.
TIMOTHY GIRARD
Brother Timothy Girard, 65,
signed on with the union in 1991,
initially sailing
on the Constellation. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Girard
most recently
sailed aboard the Maersk Idaho.
He resides in Point Pleasant, New
Jersey.
SYED MEHDI
Brother Syed Mehdi, 65, joined
the SIU in 1996 and initially sailed
on the American
Cormorant. A
deck department
member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Mehdi last
shipped aboard
the Maersk Montana. He makes
his home in Brooklyn, New York.
KENNETH MOTTLEY
Brother Kenneth Mottley, 80,
became an SIU in 1994. A deck
department
member, he
sailed in both
the inland and
deep-sea divisions. Brother
Mottley was
first employed
Brother Benny Orosco, 62, joined
the SIU in 1989. His first vessel
was the Independence. Brother
Orosco worked in both the steward and engine departments. He
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the maritime training center
located in Piney Point, Maryland.
Brother Orosco most recently
sailed on the Horizon Enterprise.
He makes his home in Honolulu.
JAMES ROBAK
Brother James Robak, 67, started
shipping with the Seafarers in
1970. A deck
department
member, he first
sailed aboard the
Fort Hoskins.
Brother Robak’s
last vessel was
the Transcolorado. He lives in
Margate, Florida.
JANUSZ SMOLIK
Brother Janusz Smolik, 65, joined
the union in 1992, first sailing
aboard the Independence. He
sailed in all three
departments and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Smolik most recently sailed on
the Maersk Iowa.
He resides in Poland.
MAHMOOD TAHIR
Brother Mahmood Tahir, 66,
signed on with the SIU in 1991.
A member of
the deck department, he
initially sailed
aboard the
USNS Vindicator. Brother
Tahir shipped in
both the inland
and deep-sea
divisions. He upgraded in 1992
at the Paul Hall Center and concluded his career aboard the Tyco
Decisive. Brother Tahir is a resident of Stamford, Connecticut.
INLAND
ROBERT CARROLL
Brother Robert Carroll, 62, became
a union member in 1995. He first
shipped with
Penn Maritime
and worked in
both the deck
and engine
departments.
Brother Carroll
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the
Piney Point school. He last sailed
aboard the Pacific Reliance and
makes his home in St. Augustine,
Florida.
ROBERT EASTWOOD
Brother Robert Eastwood, 58,
donned the SIU
colors in 1989,
initially working with Steuart
Transportation.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Eastwood was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides
in Palatka, Florida.
EMMANUEL ELIADIS
Brother Emmanuel Eliadis, 65,
started shipping with the SIU in
1978 when he
worked for G&H
Towing. A deck
department member, he upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Eliadias
last worked for
Interstate Oil. He is a resident of
Essex, Maryland.
JOHN GATES
Brother John Gates, 57, began his
career with the Seafarers in 1991.
Initially sailing
in the deep-sea
division, his first
vessel was the
Cape Charles.
Brother Gates
was a deck department member and upgraded
on multiple
occasions at
the Piney Point school. He was
primarily employed with Crowley
Towing and Transportation and
lives in League City, Texas.
ALFREDO GONZALEZ
Brother Alfredo Gonzalez, 62,
joined the union
in 1981 when
he shipped with
Crowley Puerto
Rico. He sailed
in both the engine and deck
departments.
Brother Gon-
zalez upgraded often at the Paul
Hall Center and remained with the
same company for the duration of
his career. He makes his home in
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
PAUL HART
Brother Paul Hart, 60, signed
on with the SIU in 1996, after
he worked as a member of the
Seafarers-affiliated United Industrial Workers. He was employed
by Crowley for the duration of his
SIU career. Brother Hart Resides
in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania.
JEFFERY JOHNS
Brother Jeffery Johns, 59, donned
the SIU colors in 1992. He was
first employed
with Penn Maritime and sailed in
the deck department. Brother
Johns upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. He
remained with the
same company for his entire career and resides in Cortland, Ohio.
STEVE PALMER
Brother Steve Palmer, 65, began
his SIU career in 1977, initially
sailing in the deep-sea division.
He was originally employed with
Mt Vernon Tankers and worked in
both the deck and engine departments. Brother Palmer upgraded
often at the Paul Hall Center. He
concluded his career working with
Mariner Towing and settled in
Keystone Heights, Florida.
NED TELLER
Brother Ned Teller, 63, joined
the Seafarers in 1974 when he
worked for
G&H Towing.
A deck department member,
he upgraded in
1980 at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Teller
last worked for
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. He calls Port
Aransas, Texas, home.
JOHN WILLETTE
Brother John Willette, 68, started
shipping with the SIU in 1994. He
first sailed on Port
Imperial Ferry’s
George Washington. Brother
Willette was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. He
was employed with the same company for his entire career and lives
in the Philippines.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
VELONDER ALFORD
Chicago Trader and retired in 1994.
He resided in Rochester, Minnesota.
Pensioner Velonder Alford, 76, died
November 6. Born in Ardmore,
Oklahoma, she
embarked on her
SIU career in 2001
and initially sailed
on the Kauai. A
steward department
member, Sister
Alford last sailed
aboard the John
Paul Bobo. She went on pension in
2008 and was a resident of Spanaway, Washington.
VINCENT FLORES
WILFREDO ANGALA
ROMALIES JONES
Brother Wilfredo Angala, 54, passed
away September 23. He became an
SIU member in 2006 and first sailed
on the Pride of Aloha. Brother Angala was a deck department member
and most recently sailed on the
Green Cove. He resided in Salinas,
California.
Pensioner Romalies Jones, 63, died
December 25. He joined the union
in 1986 and first
sailed aboard the
USNS Regulus.
Brother Jones was a
steward department
member and most
recently shipped
aboard the National
Glory. He began
collecting his pension in 2017 and
made his home in Avondale, Louisiana.
ANDREW AUSTIN
Brother Andrew Austin, 62, died
March 20. He joined the union in
1979 when he shipped on the Cove
Trader. Brother Austin was a member of the steward department. His
last ship was the USNS Regulus, and
he lived in Philadelphia.
ARNALDO AVILA
Brother Arnaldo Avila, 66, passed
away October 6. He began shipping with the Seafarers in 1993 and
initially sailed aboard the Robert E.
Lee. Brother Avila was a deck department member and last shipped
aboard the Liberty Glory. He lived
in his hometown of New Orleans.
CLIFTON BLAKE
Pensioner Clifton Blake, 91, died
November 16. He started his SIU
career in 1966, initially shipping
aboard the Van Venture. A deck
department member, Brother Blake
last sailed on the Santa Elena. He
began collecting his pension in 1985
and settled in Baltimore.
ABAD CALERO
Pensioner Abad Calero, 78, passed
away November 20.
He joined the union
in 1972 and first
worked for Delta
Lines. Brother
Calero sailed in all
three departments
and last shipped on
the Crusader. He
retired in 2002 and
called Isabela, Puerto Rico, home.
ARTHUR DEPUY
Pensioner Arthur
Depuy, 89, died
November 21. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1967,
initially sailing
aboard the Penmar.
Brother Depuy
briefly sailed in the
inland division. The engine department member last shipped on the
18 Seafarers LOG
Pensioner Vincent Flores, 67, passed
away December 17. He embarked
on his SIU career in
1982 and initially
shipped on the
Lurline. Brother
Flores sailed in all
three departments
and also worked on
shore gangs. He became a pensioner in
2003. Brother Flores was a resident
of Oakley, California.
MELVIN KERNS
Pensioner Melvin Kerns, 70, passed
away December 10. He donned the
SIU colors in 1993
and first sailed
aboard the USNS
Regulus. A member
of the engine department, Brother
Kerns last worked
on the Maersk Tennessee. He retired
in 2010 and resided in Bogalusa,
Louisiana.
DONALD MELONSON
Pensioner Donald Melonson, 72,
died December 21. He became an
SIU member in 2001 and first sailed
on the Chemical Pioneer. A member
of the deck department, Brother
Melonson also concluded his sailing career aboard the same ship. He
retired in 2013 and made his home
in Houston.
member of the SIU in 1951. Brother
Mullis was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard
the Ambassador. He went on pension in 1993 and resided in Mobile,
Alabama.
BOBBY SPENCER
Pensioner Bobby Spencer, 81,
passed away November 27. He
began sailing with the SIU in 1961.
Brother Spencer’s first vessel was
the Madaket; his last, the Independence. The engine department
member retired in 1998. He called
Westminster, South Carolina, home.
ALFRED TAMPOL
Pensioner Alfred Tampol, 90, died
November 22. He joined the union
in 1945 and first sailed aboard the
Steel Director. Brother Tampol was
an engine department member and
also worked on shore gangs, most
recently in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
He retired in 1994 and lived in New
Milford, New Jersey.
EDWARD TOMAS
Pensioner Edward Tomas, 93,
passed away November 14. He
signed on with the
SIU in 1991 when
he shipped on the
Independence.
Brother Tomas
worked in both the
deck and steward
departments, sailing
last on the Horizon
Enterprise. He
began collecting his pension in 1999
and settled in Waipahu, Hawaii.
DANNIE TRUSS
Pensioner Dannie Truss, 68, died
November 24. He embarked on his
SIU career in 1978
when he shipped
on the Economy.
A deck department
member, Brother
Truss’s final vessel
was the William R.
Button. He became
a pensioner in 2018 and lived in
Thailand.
W. Darnell. Brother Smith retired
in 2015 and called Plymouth, North
Carolina, home.
RONALD WILLIAMS
Pensioner Ronald Williams, 60,
passed away November 19. He became an SIU member in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Allegiance.
Brother Williams sailed in the
engine department, most recently
on the El Yunque. He retired in 2014
and called Jacksonville, Florida,
home.
GREAT LAKES
GREGORY VLIEK
Pensioner Gregory Vliek, 68, died
November 29. He started his career with the SIU in 1970 when he
shipped on the G. Steinbrenner.
Brother Vliek also sailed in the
deep-sea division and worked in
both the deck and engine departments. His final vessel was the
Detroit Princess before retiring in
2015. Brother Vliek made his home
in Ashtabula, Ohio.
INLAND
WILLIAM RICHARDSON
Brother William Richardson, 49,
passed away December 5. Born in
Pittsburgh, he signed on with the
SIU in 2007, working for Harley
Marine New York. Brother Richardson worked in both the deck
and engine departments and was
employed with the same company
for the duration of his career. He
was a resident of Centerville, Pennsylvania.
MELBOURNE SMITH
Pensioner Melbourne Smith, 67,
died November 23. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 1989
when he worked for Express Marine. Brother Smith sailed in both
the steward and deck departments.
He last worked in the deep-sea division, sailing briefly aboard the Gus
NMU
PAUL BORG
Pensioner Paul Borg, 78, passed
away November
14. He was an
NMU member
before the 2001
SIU/NMU merger.
Brother Borg was
a deck department
member and last
sailed aboard the
Admiral William Callaghan. He
began collecting his pension in
2006 and was a resident of Bend,
Oregon.
JOSEPH GALLANT
Pensioner Joseph Gallant, 87, died
November 24. Brother Gallant was
born in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts,
and became a pensioner in 1972. He
continued to reside in his home state
in the city of New Bedford.
FRANCISCO ROSALES
Pensioner Francisco Rosales, 80,
passed away December 1. He was
born in Texas and began collecting
his pension in 1998. Brother Rosales
resided in Goleta, California.
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
Bonilla, Luis
Furman, Jannet
Graham, Eddie
Harrison, Clyde
Holmes, L
Johnson, Alonzo
Mercado, E
Moore, Francis
Ramirez, Roberto
Rivers, Hafford
Schwold, Elmer
Age
DOD
94
75
85
90
94
91
94
97
82
77
89
11/27/2018
12/08/2018
11/17/2018
12/03/2018
12/15/2018
11/25/2018
12/23/2018
11/30/2018
11/25/2018
10/01/2018
12/04/2018
Aboard Jean Anne
HAROLD MONPLAISIR
Pensioner Harold Monplaisir, 95,
passed away November 14. He
signed on with the
union in 1959 and
first sailed on the
Santa Mariana.
Brother Monplaisir
was a steward department member
and last sailed
aboard the Adventurer in 1985.
He retired the following year and
settled in Katy, Texas.
JOHN MULLIS
Pensioner John
Mullis, 88, died
December 14.
Initially working for Waterman
Steamship Corporation, he became a
Steward department members aboard the Pasha ship went all out for the Christmas and New Year’s
meals. Be sure to visit the SIU Facebook page for additional photos and menu details. Meanwhile,
thanks to Chief Cook Sheilla Punzalan for the photos – and for the record, that’s sparkling apple cider
in the bottles in this New Year’s photo.
February 2019
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAGNOLIA STATE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning),
October 12 – Chairman Adel
Ahmed, Secretary Maili Wang,
Educational Director Eddie
Pittman, Deck Delegate Ryan
Boltz, Steward Delegate Tracey
Newsome. Chairman discussed
upcoming federal elections and
reminded crew to be sure documents are up to date. Members
requested fresh produce be supplied bi-weekly. Crew waiting
on Wi-Fi connection for computer in crew lounge and DVR
availability in all staterooms.
Members requested change
in vacation benefits and relief
schedules. Crew would like more
visits from union representative.
ENDURANCE (TOTE), October
14 – Chairman Yamira Colon,
Secretary Robert Davis, Deck
Delegate Derek Melvin, Engine
Delegate Robert Thomas, Steward Delegate Sheilla Punzalan.
Beefs reported for unpaid compensation for trash handling and
unpaid OT for washing linen.
Chairman asked for suggestions
regarding use of ship fund. He
reminded crew to properly measure soap for washer and to clean
up spills immediately. Members
were informed of possible delays
for relief. Cleanest room recognition won by Derek Melvin.
Crew read three incident reports.
New material posted in crew
lounge. Educational director
recommended members upgrade
at Paul Hall Center as soon as
possible. He reminded everyone
to check dates on all documents.
Crew went over latest issue of
the LOG and read itinerary for
the next trip. Use of ear plugs
and other hearing protection
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.
advised for loud work environment. Members were encouraged
to donate to SPAD. Steward and
deck departments were commended for good work.
LIBERTY PROMISE (Liberty
Maritime), October 15 – Chairman Stig Sasse, Secretary Lissette Ramirez, Deck Delegate
Lloyd La Beach, Engine Delegate Brandon Webb, Steward
Delegate John Noel. Secretary
encouraged members to upgrade
at the Paul Hall Center and
keep documents current. Crew
requested two-course meals be
served. Steward department presented members with company
menu and went over food portioning.
HORIZON RELIANCE (Sunrise Operations), October 20
– Chairman Kissinfor Taylor,
Secretary Mark Cabasag,
Educational Director Mark
Campbell, Deck Delegate
Jesse Sunga, Engine Delegate
Cameron Newberry, Steward
Delegate Teresito Reyes. Chairman discussed length of trip and
right to sail. Secretary directed
members to change linen every
Wednesday. He advised crew to
be mindful of document expiration dates, pay dues on time and
contribute to SPAD. Educational
director reminded crew to upgrade at Piney Point. Members
requested Wi-Fi.
NORTH STAR (TOTE), October 21 – Chairman Tar Ahmed,
Secretary Mohamed Shibly.
Chairman read president’s report
from LOG. He reminded crew to
be safe and stay warm in Alaska.
Steward department asked mem-
bers to use rugs to wipe their feet
and clean up spills to prevent
accidents. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade
often at Piney Point. He advised
everyone to keep paperwork up
to date and directed members to
the SIU portal to keep track of
paperwork expiration dates. Educational director reminded crew
to empty pockets before washing
clothing. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for good food.
NATIONAL GLORY (Crowley),
October 28 – Chairman Joseph
White, Educational Director Oswald Bermeo, Steward Delegate
Jesus Pacheco. Microwave still
needed in crew lounge. Chairman thanked crew for keeping
common areas clean and being
quiet while other members sleep.
He went over his discussion
with port engineer regarding
inadequate a/c and drain clog
issues in galley. Vote of thanks
for the steward department for a
job well done. Chairman advised
members to add up OT hours
before payoff. Members were
asked to refrain from deleting
movies on computer hard drive.
Educational director recommended members upgrade their
skills at Piney Point. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Next Port:
San Juan, Puerto Rico.
OVERSEAS LONG BEACH
(Overseas Ship Management),
October 28 – Chairman David
Martinez, Educational Director Edgardo Barrios, Deck
Delegate Basil McMillan, Engine Delegate Stanley Bailey,
Steward Delegate Latosha Love.
Chairman sent request to captain
for Wi-Fi booster. Members went
over president’s report from
October LOG. Chairman urged
crew to vote for candidates that
support the Jones Act. Members were encouraged to donate
to SPAD and to join Seafarers
401k program. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked
steward department to serve all
members the same as officers. As
of November 9, their request was
addressed and resolved.
GREEN COVE (Central Gulf
Lines), October 28 – Chairman
Peter Hokenson, Secretary Robert Bostick. New linen, blankets
and pillows on ship. Chairman
emphasized importance of safety.
Crew was reminded to keep
drapes closed and to place garbage in dumpsters. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
discussed importance of the
Jones Act. They requested new
pay raises and one-hour sanitation pay for rooms. Crew praised
the steward department for a job
well done.
SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk
Tankers), October 28 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary
Rafael Cardenas, Educational
Director Brian Jackson, Deck
Delegate Cristopher Sanchez, Engine Delegate Greg
Alvarez, Steward Delegate
Ma Marilynda Nance. New
Wi-Fi router and board games
available on ship. Chairman
reminded everyone to be considerate of sleeping members
and to stay hydrated. He encouraged crew to vote and to
participate in the 401k program
as well as donate to SPAD. He
also discussed new design of
TWIC cards. Secretary reiterated importance of cleaning
lint trap in dryers. He asked
members to keep hands off
bulkheads in ladder wall to
avoid greasy smudges. Crew
went over reimbursement procedures. Bridge watch responsible to ensure sanitary duties
occur daily. No beefs or dispute
OT reported. Members were instructed to use additional bags
for cardboard trash in garbage
room. Crew was advised to
return tools to original location
upon each use. New mattresses
needed on ship. Members
would like the following to
be implemented: missing man
wages, trash handling wages,
weekly room sanitary wages to
replace day off wages and an
increase in monthly vacation
days. Crew enjoyed pizza and
wings on behalf of company
representative, allowing steward department an evening off.
Next Port: Lake Charles, Louisiana.
AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning), November 6 – Chairman
Felsher Beasley, Secretary
Danny Brown, Educational
Director Nicholas Panagakos,
Deck Delegate Selcuk Ozdencanli, Engine Delegate Marcus Brown, Steward Delegate
George Burgos. Everything
going well on ship. Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at Piney
Point. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman mentioned
increase in new jobs due to
newly built ships. Safe transit
to gate in Tampa. Next Port:
Beaumont, Texas.
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 2019
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
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 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. 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
June 29
July 5
Storekeeper Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
April 13
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
RFPNW March 30 April 26
May 25 June 21
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
Gap Closing Courses
Leadership & Managerial Skills
Title of Start Date of
Course Date
Completion
MSC Supply Configuration Management
February 23
March 22
May 4 May 31
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
March 2
March 29
April 27 May 24
AB to Mate Modules
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
May 31
BAPO March 30 April 26
May 25 June 21
Engineroom Resource Management
May 3
May 18
June 22
June 28
FOWT March 2 March 29
Junior Engineer March 16 May 10
Marine Electrician May 18 July 12
Marine Refer Tech March 9 April 19
MEECE June 1 June 14
Welding February 16 March 8
Steward Department Courses
Advanced Shiphandling May 11 May 24
Advanced Galley Ops
March 30
April 26
Certified Chief Cook
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start February 18.
Advanced Stability April 27 May 3
Chief Steward April 27 June 14
ARPA March 9 March 15
April 27 May 3
Galley Operations March 30 April 26
Advanced Meteorology May 4 May 10
Crane Familiarization April 6 April 12
ECDIS April 13 April 19
Fast Rescue Boat June 1 June 7
GMDSS July 20 August 2
Lifeboat March 9 March 22
April 6 April 19
May 4 May 17
June 1 June 14
June 29 July 12
July 27 August 9
Radar Observer February 23 March 8
April 13 April 26
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW March 30 April 26
May 25 June 21
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
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
March 9
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 February 23
Safety Upgrading Courses
March 15
March 8
Basic Training/Basic FF
February 23
March 1
April 6 April 12
Basic Training Revalidation
February 22
February 22
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
March 30
April 5
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
March 2
March 8
April 13 April 19
Government Vessels February 16 February 22
Medical Care Provider
February 23
March 1
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
February 16
February 22
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
March 30
April 5
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, 45353 St. George Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674; or
fax to (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.
2/19
February 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #843 –
Graduated November 11 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Freeman Adamson, Brianna
Ashley, Jacob Booth, Taylor Hall, Yu-Jin Arthur
Hendricks-Matsuda, Kalae-Mitchal K. Huihui, Benita Arta Margaronis, Robert Mason III,
Johnny Matthews III, Michael Pena, Cyrus Silen,
Christopher Solomon, Daryl Thomas Jr., Jonathan Torres, Paul Valiente, Marcelo Corbillon Villareal, Kamaul Wells and J’corei Williams.
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.
Water Survival Upgraders – Graduated
November 20 (above, from left): Christopher
Perry and Zoe Felton.
Welding – Graduated September 7 (above, in alphabetical
order): Christian Bryant, Darrin Cobb, Ricardo Fuentes, Martin
McDonald and Kyle Williamson. Their instructor, Chris Raley,
is at the far right.
Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated September 14: Joseph Mesyna
(above, center) and Paul Andrea (right). Thomas Truitt, their instructor, is at the far left.
Pumpman – Graduated September 28
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Latiffe Brooks, Jonathan Collier, David Garrett, Antonio Griffin, Timothy Hetz, Ronilo
Rublica Monares and Gajatri Normatova.
Class instructor Keith Adamsom is at the
far right.
UA to FOWT – Graduated September 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Maurice Backey, George Beaufils, Shawn James Diaz Benosa, Adam Brundage, Ashley Burke, Julian Mariano
Drago, Samuel Fagerness, Tony Hamaguchi, Jeffrey Hamer, Christopher Hinton, Paul Hudgins, Jared Johnson, James London, Ethan Love, Tyriq Mills, Dave Paler, Dontrell Riddick,
DeRoyce Roquemore, Lorenza Session, Isaiah Thomas, Stephen Venditti, Derrick Walker II and Renita Walker. Class instructor John Wiegman III is at the far right.
February 2019
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): James Baldwin, Chantell Dawson, Earl Dimmick, Roy Cuenza Enriquez, Marc
Goodman, Chris Linsley, David Miller, Peter Morrison Jr., Earl Stickell II and Eddie Thomas Sr. John Thomas, their instructor, is at the far right.
Medical Care Provider – Graduated September 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Jeremy Boyd, Chantell Dawson, Earl Dimmick, Roy Cuenza Enriquez and David Miller. John
Thomas, the class instructor, is at the far left.
MSC Supply Configuration Management – Graduated September 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Beasley, Phillip Best, Rocky Dupraw, Joseph Hernandez, Christina
Price and Shaun Wood. Instructors Zak Schaver and Matthew Rogers are at the far left
and far right, respectively.
Small Arms – Graduated September 28
(photo at left, in alphabetical order): Lindsey Austin, Joseph Bowen and Russell
Horton. Instructors John Thomas and Matthew Rogers are at the far left and far right,
respectively.
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting Upgraders) – Graduated September 28
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Chris
Ceyzyk, Justin Chaney, Robert Cunningham, Ronaldo Adriano Fermin, James
Kelly Jr., Susana McIntosh, Karl Meyer,
Christopher Poff, Fitzgeraldo Casayurab,
Ma Corazon Bolalin Rebancos, Dustin
Schaaf and Carlos Edgardo Suazo. Joseph
Zienda, their instructor, is at the far right.
22 Seafarers LOG
February 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
SUA (Galley Ops) – Graduated September 7 (photo at left, in alphabetical order):
Carlos Arjune, Adam Bechtold, Billy Burgos-Burgos, Esperanza Crespo-Guillen,
Caprice Howard, Derick Yanier MoralesBerly, Kenisha Neal, Nathalie Reyes-Ortiz, Derrick Turner, Carlton Williams and
Unique M’stati Wood.
Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Jasmine Garrett,
Mary Maddox, Tania Ramirez-Diego, Derrick Williams and Craig Wooten.
Galley Ops – Graduated September 7 (above, from left): Angel Manuel Berrios
Jr. and Kevin Collins. Also graduating, but not pictured, was James Kingsley.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated September 7 (above, from left): Johathan Perez Borroto Sanchez and Bob Tuilaepa.
Galley Ops – Graduated September 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Tomas Gabriel BernardezMartinez, Carlos Colon De Jesus, Alexander Emrick and Travis Rogers.
Chief Steward – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): James Kelly Jr., Richard Paulson, Edward Porter, Exxl Ronquillo and Rose Ward.
February 2019
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated September 28 (above, from left): Lamont
Faulks, Eileen Mendiola and Gregory Keene.
Seafarers LOG 23
�FEBRUARY 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 2
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
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 members generously donated to the annual toy drive.
‘People Look Forward to it Every Year’
SIU Enthusiastically Backs Military Families;
Annual Santa’s Castle Project Successful Again
Holiday traditions may vary from home to home, but for 12
straight years, Seafarers in the Pacific Northwest have shared an
especially meaningful one.
Specifically, the SIU has participated in Santa’s Castle, a holiday toy drive benefiting U.S. military families (mostly E-4 and
below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington,
as well as other bases. The union also hosts a related luncheon at
the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington, featuring guests from the
Army and from the organization that runs Santa’s Castle.
During the recent winter holiday season, SIU members –
joined by generous executives from Seafarers-contracted companies – donated approximately $10,000 worth of gifts. The
goodies included bicycles, smart watches, gaming headsets,
sporting goods, American Girl dolls and much more. Teaming
up with the members and making their own respective donations were Lee Egland of Crowley, Melissa Serridge on behalf of
TOTE, and Dan Morrison of Harley Marine.
SIU Port Agent Joe Vincenzo has led the union’s work with
Santa’s Castle, which is the name of both the operation and the
non-profit organization. An all-volunteer program founded in
1994, Santa’s Castle benefits the children of Army, Air Force,
Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve
families (normally lower enlisted pay grades).
During remarks at the luncheon on Dec. 13, Vincenzo – an
Army veteran – emphasized the important, respectful connections between the U.S. Merchant Marine and the armed forces.
“A lot of our work is on military support ships, and many SIU
members are veterans, so we welcome this yearly chance to give
back to our war fighters, peace keepers and our partners with
respect to national, economic and homeland security,” Vincenzo
said. “The relationship between the U.S. Military and the U.S.
Merchant Marine dates back to the founding days of our country,
and it’s a longstanding tradition of which we can all be proud.”
Heartfelt comments from SIU members who donated to the
2018 toy drive left no doubt about their genuine enthusiasm for
the yearly endeavor.
“I think it’s really great,” said Recertified Steward Dennis
Skretta, a Navy veteran who helped serve food at the luncheon
and who has donated to the program every year. “It’s a very good
thing and everybody seems to appreciate it. Seeing the military
Among those pictured are Seafarers Richard Goings, Michael Bell, Obaid Ali, William Cassel, William Britton, Dahiya
Mahmoud, Basheer Ghazali, Mohamed Alghazali, Sanjay Gupta, Wilma Joy Smith and Efren Isberto.
personnel at the Christmas party is always something to look forward to, and the donations are going to kids that need them.”
Chief Cook Ingra Maddox said the most recent Santa’s Castle outreach “went well. Our family is military and I thought it
would be something nice to do, kind of say thanks. Our soldiers
Continued on Page 8
Seafarers have donated to Santa’s Castle for 12 straight
years. Pictured above are some of the gifts that were given
in 2018.
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
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Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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February 2019
Description
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Headlines:
SIU WELCOMES NEW JOBS ABOARD TAINO
TACOMA SEAFARERS ANSWER CALL AGAIN
SIU LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE, LOG DATABASE
CREW OF CROWLEY-OPERATED WRIGHT HONORED
OSG ANNOUNCES 10-YEAR CHARTER OF JONES ACT TANKER
MV GREEN LAKE RESCUES 7 IN DEADLY CAR CARRIER FIRE
NY WATERWAY CREW HELPS SAVE A LIFE
HOUSE BILL AIMS TO HONOR WWII MARINERS
NMC ISSUES MITIGATION UPDATE ON GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
SEAFARERS CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS AT HALLS
USNS VICTORIOUS MARINERS HELP ORPHANS IN PHILIPPINES
COMBATING THE COMMON COLD
WITH SEAFARERS ON THE GREAT LAKES
TAX TIPS FOR MEMBERS
SIU ENTHUSIASTICALLY BACKS MILITARY FAMILIES; ANNUAL SANTA'S CASTLE PROJECT SUCCESSFUL AGAIN
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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2/1/2019
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Newsprint
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Text
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Vol. 81, No. 2
2019
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2c68519c294cf8121ba9eaf5773cf550.pdf
b1e9b4d67de1bd6bb7c039d0ce758ac0
PDF Text
Text
JANUARY 2019
VOLUME 81, 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
Matson’s Inouye Enters Service
SIU members are sailing aboard the new Matson containership Daniel K. Inouye, pictured at left and immediately below
Nov. 28 on its maiden voyage to Honolulu. The 850-foot-long vessel, built by union workers at Philly Shipyard, is named
in memory of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, a lifelong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine (and honorary SIU book
holder). The Inouye, which has a top speed greater than 23 knots, is the first of four new ships being constructed for
Matson that will be introduced during the next two years. Photos by Tim Rue for Matson.
Thanksgiving
Tradition
Thriving
The SIU in late November conducted its traditional Thanksgiving luncheon in Oakland,
California, and the 28th annual
event proved typically successful.
Pictured at right are Seafarers
and members of the 4th Marine
Division, 23rd Regiment Color
Guard. Pictured below (from left)
are SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
and SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona.
Other guests included additional
U.S. Congressional representatives, SIU pensioners and their
families, members and officials
from other unions, shipping company executives and more. Page
7.
MSC Praises Mariners
Page 2
USNS Puerto Rico Christened
Page 4
Scholarship Info
Page 10
�President’s Report
Many Accomplishments in 2018
In taking one last look back at 2018 before we dive into the New
Year, our union has much to be proud of. We welcomed new ships
into the SIU-contracted fleet. We secured new and improved benefits,
along with industry-leading contracts. We opened a new hiring hall in
Puerto Rico, and we also helped our affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland, remain on the cutting edge of maritime training.
We also did our part in the constant battle to maintain the laws and
programs that keep the U.S. Merchant Marine
afloat. These of course include the U.S. Maritime
Security program, cargo preference laws, and
the Jones Act. In 2018, I probably devoted more
space to the Jones Act in my monthly LOG columns than any other topic, and that may be the
case again this year as we continue standing up
for an indispensable law.
Last year included a noteworthy political win
in Missouri, where rank-and-file Seafarers helped
Michael Sacco
defeat a so-called “right to work” provision that
harmed working families. And of course, on Election Day, the SIU backed a large number of winning candidates at every level of government – as always, from both
political parties – who will support our industry and our issues.
I prefer to spend time planning ahead for a bright future rather
than reflecting on the past, but I also think it’s important not to take
our success for granted. Year after year, we’re able to report on new
jobs, good contracts, and an affiliated school that’s second to none.
We’ve regularly upgraded the hiring halls, too. None of it happens
by accident. Everyone shares in the credit: rank-and-file members,
union and school staff, and members of my administration. We may
not go undefeated, but we’ve got each other’s backs and we’re a
winning team.
As we start a new calendar, I thank the membership for your support, and I guarantee you we won’t take any shortcuts in 2019 when it
comes to protecting your jobs (or any shortcuts at all, period). That’s
at the heart of everything we do as an organization. And it just so happens that SIU jobs support U.S. national, economic and homeland
security. If we needed any more motivation to go to bat every day for
the U.S. Merchant Marine, there it is.
Looking Ahead
For the labor movement, last year’s Supreme Court ruling in the
Janus case can be crippling if we let it, but the early responses from
union reps and members alike are encouraging. If you never read
about the case in detail, the short version is that public-sector employees in departments that already enjoy union representation must now
opt into the bargaining unit, rather than opt out.
But this is an opportunity for labor to return to our roots, to re-educate members and non-members alike about why unions are so vital,
and about why everyone comes out ahead when workers truly have a
voice. This will involve lots of work moving forward, but I know the
movement is up to the task.
Last but not least – yes, I’m going to mention the Jones Act again.
We’re up against a long-term, well-financed campaign that’s just the
latest attack on domestic shipping and U.S. mariners. We’ll ask for
your help in contacting your senators and representatives from time to
time, and we’ll never make those requests lightly.
Where maritime labor has the advantage in this struggle is through
grassroots efforts and our ability to put boots on the ground, so to
speak. We’re going to be working with the port councils of the Maritime Trades Department on this front, too, and I’m confident about the
results.
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 81 Number 1
January 2019
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
MSC Commander: ‘Mariners Will Be There!’
Admiral Mewbourne Praises U.S. Merchant Marine’s Reliability, Bravery
The commanding officer of
the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) recently voiced a
strong vote of confidence in the
dependability of U.S. Merchant
Mariners.
Rear Adm. Dew Mewbourne,
posting Nov. 1 on his “Commander’s Blog,” said, “In some
war planning room right now,
there is a potential adversary
weighing their odds of victory in
a fight against the United States.
The one factor they will grossly
underestimate is the courage of
the U.S. Mariner.”
The entire post follows and is
reprinted with permission:
“As dawn broke over Machias Bay, Maine, on June 12,
1775, 32 men, armed with guns,
swords, axes and pitchforks
and led by a revolutionary firebrand named Jeremiah O’Brien,
brought their commandeered
sloop, Unity, quietly around the
lee side of Round Island.
“Their target, the British
armed schooner Margaretta, immediately attempted to fire on
the unarmed Unity, but Unity was
too close. O’Brien commanded
his crew to ram the British ship,
boarding and engaging in handto-hand combat. By the end of
an hour, the British captain was
mortally wounded, and the British ship had surrendered.
“O’Brien and the Unity crew
claimed four six-pound guns, 20
swivel guns, muskets, pistols,
and hand-grenades. Unity had
become a warship for the soonto-be proclaimed United States
of America in this, considered to
be the first, sea engagement of
the Revolutionary War.
“It was the beginning of
American Merchant Mariner’s
service to our nation, but not the
last time they would go in harm’s
way for the ideals of freedom and
democracy.
“It’s been the same ever since,
from the Battle of the Atlantic in
WWII, to the war in Korea where
our Mariners moved the 24th Infantry Division from garrison
duty in Japan to Pusan, Korea
only 11 days after the invasion
of the 38th parallel, to Vietnam
where the Mariners of Military Sea Transportation Service
moved supplies to Vietnamese
ports and on the river to Saigon.
“From Desert Storm to Bosnia, from Afghanistan to Operation Iraqi Freedom, America’s
Merchant Mariners continue to
serve on the leading edge of our
defense transportation system,
carrying the combat equipment
and supplies needed by our joint
warfighters.
“To carry that logistics power
to the fight, we have always relied on our Merchant Marine.
And they have always answered
the call. Despite the dangers and
long separations from home, our
Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne
Commander, MSC
U.S. Merchant Marine has sailed
in harm’s way time and time
again to make sure that American warfighters and our allies
have had the supplies they need
to overwhelm our adversaries.
“In some war planning room
right now, there is a potential
adversary weighing their odds
of victory in a fight against the
United States. The one factor
they will grossly underestimate
is the courage of the U.S. Mariner.
“I can assure you that U.S.
Mariners will be there, reliably
and bravely manning our ships -even if the seas become a battlefield.”
CSA Honors SIU-Contracted Companies
A number of Seafarerscontracted companies earned
accolades at a recent Chamber
of Shipping of America (CSA)
event.
The CSA on Nov. 7 hosted its
annual environmental achievement awards dinner in Washington, D.C. Among the vessel
and tug operators recognized
were SIU-contracted Alaska
Tanker Company, Crescent
Towing, Crowley Maritime and
several of its subsidiaries, E.N.
Bisso & Son, Keystone Shipping, Matson Navigation, OSG
Ship Management, Patriot Contract Services, American Ship
Management, Seabulk Tankers,
Seabulk Towing, TOTE, and
USS Vessel Management.
U.S. Coast Guard Rear
Adm. John Nadeau, assistant
commandant for prevention
policy, participated in the
ceremony and congratulated
the award recipients and the
industry as a whole for their
extraordinary performance. D.
Lee Forsgren, deputy assistant
administrator, Office of Water,
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, also addressed the attendees and expressed his congratulations to the participants
on their exceptional environmental efforts.
Kathy J. Metcalf, president
of CSA said, “These awards
celebrate the dedication to environmental excellence of our
seafarers and the company personnel shore-side who operate our vessels to the highest
standards. In today’s world, it
seems our industry only gets
front-page news when spills or
other environmental problems
occur. It is encouraging to see
how many vessels go for years
achieving environmental excellence. It should be clear to
the American public that we in
the maritime industry take our
stewardship of the marine environment very seriously. Safe
and environmentally responsible operations is a culture
fully embraced by the maritime
industry as a whole and as evi-
denced by the performances of
the award recipients recognized
tonight.”
According to the host organization, 1,730 ships and boats
owned by 109 companies with
a total of 15,205 years of environmental excellence were recognized. The average number
of years operating without incident for ships and vessels that
received awards is 8.1 years.
Some 267 of the vessels have
logged 16 or more years of environmental excellence.
The awards are open to all
owners and operators of vessels
that operate on oceans or inland
waterways.
“The CSA Board encourages
all operators and owners to take
advantage of this opportunity to
recognize their crew and shoreside operating personnel and
encourages all operators and
owners to consider participating in next year’s program,” the
organization noted. “Participation guidance is found on CSA’s
website www.knowships.org.”
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; 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 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
(All photos by Barry Champagne)
CSA President Kathy J. Metcalf
2 Seafarers LOG
Rear Adm. John Nadeau
U.S. Coast Guard
D. Lee Forsgren,
Deputy Asst. Administrator,
Office of Water, EPA
January 2019
�House Hearing Underscores Vital Need
To Maintain Strong Merchant Marine
Testimony Cites Indispensable Role in National Defense
Recent comments from expert witnesses and congressmen alike left no doubt
that America is a maritime nation – one
best-served by maintaining a robust U.S.
Merchant Marine, along with shipbuilding
capability.
The remarks were made Nov. 29 during
a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation (part of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee).
Titled “Review of Recent GAO Reports on
Icebreaker Acquisition and the Need for a
National Maritime Strategy,” the hearing
mostly focused on the former issue but also
devoted significant time to mariners and
the laws that help keep the industry afloat.
Testifying at the hearing were Rear
Adm. Michael J. Haycock, assistant commandant for Acquisition & Chief Acquisition Officer, United States Coast Guard;
Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, USN, Ret., administrator, Maritime Administration
(MARAD); Marie A. Mak, director of
Acquisition and Sourcing Management,
Government Accountability Office (GAO);
Andrew Von Ah, director of Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and Ronald
O’Rourke, specialist in Naval Affairs, Congressional Research Service.
Subcommittee Chairman U.S. Rep.
Brian Mast (R-Florida) noted that legislation has extended the deadline for submitting the national maritime strategy to
February 2020. “This strategy is critical to
addressing the challenges facing the U.S.
flag fleet, including a potential shortage
U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, pictured at the SIUNA convention in 2017, testified Nov. 29 at a House hearing.
of U.S. mariners and the decreasing number of U.S. flag vessels,” Mast said. “As
a maritime nation, the U.S. needs to address these challenges now. I can assure
you I understand firsthand the importance
of having sufficient maritime assets to get
U.S. forces and their supplies where they
need to be.”
Buzby, who formerly served as commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift
Command, spoke with his usual candor and
insight. He pointed out the GAO in August
2018 completed a report on maritime security, which examined the role U.S.-flag
commercial vessels play in supporting Department of Defense (DOD) sealift needs.
SHBP Trustees Approve New Benefits
$360, leaving him a balance of $40, assuming his deductible has been satisfied.
Seafarers, Dependents, Pensioners Should Realize Savings
Physical Therapy and Other Rehabilitative Therapies
At the Core-Plus and Core benefit
levels, dependents are now eligible for
benefits for physical therapy and other
rehabilitative therapies. The Plan will
now also cover cognitive, speech, pulmonary or occupational therapy for
Seafarers, even when they do not suffer
from a catastrophic illness or injury. The
Plan will cover up to 20 visits per year
for any combination of physical therapy,
cognitive, speech, pulmonary, or occupational therapy for Seafarers and their
dependents. (The Plan also covers up to
40 visits per person per year following a
catastrophic illness or injury.)
The Trustees of the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan (SHBP) recently approved a number of benefit improvements, which take effect Jan. 1, 2019.
The following is a summary of these
new benefits:
Out-of-Pocket Maximum Added
Core-Plus employees, non-Medicare
pensioners and their dependents: $2,700
for a single person, $5,500 for a family
of two or more.
Core employees and their dependents:
$3,000 for a single person, $6,000 for a
family of two or more.
At the Core-Plus level, once a single
person pays $2,700, or a family pays
$5,500 for deductibles, co-payments,
and co-insurance in a calendar year, the
Plan will pay 100 percent of remaining
network-allowed charges for that year.
At the Core level, once a single person pays $3,000, or a family pays $6,000
for deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance in a calendar year, the Plan will
pay 100 percent of remaining networkallowed charges for that year.
Previously, there was no out-ofpocket maximum.
The out-of-pocket maximum applies to in-network treatment only.
Prescription costs, dental care, vision
benefits, and services not covered by the
Plan do not count towards this out-ofpocket maximum.
For example: Sam is a Seafarer who
is married and has three children. He
is eligible for Core-Plus benefits. In
March, his wife, Maria, is hospitalized
for a serious illness, and they pay $5,000
January 2019
out-of-pocket for the deductible, coinsurance, and co-payments for her care
from in-network providers. The next
month, one of their children breaks her
arm, and the family pays $500 for the
child’s co-insurance for her in-network
treatment. The Plan will now pay 100
percent of the network-allowed amounts
for all members of the family for the rest
of the calendar year, as they have met the
$5,500 out-of-pocket maximum.
Another example: Manuel is a nonMedicare pensioner, and is eligible for
health benefits. He is not married. In
February, he is hospitalized at an in-network hospital for a heart condition, and
pays a total of $2,700 for his deductible,
co-payments, and coinsurance. The
Plan will now pay 100 percent of the
network-allowed amount for Manuel’s
medical bills for in-network treatment
for the rest of the year, as he has met the
$2,700 out-of-pocket maximum.
Increase in Payment Percentage for InNetwork Treatment
The Plan will pay 90 percent of the
network-allowed charge for treatment
by an in-network provider, or at an innetwork facility. This applies to Seafarers
and their dependents at the Core-Plus and
Core benefits levels, and-Non-Medicare
pensioners and their dependents. This is
an increase from the current 80 percent.
For example: George goes to a doctor
who is in-network. The billed amount is
$500. As this service was provided by an
in-network provider, the bill will be reduced by $100, leaving the network-allowed amount of $400. The Plan will pay
Durable Medical Equipment for Dependents
At the Core-Plus and Core benefit
levels, the Plan will now pay for durable medical equipment for dependents,
even when they are not suffering from
a catastrophic illness or injury. Durable
medical equipment (DME) includes
items such as wheelchairs, CPAP machines, prostheses, nebulizers, and
wearable cardio defibrillators. The Plan
will pay 90 percent of the network-allowed charge to rent or buy DME from
an in-network provider, or 65 percent
of the reasonable and customary charge
if the item is obtained from an out-ofnetwork provider.
Payment for Treatment of Illness or Injury if Participant Suf fers from Substance Abuse
In the past, the Plan did not cover
the cost of treatment for an illness if it
resulted from alcohol or drug use (such
The GAO also urged formalization of a
national maritime strategy.
“MARAD is conscious of the time it has
taken to develop the strategy since Congress directed that it be done in 2014,” he
said. “In this time, MARAD has conducted
extensive engagement with public and
private stakeholders representing the full
spectrum of maritime industry professions,
sectors, and regions. As the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System
notes, there are 18 federal agencies and
numerous public stakeholders with a role
in maritime transportation issues. Each of
these agencies is an important stakeholder
and their input is critical to address both
the challenge involved in developing a
strategy for the U.S. Merchant Marine that
can garner widespread support and the importance of developing a long-term strategy to address future needs. As you may
be aware, the draft strategy was placed into
review under the prior administration. It
was subsequently withdrawn by the current
administration so that they could have an
opportunity to review, revise, and align the
strategy accordingly. We appreciate that
Congress provided an extension on this
requirement to allow us to best align this
strategy with the administration’s national
security strategy and national defense strategy. MARAD has not stood idle during this
interim period. We are using the extension
afforded by Congress as an opportunity to
further collaborate with stakeholders to reContinued on Page 5
as cirrhosis of the liver). The Plan will
now cover the cost of treatment of these
conditions if the medical condition is
the result of a substance abuse problem.
The Plan still will not pay for treatment
of illnesses or injuries that result from a
person’s reckless disregard to their own
health and safety (such as an injury that
results from drunk driving).
Outpatient Drug/Alcohol Treatment for
Seafarers
The Plan covers inpatient detoxification treatment and covers the entire cost
of inpatient treatment at the Seafarers
Addictions Rehabilitation Center (ARC)
in Piney Point, Maryland, for eligible
Seafarers. The Plan will now also pay for
prescriptions to treat substance abuse.
The ARC offers the best treatment
option for Seafarers with substance
abuse issues, as the staff is familiar with
the unique problems that mariners may
face, and are extremely knowledgeable
about the Coast Guard regulations and
procedures that apply when a Seafarer
fails a drug or alcohol test. There is no
other facility available that is able to
provide these services.
At the Core-Plus and Core benefit
levels, the Plan will now pay for outpatient substance abuse treatment for
Seafarers; however, this benefit will be
subject to an individual’s deductible and
co-payment. Be aware that the Seafarers ARC is recognized by the U.S. Coast
Guard as the gold standard for substance
abuse treatment and has a high success
rate for returning mariners to work. Substance abuse programs outside of the
Seafarers ARC may not be familiar with
Coast Guard requirements, which could
result in the mariner paying additional
fees and having to take additional steps
before returning to work.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Navy Christens USNS Puerto Rico in Alabama
On Nov. 10, the Navy christened
the newest expeditionary fast transport
(EPF), USNS Puerto Rico, at a ceremony
at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile,
Alabama. The Military Sealift Command
(MSC) vessel will be crewed by SIU CIVMARS from the union’s Government Services Division.
The principal speaker at the ceremony
was Congresswoman Jenniffer GonzálezColón, resident commissioner of Puerto
Rico. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, associate
justice of the Supreme Court of the United
States, served as the ship’s sponsor and
broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne
across the bow.
“This ship honors the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico and the contributions
Puerto Ricans have made to our nation
and Navy and Marine Corps team,” said
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer.
“USNS Puerto Rico will provide our commanders high-speed sealift mobility and
agility and I am thankful for this ship, her
crew, and our industrial force teammates
whose service makes this great ship possible.”
EPF-class ships are designed to transport 600 short tons of military cargo 1,200
nautical miles at an average speed of 35
knots, according to the Navy. The ship
is capable of operating in shallow-draft
ports and waterways, interfacing with
roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and
on/off-loading a combat-loaded Abrams
main battle tank (M1A2).
The vessel also includes a flight deck
suitable for helicopter operations, which,
combined with the EPF’s shallow draft,
makes the it “an extremely flexible asset
for support of a wide range of operations,” the Navy reported.
Three of the Puerto Rico’s sister ships,
the USNS Trenton, USNS Yuma, and USNS
Carson City are operating in the Mediterranean Sea and off the coast of Africa; three
more, the USNS Brunswick, USNS Millinocket, and USNS Fall River are working
in the Pacific, while the USNS Choctaw
County is operating in the Arabian Gulf.
The USNS Burlington was delivered to
the Navy five days after the christening of
the Puerto Rico, and is also currently deployed. All of those vessels are crewed by
SIU Government Services mariners.
MSC Commander Rear Adm. Dee
Mewbourne remarked on the importance
SIU-Contracted NYNJR Expands Infrastructure
Seafarers-contracted New York New Jersey
Rail (NYNJR) is a sea-going railroad which
uses rail barges, known as car floats, to transport thousands of rail cars across New York
Harbor from Jersey City, New Jersey, at a location called Greenville Yard to the 65th Street
Rail Yard in Brooklyn, New York.
“Out of the 500-plus railroads in the United
States, only a small percentage float rail cars
across bodies of water,” said SIU Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos, who services NYNJR.
“And to my knowledge, only one railroad uses
the Seafarers International Union for its labor
force.”
Ramos explained that the SIU members
employed at NYNYR have titles including
trainman, conductor, and locomotive engineer.
Members sort and load rail cars onto the car
floats in all tides and all weather conditions,
year-round.
“NYNJR moves a diverse amount of commodities including beer products, scrap steel,
recycled glass, plastics, rice, vegetable oil,
flour, clay, rail and ties, and special oversized
loads that can’t fit on bridges or tunnels in the
metro New York City region,” Ramos added.
The trademarked New York New Jersey
Rail logo features an anchor crossed with a rail
track, and is displayed on their company flag
at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney
Point, Maryland.
NYNJR Director Donald B. Hutton noted,
“I view the relationship with the SIU more of
a solid partnership. The SIU has been a strong
supporter of the future course and direction of
NYNJR and has been on the same journey as
a partner.”
The members’ and company’s futures look
bright due to several factors including growing demand for rail service in the Greater
New York Metro Area, which Ramos said “is
less than two percent served and many would
argue is underserved compared to the rest of
With New York City in the background, a new state-of-the-art rail marine loading bridge is
being completed at Greenville Yard in Jersey City, New Jersey. A new car float in visible
in the distance, moored to new mooring cells. (Drone photo courtesy Donald B. Hutton)
the nation. The limited amount of service has
resulted in an overreliance on trucks, tunnels
and bridges. Ships, tugs and barges of course
are a key to relieving that related congestion,
but so is rail.”
A noteworthy project is currently underway
to increase NYNJR’s operational capacity. The
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is
spearheading the Greenville Redevelopment
Project, which (among other accomplishments)
will rebuild and enhance NYNJR. These improvements will include a new rail yard design,
three new low-emission locomotives, and two
new car floats that can carry 18 rail cars each,
Ramos reported.
Also important to NYNRJ’s future is the
key support of pro-maritime U.S. Rep. Jerrold
Nadler (D-New York). Nadler is a leader in nu-
merous maritime and rail job-saving initiatives
and a supporter of “FREIGHTNYC,” a $100
million plan to modernize New York’s freight
distribution system. FREIGHTNYC includes
strategic investments to modernize maritime
and rail assets, create new distribution facilities, as well as a roadmap to add nearly 5,000
good-paying jobs.
Nadler recently said, “The New York region
needs a better way to move goods, plain and
simple. On this, there is overwhelming consensus. We must end our over-reliance on trucks
that clog and destroy our roads….”
Ramos concluded, “The floating railroad
known as New York New Jersey Rail, LLC,
along with its SIU members – moving rail cars,
making up lines, loading car floats – are sailing
toward fair winds and following seas.”
of these vessels, saying, “The work these
ships and their crews are doing around the
world demonstrate the essential characteristics of the expeditionary fast transport
class: speed, capacity, adaptability, and
resiliency.... It is important to remember that this ship will be crewed by U.S.
Mariners. As this ship will likely sail in
harm’s way, our Mariners will be there,
reliably and bravely manning this ship,
even if the seas become a battlefield.”
Mewbourne concluded, “I want to recognize and thank all those in industry, at
MSC, and other Navy commands, who
played a role in bringing this ship to life.
We eagerly await the arrival of this ship
to our fleet where our Mariners will give
her life and sail her into the challenges
ahead.”
NY Waterway Crews
Assist Commuters
During Snowstorm
SIU-contracted NY Waterway rose to
the occasion on Nov. 15, as New York and
New Jersey’s roadways were crippled by
a sudden snow. The company never hesitated to offer up its ferry services to assist
the thousands of commuters stranded in
Manhattan on their way to their homes in
New Jersey.
According to NY Waterway, “Ferries
were operating past midnight Thursday,
taking commuters from Manhattan’s West
39th Street Ferry Terminal to the Port
Imperial Ferry Terminal in Weehawken,
where passengers could continue their
trip on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail or
by bus or private car or cab.”
While road conditions delayed some
of NY Waterway’s free buses, all ferries
ran more or less on schedule, with additional ferry trips added to the ledger to
ensure passengers arrived at their destinations.
“Our dedicated ferry crews, bus drivers and terminal staff worked late into
the night to help others, a core belief and
practice of our company for 32 years,”
said NY Waterway President and Founder
Arthur E. Imperatore. “We were there
at 9/11 and other emergencies. We were
there for the Miracle on the Hudson and
we will always be there when needed.”
NY Waterway operates the largest privately owned commuter ferry service in
the U.S., handling more than 32,000 passenger trips per weekday – 10 million trips
per year – on 34 boats serving 23 routes
between New Jersey and Manhattan; between Rockland and Westchester counties; and between Orange and Dutchess
counties. NY Waterway’s de facto motto
is, “We will always get you home.”
Snow covers a railing as a New York
Waterway ferry pushes off the Newport dock. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
SIU and company personnel are pictured in front of new locomotives.
4 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�Coalition Highlights New Shipbuilding as Critical
To Continued Strong U.S. National, Economic Security
Lessons of Pearl Harbor Still Reinforce Need for Maritime Capabilities
The American maritime industry commemorated the 77th anniversary of the Japanese air
raid on the United States Naval Base at Pearl
Harbor by honoring those who lost their lives
on that fateful day, and highlighting the critical
need for a robust American shipbuilding capacity to ensure for the preparedness of the nation.
“We honor the fallen at Pearl Harbor, and
the other sailors and mariners of the greatest
generation who protected our great nation in
some of its darkest hours. We are reminded of
their service and sacrifice, and their memory
lives on in the lifeblood of the American maritime community,” said Matt Woodruff, chairman of the American Maritime Partnership,
to which the SIU is affiliated. “The United
States is, and always has been, a maritime nation. The lessons from Pearl Harbor remind us
in the maritime community that the men and
women of the industry play an essential role
in helping bolster our nation’s security so we
are never forced to rely on foreign countries
to build and man the vessels that support our
military. Without a robust shipbuilding capacity and merchant marine, America would cede
her defense capacity to other nations, and, with
it, the sovereignty of the nation.”
To demonstrate the growing strength of U.S.
shipbuilding capacity, AMP released new commercial shipbuilding and maritime data, which
reveals a vigorous industry that is thriving under
a durable economy, signaling strength for our
national and homeland preparedness.
The U.S. domestic fleet ended 2018 with
a surge in ship construction, including a renaissance in new Jones Act containerships. A
sampling of this trend is as follows (a list of
vessels built, and currently under construction
can be accessed on the AMP website); all vessels are crewed and proudly built by the men
and women of American maritime:
�Three new Jones Act containerships were delivered in the last quarter of 2018 alone – that is
seven new containerships in the last four years
compared to zero between 2005-2015.
�Four new environmentally friendly LNG-powered containerships have been delivered in the past
three years to service Puerto Rico. This trade lane
from the continental United States to Puerto Rico
boasts one of the youngest fleets in the world, increasing the speed of goods and efficiency delivered
to and from the island.
�Six new containerships have either just begun
service or are expected in the next several years
to service the Hawaii trade lane – all LNG-power
capable.
�An estimated 125 new inland tank barges will
be built in 2019.
�An estimated $1.5 billion will be invested
by the American dredging industry in a fleet
expansion.
“These vessels are being custom built to
meet the needs of the domestic marketplace,
and to ensure a shipbuilding capacity that will
serve all Americans in our national security
preparedness,” said Matt Paxton, president of
the Shipbuilders’ Council of America. “When
we abandon our commercial shipyards, we
abandon our ability to be prepared to defend
the nation. We remain committed to constructing the most advanced vessels in the world to
protect the brave men and women who risk
their lives to protect our borders.”
This commercial shipbuilding surge comes
at the same time when the next generation of
Navy and Coast Guard fleets are actively being
constructed in shipyards along the Gulf Coast
and in Norfolk, Virginia.; Portland, Maine; San
Diego; and Groton, Connecticut, among other
locations.
USNS Comfort Supports
Operation Enduring Promise
On Dec. 7, senior leadership and personnel embarked aboard the SIU CIVMAR-crewed Military Sealift Command
hospital ship USNS Comfort attended an
opening ceremony for the final mission
stop of 2018’s Operation Enduring Promise.
The ceremony took place at a landbased medical site in Trujillo, Honduras,
and the guest list included Carlos Ramon
Aguilar, the governor of Colón, Honduras.
“The presence of the ship in the Port of
Trujillo represents the continued support
of the American armed forces and their
solidarity with Honduras,” said Aguilar,
translated from Spanish. “We want to express our appreciation from the Honduran government as well as the Honduran
people.”
According to the U.S. Navy, “The
Comfort is on an 11-week medical support mission to Central and South America as part of U.S. Southern Command’s
Enduring Promise initiative. Working
with health and government partners in
Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Honduras,
the embarked medical team will provide
care on board and at land-based medical
sites, helping to relieve pressure on national medical systems caused partly by
an increase in cross-border migrants. The
deployment reflects the United States’ enduring promise of friendship, partnership
and solidarity with the Americas.”
“The medical team aboard the USNS
Comfort will work alongside the government of Honduras to provide top-quality
medical care to people in need,” said U.S.
Navy Capt. William Shafley, commander,
Task Force 49. “This is Comfort’s second
visit to Honduras and her sixth mission to
South and Central America.”
On this final mission stop, more than
900 medical personnel, including military, non-governmental organization
volunteers and members from partner nations, began screening surgical patients
the day before the opening ceremony. The
medical site then treated patients for the
next 5 days, concluding on December 12.
“The foundation of every long-term,
successful cooperation is trust and shared
values,” said Shafley. “We build trust as
we work with one another to provide care
to those in need. We are successful when
we are working together.”
The Comfort’s past missions, in North
America, Central America, South America and the Middle East, have provided
medical treatment to more than 390,000
patients, including 6,000 surgeries. This
year alone, the Comfort has treated more
than 20,000 patients, and performed more
than 600 surgeries.
Army Col. Rob Manning, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, recently talked
about the Comfort’s mission, saying,
“This is medical aid that civilians would
not otherwise have access to. Their presence speaks to how we see being a neighbor in the Western Hemisphere and how
we see the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to those that otherwise would not have it.... The Venezuelan
health care system has all but collapsed
and can’t provide aid to its citizens. We
stand with the Venezuelan citizens during
their time of need. That’s what the symbol of the Comfort means.”
Expert Witnesses
Cite Vital Need
For Strong USMM
Continued from Page 3
fine goals of the strategy and produce an
effective national maritime strategy.”
Buzby continued, “Developing a national maritime strategy will help the
Maritime Administration accomplish its
mission to foster, promote, and develop
the U.S. maritime industry to meet the
nation’s economic and security needs….
A critical part of this mission is ensuring
the availability of U.S. ships, and qualified merchant mariners to crew those
ships, to meet DOD sealift requirements.
DOD relies on these strategic sealift ca-
January 2019
President Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras (right in photo above) takes a picture as
he is transported to the hospital ship USNS Comfort for a tour and luncheon. The president
and first lady visited the Comfort during the ship’s five days of providing medical treatment in
Honduras. In photo below, sailors aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort fuel a UH-60 Black
Hawk in between transporting patients from land to the vessel. (U.S. Army photos by Spc.
Joseph DeLuco)
pabilities to efficiently and effectively
deploy military forces around the world.
When the United States goes to war,
DOD’s U.S. Transportation Command
moves 90 percent of its cargo requirements with the strategic sealift fleet,
which consists of government-owned
ships augmented by the commercial
U.S.-flagged fleet.”
He then further referenced the GAO
report, which identified challenges and
possible remedies for sustaining the U.S.flag fleet and mariner pool for defense
needs.
Similarly, Von Ah mentioned a DOT
working group that formed to address
findings both in the GAO report and
other maritime studies. The working
group “identified two actions that could
help increase the number of U.S.-citizen
mariners – one focused specifically on
mariners and the other focused more
broadly on the merchant marine, which
encompasses U.S.-flag vessels and U.S.citizen mariners,” Von Ah said.
The first of those possible actions
would be development by MARAD of a
“broad-based reserve program that would
identify and support qualified mariners
willing to sail in commercial and government-owned vessels during an emergency. MARAD would provide limited
financial assistance in training mariners
and maintaining credentials, in turn for
which mariners who participate would be
obligated to sail in the event of a defense
need.”
The working group’s second potential recommendation: “The government
should fully support programs including MSP, requiring the government to
ship certain cargo on U.S-flag vessels,
the Jones Act, and government chartering of privately owned vessels. If DOD
determines that national needs require
more mariners and vessels than can be
provided through current programs, those
programs should be expanded to meet
such needs.”
O’Rourke said that while the “challenge of finding adequate numbers of
appropriately trained mariners to crew
DOD sealift ships in time of crisis or
conflict is a longstanding issue, dating
back at least to 1990,” current circumstances “may now be affected by a new
factor that relates to the defense of DOD
sealift ships in wartime. From 1990 until
recently (i.e., during the post-Cold War
era), the defense of DOD sealift ships
was not a pressing concern. In the new
era of renewed major power competition, it has become a concern, given
current and potential future Chinese
and Russian capabilities for interdicting
ships.”
Seafarers LOG 5
�The Wheeler fills a potable water tank for distribution across Saipan.
The USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler sits pier-side in Saipan.
SIU Mariners Lend a Hand in Typhoon Recovery
SIU mariners sailing aboard Military
Sealift Command (MSC) vessels assigned
to Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron Three (MPSRON 3) have been working to support the recovery efforts of the
Saipan and Tinian islands in the aftermath
of Super Typhoon Yutu. The islands are
part of the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory.
“My squadron and I are honored to
contribute to Joint Task Force-West,” said
U.S. Navy Capt. Eric Lindfors, commodore, MPSRON 3 and Task Force-West
(TF-W) Forward deputy commander. “The
level of devastation from Super Typhoon
Yutu is hard to describe, even when you
are here on the ground looking at it. The
challenges we face logistically being located remotely in the Pacific further complicates the recovery effort.”
The typhoon made landfall on Oct. 24,
and according to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, Yutu was the
second-strongest system to hit U.S. soil in
recorded history. Hundreds of homes were
severely damaged, and many residents
were left without shelter, food or access to
clean water.
On Oct. 25, TF-W was stood up to help
with the recovery efforts, and ships from
MPSRON 3 have been providing support since Oct. 29. The SIU-crewed USNS
VADM K.R. Wheeler was the first ship to
arrive, and spearheaded the pier-side op-
erations. Along with fast transport ship
USNS Fast Tempo, the crew was able to
transport vital supplies and personnel from
Guam and from other ships at sea to shore.
Together, the crews of the Wheeler,
USNS John Glenn, USNS Soderman,
USNS Dahl, USNS Pililaau and MV Captain David I. Lyon moved 222,826 gallons
of water and 86,160 pounds of ice. All of
those vessels are crewed by SIU mariners.
The Wheeler (and Fast Tempo) are operated by TOTE Services; the John Glenn
by Ocean Shipholdings; the Soderman and
Dahl by Patriot; the Pililaau by U.S. Marine Management; and the Lyon by Sealift.
Tents, tarps, bottled water and camp
stoves were made readily available to
families in need. Beyond supplies and logistics, mariners also went ashore to assist
with debris cleanup, as well as washed 110
loads of laundry for emergency and medical service personnel.
“The resiliency of the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands people
amazes me every day,” said Lindfors. “As
they confront the challenges of rebuilding,
the squadron and I look forward to continuing our relations and keeping strong
ties with the people of Saipan and Tinian.”
Editor ’s note: Thanks to Wheeler
vessel master Capt. Glenn Macario
for the photos and background information.
Safety Directors Hone Skills at Paul Hall Center
SIU safety directors from across the
country recently converged in Piney Point,
Maryland, to brush up on the latest industry trends.
Meeting at the union-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education (PHC) the last week of No-
vember were James Brown (from the
Port of New Orleans), Kathy Chester
(Oakland), Gordon Godel (Wilmington,
California), DeCarlo Harris (Baltimore),
Anthony Houston (Norfolk, Virginia),
Joseph Koncul (Jacksonville, Florida),
Andre MacCray (Philadelphia), Kevin
Recertified Steward, Chief Cook
Praise Work Ethic of ‘Young SA’
Recertified Steward Brian Burchette
recently highlighted the actions of a steward assistant who went above and beyond to
lighten the load on the galley crew.
“We were fortunate on board the Midnight Sun (operated by TOTE Maritime) to
have an additional SA added to the crew, due
to the fact we were feeding 40 extra mouths
in addition to the ship’s compliment,” said
Burchette. “This young man (SA) Gervacio
Simon proved to be an exceptional asset,
willing and able to do any task asked and always wanting to learn more about the steward department.”
Burchette commended Simon’s work
ethic and aptitude for the job, and described
the SA’s enthusiasm for continuing his career and working his way up the ladder. He
also said that Simon is looking forward to
attending the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (located in Piney Point, Maryland) to upgrade
and further his skills.
As a token of their appreciation, Chief
Cook Matt Gallagher and Burchette presented Simon with some tools of the trade: a
chef’s knife, peeler, meat thermometer and
carrying case.
The steward also offered some words of
wisdom to his fellow mariners: “Every time
you come aboard a ship, whether it be for
four months or five days, you have an op-
6 Seafarers LOG
Marchand (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
and Osvaldo Ramos (Jersey City, New
Jersey).
They tackled a full agenda that included
meetings with SIU President Michael
Sacco and other union officials, school
personnel, and representatives from the
Seafarers Plans and medical department.
They also met with individuals from the
legal office, and others.
“It was definitely worthwhile,” stated
Koncul. “We of course primarily focused
on safety, but we also discussed strategies
for staying ahead of the industry’s needs
and protecting members’ jobs as times
change.”
Godel said, “There’s tons to learn, and
I pick up something every time at these
meetings. I enjoy them; they’re very informative.”
portunity to not only present yourself and
represent the SIU, but to take pride in each
opportunity that the union affords you. People do care and people do notice.”
SIU President Michael Sacco (right), PHC Acting VP Tom Orzechowski (center) and SIU
VP Contracts George Tricker address the safety directors.
SA Gervacio Simon (left) receives a
chef’s knife, peeler, meat thermometer
and carrying case from Chief Cook Matt
Gallagher.
Some of the safety directors (thus titled unless otherwise identified) are pictured with other
officials at the school. Seated from left are Andre MacCray, Paul Hall Center Acting VP
Tom Orzechowski, Kevin Marchand, PHC Instructor Wayne Johnson Jr. and SIU Asst. VP
Pat Vandegrift. Standing from left are Anthony Houston, Osvaldo Ramos, Joseph Koncul,
Kathy Chester, DeCarlo Harris, James Brown and Gordon Godel.
January 2019
�SIU VP Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, SIU Asst. VP Nick
Celona
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
SIU VP Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, SIU Asst. VP
Nick Celona
Oakland Thanksgiving Gathering a Hit
If the SIU’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon in Oakland, California, were a sports franchise, it would be
best described as dynastic.
Hosted at the hiring hall on the Tuesday before
the holiday, the yearly gathering is still going strong
after 28 years – most recently on Nov. 20. The 2018
iteration featured the usual assortment of great food,
fellowship, and guests including politicians; Marine
Corps and Coast Guard personnel; Seafarers, pensioners, and their families; officials and members from
other unions; shipping company executives and staff;
members of the police and fire fighting communities;
and others.
“We had a packed house and everything went
very well,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Nick
Celona, who worked closely with the committee that
organized the event. “The amount of positive feedback the SIU receives for this celebration is really
heartwarming and humbling, and I’m just grateful
it’s something that can be done every year. People re-
Bosun Michael Carvalho (right) joins members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard.
January 2019
Editor’s note: The photos on this page were provided by Charles Farruggia.
Jennifer Celona, Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, Nick Celona, Denise Celona,
Nick Marrone II, San Francisco Police Capt. Joseph McFadden
Capt. Jack Sullivan of Matson, Port Agent Nick Marrone II, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, SIU
Asst. VP Nick Celona, SIU VP Nick Marrone, USCG Rear Adm. Peter Gautier
SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (center) is pictured with members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard.
ally look forward to it.”
While the luncheon atmosphere was lighthearted,
guest speakers – including several members of Congress – mentioned that the U.S. Merchant Marine
helps protect America’s national, economic and homeland security. Similarly, they stressed the importance
of the Jones Act, a pillar of American-flag shipping.
Guests (photo above) pack the hall in Oakland, California.
In photo at top right, Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer, California Labor Federation, speaks to those present.
San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White (photo at
immediate right), who is retiring, commends the SIU for its
annual luncheon and notes she attends each year.
U.S. Marines surprise SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (center) with a glass-encased sword. Pictured
from left are Sgt. B. Kin, Maj. Michael Baker, Celona, Port Agent Nick Marrone II and 1st Sgt.
Allen Latanero.
Seafarers LOG 7
�AT THE HALL IN LAUDERDALE – Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (right in both photos) presents a full book to
Wilson Montero (above, left) and a first pension check to Bruce Davidson (above, right), who started sailing
with the SIU in 1975.
ABOARD MAERSK IDAHO – Pictured aboard the Maersk Line, Limited
ship are (from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentice Anthony Brown, SIU Port
Agent Georg Kenny and Apprentice Cale Irons. Our extremely reliable
source (that’d be Georg) reports that the apprentices are “loving the life.”
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD OCEAN SUN – This snapshot was taken in Lake Charles, Louisiana, aboard Crowley’s Ocean-Class tug. Pictured from left are Patrolman Kelly Krick, AB Carey Brown, AB/Cook Angel Gonzalez, 2nd Mate Nate Leachman, Patrolman
J.B. Niday, AB Joel Lalin, Asst. Engineer John Guity, AB Boby Morales and Chief Engineer Robert Gretter.
FULL BOOK IN NEW YORK – Seafarer Felipe Gonzalez (right), a mate with Harley Marine NY, receives his full
book from Patrolman Ray Henderson. They’re pictured
aboard the Liberty in Brooklyn.
ABOARD MV WASHINGTON – Recertified Steward Michael Ingram submitted these photos from the Crowley
tanker. Individuals in all photos are
identified from left to right. In photo
below at left are ABs Michael Covington and Paul Clow. Shown in photo
below at right are ABs William Mathis
and Edward Wright. Pictured in the
crew mess (photo at immediate right)
are QMED Philip Francia, Bosun
Mondesto Rabena, Oiler Charles Carroll, SA Nasser Alarqban, AB Wright
and Pumpman Diole Bonifacio. The remaining photo (below, center) includes
Crowley VP Tucker Gilliam, Chief Cook
Gary Loftin, SA Alarqban, Recertified
Steward Ingram and Crowley VP/GM
Robert Grune.
8 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�ABOARD HORIZON ENTERPRISE – Recertified Bosun George Khan (photo above, far left) emailed these photos late last year from the Sunrise Operations vessel. Pictured from
left in photo second from left are ABs Bobby Belches and Victor Frazier. EU Albert Dulig is shown in photo third from left, while AB Gary Cardillo is pictured in photo second from right.
The remaining image at the far right features AB Fadhl Said.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ON THE WATER IN MARYLAND – After a recent stop in Baltimore, the SIU-crewed SLNC York (Annapolis-based Chesapeake Crewing) sails past the Bay Bridge in Annapolis, Maryland.
ABOARD MAERSK PEARY – Recertified Steward Tony
Spain (left) congratulates GSTU Deirick Coltrane for winning Maersk Line, Limited’s monthly safety award aboard
the Peary.
ABOARD TYCO DECISIVE – Chief Mate Timothy McDonald reports that a retirement party for AB Mahmood Tahir took place aboard the cable ship Oct. 28, a few days out from San
Diego. Tahir first sailed with the SIU in 1991, aboard the USNS Vindicator. He’s pictured at left in photo above at right, with Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez, who is presenting ship
souvenirs. The group photo includes (kneeling) AB/Splicer-Joiner Joel Saul and (from left) Chief Cook Walter Schoppe, Apprentice Jack Lanier, Recertified Bosun Nunez, GVA Shayla
Stafford, AB/Splicer-Joiner Santos Contreras, AB Tahir, SA Jony Morales Martinez, OMU Jarrett Ford, Bosun’s Mate Emilio Abreu, AB Thomas Flores Garcia and OMU Mohamad
Kammoun. Thanks to the chief mate for the photos.
ABOARD USNS MAURY
– Pictured aboard the
Ocean Shipholdingsoperated vessel in photo
at immediate right are
Chief Cook Alvin Watson
(left) and Steward/Baker
Joseph Hernandez. MDR
Brandon Maeda supplied
the photo and noted his
fellow Seafarers were
“working the hot grill this
afternoon so that we
could have something
special for dinner tonight.
Great menus, great food
and great service, what
more can you ask?!”
January 2019
ABOARD USNS ALGOL
– Seafarers gather for a
photo aboard the RRF
vessel in San Francisco following a servicing. Mariners from the
Algol and USNS Capella (both operated by
Ocean Duchess) are
included. From left in
photo at left are GUDE
Edsel Felipe, Recertified Steward McKinley
Jones, Port Agent Nick
Marrone II, GUDE Mohsin Mohamed, Bosun
Charles Frisella, GUDE
Emmanuel Bayani, QEE
Salah Saleh and Bosun
Gill Sickles.
Seafarers LOG 9
�SHBP Offers Scholarship Funds
Each year, the Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan (SHBP) makes scholarships
available to qualified individuals who are
looking to further their education.
The 2019 program will offer eight
awards totaling $132,000. 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 twoyear 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.
First, as has been the case in the past,
prospective applicants may request these
booklets via mail by completing and mailing the form provided below. Secondly,
they may obtain the booklets by visiting
any SIU hall. Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet online by visiting www.
seafarers.org, going to the About tab, navigating to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and selecting Scholarship
Application (PDF).
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, 2019.
Items that need to be incorporated in
the final application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since
some institutions respond slowly in handling transcript needs, requests should be
made as early as possible.
Letters of recommendation – solicited
from individuals who know the applicant’s
character, personality and career goals –
should be included as part of the application package. A high-quality photograph
and a certified copy of the applicant’s birth
certificate are also required and should accompany the package.
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 2019. 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.
EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE
THROUGH THE PAUL HALL CENTER !
The Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry
Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS)
5HVLGHQW�FRXUVHV�DW�3LQH\�3RLQW�EHJLQ�
has partnered with the College of Southern
�-DQXDU\����������
Maryland (CSM) to offer an Associate of
Applied Science degree in Maritime
x Associate of Applied Science Degree
Operations Technology with a concentration
in either
x
Nautical Science (Deck department)
x UA courses apply toward the degree
-orx
Marine Engineering (Engine dept.)
x Fully accredited
Students must complete a combination of
academic general education courses and
x Some courses held at SHLSS
technical education courses in order to earn
the degree.
Courses completed during the Unlicensed
x Online classes
Apprentice program apply toward the
degree.
x Scholarships available
Students can complete English, Math and
Physics courses at SHLSS. The remaining
general education courses can be completed
online.
The following classes will convene at
SHLSS:
January 14, 2019 through February 1, 2019
English 1011 – Composition and Rhetoric
Math 1011 – Math for Technologies
Please send me the 2019 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:
R�Self
R�Dependent
Mail this completed form to:
Enrollment Information
7 Credit Hours
Please contact Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School Academic Coordinator Dale Rausch
Includes: tuition, textbooks, room and
board plus one hour of tutoring following
(301) 994-0010 Ext. 5411 -or-
each daily class session
drausch@seafarers.org
Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan,
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
1/19
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Preventing, Treating Blood Clots
Editor’s note: This article is provided by
the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
A blood clot is a clump of blood that has
changed from a liquid to a gel-like substance
that’s in semisolid state.
Your body has a clotting process that is
inherent in order for a person not to lose too
much blood in certain circumstances, such as
when you are cut or injured.
When a clot forms inside one of your
veins, it may not always dissolve on its own.
This can be quite dangerous and sometimes
life-threatening.
When a blood clot is immobile it will generally not harm you. However, if that blood
clot dislodges and starts to travel it can be
very dangerous, depending on the area of the
body it may move to. If the clot travels to the
heart or lungs, it can get stuck and prevent
blood flow. This is a medical emergency.
A doctor should be called immediately if
you think you may have this type of situation.
A doctor can look at lab work, your symptoms, and scans to see if this has occurred.
The health care professional will take your
health history and ask many questions to help
make a determination.
Your circulatory system is made up of
blood vessels called veins and arteries. They
transport blood throughout your body.
When a blood clot occurs in an artery, it
is called an arterial clot. This clot will cause
symptoms immediately; emergency treatment is necessary to save a person’s life.
Symptoms of an arterial clot are severe pain,
or paralysis of a part of the body. The blood
clot can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
A clot that happens in a vein is called a ve-
10 Seafarers LOG
nous clot. This type of clot usually builds up
slowly, but they are still life-threatening. The
most serious is called a deep vein thrombosis.
This most commonly occurs in the legs, but
can also happen in the arms, pelvis, lungs, or
even in the brain.
When a blood clot is suspected, the person may have swelling in the affected area,
pain, shortness of breath, tenderness to the
area, a warm sensation or a discoloration of
the affected part – usually a red color.
The symptoms depend on the size of the
clot. This is why some people may not have
symptoms until the clot progresses in size.
The risk factors for a person developing a
blood clot are age, especially if you are over
65 years old, lengthy travel where you are sitting for a prolonged period, or bedrest and
being sedentary for a long time. Other risk
factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking,
cancer, certain types of birth control pills, or
a family history of blood clots.
Call or visit a doctor if you develop sudden shortness of breath, persistent coughing,
chest pressure, and difficulty seeing or speaking.
Treatment depends on the area of the clot
and the severity. After diagnosis, lab testing
and scans, the doctor may start the patient
on blood thinners (anticoagulants), rest and
immobilization of the affected part, pressure
stockings, or maybe even surgery.
Recovery may take some time. The medication used to ensure that the blood clot dissolves and does not return can be costly and
require frequent blood testing.
Doing what the doctor advises and changing some lifestyle choices can be beneficial
to the health, wellbeing, and longevity of the
individual’s life.
Healthful Recipe
Turkey Meatloaf
Servings: 25
Ingredients
7 1/2 pounds ground turkey
5/8 pound celery, diced fine
1 5/8 pounds onions, diced fine
10 cloves garlic, minced fine
1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic
3/8 cup olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons thyme, dry crushed
1 tablespoon sage, dry crushed
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
7 ounces wheat bran
3/4 cup ketchup
3 1/3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1 1/4 cups Italian parsley, chopped
3/4 cup egg white
1/2 cup ketchup, to top the loaves
Preparation
�Sauté the onions and celery in the olive
oil until translucent but not browned. Add the
minced garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and seasonings; sauté for about 2 minutes. Remove from
the pan and cool. Set aside for later use.
�Place the ground turkey in a large mixing
bowl. Add the bran, 3/4 cup ketchup, worcestershire sauce, parsley, and egg whites and mix
well. Stir in the sauté cooled vegetables.
�Place the turkey mixture into roasting pans.
Once in the pans make two loafs in each pan.
Top each loaf with about 4 tablespoons of
ketchup on each loaf and make smooth. Cover
each pan with plastic wrap and foil.
�Bake the meatloaf in a 350-degree F oven
for about 1 hour and 20 minutes until internal
temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Let the
cooked loaf rest on the counter for at least 15
minutes before slicing.
�Cut the loaves into 4 oz portions and place
into 2” hotel pans. Serve above 135 degrees F.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 283
Calories; 15g fat (46.2 percent calories from
fat) 27g protein; 13g carbohydrate; 5g dietary
fiber; 108mg cholesterol; 570 mg sodium.
Exchanges: 1/2 grain (starch); 3 1/2 lean meat;
1/2 vegetable; 1 fat; 0 other carbohydrates.
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
January 2019
�EPI’s ‘Policy Roadmap’ Would Boost Workers
Think-Tank Details Path to Deliver Economic Opportunity, Security
In a comprehensive new policy agenda,
the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) details solutions to address rising inequality and ensure that everybody in America
gets a fair cut of the benefits of economic
growth they help create. The growing pay
disparity has been the result of intentional
policy decisions made on behalf of the
rich and corporate interests, and only a
complete reorientation of these policy
levers can reverse this, the EPI stated in
early December.
“As Congress prepares to start its 116th
session, EPI’s Policy Agenda plots a deliberate and expansive set of policies Congress could enact to rebalance power back
to the broad majority,” the organization
said in a news release.
Specifically addressing its proposed
agenda, the EPA said that its plans provide “a diagnosis of the problem and a
recommendation for reform across a range
of economic policy issues, recommending changes in labor, tax, budget, trade,
macroeconomic, regulatory, and climate
policies. The disparate impact of policy
changes across racial and gender lines
is highlighted throughout, and race- and
gender-targeted policies are also examined in a stand-alone section.”
“For most of the last four decades,
income inequality has exploded, income
growth for the vast majority has slowed
to a crawl, and progress in closing gender
and racial income gaps has been either too
slow or nonexistent,” said EPI Director of
Policy Heidi Shierholz. “Policymakers
must take bold steps to unrig the economy’s rules, paying particular attention to
policies that tilt bargaining power back
toward low- and middle-wage workers.”
The organizing principle behind the
agenda is that economic outcomes overwhelmingly reflect intentional policy
decisions – and if these outcomes were
created by policies, they can be changed
by different policies. A key example of
this approach can be seen in the EPI’s rec-
ommendations surrounding labor markets.
A growing body of research has shown
that leverage and bargaining power are
key determinants of workers’ wages, and
wage growth for most workers has suffered in recent decades precisely because
their leverage and bargaining power have
been intentionally weakened by policy
choices.
The EPI’s Policy Agenda recommends
boosting this leverage with a range of specific policies, including labor law reform
to allow workers to effectively bargain
collectively, higher minimum wages, updated overtime standards, banning forced
class and collective action waivers as a
condition of employment, and more-robust enforcement of anti-discrimination
laws.
“Inequality didn’t explode because of
any one legislative bill or policy change.
Instead, it happened because lobbyists
and advocates for the rich and corporations worked every single day for decades
to find policy levers that could be pulled
to send every last penny to their clients,”
said EPI Research Director Josh Bivens.
“Reversing this inequality will require
an approach every bit as consistent and
dogged and far-reaching. This roadmap is
a good place to start.”
The complete document is posted on
the EPI website, epi.org.
The EPI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan
think tank created in 1986 to include the
needs of low- and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions. On its
website, the EPI states that it “believes
every working person deserves a good job
with fair pay, affordable health care, and
retirement security. To achieve this goal,
EPI conducts research and analysis on the
economic status of working America. EPI
proposes public policies that protect and
improve the economic conditions of lowand middle-income workers and assesses
policies with respect to how they affect
those workers.”
USNS Williams Galley Gang Caps Multinational
Military Exercise With Scrumptious Cookout
The following photos were submitted by
Bosun Godofredo Milabo from aboard the
USNS Dewayne T. Williams. The crew of the
Williams – which is operated by Crowley – had
just completed their participation in the annual
Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training
(CARAT) exercise, which ran from June 14 to
Nov. 30.
According to the U.S. Navy, “CARAT is an
annual, nine-country bilateral naval exercise
series between the United States and Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Timor
Leste and is designed to enhance maritime security skills and operational cohesiveness among
participating forces.”
To celebrate another successful exercise, the
steward department members aboard the Williams organized a cookout for both U.S. and
Bangladesh Navy members on the stern of the
vessel. The results of that cookout are depicted
here.
Chief Steward Elizabeth Ibanez makes sure the food has been prepared correctly.
Personnel from both navies line up for food and camaraderie.
Both the crew of the Williams and their guests from the Bangladesh Navy and U.S.
Navy enjoy some BBQ on the stern.
January 2019
Pictured from left to right are Chief Cook
Kenyetta Isom, Chief Steward Elizabeth
Ibanez, OS Michelle Conage and Bosun
Godofredo Milabo.
Pictured from left are OS Christopher Gomillion, OS Rashad Madison and OS Michelle
Conage. The bosun notes that all three OSs
sail from the port of Jacksonville, Florida, and
worked hard in preparation for the exercise to
help make sure the vessel was in tip-top shape.
Seafarers LOG 11
�American Mariner
With Seafarers
On the Great Lakes
The photos on this page were submitted by Port
Agent Todd Brdak, and were taken while servicing
the SIU crews of the American Steamship Company-operated American Mariner and the Armstrong
Steamship Company-operated Walter J. McCarthy.
The Mariner was docked in Toledo, Ohio, and the
McCarthy was docked in Superior, Wisconsin.
ABWH Dennis Fitzpatrick
Chief Cook Mohamed Noman
The American Mariner docked in Toledo, Ohio
From left: Bosun Mohamed Mohsin, QMED Preston Eiland and
Port Agent Todd Brdak
From left: Conveyorman Zaid Mesleh, Port Agent Todd Brdak
and ABWH Nassor James
From left: Gateman Wisam Mesleh, ACU Amin Saleh and
Conveyorman Zaid Mesleh
Walter J. McCarthy
Gateman Taha Al Amri tying up the Walter J. McCarthy
GUDE Daryl Hicks tying up the Walter J. McCarthy
12 Seafarers LOG
The Walter J. McCarthy unloading its boom
The Walter J. McCarthy docking in Superior, Wisconsin
January 2019
�El Coqui
AB Maintenance Jose Canales, AB Maintenance Xavier Alfaro, AB Manuel Rodríguez, Recertified
Bosun Wilfredo Velez, AB Jonathan Rivera
SIU Tradition: Seafarers
Brighten Thanksgiving
Aboard Vessels, at Halls
One of the SIU’s longstanding traditions is celebrating the winter holidays together, both at
sea and at the hiring halls. Some of the oldest photos on file in the LOG office show Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings at various halls. More recently, Seafarers have generously
shared their respective shipboard holiday snapshots with the union’s official publication.
In that spirit, this page features a sampling of Thanksgiving photos from the El Coqui
(operated by Crowley), the Indiana Harbor (American Steamship), and the Honolulu hall.
Visit the SIU Facebook page (@SeafarersInternational) for additional snapshots, both
from the aforementioned locations and from our historic files.
Chief Cook Kevin Valentin, Chief Steward Juan Guanill, SA La’sonia Randolph
Honolulu Hall
Indiana Harbor
Chief Cook Saleh Saleh
January 2019
Seafarers LOG 13
�FREE
COLLEGE
Everyday Savings
Save every day with union member-only discounts
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1/19
14 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�NMC Notice on TWIC Enrollment
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued
the following notice on Nov. 13. It’s posted in the News section of the SIU website, www.seafarers.org
Important Information
On TWIC Enrollment
Mariners applying for a Merchant Mariner Credential
(MMC) must list their occupation as Merchant Mariner on
their Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
applications. The United States Coast Guard relies on data
provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
when evaluating MMC applications.
Personal data supplied to TSA must match what is provided
to the Coast Guard on the MMC application. If a TWIC applicant does not list his or her occupation as Merchant Mariner,
the Coast Guard cannot reconcile the data provided by the
TSA. In such cases, mariners may be asked to work with TSA
to update information, which could result in MMC application
issuance delays.
To begin the application process for a TWIC, visit the TSA
TWIC enrollment website (https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/
programs/twic).
January & February 2019
Membership Meetings
Piney Point................................Monday: January 7, February 4
Algonac......................................Friday: January 11, February 8
Baltimore...............................Thursday: January 10, February 7
Guam....................................Thursday: January 24, February 21
Honolulu...................................Friday: January 18, February 15
Houston....................................Monday: January 14, February 11
Jacksonville...........................Thursday: January 10, February 7
Joliet....................................Thursday: January 17, February 14
Mobile..............................Wednesday: January 16, February 13
New Orleans...........................Tuesday: January 15, February 12
Jersey City................................Tuesday: January 8, February 5
Norfolk..................................Thursday: January 10, February 7
November 15, 2018 - December 14, 2018
Total Registered
Port
All Groups
A
B
Total Shipped
C
C
Trip
Reliefs
Port Everglades...................Thursday: January 17, February 14
San Juan...............................Thursday: January 10, February 7
St. Louis...................................Friday: January 18, February 15
Tacoma.....................................Friday: January 25, February 22
Wilmington...........................*Tuesday: January 22, *February 19
* Wilmington changes due to Martin Luther King Jr.’s and
Presidents Day observances.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Another New Ship
SPAD Works For You.
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD
January 2019
A
All Groups
B
C
1
0
0
1
0
1
2
12
5
1
1
4
9
5
1
0
0
7
2
3
55
3
1
0
13
0
3
1
15
15
17
0
6
15
10
2
1
6
24
1
11
144
33
2
5
36
4
16
14
97
68
58
1
15
38
19
5
3
13
63
2
56
548
8
5
4
22
2
6
8
34
30
18
6
7
27
5
3
4
10
19
1
19
238
0
1
0
7
1
11
1
20
14
8
0
5
17
5
1
1
1
12
1
15
121
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
0
0
2
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
14
0
0
1
6
0
0
0
14
8
7
0
1
8
2
2
3
2
12
2
9
77
7
2
4
16
3
3
14
28
39
23
3
5
19
13
4
1
12
21
3
29
249
2
1
3
9
0
6
5
15
25
7
1
4
24
9
5
6
2
12
2
16
154
1
0
2
3
1
0
2
6
3
1
1
1
12
3
0
0
1
7
1
8
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
TOTALS
22
2
5
19
5
10
7
46
37
38
4
9
21
14
5
1
8
32
2
35
322
8
2
3
11
1
4
3
25
17
12
3
3
16
5
2
5
5
13
0
6
144
0
1
0
2
0
1
1
10
7
2
1
5
9
3
0
1
1
6
2
9
61
Deck Department
11
7
2
1
1
2
11
11
2
2
3
1
2
3
34
11
25
14
30
9
4
2
4
5
20
13
8
4
3
2
0
2
6
4
29
7
1
0
19
4
215
104
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
5
1
3
9
2
2
4
18
18
12
3
5
9
7
4
3
5
12
2
13
137
1
1
1
7
0
4
0
10
17
6
2
5
15
7
5
2
2
2
1
12
100
1
0
1
0
1
0
3
3
2
1
0
3
7
3
0
0
0
3
0
6
34
Engine Department
0
0
0
0
2
1
6
4
0
1
1
1
1
0
9
5
13
11
12
7
3
1
2
3
6
13
8
4
2
4
2
3
3
4
12
5
2
1
6
12
90
80
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
TOTALS
4
1
2
9
2
3
6
12
16
16
0
5
15
13
2
4
3
10
0
26
149
2
1
1
6
1
2
0
6
10
2
1
3
7
0
0
2
10
2
0
12
68
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
2
0
1
1
0
0
1
12
Steward Department
2
1
1
0
0
1
5
4
2
0
2
0
3
0
15
4
11
12
12
0
0
0
1
2
8
5
6
1
1
0
2
2
3
4
8
2
0
0
12
9
94
47
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
6
0
1
2
5
0
1
1
7
7
5
0
2
5
6
1
2
4
5
0
15
69
7
0
4
14
3
8
15
28
33
17
0
9
29
29
2
2
6
17
1
43
267
4
1
1
6
1
2
2
6
15
4
1
6
14
6
0
4
8
3
0
12
96
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
0
2
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
12
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
0
0
3
1
3
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
3
0
3
19
7
1
1
10
1
3
4
8
15
13
0
2
19
12
1
1
0
8
1
16
123
7
2
0
6
1
5
3
16
27
6
0
1
17
18
3
1
1
6
0
10
130
Entry Department
0
5
0
0
0
1
0
3
0
0
0
3
0
1
5
13
1
18
0
9
0
0
0
0
1
9
1
4
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
3
0
0
3
17
13
87
4
1
0
4
0
1
2
8
20
4
1
0
22
5
2
0
0
8
1
7
90
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
5
3
4
0
0
3
1
0
2
0
1
0
4
27
1
0
0
3
0
2
1
6
6
6
0
0
1
6
0
0
3
6
0
2
43
9
3
0
10
3
2
8
20
23
23
4
2
34
22
2
1
1
18
1
46
232
13
3
4
8
1
4
12
32
65
13
1
1
47
31
0
1
1
16
0
28
281
GRAND TOTAL:
627
435
237
165
317
1,107
720
467
Oakland...............................Thursday: January 17, February 14
Philadelphia.........................Wednesday: January 9, February 6
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
412
318
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by members at the hall in Wilmington, California.
Question: What are some of the things you like about your career?
Joseph George Welle III
Recertified Steward
There are a lot of things I like.
My career is pretty exciting. Besides
seeing all the different parts of the
world, the most exciting part is providing for my family. For me, that’s
the most important thing, because not
all people can provide. It’s also doing
things you love the most, like cooking and travelling. It’s exciting.
Dan Coffey
Pumpman
I enjoyed it since I first got into it. I
enjoy the camaraderie on the ship, and
I really enjoy my time off. I only ship
about 140 days a year, but I do like the
family environment at the union halls.
It’s always nice to sail with people
you met at the hall. On my time off, I
enjoy restoring boats, I’m an avid skateboarder and snowboarder, and I like to
be out enjoying life and enjoying time
off. This job gives you that opportunity.
Ruben Siclot
ACU
I like my job. I’ve been an ACU
for a long time, and I just love my
job and supporting my family. I make
good money. I’ve been in this line of
work since I was 18. I enjoy being on
the ship, traveling a lot.
Hassan M. Mohamed
GUDE
This job is wonderful. I’ve been
with the SIU almost 26 years, and
I’ve been happy. This is my union –
I have to provide for my union and
they have to provide for me, too. It’s
a good union and I get good jobs that
mean I can support my family. It’s
great; I don’t have any problems and
I respect the officials.
Daniel Bermudez
SA
I love the kitchen, so that’s a plus.
I’ve been cooking for a long time. I
get to do what I love. Most important is just being able to provide for
my family, and travelling. Going
to Sudan was interesting – culture
shock. I’ll remember that experience
for a long time.
Ramon Guimba
AB
The first things I like are going to
different places, making good money
and eating good food. Everything is
taken care of and we always emphasize safety. I started in 1993 and am
very happy with the union. The SIU
is always good to my family, always
supportive. I’m going to stick with it.
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
P.O. Box 75, 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
(939) 204-0337
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
Retired Bosun John Gallagher submitted this gem from 1946, taken at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Havana, Cuba. These are SIU shipmates from the U.S. Army Transport Peter Desmet (sometimes listed as De Smet). Pictured from left are an unknown Seafarer,
Chief Steward Bob, Tim from the engine department, AB Frank Wherrity and Bosun Gallagher.
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 Auth Way, 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
January 2019
�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
KENNETH GARNER
Brother Kenneth Garner, 62,
became a member of the union
in 1995. Initially sailing in the
inland division, he first worked
for Delta Queen Steamboat Co.
Brother Garner sailed in both
the deck and engine departments, and upgraded on several
occasions at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. He last
sailed on the Atlantic Forest,
and settled in New Orleans.
BERT GILLIS
Brother Bert Gillis, 65, started
his SIU career
in 1978 when
he shipped on
the Aquarius.
He was a deck
department
member upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Gillis most recently shipped
aboard the Taurus. He lives in
Mobile, Alabama.
PAULETTE HILLIARD
Sister Paulette Hilliard, 65,
embarked on her SIU career in
1997, first sailing aboard the
USNS Regulus.
She worked
as a member
of the steward
department and
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the
Piney Point school. Sister Hilliard most recently sailed on the
USNS Yano. She calls Harvey,
Louisiana, home.
DENNIS HUNT
Brother Dennis Hunt, 65,
signed on with the SIU in
1991, initially
sailing on the
USNS Relentless. He was
a steward
department
member and
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center in
2002. Brother Hunt most recently sailed aboard the USNS
Bruce Heezen. He resides in
Pensacola, Florida.
JOSEPH LAGUANA
Brother Joseph Laguana, 70,
began his career with the Seafarers in 1990,
first sailing
on the USNS
Altair. The
engine department member
upgraded his
skills on mul-
January 2019
tiple occasions at the maritime
training facility located in
Piney Point, Maryland. Brother
Laguana most recently sailed
aboard the Midnight Sun. He
calls Bremerton, Washington,
home.
LEO LARSEN
Brother Leo Larsen, 65, joined
the SIU in 1975 and initially
sailed on the
Pacer. He
was a member
of the deck
department
and last sailed
aboard the
Innovator.
Brother Larsen
resides in Foster City, California.
Sanchez Rivera’s first vessel
was the Saturn; his last, the
Maersk Idaho. He makes his
home in Brooklyn, New York.
TIMOTHY CLASEMAN
MARTIN TINKER
Brother Martin Tinker, 72,
became an SIU member in
1991. His first vessel was the
Lake, and he sailed in all three
departments. Brother Tinker
last sailed aboard the William Baugh. He calls Yellow
Springs, Ohio, home.
GREAT LAKES
GERALD BEAUBIEN
Brother Angel Perez, 67,
signed on with the SIU in
1988, first sailing aboard the
Challenger. A deck department
member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney
Point school. Brother Perez’s
final ship was the William
R. Button. He calls Luquillo,
Puerto Rico, home.
Brother Gerald Beaubien, 59,
signed on with the union in
1978, initially working on the
Exchange.
He shipped in
the deck department and
upgraded on
several occasions at the
Piney Point
school. Brother
Beaubien most
recently sailed on the American
Mariner. He resides in Alpena,
Michigan.
EDWARD RYNBERG
JEFFERY ECKHART
Brother Edward Rynberg, 71,
joined the SIU in 1990. He first
shipped on the USNS Wilkes
and upgraded often at the maritime training facility located in
Piney Point, Maryland. Brother
Rynberg was an engine department member and also worked
on shore gangs. He last sailed
aboard the Sealand Trader, and
resides in Alameda, California.
Brother Jeffery Eckhart, 61,
began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he sailed
on the Sam Laud. He upgraded
on several occasions at the Paul
Hall Center and was a member of the deck department.
Brother Eckhart most recently
sailed on the Great Republic.
He resides in Ossineke, Michigan.
ANGEL PEREZ
JUAN SANCHEZ CABRERA
LARRY MIDDLETON
Brother Juan Sanchez Cabrera,
65, joined the union in 2000,
first sailing
aboard the
USNS Bob
Hope. He
worked in the
engine department and upgraded at the
Piney Point
school in 2003.
Brother Sanchez Cabrera last
sailed on the Sumner; he lives
in Naranjito, Puerto Rico.
Brother Larry Middleton, 65,
became a union member in
2007, initially
working on the
Pride of Hawaii. A member of the deck
department,
he upgraded
on several
occasions at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Middleton most recently sailed
on the Walter J. McCarthy. He
makes his home in Mayville,
Michigan.
OSVALDO SANCHEZ RIVERA
INLAND
Brother Osvaldo Sanchez Rivera, 65, joined the Seafarers
in 2001, initially sailing in the
Great Lakes division. He upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center the year he
signed on and
worked in both
the engine and
steward departments. Brother
company for the duration of his
career. Brother Bannister lives
in Uriah, Alabama.
JIMMY BANNISTER
Brother Jimmy Bannister, 62,
joined the SIU in 1977 when
he worked with
Dravo Basic
Materials. He
was a member
of the deck
department
and remained
with the same
Brother Timothy Claseman,
65, started his SIU career in
1997, first working for Penn
Maritime. He was a deck department member and spent the
remainder of his career working for G&H Towing. Brother
Claseman makes his home in
Corpus Christi, Texas.
ROBERT GREGGS
Brother Robert Greggs, 62,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1975, initially
sailing aboard
the Ponce in
the deep sea
division. He
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center and was
a deck department member.
Brother Greggs last sailed with
OSG Ship Management before settling in Moyock, North
Carolina.
GEORGE ELMER
Brother George Elmer, 65,
joined the union in 1980 when
he worked
with Sealand
Manpower
in Houston.
He worked
on the same
shore gang for
the duration
of his career,
and makes his
home in Montgomery, Texas.
VIVION MCRAE
Brother Vivion McRae, 67,
became a member of the SIU
in 1976 when he worked for
Dravo Basic Materials. A deck
department member, he sailed
with the same company for his
entire career. Brother McRae
lives in Wilmer, Alabama.
JAMES MULHOLLAND
Brother James Mulholland, 56,
joined the union in 1996 when
he worked for
Crowley. He
spent his entire
career with the
same company,
most recently
at Penn Terminal. Brother
Mulholland
resides in Turnersville, New Jersey.
ANTHONY MYKLICH
school on numerous occasions and was a
member of the
deck department. Brother
Myklich sailed
with the same
company for his
entire career. He calls Glassboro, New Jersey, home.
EDUARDO OLAES
Brother Eduardo Olaes, 68,
signed on with the union in
2003, working for Allied
Transportation. A steward department member, he upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center within
his first year with the SIU.
Brother Olaes remained with
the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in
Virginia Beach, Virginia.
JOHN SHEPHERD
Brother John Shepherd, 62,
became a Seafarer in 1978,
initially sailing in the deep sea
division. He
was a deck department member and first
sailed on the
Point Susan.
Brother Shepherd upgraded
on multiple
occasions at
the maritime training center in
Piney Point, Maryland. He last
sailed aboard the Liberty Island
and lives in Royal, Arkansas.
ROBERT STONE
Brother Robert Stone, 62,
joined the SIU in 1978, when
he shipped on the Portland. He
sailed in both
the deck and
engine departments and upgraded often at
the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Stone concluded
his career working for Crowley
Towing and Transportation. He
settled in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.
NMU
ROBERT HART
Brother Robert
Hart, 65, became
a member of
the SIU in 2001
during the SIU/
NMU merger.
He resides in
Sherman, Connecticut.
Brother Anthony Myklich,
62, began his SIU career in
1989 when he worked with
OSG Ship Management. He
upgraded at the Piney Point
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
URSEL BARBER
Pensioner Ursel Barber, 67, passed
away November 2. He donned
the SIU colors in
1968, first sailing
on the R Semmes.
Brother Barber
sailed in the engine department.
The Texas native
also worked on
shore gangs, most
recently in Houston. He retired in
2013 and lived in Midway, Texas.
ZAINE BASIR
Pensioner Zaine Basir, 82, died
August 21. Born in Malaysia, he
signed on with the SIU in 1966
when he sailed aboard the Steel
Scientist. Brother Basir was a deck
department member and most
recently shipped on the Maersk
Virginia. He became a pensioner in
2007 and settled in New York.
DONNIE COLLINS
VAN JOYNER
Pensioner Donnie Collins, 93, died
November 5. He joined the SIU
in 1948 and first
sailed on the Del
Mundo. Brother
Collins was a
steward department
member and last
sailed on the OMI
Dynachem. He
went on pension in
1990 and made his
home in Kenner, Louisiana.
Pensioner Van Joyner, 72, passed
away October 18. He began his career with the SIU in
1973, first sailing
aboard an Anchorage Tankship vessel. Brother Joyner
worked in all three
departments and
concluded his
career aboard the
Overseas Vivian.
He became a pensioner in 2015 and
was a Houston resident.
MARCUS DENNIS
Pensioner Marcus Dennis, 93,
passed away October 17. He joined
the union in 1967 when he sailed
with Isthmian Lines. An engine
department member, he last sailed
aboard the USNS Capella. Brother
Dennis retired in 1990 and settled
in Jacksonville, Florida.
RAUL GIRON
Pensioner George Bradley, 67,
died August 19. He joined the SIU
in 1968, first sailing on the Seatrain New Jersey. Brother Bradley
was a member of the deck department. After sailing aboard his final
vessel, the Enterprise, he went
retired in 2016. He lived in San
Francisco.
Pensioner Raul Giron, 95, passed
away November 24.
He signed on with
the SIU in 1970,
first sailing on the
Keva Ideal. Brother
Giron worked in all
three departments
and last sailed on
the Overseas Arctic. He became a pensioner in 1988
and lived in Del Rio, Texas.
MATTHEW CARROLL
ROSS HARDY
Pensioner Matthew Carroll, 74,
passed away November 8. He
became an SIU
member in 1965
and first sailed
on the Producer.
Brother Carroll
was a member of
the deck department and last
shipped aboard the
Defender. He retired in 2009 and
settled in El Paso, Texas.
Pensioner Ross
Hardy, 79, died
November 7. He
joined the union
in 1965 and first
sailed on the Del
Valle. Brother
Hardy was a member of the engine
department. His
last vessel was the Cape Texas. He
began collecting his pension in 2001
and called La Marque, Texas, home.
WALTER CHANCEY
LOUIS HACHEY
Pensioner Walter Chancey, 77,
died October 16.
He joined the SIU
in 1958, first sailing on the Alcoa
Partner. An engine department
member, brother
Chancey most
recently sailed on
the Express. He
became a pensioner in 1999 and
resided in Troy, Alabama.
Pensioner Louis Hachey, 75, passed
away October 27.
He signed on with
the SIU in 1964,
initially sailing
on the Del Sud. A
deck department
member, Brother
Hachey last sailed
aboard the Overseas Valdez. He
retired in 1996 and settled in Manchester, Michigan.
FRANCISCO CHARNECO
MAURICE HETRICK
Pensioner Francisco Charneco,
89, passed away
October 14. He
joined the union
in 1955 and first
sailed aboard the
Cubore. A deck
department member, Brother Charneco last sailed
aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. He retired in 1978 and was
a resident of Bayamon, Puerto
Rico.
Pensioner Maurice Hetrick, 69,
died November 11.
He became an SIU
member in 1991
when he sailed on
the Sealift Arctic.
Brother Hetrick
was a deck department member, and
last sailed aboard
the Ocean Atlas.
He began collecting his pension
in 2014 and lived in Veedersburg,
Indiana.
GEORGE BRADLEY
18 Seafarers LOG
ALEX RESENDEZ
Pensioner Alex Resendez, 71,
passed away August 31. He embarked on his SIU career in 1972,
first working for G&H Towing.
Brother Resendez was an engine department member and sailed in both
the inland and deep sea divisions.
He most recently sailed on the Baldomero Lopez, and resided in San
Antonio, Texas.
ROBERT SCOTTI
Pensioner Robert Scotti, 86, died
November 14. He
joined the union in
1953 and initially
sailed aboard the
Chiwawa. Brother
Scotti worked in
both the deck and
engine departments,
last sailing aboard
the Integrity. He
became a pensioner in 1989 and
lived in Lachine, Quebec.
OLIE WEBBER
Pensioner Olie Webber, 73, passed
away November 2. Born in Boston,
he joined the SIU
in 1969. One of
the engine department member’s
first vessels was the
OMI Willamette.
Brother Webber
last shipped on the
Horizon Enterprise.
He went on pension
in 2017 and made his home in Pahrump, Nevada.
GREAT LAKES
DAVID AKERSTROM
Pensioner David Akerstrom, 72,
passed away November 1. He
signed on with
the union in 1967
when he worked
with Great Lakes
Associates. Brother
Akerstrom worked
in the deck department and last
sailed aboard the
St. Clair. He began
collecting his pension in 2001 and
lived in Duluth, Minnesota.
INLAND
AUGUSTUS BLAKE
Pensioner Augustus Blake, 87, died
November 7. He began his career
with the Seafarers in 1960 and
initially worked
for Gulf Atlantic
Transport. Brother
Blake was a deck
department member
and retired in 1995
after sailing with
Allied Transportation. He resided in
Belhaven, North Carolina.
ALFRED DOHERTY
Pensioner Alfred Doherty, 90,
passed away November 17. He
signed on with the SIU in 1957,
working for J.I. Hass. A deck department member, he retired in 1991
after sailing with Crowley Towing
and Transportation. Brother Doherty
lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
ALFRED McCULLEN
Pensioner Alfred McCullen, 84,
died October 29.
He joined the
union in 1967 and
first worked for
Michigan Tankers.
A deck department
member, Brother
McCullen sailed
with Taylor Marine
Towing. He began
collecting his pension in 1996 and
made his home in West Deptford,
New Jersey.
WILLIAM MORRIS
Pensioner William Morris, 74,
passed away November 11. He
became an SIU
member in 1960,
initially sailing
aboard the Sampan
Knot. Brother Morris sailed in both
the deep sea and
inland divisions and
was a deck department member. He
last worked for Crowley Towing and
Transportation before his retirement
in 2008. Brother Morris settled in
Galveston, Texas.
MICHAEL PRIVETTE
Pensioner Michael Privette, 64,
died November 5.
He signed on with
the union in 1975,
first sailing aboard
the Yukon in the
deep sea division.
Brother Privette
worked in both the
deck and engine
departments. After
concluding his career with Crowley
Towing and Transportation, he retired in 2009. He called Lancaster,
California, home.
STEVEN SORENSON
Brother Steven Sorenson, 65, passed
away September 26. He began his
career with the Seafarers in 1993
when he worked for American Marine. Brother Sorenson sailed in the
deck department and remained with
the same company for the duration
of his career. He became a pensioner
in 2018 and resided in Westminster,
California.
NMU
ANDRES ANDUJAR
Pensioner Andres Andujar, 86, died
October 20. Brother Andujar was
native to Puerto Rico and became
a pensioner in 1997. He lived in
Midlothian, Virginia.
NORMAN BUSH
Pensioner Norman Bush, 83, passed
away November 22. He was born
in Honduras and
became a member
of the SIU in 2001
during the SIU/
NMU merger. A
member of the
steward department, Brother
Bush’s first SIU
vessel was the
Ocean Atlas. He most recently
sailed aboard the Yorktown Express
before settling in Tampa, Florida.
FRANK MCDOWELL
Pensioner Frank McDowell, 91,
died November 10. He was an NMU
member before the 2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother McDowell was an
engine department member and last
sailed aboard the Global Mariner.
He was a resident of Baltimore.
ELVIS MCLURE
Pensioner Elvis
McLure, 74, passed
away October 15.
He joined the SIU
in 2001 during the
SIU/NMU merger.
Brother McLure’s
first SIU vessel was
the Perseverance;
his last, the Comet. The deck department member became a pensioner
in 2009 and resided in Wilmington,
California.
JOHN PENA
Pensioner John Pena, 84, died October 3. He sailed with the NMU
prior to the 2001 merger with Seafarers International Union. A deck
department member, Brother Pena
last sailed on the Delaware Trader.
He retired in 2002 and called Lakewood, California, 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
Callender, Reuben
83
Castagna, Oscar
85
Cenac, Walton
99
Coleman, Robert
92
Freedman, Alvin
92
McCoy, Ephrim
85
Pimentel, Luis
91
Rodriguez, Charles 95
Schreib, Emil
84
Vieira, Eduardo
81
DOD
11/03/2018
11/05/2018
10/27/2018
11/07/2018
09/30/2018
10/24/2018
11/18/2018
09/19/2018
01/11/2016
10/19/2018
January 2019
�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.
Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska
Tanker Company), September 9 –
Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary
John Huyett, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate
Francisco Hernandez Davila, Engine Delegate Kevin Kelly, Steward
Delegate Roberto Martinez. Crew
still waiting for recliner repair or
replacement. Chairman reviewed
importance of shipboard meetings.
Sister ship Alaskan Frontier was laid
up. Funds will be distributed to three
other vessels. Secretary went over
free college and Union Plus program.
Bosun mentioned availability of new
training at Piney Point for various
shipboard positions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested
radio. Members hope to receive YETI
cups, printed with SIU logo. Steward
department was thanked for good
food and service. Next Port: Valdez,
Alaska
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), September 9
– Chairman Gregory Hamilton,
Secretary Cayetano Toledo, Educational Director Leland Peterson,
Deck Delegate Manuel Enrico, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward
Delegate Wilson Peniston. Recliner
and heat lamp in need of repair. Store
intake planned at Port Angeles. Ship
schedule includes anchoring at Long
Beach. Chairman reminded members
to stay current on dues. Secretary announced provisions at Port Angeles.
Crew was encouraged to contribute to
SPAD. Educational director advised
members to be sure documents are up
to date. He encouraged everyone to
upgrade at the Piney Point school. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job
well done and crew commended for
keeping house clean. Next Port: Long
Beach, California.
SANTORINI (Overseas Ship Management), September 23 – Secretary
Isaac Newsome, Steward Delegate
Noel Segovia. Crew reviewed health
and benefits plan improvements. Educational director urged members to
upgrade their skills at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Members were
encouraged to go on SIU website.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members pleased with right-to-work
(for less) victory in Missouri. Crew
requested changes to pension compensation formula.
ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska
Tanker Company), September 30 –
Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary
John Huyett, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate
Charles Ford, Engine Delegate
Kevin Kelly, Steward Delegate
Yolanda Martinez. Broken-chair
issue to be clarified with captain.
Chairman reminded members to go
through proper chain of command
to resolve problems and encouraged everyone to start within SIU.
Educational director urged crew to
keep documents current and to attend
courses at Piney Point. Help with
applications available for members.
Crew discussed Union Plus benefits
and installation of DirectTV system.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested increase to vacation days and were reminded to keep
mess hall clean after hours. Next
Port: Valdez, Alaska.
ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska
Tanker Company), September 30
– Chairman Alvin Martin, Secretary Just Self, Educational Director
Corey Hann, Deck Delegate Woodrow Brown, Engine Delegate Eric
Garcia, Steward Delegate Roberto
Coronado. Crew still waiting for
update on cell phone boosters. Pinup
board for union minutes installed.
Water leaks reported on both scullery sinks. Steamtable insert in need
of replacement. Educational director
announced ATC conference at Piney
Point set for Spring 2019. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members
requested new recliners and increase
of vacation days. Steward department
doing a great job. Next Port: Long
Beach, California.
NATIONAL GLORY (Crowley),
September 30 – Chairman Joseph
White, Secretary Lionel Packnett,
Educational Director Oswald Bermeo, Deck Delegate John Schmanski, Engine Delegate Jose Urra,
Steward Delegate Jesus Pacheco.
Chairman thanked crew for their hard
work when preparing for ABS inspection. He reminded everyone to keep
common areas clean and to be considerate while shipmates sleep. New
remotes purchased for Blu-ray player
and new remote ordered for sound
bar. Chairman reminded members to
take care of equipment. Educational
director advised crew to upgrade at
Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members discussed importance of cargo preference and Jones
Act. Next Port: Puerto Rico.
HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Sunrise
Operations), October 1 – Chairman
George Khan, Secretary Raymond
Garcia, Educational Director Trent
Sterling, Deck Delegate Gary Cardillo, Engine Delegate Albert Dulig,
Steward Delegate Bernie Igot. Chairman reminded members that company gives allowance for safety shoes
only. He commended deck gang for
great job preparing for ABS inspection. Educational director encouraged members keep all documents
up to date. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew read and discussed
Seafarers LOG. Members requested
cost of living increases to occur every
two years for pensioners. Crew would
like to increase vacation pay. Steward
to order new sheets, pillows and bedspreads.
OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas Ship Management), October 6
– Chairman David Martinez, Educational Director Edgardo Barrios,
Deck Delegate Basil McMillan,
Steward Delegate Lissette Ramirez.
Members received communication
from union concerning Wi-Fi. All
departments practicing work safety.
Crew was encouraged to join Seafarers 401K and donate to SPAD. Educational director advised members
to attend upgrading courses at Paul
Hall Center. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Captain announced
plans to contact company for internet booster.
ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska
Tanker Company), October 7 –
Chairman Alvin Martin, Secretary
Just Self, Educational Director
Corey Hann, Deck Delegate Tawnia Stucker, Engine Delegate Eric
Garcia, Steward Delegate Joshua
Bingham. Educational Director
plans to check with chief engineer
for cell phone boosters. Crew still
needs a microwave oven plate.
Lockers now available in changeout room for steward department.
Galley sinks, garbage disposal and
steamtable insert are now in working
order. Chief engineer will order parts
needed for oven door repair. Ship
is going through maintenance for
next two-and-a-half months and will
be carrying four extra riders. ATC
conference dates have been posted.
Deck delegate urged members to
check overtime sheets. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew still
waiting for response about recliners
and vacation day increase requests.
Members asked for detailed information regarding P310 form, and were
reminded to secure two other forms.
Next Port: Cherry Point, Washington.
LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), October 7 – Chairman Robert
Hoppenworth, Secretary George
Quinn, Educational Director Shawn
Yancey, Deck Delegate Brian
Jackson, Steward Delegate Sherre
Wilson. Restricted to ship in Singapore. Chairman discussed expiration
dates on credentials. Educational
director reminded members to attend
upgrading courses at Piney Point. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed mattress replacement and
Wi-Fi. Steward department thanked
for excellent food. Next Port: Orange,
Texas.
MAERSK MONTANA (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 7 – Chairman Sunnil Motley, Secretary
Johnny Sawyer, Educational
Director Monroe Monseur, Deck
Delegate George Phillips, Engine
Delegate Antonio McAdams, Steward Delegate Malcolm Holmes.
Chairman reiterated importance of
learning computer skills. He advised
crew to be sure documents are up
to date when applying for a job.
Secretary thanked crew for pulling
together and working safely. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade and to take Maersk
safety training at Piney Point. Crew
requests Wi-Fi access and transportation to stores from port. Deck
delegate commended members’ hard
work, making the ship look sharp
and staying safe. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Copies of new
contract needed on ship. Members
requested more linen and suggested
change to vacation benefits. Crew
discussed interest in reducing time
required for retirement. Next Port:
Charleston, South Carolina.
MAGNOLIA STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), October 12
– Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary
Maili Wang, Educational Director
Eddie Pittman, Deck Delegate Ryan
Boltz, Steward Delegate Tracey
Newsome. Chairman discussed
upcoming federal elections and reminded crew to be sure documents
are up to date. Members requested
fresh produce to be supplied biweekly. Crew waiting on Wi-Fi connection for computer in crew lounge
and DVR availability in all staterooms. Members requested change in
vacation benefits and relief schedules.
Crew would like more visits from
union representative.
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
January 2019
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
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 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. 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
June 29
MSC Supply Configuration Management
February 2
April 13
February 22
May 3
February 23
May 4
March 22
May 31
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
AB to Mate Modules
March 2
April 27
RFPNW
March 29
May 24
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
Date of
Completion
March 30
May 25
April 26
June 21
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
May 18
May 31
BAPO
February 2
March 30
March 1
April 26
Engineroom Resource Management
June 22
June 28
FOWT
March 2
March 29
Junior Engineer
March 16
May 10
Marine Electrician
May 18
July 12
Marine Refer Tech
March 9
April 19
MEECE
June 1
June 14
Pumpman
January 26
February 1
Welding
February 16
March 8
July 5
Storekeeper Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
Start
Date
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Date of
Completion
Gap Closing Courses
Leadership & Managerial Skills
Title of
Course
Steward Department Courses
Advanced Galley Ops
March 30
Certified Chief Cook
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start January 7.
May 3
Chief Steward
February 2
March 22
March 9
April 27
March 15
May 3
Galley Operations
February 2
March 1
Bosun Recertification
July 20
August 5
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
January 26
February 1
Crane Familiarization
April 6
April 12
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
February 2
February 8
ECDIS
April 13
April 19
Steward Recertification
April 13
May 6
Fast Rescue Boat
June 1
June 7
GMDSS
July 20
August 2
Lifeboat
February 9
March 9
February 22
March 22
Radar Observer
February 23
April 13
March 8
April 26
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW
February 2
March 30
Advanced Meteorology
May 4
May 10
Advanced Shiphandling
May 11
May 24
Advanced Stability
April 27
ARPA
March 1
April 26
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member 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_______________________________________________________________________
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.
20 Seafarers LOG
April 26
Safety Upgrading Courses
Basic Training/Basic FF
February 2
February 8
Basic Training Revalidation
January 25
January 25
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
March 30
April 5
Government Vessels
February 9
February 15
Medical Care Provider
January 26
February 1
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
February 16
February 22
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
February 9
February 15
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, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax
to (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.
1/19
January 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #842 –
Graduated Oct. 10 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Zachary Anderson, Sharde
Baker, Jason Bottari, Kyree Carter, Christopher Eke, Joshua Glancy, Travon Gordon, Ernest Grant Jr., David Hain-Mendez,
Kenneth Kauffman, Manuel Gerard Manzur
Rosado, Christopher Nicolosi, Keauni Natele Pullett, Abraham Quiner, Neil Laconsay Tupas, Oliver Vickers, Dax Walton and
Danielle Woodward.
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.
Machinist – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Latiffe Brooks, Jonathan
Collier, David Garrett, Antonio Griffin, Timothy Hetz, Ronilo Rublica Monares and Gajatri Normatova. Class instructor William Dodd is at the far left.
RFPNW – Graduated August 24: Sosiua Faasavaliga Peau (center) and Patricia
Placek (right). Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at the left.
Government Vessels – Graduated
September 14 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Julian Beasley, Robert
Bryson III, Joseph Hernandez, Jamison McIntyre, Mason Con Melland,
Lawrence Mills Jr., Christina Price,
Annie Scriven, David Wakeman,
Brian Wiley, Andre Winningham and
Shaun Wood.
UA to AS-Deck – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Rizaldy Ano Jr., Arnold Dimaandal Baluyot, Phillip Borders, Hector Ulises Garibaldi, Macey Horne, Jared
Nichols, Patricia Placek, Levon Prophet, Tiyhana Shonye Roddy, James Russell, Charles Turner Jr., and Jerald Welcome.
January 2019
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tankship Familiarization
LG – Graduated August 24
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Joshua Barber, Allan
Bombita, Ana Marie Chona
Razon Calma, Antony Chapman, Donell Criswell, Sherron
Davita DeCoteau, Artemio Galabo Galaura, Jasmine Garrett, Timothy Hetz, Bud Sok
Khuth, Nadzeya Mikhailovna
Kuptsova, Steven Ariel Lopez
Ferrer, Mark Mahoney, Sonny
Perez, Atm Zahid Reza, Paul
Riley Jr., Adam Riley, Leroy
Andres Ramos Sierra, Leonard Elad Soriano, Jason Stahl,
Iker Emanuel Urruchi Lugo and
Reginald Yeager. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)
Government Vessels – Graduated August 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Allan Bombita,
Prentice Baptista Conley, Kelly Doyle, Artemio Galabo Galaura, Martin Garcia, Bud Sok Khuth,
Michael Maldonado, Sterling McCosh, Scott Opsahl, William Rackley, Marlon Suazo Fernandez and Reginald Yeager. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
MSC Storekeeper – Graduated August 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Beasley, Phillip Best, Rocky Dupraw, Joseph Hernandez, Christina Price and Shaun Wood.
Instructors Zak Schaver and Matthew Rogers are at the far left and far right, respectively.
BAPO – Graduated August 24
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Adam Brundage, Elyser Valdez Carpio, Dion Cheeseborough
and Carlos Manuel Noriega. John
Wiegman III, their instructor, is at
the far left.
Tank Barge DL – Graduated August 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Raibonne Charles, Scott Forrer, Luke Yves Fouilloux, Matthew Hargrove, Gilbert Johnson, John
Kehoe, Mark Mahoney, William Mercer, Adam Riley, Michael Riley, Glen Williams and Damon Zschoche.
22 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) –
Graduated August 24 (photo at left, in
alphabetical order): Jamel Akia Anders,
Keithan Bland, Kirk Chambers, Alexandra Erickson, Paisami Gay, Jurgen Gottschlich, Charles Kamaualii Hanohano III,
Daniel Howard, L.G. Johnson, Lamarai
Jones, Shadonna Jones, EsStonia Moore,
Eugenia Porter, Noah Susumu SantiagoStephens, Ben Skuban, Lareesa Warren,
Jessica Williams, Kendra Williams and
Jarid Wilson.
WATCO – Graduated August 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Ibrahim Awadalla Abdelkarim, Nabeel
Ahmed Alawi, Nicholas Mora, Joseph Negron, Kyle Pillsworth, Timothy Pillsworth, Orlando Reveron,
Michael Sedita and Richard Serrano. William Dodd, their instructor, is at the far right.
Small Arms – Graduated August 10 (above, from left): Rick James, Eric
Van Mose and Joshua Rawls. Class instructor John Thomas is at the far
right.
Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated August 24 (above, in alphabetical
order): Michael Maldonado, Andre Skevnick, Jared Smith and Dean Lopaka Waiwaiole.
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated August 31 (above, from left):
Meili Wang Seegers, Alan Hollinger and Elizabeth Remotigue
Ibanez
January 2019
Chief Steward – Graduated August 24 (above, in alphabetical order):
Bernard Butts, Roberto Odchimar Coronado Jr., Susan Emmons, Ingrid
Soveira Ortiz-Rosario and Rommel Reston. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Galley Ops – Graduated August 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Tayseer Alshaibi, Esmaralda Salazar Cueto,
Jolanta Czeslawa Goch, Brandy Griffin, Nadzeya Mikhailovna Kuptsova, Liliana Oliveros, Sonia Pabon Barreto,
Chad Sikorski and Dominique Wesley.
Seafarers LOG 23
�JANUARY 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 1
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
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
Cabotage Studies, New Tonnage Highlight 2018
Under the leadership of President Michael Sacco, the SIU
steadily moved forward in 2018, with a list of accomplishments that included adding new jobs, ratifying solid contracts,
improving its affiliated school in southern Maryland, opening
a new hiring hall in Puerto Rico and helping lead the fight to
defend cabotage laws.
The latter issue produced some of last year’s biggest headlines, and involved (among other efforts) one study concerning
the Jones Act’s effect on Puerto Rico, and a separate, longerterm examination of cabotage laws around the world.
Economists from Boston-based Reeve & Associates and
San Juan-based Estudios Técnicos, Inc. on July 18 released a
joint report, “The Impact of the Jones Act on Puerto Rico,” that
concluded the Jones Act has no impact on either retail prices or
the cost of living in Puerto Rico. In addition, the report found
that the state-of-the-art maritime technology, Puerto-Rico focused investments, and dedicated closed-loop service offered
by Jones Act carriers provide a significant positive economic
impact to the island, at freight rates lower or comparable to
similar services to other Caribbean Islands.
These findings factually shot down claims to the contrary
from Jones Act opponents, who seemingly blame the timetested law for every problem under the sun and whose main
strategy apparently is to repeat lies loudly and often.
Later in the year, Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI), an
independent center for mariner advocacy and research, released
its full report – “Cabotage Laws of the World” – on the findings of their global cabotage study. The study, commissioned
by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), provides the first independent analysis of maritime cabotage laws
since the early 1990s.
Based on extensive research involving 140 countries, the
SRI report revealed that 91 countries representing 80 percent of
the world’s coastal United Nations Maritime States have cabotage laws restricting foreign maritime activity in their domestic
coastal trades.
Merriam-Webster defines cabotage as “trade or transport
in coastal waters or airspace or between two points within a
country.”
ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel, who also
serves as the SIU’s secretary-treasurer, said, “The lack of accurate facts on cabotage laws around the world has been an impediment for policymakers considering implementing cabotage
laws. This report represents a circuit breaker, providing policymakers with the relevant facts for proper decision-making.
The SRI report debunks the myth that cabotage is an exception,
not the rule. Laws governing maritime activity are widespread,
currently existing in 91 countries covering 80 percent of the
world’s coastlines of U.N. maritime states. We know there are a
number of countries considering introducing, strengthening or
diminishing cabotage regulation. This report will assure those
governments that it makes sense to enforce national cabotage
laws.”
Additionally, the SIU testified or otherwise supported several U.S. congressional hearings covering the Jones Act, cargo
preference, and other laws and programs that are vital to the
U.S. Merchant Marine.
The union threw its full support behind a new bill, the
Energizing American Shipbuilding Act, which would boost
shipboard jobs as well. Championed by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), the bill has strong bipartisan support and
legitimate prospects for approval in the new year.
Not all of the news from the nation’s capital was positive
for maritime or the labor movement. The Supreme Court ruled
against working families with its long-awaited decision in the
Janus case. However, unions have responded by significantly
ramping up efforts to remind workers of the ongoing extreme
The SIU gained jobs when the Oregon and two other tankers were acquired by Crowley.
relevance of unions.
There were victories, too, both in the U.S. and in Canada.
Missouri citizens soundly rejected a statewide, so-called “right
to work” law. Meanwhile, the SIU of Canada led the way in
winning major cabotage rights for that nation’s mariners.
Also, the annual report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that union membership grew by 262,000 in 2017
(the most recent year for which data was available).
New Ships
Seafarers and SIU CIVMARS welcomed many new vessels
throughout the year, plus the start of construction on several
ships.
Crowley acquired three tankers (Oregon, Washington,
California) from SeaRiver mid-year, and later christened the
ConRo El Coqui.
Matson launched the Daniel K. Inouye, the largest containership built in the U.S. (850 feet). Construction also started on
the Matsonia, a ConRo.
The general cargo ship SLNC York (Argent Marine) reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, while the first steel plates
were cut for the Pasha Hawaii Jones Act containership George
III.
SIU Government Services Division members had much to
applaud, including the christenings of the expeditionary fast
transports USNS Burlington and USNS Puerto Rico, and the
start of construction on the fleet replenishment oiler USNS
John Lewis and the expeditionary sea base USNS Miguel Keith.
New Contracts and Benefits
It was a banner year for the Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan (SHBP), which bookended 2018 by announcing assorted
new benefits for Seafarers and their dependents. The SHBP
also awarded nine scholarships worth a combined $132,000.
Four of the grants went to Seafarers, while the other five were
claimed by SIU family members.
SIU negotiating teams continued to defy nationwide trends
by securing agreements that feature regular wage increases
while maintaining or increasing benefits. Such was the case
both at Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, where members ratified
a five-year contract; and at G&H Towing, where SIU boatmen
approved a three-year pact.
Piney Point
The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center and its Seafarers
Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship continued pressing
ahead to set the standard for maritime training. Located in
Piney Point, Maryland, the school introduced a new class for
storekeepers and launched a totally revamped steward department curriculum – collectively dubbed Culinary 2.0 – that was
a hit with the first students.
In the fall, the Paul Hall Center also hosted a packed meeting of the U.S. Transportation Command’s executive working
group on the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement. The
group includes SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez.
In May, the school’s advisory board examined current and
future training needs, and discussed various upgrades being
made to both the campus itself and the classes. The board includes representatives from the union, school, ship-operating
companies and government agencies.
That same month, Piney Point was the site for the sixth
annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic. The event benefits the
American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS), previously called the Wounded Warriors Anglers of America.
New Hall and More
On Nov. 8, the SIU officially opened the new hiring hall in
SIU President Michael Sacco opens the winter meeting of
the Maritime Trades Department executive board.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, with an event that included food, drinks
and a live band.
“Welcome to your brand-new SIU union hall,” SIU Port
Agent Amancio Crespo began, before being interrupted by
cheers and applause from the more than 150 members, elected
officials, company executives and guests gathered outside the
building for the ceremony.
The new facility, located at 659 Hillside Street in the Summit Hills neighborhood of San Juan, is immaculate, with
all-new furniture in multiple member lounge areas, wheelchairaccessible restrooms, a modern galley and mess area, WiFi
access and a second-floor conference room. Most importantly,
it’s in a safe and secure neighborhood – a huge improvement
from the previous hall.
In other news, the SIU remained very active with the ITF,
and Heindel was re-elected as chair of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section at its congress in Singapore.
Several SIU crews upheld the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea by executing rescues, including Seafarers
from the USNS Trenton, USNS Wally Schirra and multiple NY
Waterway ferries.
The National Transportation Safety Board published a summary of its investigation of the El Faro tragedy. Two books
(by private authors) were published about the October 2015
sinking. Later in the year, the SIU conducted and participated
in memorial services at sea and ashore for the 33 individuals
(including 17 Seafarers) who lost their lives in the sinking.
Two longtime Seafarers called it quits: SIU Vice President
Government Services Kermett Mangram retired after 40 years
with the union, and SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts
Archie Ware did the same, also capping a 40-year career. Former UIW National Director Kate Hunt made history when she
succeeded Mangram, becoming the union’s first female vice
president.
Seafarers continued their philanthropy across the globe,
including annual efforts in Tacoma, Washington, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Maritime Trades Department conducted a Jones Actthemed winter meeting, helping set the record straight on a law
that is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security.
Finally, the union bid a solemn farewell to Charlie Stewart,
retired vice president and former NMU official, who passed
away at age 84.
The new hall in Puerto Rico is a hit with members, their families and other guests. Among those pictured at the ceremonial opening are (starting third from left) SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, former Puerto
Rico Gov. Carlos Romero Barcelo, Port Agent Amancio Crespo and (third from right) Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.
�
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Title
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
Description
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Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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2010-2019
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Title
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January 2019
Description
An account of the resource
Headlines:
MATSON'S INOUYE ENTERS SERVICE
THANKSGIVING TRADITION THRIVING
MSC COMMANDER: 'MARINERS WILL BE THERE!'
CSA HONORS SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES
HOUSE HEARING UNDERSCORES VITAL NEED TO MAINTAIN STRONG MERCHANT MARINE
NAVY CHRISTENS USNS PUERTO RICO IN ALABAMA
SIU-CONTRACTED NYNJR EXPANDS INFRASTRUCTURE
NY WATERWAY CREWS ASSIST COMMUTERS DURING SNOWSTORM
COALITION HIGHLIGHTS NEW SHIPBUILDING AS CRITICAL TO CONTINUED STRONG U.S. NATIONAL, ECONOMIC SECURITY
USNS COMFORT SUPPORTS OPERATION ENDURING PROMISE
SIU MARINERS LEND A HAND IN TYPHOON RECOVERY
SAFETY DIRECTORS HONE SKILLS AT PAUL HALL CENTER
RECERTIFIED STEWARD, CHIEF COOK PRAISE WORK ETHIC OF 'YOUNG SA'
OAKLAND THANKSGIVING GATHERING A HIT
AT SEA AND ASHORE WITH THE SIU
SHBP OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
PREVENTING, TREATING BLOOD CLOTS
EPI'S 'POLICY ROADMAP' WOULD BOOST WORKERS
USNS WILLIAMS GALLEY GANG CAPS MULTINATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISE WITH SCRUMPTIOUS COOKOUT
SIU TRADITION: SEAFARERS BRIGHTEN THANKSGIVING ABOARD VESSELS, AT HALLS
CABOTAGE STUDIES, NEW TONNAGE HIGHLIGHT 2018
Creator
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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1/1/2019
Format
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Newsprint
Type
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Vol. 81, No. 1
2019
Seafarers Log