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SEAFARERS LOG
DECEMBER 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 12
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
BECK NOTICE • PAGE 5 // CLASS PHOTOS • PAGES 18-19
�President’s Report
Elections Past and Present
D
epending on where you live, you
may be exhaling now that you’re
not being swamped with off-year
election ads, or you may not have noticed
much about the races and ballot initiatives
in other states that largely were decided
Nov. 7. But no matter what, I feel reluctantly confident in saying none of us will
escape from the all-out advertising blitz
and media saturation ahead of next year’s
presidential and congressional elections.
The SIU will not deviate from our
David Heindel
decades-long stance when it comes
to deciding which candidates to back, at every level of
government. Our first questions are always, where do you
stand on the U.S. Merchant Marine? Where do you stand
on the American maritime industry? Where do you stand
on workers’ rights? That’s not a long list, but those always
have been, and always will be our top priorities.
One lesson from last month’s elections that shouldn’t
be overlooked is the genuine power of voting, period.
Turnout makes all the difference, as we’ve seen time after
time, year after year. Keep that in mind ahead of Election
Day 2024. Make sure you are registered to vote, and
support the candidates who will support your job. Don’t
sit on the docks.
Last but not least, I’m trying to get a jumpstart on
asking everyone who reads this column to practice
civility throughout the election process. This isn’t exactly
a revelation, but it doesn’t do our country any favors
when we lose the capability or the willpower to engage in
respectful dialogue about candidates and issues. There’s
nothing wrong with spirited debate; there’s plenty wrong
with closed-mindedness and outright malice.
Here’s to taking the high road and giving our fellow
Americans the benefit of the doubt.
Stirring Ceremony
What a tremendous honor it was for apprentices from
the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education to be featured at this year’s official
Veterans Day National Observance at Arlington National
Cemetery. As reported elsewhere in this edition, the
apprentices served as an honor guard and helped place a
wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to honor the
U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II. Making an alreadyemotional moment even more inspirational, several
mariners from that era were in attendance.
I absolutely understand the distinctions between
Veterans Day and Memorial Day, but let us never forget
that more than 1,200 SIU members made the ultimate
sacrifice in World War II.
My hat is off to all who’ve served, and I remain grateful
to work as part of our great nation’s fourth arm of
defense.
Season’s Greetings
On behalf of our entire executive board, I extend
heartfelt holiday greetings to all SIU members,
pensioners and their families. I particularly appreciate
and respect the dedication of our sisters and
brothers who are spending the holidays at sea. Your
professionalism and commitment are never taken for
granted.
I wish everyone an enjoyable present, a fondly
remembered past, and a prosperous new year ahead.
Seafarers LOG
Volume 85 Number 12
December 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International
Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive;
Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern
Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201
Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo
Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill
Assistant Editor: Aja Neal
Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes
Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an
environmentally friendly
printer for the production of
this newspaper.
2 • SEAFARERS LOG
Union, School Team Up With U.S.-Flag
Group for National Apprenticeship Week
The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education (PHC) are joining
with the Transportation Institute (TI) to help promote
career opportunities in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
At press time, the union, school and TI were
partnering for a series of open houses at hiring halls
across the country as part of the U.S. Department
of Labor’s (DOL) National Apprenticeship Week,
scheduled to take place Nov. 13-19.
The DOL bills National Apprenticeship Week (NAW)
as “a nationwide celebration where employers, industry
associations, labor organizations, communitybased organizations, workforce partners, education
providers, and government leaders host events to
showcase the successes and value of Registered
Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are instrumental in
re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender
equity, building a pipeline to good quality jobs, and
supporting underserved communities.”
The PHC’s apprentice program is registered with the
DOL.
In 2022, NAW consisted of nearly 1,400 events
nationwide, plus dozens of proclamations and other
publicity. President Biden issued a statement that read
in part, “For many workers, especially those without
college degrees, apprenticeships create a critical
pathway to good-paying jobs. Registered apprentices
earn while they learn. These programs, particularly
through local unions, ensure that our Nation is
producing the best-trained, best-prepared, and bestskilled workers for industries now and of the future –
from health care and information technology to clean
energy. Supporting Registered Apprenticeships is a key
part of my economic vision to build an economy from
the bottom up and the middle out: an economy that
works for everyone.”
The PHC’s Apprentice Program, based in Piney
Point, Maryland, offers aspiring mariners a unique
opportunity to receive tuition-free training, gain
valuable on-the-job skills, and embark on a journey
toward a rewarding career enriched with substantial
benefits. It is one of the largest training programs for
entry-level maritime personnel in the United States
Apprentices (darker shirts) participate in hands-on training at the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center.
and is designed to prepare students with little to no
experience to learn the necessary skills they will need
to serve aboard U.S.-flagged vessels.
“Keeping with this year’s theme for National
Apprenticeship Week, the maritime industry is the
‘Superhighway to Good Jobs’ and we are proud to
partner with the Seafarers International Union to
showcase this industry’s potential,” said TI Chairman
and President James L. Henry. “These jobs are vital to
America’s continued economic and national security
success and are a great career path – especially for
young men and women. The American maritime
industry is consistently expanding opportunities in
our workforce that are inclusive of individuals who
have been historically underserved and marginalized
people, this partnership is a testament to that.”
TI was established in 1967 as a non-profit
organization dedicated to maritime research education
and promotion. The Institute participates in all
phases of the nation’s deep-sea, foreign and domestic
shipping trades, and barge and tugboat operations on
the Great Lakes and on the vast network of America’s
inland waterways. Many member company vessels
are contracted to the U.S. military services. All are of
U.S. registry – crewed by American citizens operating
under the world’s highest safety standards, and proudly
flying the American flag.
Union Voters Power Election Wins
The off-year elections proved favorable for
America’s working families.
Among other gains, the Virginia legislature flipped
to a pro-worker majority; Kentucky voters elected
Democrat Andy Beshear as governor; and former
state Rep. Sara Innamorato (D) won the election for
Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) Executive.
Innamorato “framed her campaign around
those...‘left behind’ over the years,” Julian Routh
reported in the Pittsburgh Union Progress, the strike
paper the Pittsburgh News Guild runs while Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette owners defy federal orders to bargain a
new contract with their workers.
Additionally, in a vote for a vacant U.S. House seat,
heavily Democratic Rhode Island elected Democrat
Gabriel Amo by almost a 2-to-1 ratio. Amo will be Rhode
Island’s first-ever Black member of Congress.
“Never bet against America’s workers,” AFL-CIO
President Liz Shuler said following the elections.
“Tuesday night’s results showed the power working
people have in electing pro-worker candidates, up
and down the ballot, who will fight for us and stand
up to wealthy corporate interests and extremists. In
communities across the country, thousands of union
volunteers engaged in deep discussions with fellow
workers about the economic issues and freedoms that
matter most, including reproductive rights. That’s
the heart and soul of the labor movement’s political
mobilization: one-on-one, face-to-face engagement
on the issues that matter most to working people.
As a result of those conversations, union member
enthusiasm and engagement helped deliver key
victories in critical races.”
Shuler added, “While the final results are still being
tabulated, it’s crystal clear that working people pushed
pro-worker candidates over the finish line, even in
historically deep red states. Union voters powered
Gov. Andy Beshear’s victory last night in Kentucky,
delivering another term for a leader who stood shoulder
to shoulder with workers throughout his first four
years in office. We congratulate Gov. Beshear on this
tremendous win for workers and our families, and
look forward to working closely with him to continue
uplifting communities with good union jobs.”
The federation reported, “Across the country,
workers fueled scores of victories from the top of the
ballot on down. In Virginia, union volunteers knocked
on thousands upon thousands of doors to provide the
foundation of voter support needed to create a proworker majority in the House of Delegates and keep
the majority in the state Senate. And union members
led the way to historic wins in races in New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Ohio and many other states, with close
to 400 of our union member candidates winning their
races, including an astounding 82% who ran in New
Jersey.”
Pennsylvania State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D) (center) is pictured at the
Philadelphia hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and Safety
Director Andre MacCray. The hall served as a polling place Nov. 7.
DECEMBER 2023
�SIU Crews Honored at NDTA Meeting
S
Pictured from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU President David Heindel, Bosun Paul Altenor and OSG
President/CEO Sam Norton.
Bosun Paul Altenor (left) receives his medal from
Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips
The Maritime Administration’s Merchant Marine
Medal for Outstanding Achievement
IU members recently received
accolades for their respective
roles in three different rescues
that took place earlier this year.
Bosun Pau l A ltenor was
one of three mariners who, on
behalf of themselves and their
shipmates, accepted the Maritime
Administration’s Merchant Marine
Medal for Outstanding Achievement
in Orlando, Florida. The ceremony
took place Nov. 1 as part of a joint
meeting of the U.S. Transportation
Command (USTRANSCOM) and the
National Defense Transportation
Association (NDTA). SIU President
David Heindel and SIU Executive
Vice President Augie Tellez attended
the ceremony.
The three rescues (extensively
reported in prior editions of the LOG)
involved the SIU-crewed Overseas
Santorini, Overseas Nikiski, and
Overseas Long Beach, all operated by
OSG.
“The ceremony was great,” Altenor
said. “I really appreciated getting to
talk to [SIU President David Heindel]
and [OSG President and CEO Sam
Norton]. They were both really
appreciative of our efforts during the
rescue.”
Altenor was aboard the Santorini
on May 30 when he and his fellow
mariners rescued a family of four
(including two children) whose
sailboat was leaking in the middle
of the Atlantic. Reflecting on the
experience, the bosun recalled,
“Every month, we do a man overboard
drill. This was clearly not a man
overboard, but I was prepared for it.
This was my second rescue attempt,
but my first one involving a sailboat,
which made it a little different. When
training doesn’t cover a specific type
of rescue, it takes some common
sense to keep everyone safe during
a rescue. You really had to stay alert,
because we could have easily gotten
hurt as well.”
Maritime Administrator Ann
Phillips presented the awards and
noted, “It is a universal connection to
those at sea to come to the aid of those
in distress.”
In remarks prepared for the
ceremony, Heindel stated, “On behalf
of the entire union, I extend my
congratulations to every member
who took part in the rescues. You all
did a fantastic job. You put others
before yourselves; you rose to the
occasion; and you handled the
assignments with professionalism
and compassion.”
Earlier in the week, USTRANSCOM
Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline
Van Ovost presented the agency’s
prestigious Pegasus Award to SIU
President Emeritus Michael Sacco.
Heindel accepted it on Sacco’s behalf
(see page 9).
The joint meeting “focused on
bringing together military and
industry leaders from across the
globe to discuss current trends and
logistics challenges,” according
to USTRANSCOM. Tellez actively
participated throughout the weeklong gathering.
During opening remarks for
the joint meeting, Van Ovost cited
teamwork between the military,
commercial industry, and our
nation’s allies and partners as
critical: “By, with, and through our
commercial teammates and allies
and partners, we are underwriting
the lethality of our combined forces.”
The general also highlighted
the need for fleet recapitalization,
pointing out the aging state of the U.S.
government’s surge sealift ships: “In
ten years, more than 50% will reach
their end of service life.”
SIU, Others Blast Proposed Second Registry
A broad coalition of American
maritime and transportation unions,
including the SIU, has registered its
strong opposition to a proposal that
would promote the operation of U.S.owned vessels with foreign crews. The
proposal, part of a report issued by the
Hudson Institute, would create a second United States ship registry to allow
vessel owners to bypass the hiring of
American maritime workers.
As noted in a joint statement by the
unions, “The overall report released
by the Hudson Institute contains a
number of recommendations that
we oppose and which we believe will
adversely affect the efficient implementation of existing U.S. maritime
policies and the operation of U.S.flag vessels. In addition, the proposal
fails to identify solutions that would
increase or incentivize the carriage
of cargoes by U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed
vessels, a core tenet of ensuring an
economically viable U.S. maritime
industry. However, the establishment
of a second U.S.-flag registry as proposed by the Hudson Institute is the
most egregious proposal in the report
and warrants our specific comment.”
DECEMBER 2023
The statement continues, “The
United States-flag deep sea fleet is the
largest segment of the maritime industry providing the trained and qualified
mariners needed to meet the requirements of the Department of Defense. It
is these American mariners who crew
the surge and sustainment vessels
called into action by the Department of
Defense in time of war or other international emergency and who have
never, in the history of our nation,
refused to respond whenever and
wherever needed by our government.
“At this time in our nation’s history
it is imperative that our government
act to ensure that our country has the
trained and qualified mariners needed
by the Department of Defense. It is
irresponsible to divert U.S. taxpayer
dollars to support and to otherwise
encourage the operation of U.S.-flag
vessels that do not provide the base
of employment necessary to increase
and support the U.S citizen mariner
base. To do so is at best a wasteful use
of U.S. taxpayer dollars and at worst,
a dangerous disregard of America’s
national security requirements.”
In conclusion, they wrote, “We
urge the Biden Administration and
the Congress to put American maritime workers first, and to soundly
reject this proposal to create a second
United States-flag registry that will be
little more than a flag of convenience
that has at its core the outsourcing of
American maritime jobs. We instead
urge Congress and the Administration to work with us to strengthen and
expand the United States-flag fleet in
order to create jobs for America’s maritime workforce and to further enhance
America’s economic, homeland and
military security.”
Signing the statement were SIU
President David Heindel; Maritime
Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements;
Sailors’ Union of the Pacific President
David Connolly; American Maritime
Officers President Paul Doell; International Organization of Masters, Mates
& Pilots President Don Marcus; Marine
Firemen’s Union President Anthony
Poplawski; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Adam
Vokac; and Transportation Trades
Department President Greg Regan.
SEAFARERS LOG • 3
�Apprentices Instrumental to Veterans Day Ceremony
WWII Mariners Honored with President, VP, First Lady in Attendance
Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) PHC Apprentices Xavier Roberts, Caleb Estrada, Orlando Quirantes, and Emma DiGennaro.
F
our members of the most recent apprentice class at the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education (PHC) proudly represented the union
and the school Nov. 11, bearing our nation’s flag and the U.S.
Merchant Marine flag during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
The participating PHC apprentices from class 901 were
Orlando Quirantes, Xavier Roberts, Emma DiGennaro,
and Caleb Estrada. They were invited to help symbolize
and stand for the four World War II U.S. Merchant Marine
veterans (Pete Kurkimilis, Charles Mills, Howard Pfeifer
and David Yoho) who also took part in the ceremony. The
apprentices were led by PHC Apprentice Commandant
John Romer.
This marked the first time the U.S. Merchant Marine
had been invited to participate at the solemn event. Along
with the flag, their recognition included a U.S. Merchant
Marine wreath that was presented.
Recalling his experience bearing the U.S. Merchant
Marine flag at the ceremony, Quirantes said, “It was
awesome. It was a huge honor to participate in the
ceremony. We weren’t expecting it to be as grand as it was.
We saw the president, the vice president, and the head of
the Treasury.…”
“The honor guard from the SIU was absolutely
fantastic!” said American Merchant Marine Veterans
(AMMV) President Dru DiMattia. “It was an absolute
pleasure working with the entire team.”
“It was a great day,” said AMMV Vice President Chris
Edyvean, a former SIU member.
Among the cadre of distinguished attendees were
President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President
Kamala Harris and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis R.
McDonough.
Each year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the
incumbent president has traditionally placed a wreath at
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to memorialize fallen
U.S. service members whose remains have not been
located or were unable to be properly identified.
Following the Veterans Day wreath-laying, the
commander in chief gave a speech at the Memorial
Amphitheater recognizing the American forces who
always rise to the occasion each time our country requires
their service, and honoring the memory of his son, Beau
Biden, and his service to this country as a member of the
Army National Guard. “Our veterans are the steel spine of
this nation, and their families, like so many of you, are the
courageous heart,” Biden said.
Biden’s speech also highlighted the PACT Act, which
was signed into law in August of 2022. The legislation
aimed to expand healthcare access for veterans exposed
to toxic chemicals and their families. Biden announced
that any toxin-exposed veteran who served in any conflict
outlined in the PACT Act would be able to enroll in VA
health care starting in March 2024.After four decades of
struggling for recognition, mariners who sailed during
World War II received veterans’ status in 1988. Three years
later and in another first, union mariners marched in the
parade from Capitol Hill to the White House with members
of the U.S. Armed Services at the conclusion of the Kuwaiti
War.
2024 Meeting Dates
Port
Traditional Date
JAN
FEB
MAR
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MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Piney Point
Jersey City
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Jacksonville
San Juan
Algonac
Norfolk
Houston
New Orleans
Mobile
Oakland
Port Everglades
Joliet
St. Louis
Honolulu
Wilmington
Guam
Tacoma
Monday after first Sunday
Tuesday after first Sunday
Wednesday after first Sunday
Thursday after first Sunday
Thursday after first Sunday
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Friday after first Sunday
Monday after second Sunday
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Circled dates indicate changes due to holiday observances -- Meetings start at 10:30 a.m.
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
44
• SEAFARERS
DECEMBER 2023
�Beck Notice
The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the
Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For
the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial
resources on collective bargaining activities and employee
representation services. In addition to these expenditures,
the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities,
international affairs and community services. All of these
services advance the interests of the union and its membership.
This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages
and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It
also will provide you with detailed information as to how to
become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his
or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments.
With this information, you will be able to make an informed
decision about your status with the Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW.
1. Benefits of union membership — While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in
their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining
full membership in the union. Among the many benefits
and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers
International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union
meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office
and the right to run for union office. Members also have the
right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes.
Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies.
2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working
dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost
is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one
hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues
amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member
files a vacation application.
3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to
become union members may become agency fee payors. As
a condition of employment, in states which permit such ar-
DECEMBER 2023
Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements
Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act
rangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to
the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that
the union provides. These services are those related to the
collective bargaining process, contract administration and
grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include
but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers
and employees. Union services also include representation
of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and
arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board
hearings and court litigation.
Employees who pay agency fees are not required to
pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining
process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses
required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs.
4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses
related to those supporting costs germane to the collective
bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the
2022 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 80.55 percent of the dues amount.
This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would
be $402.75 (four hundred two dollars and seventy-five
cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also
will be calculated for working dues.
This amount applies to the 2024 calendar year. This
means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay
agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2023
and November 30, 2024 will have this calculation applied to
their 2024 dues payments which may still be owed to the
union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the
agency fee reduction effective January 2025, your objection
must be received by December 1, 2024.
A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may
receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital
Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is
based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2022.
Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable
expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount
may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled
to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues,
must elect this option each year by filing an objection in
accordance with the procedure noted below.
5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying
dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by
the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee
may file an objection at any time during the year, however,
the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until
December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will
not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the
amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an
auditor’s report from a previous year.
The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee
Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s
Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital
Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of
calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core
representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to
submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if
he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the
calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file
such an objection.
7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s)
at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate
all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator.
The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing
or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector
who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in
writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held,
the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received.
The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union.
Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for
all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The
union will have the burden of justifying its calculations.
The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members
receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the
SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your
continuing support.
Sincerely,
Tom Orzechowski
Secretary-Treasurer
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG • 5
5
�Former Seafarer Marks 50 Years as
Seagoing Union Member
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the
American Maritime Officer, monthly publication of the Seafarers-affiliated AMO. It is reprinted here with permission,
and with strong encouragement from the main subject, who
comes from an SIU family.
“The SIU holds a very special place in my heart and life,”
Fred Reyes said in a recent communication to the Seafarers
LOG.
The article has been lightly edited for space considerations.
In May of 2023, American Maritime Officers member
Frederick Reyes completed his most recent shipboard
assignment. He accepted the job to join the S/S Wright in
February in Norfolk, Virginia, as first engineer to work
on board with a longtime friend: Chief Engineer Sterling
Pearson.
As he walked down the gangway in May, there was a long
list of responsibilities awaiting him on the pier, including
working with his wife, Nora, to choose their next course of
action with the avocado, banana and coffee plantation the
Reyes family has established in Colombia in recent years,
and deciding whether they should keep all of their horses in
the stable or maintain them in the pasture for a few weeks.
Not what you might call standard kitchen-table quandaries, but these are among the interests Reyes has been able
to pursue over the years during a long career as a licensed
U.S. Merchant Marine officer – working hard, earning well,
raising a family and having ample vacation time between
shipping assignments.
His rotation on the Wright was the latest installment in a
voyage that began 50 years ago in the Bronx, New York.
“Back then, whatever mom said, you did,” Reyes continued. “I went to Brooklyn, and they usually had the job calls
where there used to be a master at arms who would stand
in front of the union door entry. So, there was a gentleman
named Jack Caffey, who eventually became one of the vice
presidents. Jack was the master at arms in front of the
union.
“Now, this is 1973, you know. I was a classic long-hair
college hippie. And Jack says, ‘What do you want?’ And I’m
like, well, I’m here to see Paul Hall. He says, ‘Get out of here,
you can’t see Paul Hall.’ And I say, Well, I got a letter here. He
read the letter, looked at me, read the letter again, and says,
‘Okay, I'll be back in five minutes – stay right here.’ He goes
inside the building, comes out, and these two men walk out
with him. They read the letter, look at me and asked me for
ID. I gave them my driver’s license. One of them looks to the
other and says, ‘Man, the boss is going to be really happy
with this one.’”
Reyes paused in his recollection to point out his full
name is Frederick Reyes-Morciglio, and his grandfather
on his mother’s side, Francisco Morciglio, was a charter
member of the Seafarers International Union in 1938, after
having started sailing in 1918. His uncle on his mother’s side
was also an SIU member who started sailing in the 1940s,
and both of them sailed in the deck department.
Reyes’ father also sailed as a member of the SIU in the
deck department, starting perhaps in the late 1930s or early
1940s. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World
War II and was later buried in a cemetery for veterans in
Puerto Rico. His father had four brothers, and they also
sailed with the SIU.
“I think I have salt in my blood,” Reyes said.
I turned around and there’s this white-haired gentleman, a little taller than I am, and he takes
his stogie and hands it to someone, and this gentleman proceeds to grab me in a bear hug and
starts bouncing me. And he says: ‘I’ve waited for 20 years for one of you guys to show up!’
“I was 20 years old and I was attending Bronx Community College,” Reyes said, noting he had previously attended
NYC Food and Maritime Trade High School. “It was difficult
to get work. So, I was pretty much a starving student like
most students. And my mother says to me: ‘Well, here’s a
letter that was given to you when you were born.’ I read the
letter. She says: ‘Take this letter to the union (SIU) (which
I had been going to in Brooklyn since I was a kid with my
father, waiting for him to ship out) and you want to talk to
only one person: (SIU President) Paul Hall.’”
When he was born in 1953, the SIU issued Reyes a letter
of introduction to the union, stating he could take the letter
to any SIU hall in the United States and be recognized as a
book member of the Seafarers International Union. He was
later informed the SIU had issued approximately 20 such
letters in total and had ceased doing so in 1954.
From his encounter with Caffey in front of the hall in
Brooklyn, Reyes was escorted upstairs to the dispatching
department, led at the time by Port Agent George McCartney, who would later become a vice president with the
union.
First Engineer Fred Reyes (left) and Chief Engineer Sterling Pearson work
aboard the Wright in Norfolk, Virginia, earlier this year.
“George picks up the phone and says, quote, ‘One of the
babies just arrived,’” Reyes said. “Then he says: ‘Somebody is
going to be here in a few minutes to talk to you.’
“Are you Paul Hall?” Reyes asked. “He says: ‘No, I’m
George McCartney.’ I looked at the guy to my right and I
asked: Who are you? He says: ‘I’m Mike Sacco (who later
became the union’s president).’ Then I asked the guy to my
left: Who are you? He says: ‘I’m Joey Sacco (later the union’s
executive vice president).’
“Joey grabbed me and says: ‘Man, you don’t know how
happy the boss is going to be to see you.’
“Then I started hearing whispers. I’m standing, looking
at the counter, and I feel a presence behind me and smell
cigar smoke. I turned around and there’s this white-haired
gentleman, a little taller than I am, and he takes his stogie
and hands it to someone, and this gentleman proceeds to
grab me in a bear hug and starts bouncing me. And he says:
‘I’ve waited for 20 years for one of you guys to show up!’
“He finally puts me down and I says to him, Are you Paul
Hall? He says, ‘Yes, I am.’
“Good, because my mom told me to talk to you!”
“He says: ‘What do you need, son?’ I told him I want to go
on a ship. I want to go to work,” Reyes said. “He looks at Mike
and Joey and says: ‘You see this kid? This is family. We’ll
always take care of this man.’
“Here it is, 50 years later, and I’m still here,” Reyes said.
Hall gave instructions to have Reyes sent to Piney
Point, Maryland, for training before his first shipboard
assignment.
Continued on Page 9
Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan
No. 501) for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The
annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security
Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial Statement
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan,
was $344,518,301 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $343,071,717
as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced
an increase in its net assets of $1,446,584. This increase includes
unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets;
that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the
end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the
year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan
year, the plan had total income of $86,536,416. This income included
employer contributions of $123,945,964, employee contributions of
$458,200, realized losses of $(7,754,600) from the sale of assets and
other losses or earnings from investments of $(31,137,648), and other
income of 1,024,500. Plan expenses were $85,089,832. These expenses
included $15,092,717 in administrative expenses and $69,997,115 in
benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or
any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in
that report:
1. An accountant’s report.
2. Financial information and information on payments to
service providers.
3. Assets held for investment; and
4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,
write or call the office of:
Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
The charge to cover copying costs will be $11 for the full report or
$0.25 per page for any part thereof.
You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator,
on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities
of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and
expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request
a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these
two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of
that report.
The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a
charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these
portions are furnished without charge.
You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual
report at the main office of the plan:
Plan Office
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.,
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
66
• SEAFARERS
or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon
payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be
addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security
Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L.
104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection
of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department
notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection
of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and
displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is
not required to respond to the collection of information unless
it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C.
3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person
shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection
of information if the collection of information does not display a
currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512.
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately
3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged
to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of
the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance
Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington,
DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_@PUBLIC.DOL.GOV and reference the
OMB Control Number 1210-0040.
DECEMBER 2023
�Garamendi Reintroduces Bill Requiring Offshore Energy
Developers to Hire American Workers
O
ne of the most fervent supports of the U.S. maritime industry recently reintroduced a bill that
would benefit American workers.
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) in
mid-October submitted a bill titled “Close Agency
Loopholes to the Jones Act,” which would eliminate nearly a half-century of gaps that disadvantage
American workers (known as “letter rulings”) by U.S.
Customs and Border Protection. Specifically, these
loopholes allow federal regulators to circumvent the
Jones Act – a time-tested federal maritime law that
mandates the use of vessels that are crewed, built,
flagged and owned American when it comes to transporting cargo from one domestic port to another.
The SIU is one of many maritime labor organizations supporting the bill.
Garamendi is the top Democrat on the House
Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and
a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He served as the top Democrat
on the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation from 2013 to 2018.
“The U.S. government should do everything in its
power to prevent foreign vessels from paying poverty
wages to take jobs from Americans working in our
maritime industry,” he said. “Sadly, federal regulators
have largely enabled it instead. My Closing Agency
Loopholes to the Jones Act would finally enforce the
law as Congress intended when it created the Jones
Act in 1920. Passing my legislation means maximizing job opportunities for American mariners, U.S.flagged vessels and domestic shipyard workers.”
He added, “In January 2021, President Biden’s first
executive order after assuming office directed federal
agencies to maximize the use of American mariners,
American-built ships, and U.S.-flagged vessels under
the Jones Act. Less than 90 days later, Customs and
Border Protection issued a letter ruling contradicting the president’s policy to allow foreign vessels to
construct energy projects on the Outer Continental
Shelf. My bill will force federal bureaucrats to implement the president’s policy by fully enforcing the
Jones Act.”
According to the congressman, the Close Agency
Loopholes to the Jones Act (H.R.5991) would:
- Close the “oceanographic research vessel” loophole, thereby preventing commercial vessels engag-
ing in seismic-blasting and similar pre-construction
activities for offshore energy development in the
United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone at sea from
skirting the Jones Act.
- Close the “vessel equipment,” “lifting operations,” and “installation vessel” loopholes, thereby
preventing vessels with cranes and similar equipment from moving building materials into place to
construct offshore energy development in the United
States’ Exclusive Economic Zone at sea from skirting
the Jones Act.
- Close the “paid out, not unladen” loophole,
thereby preventing vessels transporting and installing undersea cable between the mainland United
States and fixed points like offshore platforms on the
Outer Continental Shelf from skirting the Jones Act.
- Close the “decommissioning” loophole, thereby
preventing vessels decommissioning offshore platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf from skirting
the Jones Act.
- Close the “seabed sample” loophole, thereby preventing commercial vessels taking samples from the
seafloor on the Outer Continental Shelf for offshore
energy development from skirting the Jones Act.
- Close the “pristine seabed” loophole, thereby
preventing commercial vessels that artificially place
rocks or other aggregates by vessel – known as “scour
protection material” – on the seafloor of the Outer
Continental Shelf for offshore energy development
from skirting the Jones Act.
- Allow Jones Act operators to appeal letter rulings
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that undermine the Jones Act.
- Subject Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement of the Jones Act to the Congressional
Review Act, which applies to nearly all other major
national policy and regulatory decisions at federal
agencies.
- Require foreign-flagged vessels operating on the
Outer Continental Shelf purporting to operate under
a Jones Act exemption to publicly notify Customs
and Border Protection, citing the specific purported
exemption and its legal basis.
- Authorize Customs and Border Protection to penalize foreign-flagged vessels operating on the Outer
Continental Shelf under a purported Jones Act exemption for failing to notify the federal agency.
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
(D-California)
- Require that offshore energy developers pay a
prevailing wage determined by the U.S. Department
of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act.
- Direct the U.S. Coast Guard to fully implement
Garamendi’s 2020 amendment, which reaffirmed
that federal laws like the Jones Act that already applied to offshore oil and gas also apply to offshore
renewable energy production in the United States’
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at sea.
In addition to the SIU, those supporting the Close
Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act legislation include the Offshore Marine Service Association;
American Waterways Operators; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Maritime Trades Department; Metal Trades Department;
American Radio Association; Sailors’ Union of the
Pacific; American Maritime Officers; International
Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Firemen’s Union; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; International Longshore and Warehouse Union;
and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers,
Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers.
Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act
The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act
(LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and
imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The
Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces
many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as
the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members
through private suit in Federal court.
Union Member Rights
Bill of Rights - Union members have:
- Equal rights to participate in union activities
- Freedom of speech and assembly
- Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments
- Protection of the right to sue
- Safeguards against improper discipline
Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union
members and nonunion employees have the right to
receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements.
Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with
OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records
for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS.
Officer Elections: Union members have the right to:
- Nominate candidates for office
- Run for office
- Cast a secret ballot
- Protest the conduct of an election
Officer Removal: Local union members have the right
to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected of-
DECEMBER 2023
ficer guilty of serious misconduct.
Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the
LMRDA.
Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any
of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline
a member for exercising any LMRDA right.
Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or
threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union
member in the exercise of LMRDA rights.
Union Officer Responsibilities
Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to
manage the funds and property of the union solely for
the benefit of the union and its members in accordance
with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers
or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other
assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/
or imprisonment.
Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle
union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual
financial receipts which exceed $5,000.
Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must:
- File an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS.
- Retain the records necessary to verify the reports for
at least five years.
Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must
file reports concerning any loans and benefits received
from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose
employees their unions represent and businesses that
deal with their unions.
Officer Elections: Unions must:
- Conduct elections for officers of national unions or
intermediary districts at least every four years by secret
ballot.
- Conduct regular elections in accordance with their
constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one
year.
- Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15
days prior to the election.
- Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material.
- Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used).
- Permit candidates to have election observers.
- Allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list
once within 30 days prior to the election.
Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of
certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee,
or other representative of a union for up to 13 years.
Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any
one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any
time.
Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or
employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA.
Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full
text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29
of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of
Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW,
Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at
www.dol.gov
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •77
�Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan
This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation
Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the
period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The annual report has
been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as
required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial Statement
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan,
was $32,110,526 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $34,979,646
as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced
an decrease in its net assets of $(2,869,120). This decrease includes
unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets;
that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at
the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of
the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan
had total income of $68,249,839. This income included employer
contributions of $72,888,240, realized losses of $(1,117,849) from the
sale of assets, other losses from investments of $(3,680,838) and
other income of $160,286. Plan expenses were $71,118,959. These
expenses included $7,484,445 in administrative expenses and
$63,634,514 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or
any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in
that report:
1. An accountant’s report.
2. Assets held for investment; and
3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,
write or call the office of:
Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
The charge to cover copying costs will be $15.25 for the full
report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof.
You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator,
on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities
of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and
expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request
a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these
two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part
of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does
not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report
because these portions are furnished without charge.
You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual
report at the main office of the plan:
Plan Office
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.,
or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon
payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be
addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security
Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L.
104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection
of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department
notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection
of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and
displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is
not required to respond to the collection of information unless
it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C.
3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person
shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection
of information if the collection of information does not display a
currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512.
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately
3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged
to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of
the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance
Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington,
DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the
OMB Control Number 1210-0040.
Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan
This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money
Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914,
Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2022to December 31, 2022. The
annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security
Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are
provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $15,048,433.
These expenses included $1,260,680 in administrative expenses and
$13,787,753 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total
of 15,228 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at
the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet
earned the right to receive benefits.
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan,
was $147,590,346 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $170,534,853
as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced a
decrease in its net assets of $(22,944,507). This decrease includes
unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets;
that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the
end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the
year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had
total income of $(7,896,074), including employer contributions of
$10,081,055, employee contributions of $166,973, losses of $(4,031,861)
from the sale of assets, loss from investments of $(14,123,476) and
other income of $11,235.
The plan has a contract with The Prudential Insurance Company
of America which allocates funds toward individual policies.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or
any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in
that report:
1. An accountant’s report.
2. Assets held for investment.
3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets.
4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by
insurance carriers; and
5. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled
separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in
which the plan participates.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,
write or call the office of:
Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
301-899-0675
The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.75 for the full report,
or $0.25 per page for any part thereof.
You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator,
on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities
of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and
expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request
a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these
two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part
of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does
not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report
because these portions are furnished without charge.
You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual
report at the main office of the plan:
Plan Office
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.,
or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon
payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be
addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security
Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L.
104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection
of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department
notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection
of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and
displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is
not required to respond to the collection of information unless
it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C.
3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person
shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection
of information if the collection of information does not display a
currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512.
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately
3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged
to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of
the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance
Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington,
DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the
OMB Control Number 1210-0040.
Summary Annual Report for Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan
This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers
International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan, (Employer Identification
No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2022 to
December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the
Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
1. An accountant’s report.
2. Financial Information and information on payments to
service providers.
3. Assets held for investment.
4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by
insurance carriers.
and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.,
or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon
payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be
addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security
Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.
Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are
provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $5,169,054.
These expenses included $166,524 in administrative expenses,
$4,869,458 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and
$133,072 in deemed distributions. A total of 16,730 persons were
participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan
year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to
receive benefits.
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan,
was $55,489,159 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $62,609,715
as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced
an decrease in its net assets of $(7,120,556). This decrease includes
unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets;
that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the
end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the
year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had
total income of $(1,951,502), including employee contributions
of $6,964,017, other contributions of $111,338, earnings from
investments of $(9,155,591) and other income of $128,734.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,
write or call the office of:
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L.
104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection
of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department
notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection
of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and
displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is
not required to respond to the collection of information unless
it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C.
3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person
shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection
of information if the collection of information does not display a
currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512.
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately
3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged
to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of
the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance
Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington,
DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_@PUBLIC.DOL.GOV and reference the
OMB Control Number 1210-0040.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or
any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in
that report:
Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
The charge to cover copying costs will be $12.50 for the full
report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof.
You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator,
on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities
of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and
expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request
a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these
two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part
of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does
not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report
because these portions are furnished without charge.
You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual
report at the main office of the plan:
Plan Office
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
88
• SEAFARERS
DECEMBER 2023
�A Career at Sea: Memories from a Longtime Mariner
Continued from Page 6
“I says to George McCartney, Don’t you have a school
here in Brooklyn or Manhattan or the Bronx? He said, ‘No,
it’s in Maryland.’
“I don’t have money to get to Maryland. How am I going
to get to Maryland?” Reyes said. “In all honesty, George goes
into his pocket and pulls out a hundred-dollar-bill, and says:
‘I never want you to be without money again. We’re going
put you to work and you’re always going to have money and
you’re going to have a good future.’
“Mike says, ‘Look, Freddie, we’re going to be down in
Piney Point in about two weeks and we’ll be down there
when you get there, so you’re not going to be alone.’
“Are you sure?” Reyes asked. “Joey grabbed me and says:
‘We’re going to be friends forever.’”
Reyes attended Piney Point for 12 weeks and left for his
first shipboard assignment. “My very first ship was the Sealand McLean, which was a brand-new SL-7,” he remembered.
His first job was in the steward department taking care of
the forward house.
“We set sail from Port Elizabeth and got to the Verrazano
Bridge, and the movement of the ship – I got seasick the
minute we passed by the Statue of Liberty,” Reyes said.
“Back then, they used to make the run from New Jersey to
Rotterdam in four days. I was sick the whole trip over and I
was sick the whole trip back. I got off that ship 11 days later
and said, I quit. I’m not going on another ship.
“I had money in my pocket and I went home,” he said. “I
hung out for a couple of days. My mom asked me how the
trip was, my uncle asked me how the trip was, and I saw my
grandfather. I said, Man, I’m not going out there. This was
wintertime, so I had my first ship crossing the Atlantic – a
super-fast ship that was moving all over the place. Yeah, I
was sick.
“My grandfather says, ‘You are going back out there,
now!’ So I went back to the union hall and grabbed another
ship, and that was the Elizabethport,” another Sealand Service, Inc. ship. “That’s how my career started,” Reyes said.
“When we were crossing the Atlantic, I was getting
sick all over the place,” he said. “I thought I wanted to be a
bosun or captain. I wanted to be in the deck department.
I’d go down to the engine room, and when I went down to
the engine room, because it’s a low point of gravity down
there, I’d be comfortable. That’s how my engineering career
started – I’d go down to the engine room because I didn’t feel
seasick down there.”
Reyes took one more shot at a career in the deck department, signing on as an ordinary seaman on a Jones Act
tanker running from New York to Texas. He found himself
getting bored standing the bow watch the entire trip. The
next job he took, he signed on as a wiper and never sailed
outside the engine department again.
A few years later, Reyes returned to Piney Point to complete the required seniority program training to earn his
A-seniority book with the SIU. This entailed a week or two
of classes at the school followed by a week or two in New
York going to the morning production meetings with Paul
Hall and Vice President Angus “Red” Campbell, he said.
“Red knew my father and my grandfather, so I had a lot
of camaraderie there. During one of the morning meetings
– there were four of us – it was (current SIU Executive Vice
President) Augie Tellez, (current Vice President West Coast)
Nick Marrone and two others….
Reyes sailed with the SIU for several years. He would typically sail for five or six months at a time, come home for a
few weeks, and after routine prodding from his grandfather,
would turn around and go back to sea.
By 1979, Reyes had earned a license. But his introduction to working as an engineering officer commenced well
before he sat for the exams.
A few years earlier, he was assigned to attend a new
course at Piney Point to qualify to sail on LNG carriers. He
ended up working as a pumpman aboard three such ships
coming out of the shipyard. He continued sailing on LNG
carriers as a QMED, and with guidance from the engineering
officers sailing aboard the ships – represented at that time
by District 1 MEBA – learned a great deal about the roles and
responsibilities of a marine engineer.
“By the time I got a license, I was still sailing on an LNG
ship in the capacity of a QMED,” Reyes said. “I got off that
ship, went home for a few weeks, then jumped on an AMO
ship as a third engineer.”
Reyes had gotten married in 1980 and was living in Daytona Beach with his wife and their one-year-old child when,
in 1983, he was contacted by American Maritime Officers (at
that time District 2 MEBA) regarding that first job as a third
engineer aboard the Cove Trader.
He continued sailing both licensed and unlicensed in
alternating voyages, returning to the LNG fleet between
AMO job assignments to earn as much money as he could.
“For two or three years, I was sailing as a QMED and as an
engineer. I don’t know if you can do that anymore,” Reyes
said.
Reyes paused for a moment to identify both the captain
of the Cove Trader, the late John “Black Jack” Flanagan, and
the chief engineer, Alfred “Rocky” Miliano, with whom he
still maintains a close friendship. Reyes also remembered
meeting STAR Center Director of Training Jerry Pannell,
who was sailing as a junior deck officer on the Cove Trader
at the time.
“Sailing back then was different,” Reyes said. “There
was a lot of camaraderie – in the crew and in the officer
ranks. There wasn’t a lot of communication, so we were
mariners on a ship in the middle of the ocean. “It’s a whole
new generation of mariners now. There’s a different level
of sophistication. The technology onboard the vessels – it’s
strictly business now. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it
is different.
“It’s been a great life voyage for me, personally, being
a mariner – being in the crew, and I’ve been an officer for
quite a few decades,” Reyes said. “I really care for the crew. I
make sure to look after them….
Former Seafarer Fred Reyes is pictured with his wife, Nora.
Reyes also reflected upon a situation which stemmed
from the sealift operation during the first Gulf War – after
Iraq invaded Kuwait – and identified a reality faced by the
U.S. maritime industry to this day.
“I was on the Cornhusker State. I was second engineer.
We get to Saudi Arabia … and I was standing on the dock
and there was a bunch of young soldiers there. One of them
asked if I was CIA, because I was dressed in civvies, and I
was, like, no. He says, ‘Well, what are you doing here?’
“I came on the ship,” Reyes said. “I’m a merchant mariner. Then I pointed to the ship and said, How do you think
the war machine got from the United States to here? And
he says, ‘The Navy.’ And I said no, the Navy are warriors. We
are the civilian mariners who support you, the combatant.
You see those helicopters coming off that ship? How do you
think they got here?
“Now I had their full attention and I explained it to
them,” Reyes said. “Most people, most Americans, really
don’t understand what the Merchant Marine is and what
we do.
“For me, going to sea is part of the fabric of my existence,”
he said. “Whether it be alongside a dock or crossing the
oceans, that’s what I do. I was born to do that and I’m very
proud of it.
“I appreciate and I love the SIU for providing the vehicle
for me to have this wonderful life as a mariner, and I appreciate the AMO as an organization for taking care of me and
my family,” Reyes said. “We as mariners are a certain breed
of human being who do what we do.”
Reyes addressed a final point to the next generation of
the U.S. Merchant Marine, both junior officers coming out
of the academies and hawsepipers beginning their careers
as unlicensed mariners.
“Within this industry, you can start at the bottom and
work your way up to the top. And it’s possible to do it,
because I did it,” Reyes said. “I’m very thankful that going to
sea has given me a great life. Because I’ve had a ball.”
USTRANSCOM Honors
Retired SIU President
SIU President Michael Sacco on Oct. 31 received the
Pegasus Award, “which honors individuals or groups
as strong proponents of U.S. Transportation Command
(USTRANSCOM) and its mission,” the agency reported.
SIU President David Heindel (right) accepted the honor on
Sacco’s behalf, during a joint meeting of USTRANSCOM
and the National Defense Transportation Association in
Orlando, Florida. USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer
Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (left) presented the plaque. She
stated that people with “innovative visions, passion to fulfill
them, and fearless dedication to win are the ones who will
help us achieve the impossible.” She said Sacco “is one of
those people who has been critical to all of us in achieving
the impossible. Mike is a true American Patriot.…Thank
you for being a terrific team player to USTRANSCOM, the
[Joint Deployment Distribution Enterprise], and our nation.”
DECEMBER 2023
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •99
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
TALKING MARITIME IN D.C. – SIU Executive
VP Augie Tellez (right) chats with former U.S. Rep. Tom
Suozzi at a recent gathering in the nation’s capital.
Suozzi is trying to regain his former Long Island seat
now held by Rep. George Santos.
SPREADING THE WORD IN
LONE STAR STATE - SIU Patrolmen
Kirk Pegan (left) and Kelly Krick stand
prepared to discuss the SIU and its
affiliated school during a late-October
career fair in Willowbrook, Texas.
ABOARD ENERGY HERCULES – Meeting aboard the Seabulk vessel are (standing,
from left) SIU Asst. VPs Chris Westbrook and Mike Russo, Capt. Chris Kibodeaux, Mate
Nick Stickell, and (front) Engineer Mike Matte.
RECRUITING IN GARDEN STATE – SIU
Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos (right) and Safety
Director Ali Alhamyari man a table at a wellattended career fair in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
ABOARD EL COQUI – Pictured aboard the Intrepid vessel are (above left, from left, starting in front): Recertified Steward Bryan Alvarez, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, SIU
AVP Amancio Crespo. Back row, also from left: ABM Jorge Soler, ABW John Paul Mauras, Recertified Bosun Abel Vazquez, ABW Juan Chevalier Jr., ABM Raul Colon. In the
other photo, in back, from left: Vazquez, Soler, Colon. In front: Crespo, vessel master Capt. Nicholas St. Jean, QMED Kevin Johnson, Electrician Rodney Passapera, Oiler
Lance Gibson, Alvarez.
WELCOME ASHORE - Longtime Seafarer Timothy Pillsworth (right in both photos) has decided to retire. He joined
the union in 1978 and mainly sailed as an electrician, though in recent years he worked as a crane operator. He’s
pictured with his son Kyle (also an SIU member) (left) and with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (second photo).
10
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
10
• SEAFARERS
ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Another tempting meal is served up by (from left) Chief
Cook Fernando Marques, SA Luis Perez and Recertified Steward Tony Mendez aboard the TOTE
vessel, inbound to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Jacksonville, Florida.
DECEMBER 2023
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
WEST-COAST OUTREACH – SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman is ready to welcome
industry newcomers during a recent career fair in Downey, California.
NEW BOOK FOR ‘A-MAN’ IN CHARM CITY – Bosun Michael Kanga (right) picks up his
replacement book at the Baltimore hall. At left is SIU Representative Jose Argueta. Kanga is an
A-seniority member who filled his old book, hence the newly acquired one.
NOTEWORTHY GATHERING - October 16 proved historic on the West Coast, as the Wilmington, California, hall
hosted its first membership meeting as a constitutional port. Many of the attendees are pictured above.
DISCUSSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS – In mid-October, Maj. Joe
Rodriguez (right) from the Puerto Rico Army National Guard visited the hiring hall in San
Juan to discuss potential maritime career opportunities for U.S. military veterans. He’s
pictured with (from left) SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, who’s an Army veteran, and
Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, a Navy veteran.
GRASSROOTS SUPPORT – A number of Seafarers volunteered to support the campaign of John Whitmire, labor-backed candidate for Houston mayor. Whitmire received the most votes but is headed for a Dec. 9 runoff,
something that had been widely predicted. Working the phones are (above, right, counterclockwise, starting at front right) OS Wageeh Saeed, OS Ibrahim Ahmed, Chief Cook Yohanes Pribadi, ABM Sirio Centino, SIU Patrolman
Kirk Pegan, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala, SA Charles Hanohano, GUDE Darwin Santos Nunez, OS Ezzaddin Saeed, GUDE Irving Guerrero, and OS Richmond Almocera. Pictured from left in photo above, left are AB Daniel Hanback
and Recertified Bosun Luis Garcia, while the remaining photo includes (from left) SA Fredy Ruiz and GUDE Ricky Guity.
DECEMBER 2023
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG•11
11
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 14, 2023.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14, 2023.
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
C
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Port
Total Registered
All Groups
A
B
C
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
20
1
3
18
4
6
9
28
25
28
4
2
17
8
3
0
5
17
2
21
7
0
3
10
0
3
2
15
21
9
0
0
13
5
0
1
5
6
1
6
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
3
4
1
0
0
4
1
0
1
3
2
0
3
11
0
3
12
3
3
4
17
21
17
2
5
14
8
1
1
4
17
0
19
5
0
2
10
0
3
0
8
11
8
1
1
8
3
1
0
0
5
1
5
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
4
2
0
1
5
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
5
0
1
6
0
2
3
12
13
12
2
0
5
3
2
1
4
8
0
6
29
3
2
30
3
16
15
42
39
37
3
11
27
17
7
1
9
24
4
45
6
3
3
12
0
6
5
35
33
9
2
5
19
3
1
5
10
8
0
9
3
0
0
1
1
3
1
6
7
2
0
2
7
2
0
0
3
5
1
7
TOTAL
221
107
26
162
72
16
85
364
174
51
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
2
1
1
5
0
1
4
11
13
8
2
1
10
7
4
2
4
4
0
10
90
1
1
1
3
0
2
2
6
13
4
2
1
7
1
0
2
1
1
0
7
55
3
0
1
0
0
1
0
2
4
0
0
1
9
3
1
0
0
2
0
5
32
2
0
1
2
0
0
1
2
7
3
0
0
4
0
0
2
1
4
1
6
36
4
2
2
10
1
2
8
17
24
13
5
2
24
5
3
4
7
9
2
19
163
1
2
0
4
0
3
2
11
17
3
2
4
9
4
0
0
1
3
1
8
75
1
0
2
0
0
1
1
3
2
1
0
1
9
3
1
0
0
4
0
5
34
0
0
0
1
1
2
2
8
10
3
0
1
5
3
1
0
2
5
0
6
50
7
0
1
10
1
3
6
18
28
14
3
2
19
17
3
4
2
11
1
35
185
2
0
1
4
1
3
2
12
23
6
0
1
17
5
1
7
10
4
0
12
111
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
2
5
1
0
0
8
2
1
2
2
0
0
2
29
5
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
5
2
1
0
2
2
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
3
3
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
0
3
13
1
2
10
1
4
4
33
52
20
1
0
13
7
1
6
1
9
1
19
15
1
0
15
2
10
8
39
136
27
1
2
51
11
0
14
4
7
1
14
Trip
Reliefs
Deck Department
Notice/Reminders About SIU
Text Message Alerts
The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers
(and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those
texts contain information relevant to members’ careers,
including important news about the SIU, its contracted
companies and the industry as a whole. The messages
may include alerts about open jobs, information about
grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins.
The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may
be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on
an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their
provider.
People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time,
simply by texting the word STOP to (412) 899-8989. To sign
up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to (412) 899-8989.
Terms and Conditions
By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that
you understand there may be costs associated with the
receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell
phone service plan that you have with your provider. You
are providing your cell phone number and your consent
to use it for these purposes with the understanding that
your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone
else without your express consent and that this service
will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing
campaign materials for official elections for union office.
December & January
Membership Meetings
Piney Point
Algonac
Baltimore
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Joliet
Monday: Dec. 4, Jan. 8
Friday: Dec. 8, Jan. 12
Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11
Thursday: Dec. 21 , Jan. 25
Friday: Dec. 15 , Jan. 19
Monday: Dec. 11 , Tuesday: Jan. 16
Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11
Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18
Mobile
New Orleans
Jersey City
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Port Everglades
San Juan
Wednesday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17
Tuesday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16
Tuesday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9
Friday: Dec. 8, Jan. 12
Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18
Wednesday: Dec. 6, Jan. 10
Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18
Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11
St. Louis
Friday: Dec. 15, Jan. 19
Tacoma
Friday: Dec. 22, Jan. 26
Wilmington
Monday: Dec. 18, Jan. 22
Houston change due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
Engine Department
4
0
2
8
0
0
2
4
14
4
0
1
10
6
1
0
1
4
1
4
66
1
0
2
2
0
0
1
3
8
3
1
0
10
1
0
3
1
3
0
5
44
2
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
5
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
17
Steward Department
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
4
0
0
7
1
2
4
12
22
9
2
2
10
12
4
2
0
3
0
12
108
2
0
0
3
0
1
1
6
13
2
0
1
10
2
3
5
6
3
1
9
68
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
3
0
1
4
2
1
0
0
17
1
0
0
4
1
3
6
10
10
6
0
2
6
7
2
4
1
4
0
12
79
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
3
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
9
2
1
4
1
2
4
17
19
10
1
0
15
2
1
5
0
4
1
14
13
1
2
8
1
5
7
17
67
11
1
1
18
7
0
18
2
4
1
9
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
3
8
2
0
1
8
0
2
1
4
3
1
5
41
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
2
3
0
0
0
5
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
18
Entry Department
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
11
12
8
1
0
8
4
0
8
0
4
0
3
8
1
2
3
0
0
2
8
22
5
2
0
10
7
0
7
0
2
1
2
TOTAL
9
112
193
4
62
82
24
18
198
358
GRAND TOTAL
428
342
268
311
219
133
195
730
558
472
12
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
12
• SEAFARERS
DECEMBER 2023
�Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of
space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues
requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then
forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel
& Provisioning), August 26 – Chairman
Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Abraham
Mills. Chairman extended thanks to
all, especially the steward department. Steward delegate thanked crew
for helping to keep the ship clean and
thanked the deck department for their
cooperation when providing help to
the galley gang. Educational director
reminded crew to upgrade at the Piney
Point school and to check all documents for expiration dates. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded
members to attend SIU meetings for
updated information. Crew gave thanks
to union president for his good work
securing a new contract. Members
requested cost of living increases to
occur every two years and an increase
in vacation and pension pay. Crew reported nice weather and a safe voyage.
GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations, LLC),
August 29 – Chairman Antjuan Webb,
Secretary Marcelo Param, Educational
Director Thomas Flynn, Engine Delegate Benjamin Thuringer. Chairman
advised members to take advantage
of the upgrading opportunities at the
Paul Hall Center. Deck delegate encouraged crew to be familiar with work
being done in each department and
with overall vessel operations. Crew
suggested modification in vacation
benefits and expressed concern about
reduced OT. Members discussed union
health benefits and asked for coldweather jackets for freezer.
GREEN BAY (Waterman Transport,
Inc.), September 7 – Chairman Nicholas Turano, Secretary Kevin Bozis,
Deck Delegate George Fababier. Members discussed port schedules, relief
statuses and proper sanitation procedures. Educational director encouraged
crew to stay on top of their physicals
and to upgrade at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. Ship fund to be
used to purchase snacks in Japan. Deck
delegate reiterated the importance
of safe working habits and the use of
personal protective equipment. Steward delegate asked for crew’s patience
while awaiting fresh stores. Members
requested modification in vacation
benefits. Next port: Vancouver, Washington.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker
Company), September 10 – Chairman
Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison,
Educational Director Leland Peterson,
Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. New treadmill received August 28. Refrigerator
still needed in crew mess. Chairman
informed crew of newly constitutionalized ports including Norfolk, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Tacoma.
Secretary reminded members to pick
up after themselves in both the crew
mess and laundry room. Educational
director advised crew to check for upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Relief crew members only get two sets of
overalls, crew is asking for a minimum
of three, as well as better-quality rain
gear. Members asked to increase Wi-Fi
allowance to 1 gigabyte per day and to
also increase vacation days to 20 for 30.
Crew would like to qualify for vacation
after 30 days of employment and for
the steward assistant pay scale to be
equal to entry level positions in other
departments. Members requested a
new espresso machine. Next port: Anacortes, Washington.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew
Management, LLC), September 10 –
Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Nathan Brailsford, Educational Director
Melvin Ratcliff, Deck Delegate Luis
Garcia, Engine Delegate Shaun Castain,
Steward Delegate Munassar Ali. Chairman complimented crew. Members
asked for an updated contract. Educational director reminded crew to
upgrade at the Piney Point school. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
proposed contract revision to include
penalty time for pumpman while performing certain tasks. Members requested 15 for 30 vacation days and
commended steward department for
putting out good food.
the union’s ongoing recruiting efforts
and asked members to be proactive in
bringing in and training new members.
Chairman gave thanks to steward department. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney
Point school. He asked them to give
guidance to newcomers and to help
each other when needed. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew discussed
pension benefits and asked for 20 for
30 vacation days. Members expressed
their dissatisfaction with entry-level
pay increase as well as their frustrations working with Acuity. According
to crew, it can take up to seven weeks
for Acuity to clear them for work. Next
port: Long Beach, California.
MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), September 10 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Oscar Gomez,
Educational Director Derek Chestnut,
Deck Delegate George Lammers, Engine Delegate Joseph Jacobs, Steward
Delegate Oscar Ramos. Payoff scheduled September 12, per chairman. Educational director encouraged members
to check course dates offered at the
Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested new mattress covers and gave a special thanks
to the steward department for a job
well done.
TACOMA (Matson Navigation), September 17 – Chairman Christopher
Pompel, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Andrew Gronotte.
Chairman discussed various points
regarding physical exams. Any ideas
for changes, concerns, or disagreements pertaining to medical may be
sent to Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. TWIC cards now
may renewed online. Crew discussed
requirements for upgrading in Piney
Point. They noted that entry ratings
will not be able to obtain A-seniority
books without upgrading. Secretary
advised crew to use the SIU portal to
access sea time, union documents,
direct deposit for vacation pay and
scheduling physicals. Educational
director urged members to upgrade
often at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew made
suggestions regarding permanent and
rotary jobs, reliefs, and job calls. They
requested free, unlimited Wi-Fi access. Next port: Tacoma, Washington.
ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker
Company), September 17 – Chairman
Donny Castillo, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Marco Baez
Milan, Deck Delegate Domingo Cazon,
Engine Delegate Jean Paul Lozada,
Steward Delegate Juan Poblete. Chairman encouraged crew to read the Seafarers LOG and reminded them that it
is also available online. He mentioned
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The
constitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every year,
which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership,
each year examines the finances of the
union and reports fully their findings
and recommendations. Members of
this committee may make dissenting
reports, specific recommendations and
separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust
fund agreements. All these agreements
specify that the trustees in charge of these
funds shall equally consist of union and
management representatives and their
alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon
approval by a majority of the trustees. All
trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union
and the employers. Members should get
to know their shipping rights. Copies of
these contracts are posted and available
in all union halls. If members believe
there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in
the contracts between the union and the
employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
DECEMBER 2023
receipt requested. The proper address for
this is:
George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to
are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to
the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works
and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members
should know their contract rights, as well
as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the
proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other
union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally
has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official
capacity in the SIU unless an official
union receipt is given for same. Under
no circumstances should any member
pay any money for any reason unless he
is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment
be made without supplying a receipt, or
if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but
feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this
should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union
halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional
right or obligation by any methods,
such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
guaranteed equal rights in employment
and as members of the SIU. These rights
are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union
has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated
against because of race, creed, color, sex,
national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is
denied the equal rights to which he or
she is entitled, the member should notify
union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to
further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and
furthering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD
supports and contributes to political
candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution
may be solicited or received because of
force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a
condition of membership in the union or
of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his
or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right
of access to union records or information,
the member should immediately notify
SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •13
13
�SIU Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class. That
class included 11 Seafarers; the remaining five responses will be published in the next edition.
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it?
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Stephen Gately
Recertified Bosun
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
I’m a third-generation sailor,
and my two brothers had
joined the union from the oil
fields. I’ve stayed because
this is better than riding crew
boats. We have stability, good
money, and you’re able to get
your time in. The pension plan
is another reason I’ve stuck
with it.
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
Ali Alhamyari
Recertified Bosun
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
I’m second generation; my
father was NMU. I joined
because I was tired of deadend jobs, and I was looking
for a career rather than just a
job. This has kept me off the
streets and out of trouble. I
joined in 2008, Class 716.
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
Ricky Rivera
Recertified Bosun
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
I joined the SIU mainly for
work and travel. I mean,
where else do you get to
travel the world and get paid?
I remained with the union because it has been a blessing
for me and my family.
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
Godofredo Milabo
Recertified Bosun
To experience what my father did on ships and to see
the world. I have stayed with
the SIU because it’s a good
way to make a living while
seeing the world at the same
time.
Jabr Ali
Recertified Bosun
The best thing that has ever
happened to me was joining
the SIU. It has helped me
and my family, especially
when it comes to finances.
Charles Ford
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU for the
chance to make a great
living, and have months off
at a time. The job is fun and
I enjoy sailing on the West
Coast, as I can see family
and friends when we get to
port. I have remained in the
union because I enjoy the
work that I do.
Pic from the Past
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Infamous for having once booed Santa Claus, Philadelphia sports fans undoubtedly would’ve given a standing ovation to this particular
Seafaring Santa (seated in the back), pictured with guests at the hiring hall during a holiday celebration. This LOG office file photo is
undated, but the staff hopes it engenders the holiday spirit for our readers.
14
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
14
• SEAFARERS
DECEMBER 2023
�Welcome Ashore!
DEEP SEA
ANTONIO ARIZALA
Brother Antonio
Arizala, 65, started
his career with the
union in 2004. He
first shipped on the
Cape Lobos and sailed
in the deck department. Brother Arizala
upgraded on multiple occasions at the
Piney Point school. He most recently sailed
on the Global Sentinel and makes his home
in Brooklyn, Maryland.
MUHIDDIN AWALE
Brother Muhiddin Awale, 67, joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1996 when he
sailed aboard the USNS
Antares. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center
on several occasions.
Brother Awale shipped
in the deck department and last worked on the Cape Island.
He is a resident of Tukwila, Washington.
We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who
have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and
we wish you fair winds and following seas.
MARK FLEMING
JUSTINO MARTINEZ
DAVID PAPPAS
Brother Mark Fleming,
68, became a member
of the union in 1979.
He shipped in the deck
department and first
sailed aboard the Mount
Explorer. Brother Fleming upgraded at the
Piney Point school on several occasions. He
most recently sailed on the Cape Kennedy
and lives in New Orleans.
Brother Justino Martinez, 65, joined the
Seafarers in 2000 and
first sailed aboard the
Bernard F. Fisher. He
upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on several
occasions and sailed in
the steward department. Brother Martinez’s
final vessel was the Maersk Durban. He
makes his home in New York City.
Brother David Pappas,
65, donned the SIU
colors in 1977 when he
sailed aboard the USNS
Potomac. Brother Pappas upgraded often at
the Piney Point school.
A steward department
member, he last shipped on the USNS
Capella. Brother Pappas settled in Davenport, Florida.
LAWRENCE HOLBERT
KELLY MAYO
WILFREDO PEREZ
Brother Lawrence
Holbert, 65, joined
the Seafarers in 1988,
initially sailing on the
OMI Dynachem. Brother
Holbert was a member
of the engine department and also worked
on shore gangs. He upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother
Holbert last shipped on the Perseverance
and lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Brother Kelly Mayo,
63, started his career
with the union in 1970,
initially sailing with
Michigan Tankers Inc.
An engine department
member, he upgraded
often at the Piney
Point school. Brother Mayo most recently
shipped on the Overseas Nikiski. He lives in
Inverness, Florida.
Brother Wilfredo
Perez, 65, signed on
with the union in
2003. He was a steward
department member and first sailed
aboard the Energy
Enterprise. Brother
Perez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on
multiple occasions and last shipped on
the Maersk Durban. He makes his home in
Dorchester, Massachusetts.
GERALD HYMAN
KENNETH MOORE
CAMILO VILLAFANIA
Brother Gerald Hyman,
61, donned the SIU
colors in 1982 when he
sailed aboard the Cove
Leader. He sailed in the
steward department
and upgraded often at
the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. Brother Hyman most
recently sailed on the Independence. He is a
resident of Newport News, Virginia.
Brother Kenneth
Moore, 66, became an
SIU member in 1980
when he shipped on
the John Tyler. He
upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple
occasions and worked
in the deck department. Brother Moore’s
final vessel was the Liberty Sun. He resides
in Harvey, Louisiana.
Brother Camilo Villafania, 66, became a
member of the SIU in
1997 and sailed in both
the deck and steward
departments. He first
shipped aboard the
Independence and
upgraded on multiple occasions at the
Piney Point school. Brother Villafania’s
final vessel was the USNS Bowditch. He
resides in Honolulu.
PAUL LONGLEY
OMAR MUHAMMAD
Brother Paul Longley,
66, joined the union
in 2001. A deck department member, he
initially shipped on the
Kenai. Brother Longley
upgraded his skills on
multiple occasions
at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his
career aboard the Santorini and resides in
Austin, Texas.
Brother Omar Muhammad, 70, began his
career with the Seafarers International
Union in 1991, initially
sailing on the USNS
Bold. He was a member
of the deck department
and upgraded at the Piney Point school on
several occasions. Brother Muhammad last
shipped on the Jack Lummus and makes his
home in Detroit.
LARRY MARTIN
CHARLES MULL
MICHAEL WILSON
Brother Larry Martin,
65, signed on with the
SIU in 1977. He first
sailed aboard the Ogden
Challenger and worked
in the deck department. Brother Martin
upgraded at the Piney
Point school on numerous occasions. He
last worked aboard the Cape Knox and is a
New Orleans resident.
Brother Charles Mull,
65, embarked on
his career with the
Seafarers in 1989 and
initially worked on the
Independence. He was
a member of the deck
department and last
shipped on the American Phoenix. Brother
Mull upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on
numerous occasions. He calls Vero Beach,
Florida, home.
Brother Michael Wilson, 62, signed on with
the union in 1981. He
was a deck department
member and first
sailed with Crowley
Towing and Transportation. Brother Wilson
upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He
was most recently employed with Seabulk
Towing and settled in Groves, Texas.
LEO BACALL
Brother Leo Bacall, 65, joined the union in
1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he
upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions. Brother
Bacall’s final vessel
was the Horizon Tiger.
He calls Hayward, California, home.
ROMEO BENDICO
Brother Romeo Bendico, 66, signed on with
the SIU in 2001 when
he sailed on the Independence. He shipped
in the engine department and upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on
multiple occasions. Brother Bendico most
recently sailed aboard the Gem State. He
resides in Tukwila, Washington.
BRAD BRUNETTE
Brother Brad Brunette,
63, joined the union
in 1978, initially sailing on the Overseas
Natalie. He worked in
the deck department
and upgraded at the
Piney Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother Brunette last
shipped on the Green Cove and makes his
home in Miami Beach, Florida.
GODFREY EGODOTAYE
Brother Godfrey Egodotaye, 69, started sailing with the SIU in 2001. A deck department
member, he first worked on the Meteor.
Brother Egodotaye upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His final
vessel was the Overseas Houston. Brother
Egodotaye is a Houston resident.
DECEMBER 2023
INLAND
MARK SHEFFLER
Brother Mark Sheffler, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1979. A deck department member,
he was employed with the Association
of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his
career. Brother Sheffler lives in Virginia
Beach, Virginia.
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •15
15
�Final Departures
DEEP SEA
MANUEL BEATA
Pensioner Manuel Beata, 93, passed away
September 6. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1966 and first
sailed with Gulf Canal Lines. He sailed in
the engine department. Brother Beata last
shipped on the Pride. He retired in 1994 and
settled in Maywood, New Jersey.
WILLIAM CSAPO
Pensioner William
Csapo, 69, died June 24.
He became a member of
the SIU in 1978 when he
sailed aboard the Commerce. Brother Csapo
was a deck department
member. He last shipped
on the Cape Trinity in 1995. Brother Csapo
became a pensioner in 2019 and made his
home in Vancouver, Washington.
ROY GREEN
Pensioner Roy Green, 59, passed away
September 29. He joined the union in 1992,
initially sailing aboard the Independence.
Brother Green sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the
Bay State. He started collecting his pension earlier this year and was a Houston
resident.
WILFRED JEFFERS
Pensioner Wilfred
Jeffers, 82, passed
away October 8. He
became a member of
the SIU in 2001 and
first sailed aboard the
Maersk Maine. Brother
Jeffers worked in the
deck department. He retired in 2013 after
sailing aboard his final vessel, the Maersk
Iowa. Brother Jeffers resided in Covington,
Georgia.
BRUCE KORTE
Pensioner Bruce Korte,
70, died October 7. He
embarked on his career
with the Seafarers in
1989, initially sailing
aboard the USNS Vindicator. Brother Korte was
an engine department
member and last sailed on the Texas in 2016.
He went on pension the following year and
settled in Orange, Texas.
ROBERT LINDSAY
Pensioner Robert Lindsay, 69, passed away
October 29. He joined
the SIU in 1990 and first
shipped on the Cape
Nome. Brother Lindsay
was a member of the
deck department and
last shipped on the Cape Ray. He went on
pension in March of this year and made his
home in Norfolk, Virginia.
In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union
members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace.
INLAND
LAUREANO PEREZ
Pensioner Laureano
Perez, 90, died October
16. Born in Spain, he
began his career with
the Seafarers in 1955.
Brother Perez was initially employed with Ore
Navigation Corporation.
An engine department member, he last
shipped on the Long Lines. Brother Perez
retired in 1988 and resided in Baltimore.
JOSE SEPULVEDA
Pensioner Jose Sepulveda, 74, passed away
September 5. He donned
the SIU colors in 1994
when he shipped on the
USNS Algol. Brother Sepulveda sailed in all three
departments. He concluded his career aboard the Liberty Star
and became a pensioner in 2016. Brother
Sepulveda lived in Houston.
NICANOR SERENO
Pensioner Nicanor
Sereno, 82, died August
31. He became a member
of the union in 2000, initially sailing aboard the
Independence. Brother
Sereno was a steward
department member. He
last shipped on the Pacific Collector before
retiring in 2013. Brother Sereno was a resident of Morton, Illinois.
JOHN SHIVERS
Pensioner John Shivers,
73, passed away September 19. He signed on with
the SIU in 1997. Brother
Shivers first shipped on
the USNS Pollux. A deck
department member, he
last sailed on the Green
Bay. Brother Shivers went on pension in
2017 and called Sun Valley, Nevada, home.
GREAT LAKES
ROBERT CHARTERS
Pensioner Robert Charters, 85, died September 13. He embarked on his career with
the Seafarers in 1963, initially sailing with
American Steamship Company. Brother
Charters was a deck department member
and last sailed on the Sam Laud. He became
a pensioner in 2000 and settled in Frankfort, Michigan.
16
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
16
• SEAFARERS
FREDDY HAMILTON
Pensioner Freddy Hamilton, 85, died October
6. He started sailing
with the SIU in 1983.
Brother Hamilton initially worked with Dixie
Carriers and primarily
sailed in the steward
department. He last shipped with Crowley
Towing and Transportation and became a
pensioner in 2004. Brother Hamilton lived
in Floral City, Florida.
JACK LEE
Pensioner Jack Lee, 91, passed away October 11. He joined the SIU in 1965. Brother Lee
sailed in the deck department. He retired in
1997 after concluding his career with Dravo
Basic Materials. Brother Lee made his home
in Frisco City, Alabama.
ALBERT SCHMITT
Pensioner Albert
Schmitt, 75, died October
18. A deck department
member, he signed on
with the union in 1967.
Brother Schmitt sailed
with Crescent Towing
and Salvage for most of
his career. He became a pensioner in 2007
and lived in New Orleans.
FORD SOLOMON
Pensioner Ford Solomon, 95, passed away
September 19. He began sailing with
the Seafarers in 1973 and worked in the
deck department. Brother Solomon was
employed with Dravo Basic Materials for
his entire career. He went on pension in
1990 and called Monroeville, Alabama,
home.
ALVERTIA WEST
Pensioner Alvertia West, 71, died October 5.
He joined the union in 1971 when he worked
with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother West
was a deck department member and last
sailed with Martin Marietta in 1995. Brother
West began collecting his pension in 2014
and resided in Fairhope, Alabama.
NMU
ABRAHAM COLON
Pensioner Abraham
Colon, 97, passed away
September 26. Born in
Puerto Rico, Brother
Colon began sailing in
1947. He sailed in the
engine department, initially on the Ben F. Dixon.
Brother Colon’s final ship was the Edgar
Queeny. He became a pensioner in 1987 and
settled in Deltona, Florida.
JOHN GUIBORD
Pensioner John Guibord, 69, died August
23. Brother Guibord
was a deck department
member. He last sailed
aboard the Export Patriot
in 1996. Brother Guibord
began collecting his pension in 2019 and lived in St. James, Florida.
DUDLEY JOHNSON
Pensioner Dudley Johnson, 96, passed away
September 2. Brother
Johnson began sailing in
1965, initially aboard the
Export Bay. He worked in
the engine department
and last shipped on the
Jean Lykes. Brother Johnson went on pension in 1991 and settled in Winter Springs,
Florida.
VERNON MCLAUGHLIN
Pensioner Vernon McLaughlin, 93, died
August 18. Brother McLaughlin was a deck
department member. He last shipped
aboard the Cape Archway and retired in
1999. Brother McLaughlin lived in Sunrise,
Florida.
TERRY MCQUILLEN
Pensioner Terry McQuillen, 81, passed away
October 2. He was born in Williamsport,
Pennsylvania. Brother McQuillen was a
deck department member, sailing most
recently aboard the Cape Henry in 2004.
Brother McQuillen became a pensioner
in 2014 and made his home in Fort Pierce,
Florida.
ANGEL MENA
Pensioner Angel Mena,
101, passed away July
24. Born in Puerto Rico,
he began sailing in 1945.
Brother Mena first sailed
on the Cape Flattery and
worked in the steward
department. He last
sailed on the Pasadena and began collecting
his pension in 1973. Brother Mena resided
in Orlando, Florida.
HAROLD WASHINGTON
Pensioner Harold Washington, 71, passed
away September 7. Brother Washington
sailed in the deck department. He last
shipped aboard the Elizabeth Lykes before
becoming a pensioner in 1990. Brother
Washington resided in Mobile, Alabama, his
home state.
DECEMBER 2023
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course
dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet
made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses:
(301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Title of
Course
Start
Date
DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Latest Course Dates
Date of
Completion
SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES
Lifeboatman/Water Survival
February 19
March 18
March 1
March 29
Able Seafarer - Deck
January 22
March 11
February 9
March 29
AB to Mate
January 22
July 12
Combined Basic/Advanced FF
January 22
January 26
Medical Care Provider
January 29
February 2
Basic Training Revalidation
January 19
January 29
February 2
February 12
February 16
January 19
January 29
February 2
February 12
February 16
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
February 5
February 9
Government Vessels
January 8
January 29
February 26
January 12
February 2
March 1
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
January 8
January 12
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
January 15
January 19
ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
FOWT
February 5
March 1
Junior Engineer
January 8
March 1
Marine Electrician
April 22
May 24
Marine Refer Tech
March 11
April 19
Machinist
April 29
May 10
Pumpman
April 22
April 26
Welding
January 22
March 4
February 9
March 22
STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Certified Chief Cook
January 8
February 12
March 18
February 9
March 15
April 19
ServSafe Management
February 5
March 11
February 9
March 15
Advanced Galley Ops
January 8
March 18
February 2
April 12
Chief Steward
February 12
March 8
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________
Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member
Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
COURSE
____________________________
START
DATE
__________________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________
Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________
Home Port _____________________________________________________________________
E-mail ________________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes
No
_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime
for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the
supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the
purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me.
DECEMBER 2023
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________
Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________
Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original
receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org
Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise
qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission,
access or treatment of students in its programs or activities.
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
SEAFARERS
LOG17
• 17
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
900
APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #900 – Graduated October 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Ninesha Anderson, Jamal Boyette, Justin Brown, Alex Buchko, Nirel Escalante, Kenny Galeno, Theodore Hampton
IV, DeCarlo Harris Jr., Joshua Higdon, Michael Migliore, Juan Murray, Ryan Nelson, Kevin O'Lone, Pablo Ovalle, John Smith, Jyheir Thompson, Trent Valentine and Tyler Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
BASIC SAFETY: PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – Graduated
October 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Masha Blas, Treavon Hampton, Levi Moore and Klaus Wigand
Leguizamon.
CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Qiana Holmes, Kyle
Jolivette, Jawonn Nicholson, Kyunjre Randall, Aquil Revell, Angelo Santos, Natasha Staton, and Paulette
Thompson.
GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Noli Aguirre, Sameer
FOWT – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Jordan Allen, Tomas Faller, Dominic Jones,
Joseph McClam and Abdulrehman Shayef.
18
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
18
• SEAFARERS
Ahmed, Rahsaan Alexander, Yunlay Bridges, Leighanne Deano, Jon Erichsen, Mowaffak Ghaleb, Jason Hanlon,
Cody Higgs, Ruby Jones, Eileen Mendiola, David Mohamed, Rodante Niebres, Tyler Peyton, Tresten Porter, Willie
Sam, Wilton Williams Jr. and Ali Mossed Yahia. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
DECEMBER 2023
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
RFPNW - PHASE 3 – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Travis Akins Jr., Richard Calderon, Rickay Channer, Jamari Chavis, Juan Cruz, Diego Diaz Florez, Jackson Freitas, Austin Gonzalez, Delmus
James, Jayline Johnson, Alex Needham, Valerie O'Reilly, Andrew Pecheux, Brian Ransom Jr., Abdul-Qadir Shahid, Hector Torres-Rodriguez and Christian Westcott.
MACHINIST – Graduated October 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Abad, Jonathan Bernardez
WATER SURVIVAL (LIFEBOATMAN) – Graduated October 6: Habash Ahmed.
CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated October 6: Vannessa Curd (not pictured), Nadzeya Kuptsova (right) and
Andrew Miller (left).
BASIC SAFETY: PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – Graduated
October 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Yunlay Bridges, Jon Erichsen, Jason Hanlon, Brian Nixon, and
Arthur Peoples.
DECEMBER 2023
Bernardez, Michael Clark, Marlon Green, Wilbert Hinton, Jared Johnson, Robert Lee Pendarvis, Marcelino
Santos Bermeo, Bryan Wells, and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Patrick Coppola is also pictured. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)
JUNIOR ENGINEER - BASIC REFRIGERATION & HVAC – Graduated October 13 (above, in
alphabetical order): Eshrak Dewan, Jade Ezera, Marvin Fabrizius, Danielle Gore, Tyson Richardson, Liam
Richey and Ahbram Ventura-Bishop. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Yunlay Bridges,
Vannessa Curd, Jessica Dunney, Treavon Hampton, Devin Hoerr, Randy Madrid, Michael Maldonado,
Ja'tarvis McDaniel, Levi Moore, Vicente Ordonez, Cory Riley, Edward Shamburger, Brya Sparks, Matthew
Vargas, Klaus Wigand Leguizamon and John Wilson.
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
SEAFARERS
LOG19
• 19
�DECEMBER 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 12
SEAFARERS LOG
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
NY Waterway Launches New Service
One day before Halloween, SIU members employed by NY Waterway helped start a new
service that could be described as a treat for local commuters in South Amboy, New Jersey.
The passenger service – which was decades in the making – provides direct routes between
South Amboy and two stops in Manhattan (Brookfield Place, Midtown). It is augmented by
free local shuttles.
SIU members sail as captains and deckhands aboard NY Waterway ferries.
“This is a great day for all involved,” said South Amboy Mayor Fred A. Henry. “This is something that we have waited quite some time for.”
“We’re thrilled to bring this ferry connection to the South Amboy community and to the
thousands of commuters who live in surrounding Middlesex County and seek fast, comfortableand reliable service,” said NY Waterway President and CEO Armand Pohan. “Free parking,
easy South Amboy rail connections and free shuttles locally and in New York City make the
ferry a highly attractive commuting option and we expect the South Amboy terminal to be a
catalyst for economic development in that area.”
“This is a historic day for South Amboy and the surrounding communities,” said Assembly
Speaker Craig Coughlin. “This project is very personal for me. For most of my life I’ve heard
from local business and civic leaders about what a regular ferry service could mean for my
hometown, economically and culturally. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to coordinate local,
state, and federal resources and I’m thrilled that a company of NY Waterway’s stature will be
managing this operation. Generations of residents will benefit from this as our region thrives
and grows.”
A permanent ferry terminal is being built in South Amboy and is slated for completion in
approximately 18 months, according to news reports. In the interim, boats are using a floating
dock facility similar to ones that NY Waterway maintains at Pier 14 in Hoboken, New Jersey,
and in the Paulus Hook section of Jersey City.
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-New Jersey) successfully advocated for a grant from the Federal Transit Administration that helped fund the new service. He was among the dignitaries
who attended the ceremonial launch.
“I’m proud to join state and local leaders in South Amboy today to witness the launch of
the ferry,” Pallone said. “This moment is the culmination of years of hard work from everyone
joining us today. The South Amboy ferry will give residents a new way to commute between
Central Jersey and New York City and reduce traffic congestion. The ferry will also bolster
economic opportunities in the city and surrounding area.”
The ferry is expected to service more than 1,000 daily riders during each weekday and 250
daily riders on weekend days. This roughly equates to an annual weekday ridership of 260,000
and annual weekend ridership of 26,000, with a total annual ridership of 286,000 that will
greatly lower daily commuter traffic congestion between Central New Jersey and Manhattan,
Pallone’s office reported.
Capt. Mike Khann
SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson, NY Waterway President/CEO Armand Pohan,
NY Waterway VP of Operations Alan Warren
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, SIU Port Agent
Ray Henderson
San Juan Celebration
SIU President David Heindel (at podium in photo below and at right in remaining photo) was a featured
speaker Nov. 4 at the 20th anniversary celebration of Seafarers House San Juan. With backing from both
the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers Trust and the Norwegian Seafarers Union,
Seafarers House San Juan commenced operation after a few years of planning and preparation. Heindel
thanked the facility and its personnel “for your tireless efforts…. I truly believe there isn’t a greater mission
than that of Seafarers House San Juan. Helping seafarers feel at home, giving them whatever assistance they
need, allowing them to make the most of their time ashore – these are all extremely important pursuits. We
are our own community, and we have to look out for each other. That’s exactly what you do.” Pictured with
him in the photo at right are SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (left) and Safety Director Ricky Rivera.
Deckhands Jonathan Gage and Ignazio Minutillo
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present
Description
An account of the resource
Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Seafarers International Union of North America
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December 2023
Description
An account of the resource
UNION, SCHOOL TEAM UP WITH U.S. -FLAG GROUP FOR NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
UNION VOTERS POWER ELECTION WINS
SIU CREWS HONORED AT NDTA MEETING
SIU, OTHERS BLAST PROPOSED SECOND REGISTRY
APPRENTICES INSTRUMENTAL TO VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
FORMER SEAFARER MARKS 50 YEARS AS SEAGOING UNION MEMBER
GARAMENDI REINTRODUCES BILL REQUIRING OFFSHORE ENERGYY DEVELOPERS TO HIRE AMERICAN WORKERS
UNION MEMBER RIGHTS, OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT
USTRANSCOM HONORS RETIRED SIU PRESIDENT
NY WATERWAY LAUNCHES NEW SERVICE
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Seafarers Log
Source
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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12/01/2023
Format
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Newsprint
Type
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Text
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VOLUME 85, NO. 12
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/73e3cfc89c16a7dd96bb09aaf6273d14.pdf
2debc740538445c5504041d9d9281aee
PDF Text
Text
SEAFARERS LOG
NOVEMBER 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 11
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
SIU Welcomes New Tonnage
Several vessels recently entered the Seafarers-crewed fleet, including the heavy-lift ship SLNC Star (top photo), operated by Chesapeake Crewing, and the Cape Sable (left, directly
above), a roll-on/roll-off ship operated by Crowley. Some of the first SLNC Star crew members are pictured directly above at right. They are (from left): vessel master Capt. John Rodriguez, CE Aaron Simard, CM Jean Marien, CE Jeffrey Stanley, Bosun Jeromy Furnas, 3AE Daniel Govig, QMED Dillon Nelson, 2M Abigail Solomos, QMED Norman Middleton, AB Betty
Sirait, and 3M Joseph Cerrato. Also aboard at that time (but not pictured): AB Josean Villarrubia, Steward/Baker Leone Buggage and GVA John Cabreros. Details about these two ships
and a few others are reported on Page 3. (Cape Sable photo by Savannah Weston)
REPORT: UNIONS BENEFIT ECONOMY • PAGE 4 // RECERTIFIED BOSUNS SHARE INSIGHTS • PAGES 10-11
�ITF Recovers Nearly $120M in Unpaid Wages
President’s Report
Delivering the Goods
A
s this edition went to press,
SIU members stepped up to
deliver vital cargo for the war
in Israel. This type of voyage is never
taken lightly, and while there’s no way
to know how many additional trips
may occur, I want to publicly thank
those Seafarers who have already
answered the call. As I mentioned in
correspondence sent directly to the
ship, you are a credit to the union
David Heindel
and to your profession. You have
maintained the high standard of the
Brotherhood of the Sea.
I’m sure we’ll be at liberty to mention more details
down the line, but for now, please know that your
fellow Seafarers appreciate your dedication and your
professionalism.
As has been reported by our military, SIU-crewed
ships also continue transporting materiel for the war
in Ukraine. Here again, our members exemplify what
it means to serve as part of America’s fourth arm of
defense, in peace and war.
Keep up the great work and please know that your
union fully stands with you at all times.
Making Progress
If you follow our social media accounts, you
undoubtedly have seen plenty of photos of our folks on
the recruiting trail. We also are publishing several of
those images on the back page this month, along with a
short recap of some recent outreach.
The bottom line is that we are making progress, and
we’re committed for the long haul. It’s a lot of work and it
is vital to the future of both our union and our industry.
We are building new partnerships along the way, which
stand to benefit all concerned, as well as the nation at
large. America needs a strong U.S. Merchant Marine,
for reasons you all know. We don’t need any further
incentives to keep us energized for recruiting, but the
importance of our industry does help stoke the fire.
We’re also making some headway in our efforts to
ease the regulatory burdens on individual mariners. As
you can imagine, there isn’t a quick fix when tackling
this sort of task, but I think we’re getting on the same
page with allies from the Coast Guard (among others),
and, as with recruiting, we’re not letting up.
Finding a Home
Be sure to read this month’s article about the newest
class of recertified bosuns. Those members are among
the ones who know our union the best, and their
personal comments really say a lot about the
life-changing opportunities available in the SIU.
I particularly appreciated how many of the bosuns
described how they found a home with the SIU, and how
their careers enable them to provide for their families.
That is really what we’re all about.
As someone who has spent my entire life with the SIU,
I understand that, like any organization, we have some
imperfections. But I am genuinely proud of our many
strengths, starting with our rank-and-file members,
continuing with our dedicated officials, and extending
to everyone who works at our affiliated school in Piney
Point. I truly believe we are a winning team, and our best
days are ahead.
Seafarers LOG
Volume 85 Number 11
November 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International
Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive;
Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern
Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201
Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo
Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill
Assistant Editor: Aja Neal
Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes
Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an
environmentally friendly
printer for the production of
this newspaper.
2 • SEAFARERS LOG
Inspectors from the International Transport
Workers’ Federation (ITF) continue making a big
difference in the lives of mariners around the world.
That point seems clear in the immediate aftermath
of a new report showing that the inspectors recovered
more than $118.5 million in wages owed to mariners
between the years 2020 and 2022. The federation
published those figures on World Maritime Day, Sept. 28.
The SIU is affiliated with the ITF; SIU President
David Heindel chairs the federation’s Seafarers’ Section.
ITF inspectors are officials who board vessels to
educate seafarers on their rights; identify any violations
of crew contracts, national laws or international
conventions; and who then work with authorities to
ensure that rights are enforced. The ITF has inspectors
operating from 111 ports in 56 countries.
According to the federation, 2,199 breach-of-contract
cases were reported by mariners to the ITF in 2022 alone,
with non-payment of wages the most common reason.
“While we are proud that our inspectors have
been successful in recovering almost $120 million for
seafarers in the last three years, it’s unfortunate that we
need to address wage underpayments at all,” Heindel
stated. “We would prefer to see all seafarers paid in full,
and paid on time in the first place. For some seafarers,
a shipowner might miss a pay date here or there, but
others can go months without receiving their salaries.
ITF inspectors, supported by our seafarer and docker
union affiliates, are here to help crews stand up for
their rights wherever they find themselves in need of
support.”
In 2022, ITF inspectors conducted 8,667 ship
inspections worldwide. Nearly 1,900 of those operations
were in response to mariners’ calls, emails or other
messages seeking for help from the ITF.
An additional 3,771 were conducted as part of
inspectors’ ongoing system of routine and responsive
inspections, which ensure ships flagged to so-called
flags-of-convenience (FOC) registries adhere to the same
international standards expected of nationally flagged
vessels.
ITF President and Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy
Crumlin said, “Pandemic-related restrictions had
blocked most of our inspectors from boarding vessels
in the way they had done pre-pandemic. We are now
seeing a strong return to active and regular inspections
of flag-of-convenience vessels – and still the same
level of exploitation. It’s another stark reminder of
the underbelly of our industry, and also that more ITF
inspections taking place is good news for seafarers and
their rights.”
ITF President/Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy Crumlin
SIU President/ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel
IBF Agreement Boosts Pay for Mariners
The International Bargaining Forum (IBF), the
conference that negotiates the world’s largest global
collective bargaining agreement, recently finalized
terms for the 2024-2027 IBF Framework Agreement in
Berlin, Germany.
Mariners covered by the pact will receive a six
percent total wage increase over the next two years;
subsequent rates will be negotiated in 2025.
In addition, the agreement includes reference to
International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention
190 on Violence and Harassment, reinforcing a joint
commitment for providing safe workplaces free
of violence, discrimination and harassment for all
mariners. Participants also jointly recognized the
importance of safe working practices in cargo lashing.
Moreover, a new working group was established
that will focus on the future of seafaring and major
challenges that the industry faces, including the
impact of new technology, the introduction of
alternative fuels, and ensuring a just transition as the
industry responds to climate change. Concerns about
mariners’ hours of work, crewing levels, fatigue and
duration of employment will also fall under the sphere
of the working group.
Under the agreement, the Joint Negotiating Group
(JNG, consisting of international maritime employers)
also committed to remind their members of the
importance of respecting national cabotage provisions,
and committed to working together with the ITF on a
strategy to build towards more mariners receiving a
reasonable amount of internet access free of charge.
ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel (who
is also president of the SIU) said, “This has been a
particularly complicated set of negotiations coming
out of the Covid pandemic, which has taken a great
deal of effort and compromise on both sides to get this
right for the times. This is a fair deal. We have agreed
on a working group that will look at future needs
of a changing industry, with an eye on the needs of
seafarers, with a focus on recruiting.”
ITF President and Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy
Crumlin stated, “The pay deal locked into this
agreement provides concrete financial recognition
for the critical contribution that seafarers make to
the global economy and also recognizes the sacrifice
that seafarers have carried over the past few years and
throughout the pandemic. The relationship between
ITF and the JNG remains in good shape despite the
challenges that these negotiations faced.”
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton noted, “Over
the four years of this agreement, we have a lot of
important issues to discuss so that we can continue
to enhance the living and working conditions of
all seafarers on IBF-covered vessels. The biggest
challenge we all face is the just transition and the
move to alternative fuels. How the industry recruits
and motivates our seafarers and ensures they have
the skills for the future – this is firmly on our forwardlooking agenda.”
Spokesperson for the JNG and Chairman of the
International Maritime Employers Council, Captain
Belal Ahmed said, ”Once again the resilient partnership
between JNG and ITF produced an outstanding
outcome in the latest IBF round which both sides
and their constituents will be happy to bring to their
respective members. Seafarers were rewarded for the
sacrifices they made during the Covid pandemic, when
they stood out as key workers.”
NOVEMBER 2023
�New Ships Entering SIU-Crewed Fleet
The union-built Alaskan Frontier is scheduled to return to the SIU-crewed fleet in 2024.
Recently reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, the SLNC Star now carries an SIU crew.
A
recent influx of new tonnage – and a plan to revitalize an older ship – signals ongoing job security for
SIU members.
Among the recent developments are flag-ins of the SLNC
Star (Chesapeake Crewing) and the Allied Pacific (Patriot),
purchase of the Alaskan Frontier by Overseas Shipholding
Group (OSG), and the impending additions of the Cape Sable
and Cape San Juan (Crowley) into the Ready Reserve Force
(RRF).
The SLNC Star, a heavy-lift ship, is the replacement for
the Corsica. Built in 2010 in Poland, the vessel is 403 feet long
and can sail at 15 knots. The SLNC Star is equipped with two
cranes, and formerly was named Breb Star.
Meanwhile, the SIU represents steward-department
personnel aboard the tanker Allied Pacific, also built in 2010
(in South Korea). Previously sailing as the Celsius Riga, the
600-foot-long ship supports Military Sealift Command operations in Hawaii under a five-year agreement (including
options). It can sail at 16 knots.
In mid-October, OSG announced its purchase of the
Alaskan Frontier, a sister vessel to three other Alaskan-Class SIU-crewed tankers operated by OSG’s wholly
The SIU represents steward-department mariners aboard the Allied Pacific, previously named the Celsius Riga.
(Photo by scenicroutetrading)
owned subsidiary, Alaskan Tanker Company. Following the
expected early November completion of the transaction,
OSG intends to reactivate the 1.3-million-barrel-capacity
tanker, which has been in cold layup in Malaysia since 2019.
OSG plans to make significant investments in the vessel for
it to begin commercial trade by the fourth quarter of 2024.
“The purchase of the Alaskan Frontier brings all four of
the Alaska-Class crude oil tankers under OSG’s ownership at
a time when the prospect for expanded crude oil production
in Alaska offers great promise for continued and increasing
demand for ships of her type,” said OSG President and CEO
Sam Norton. “Upon completion of shipyard work, which will
include lifecycle upgrades on the engines that will improve
the performance and longevity of the vessel, we believe that
the Alaskan Frontier will be primed to provide additional
transportation capacity to suit the needs of our customers
in a time of limited availability.”
He added, “The full scope of reactivation work is expected
to require a period of approximately one year and will,
in addition to the engine upgrades, entail a ballast water
treatment system installation and other improvements to
prepare her for commercial use.”
SIU Jobs Remain Secure Through Recent Transactions
Multiple SIU-contracted companies are involved
in unrelated recent business ventures, but the
upshot for Seafarers is that their jobs remain secure
and the union contracts stay in place.
In late September, Maritime Partners, LLC
announced that one of its managed funds acquired
Norfolk,
Virginia-based
U.S. Marine Management
(USMMI) from Maersk Line,
Limited. USMMI operates
six SIU-crewed ships (Acadia Trader, Badlands Trader,
Ocean Trader, Pohang Pioneer, Yosemite Trader and
USNS Seay) and recently was
awarded a new agreement for
the Tanker Security Program.
As a result, the company plans
to acquire another tanker.
Also in September, two
other Seafarers-contracted
companies – Crowley and
Seabulk, respectively – announced an agreement to
form a new Jones Act service provider: Fairweather
NOVEMBER 2023
Holdings LLC. Pending a regulatory review of the
transaction, the new company plans to start operating in spring 2024.
The Fairweather fleet reportedly will include
the Seabulk ships Independence, Brenton Reef,
Seabulk Pride, Seabulk Challenge, Seabulk Arctic,
and Seabulk Mariner, plus two
others currently sailing on a
long-term bareboat charter to
Chevron.
The Crowley vessels slated
for addition to Fairweather’s
fleet include the Washington,
California and Oregon.
Additionally, as many as
20 articulated tug-barge units
will be part of the Fairweather
fleet: five from Seabulk, and 15
from Crowley.
Another move that isn’t
quite as far along in the regulatory process: Seabulk is selling
a number of its tugboats to two different companies, including SIU-contracted E.N. Bisso & Son.
In a news release announcing the purchase, OSG noted,
“The engine upgrades for the Alaskan Frontier are considered
a lifecycle upgrade, which will be completed by MAN Energy
Solutions SE. This comprehensive modernization of each of
the four engines onboard will improve performance and fuel
efficiency and also prepare the engines for possible methanol fuel in the future. It is expected that the fuel efficiency
gain will result in 15-20% fuel savings as compared to the vessel’s current consumption, leading to a meaningful reduction
in carbon output. The significant capital investment being
made will permit the Company to operate the vessel for a
longer period of time and with fewer maintenance costs for
its remaining life.”
The Alaskan Frontier was built in 2004 by General
Dynamics NASSCO (a union shipyard). It is 938 feet long and
can sail at almost 19 knots.
Finally, the roll-on/roll-off vessels Cape Sable and Cape
San Juan are part of a recapitalization of the RRF. The
784-foot-long Cape Sable (formerly the Linea Messina) was
built in 2013 in South Korea and can sail at nearly 19 knots.
The Cape San Juan (Jolly Cristallo), built in 2012, also in South
Korea, is 787 feet long and can sail at 21.5 knots.
A-Book in Alabama
Chief Cook Drushelia Finney (right) receives her A-seniority book from
Port Agent Jimmy White at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama.
SEAFARERS LOG • 3
�Benefits Conferences Roll On
Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (left) opens the conference at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
Four more benefits conferences are
scheduled to take place this month before a
pause in the schedule.
Beginning last summer, the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), with support from the union, has been conducting
conferences at various hiring halls. The
meetings are designed to help SIU members, pensioners and their families get the
most out of their respective benefits. Separate conferences also are being conducted
for staff members.
The upcoming schedule is as follows:
Houston (Nov. 13); New Orleans (Nov. 14);
Mobile, Alabama (Nov. 15); and Jersey City,
New Jersey (Nov. 30). The conferences then
will resume in 2024, with gatherings in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Feb. 20); Algonac,
Michigan (March 8); and Wilmington, California (date to be determined). Seafarers
are encouraged to keep in touch with their
local hall for the latest information about
the conferences.
Most recently, the SHBP and the union
hosted meetings in Piney Point, Maryland,
on Oct. 2 and in Jacksonville, Florida, on Oct.
5. Both sessions were well-attended.
Pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, conference are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, OS
Christopher Ferguson, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, GUDE Altoria McKinney and SIU President David Heindel.
In the photo at left, members, pensioners and their families meet at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida.
Treasury Dept. Issues Groundbreaking Report
On Benefits of Unions to Nation’s Economy
Editor’s note: The following article has
been adapted from a press release from the
United States Treasury Department.
The Treasury Department recently
issued its most comprehensive report to
date focused on the role labor unions play
in the American economy – and the findings
strongly demonstrate how unions benefit not just rank-and-file members but the
nation as a whole.
The Department’s Office of Economic
Policy released this first-of-its-kind
report on Aug. 28, as one of more than 70
actions implemented by the White House
Task Force on Worker Organizing and
Empowerment.
The Task Force’s goal is to reduce barriers to worker organizing and demonstrate
its commitment to worker rights, including
the right to a free and fair choice to join a
union and to preserving a worker’s right to
dignity in the workplace.
Key findings of the new report include:
• Middle-class workers reap substantial benefits from unionization. Unions
raise the wages of their members by 10
to 15 percent compared to unrepresented
workers. Unions also improve fringe benefits and workplace procedures such as
retirement plans, grievance policies, and
predictable scheduling. These workplace
improvements contribute substantially to
middle-class financial stability and worker
well-being. For example, one study has
estimated that the average worker values
their ability to avoid short-notice schedule
changes at up to 20 percent of their wages.
• Unionization also has spillover
effects that extend well beyond union
workers. Competition means workers at
nonunionized firms see increased wages
too. Heightened workplace safety norms
can raise standards for entire industries.
Union members improve their communities through heightened civic engagement;
they are more likely to vote, donate to
charity, and participate in a neighborhood
project. And, the higher pay and job security
of both union and nonunion middle-class
workers can further positively spill over to
their families and communities through
more stable housing, more investment in
education, and other channels.
• Unions help create a fairer economy
by benefiting all demographic groups. By
encouraging egalitarian wage practices,
unions serve to reduce race and gender
wage gaps. And modern unions have broad
representation across race and gender. In
2021, Black men had a particularly high
union representation rate at 13 percent,
as compared to the population average
of 10 percent. The diverse demographics
of modern union membership mean that
the benefits of any policy that strengthens
today’s unions would be felt across the
population.
• Finally, in addition to supporting
the middle class, unions contribute to
economic growth and resilience. They
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
44
• SEAFARERS
do so in part simply by reducing overall
inequality. Income inequality often feeds
back into inequality of opportunity, the
Treasury Department reported, which
impedes growth if disadvantaged people
cannot access the resources necessary to
acquire job skills or start businesses. And
unions can boost businesses’ productivity
by improving working environments and
by giving experienced workers more of an
input into decisions that design better and
more cost-effective workplace procedures.
As the labor movement strengthens and
public opinion of unions has reached its
highest level since 1965, the Biden-Harris
Administration has taken many measures
to promote unions and acknowledges the
importance of labor unions to reestablishing and strengthening America’s middle
class, the Treasury Department reported.
Actions taken by the current administration include:
• Prioritizing the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the
Public Sector Freedom to Negotiate Act.
• Appointing a General Counsel and
Board Members to the National Labor
Relations Board (NLRB) committed to protecting the right of workers to organize in
the workplace.
• Increasing the funding of the NLRB
to enable them to expand enforcement
activities.
• Creating the White House Task Force
on Worker Organizing and Empowerment,
which, under the leadership of Vice President Harris, works with agencies on ways
to use their existing statutory authority to
support worker organizing and bargaining.
• Signing Executive Order 14063, which
requires the use of project labor agreements
on federal construction projects of $35 million or more.
• Signing Executive Order 14003 to promote the rights of federal employees to
collectively bargain.
• Launching the Good Jobs Initiative to
ensure the provision of critical information
to workers, employers, and government –
including about the union advantage – as
they work to improve job quality and create
access to good jobs free from discrimination
and harassment for all working people.
• Promoting “know your rights” initiatives to provide workers with better
information about their organizing and
bargaining rights.
• Announcing a new rule to raise wage
standards of construction workers by
updating prevailing wage regulations
issued under the Davis-Bacon and related
acts, which require payment of locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits to more
than one million construction workers.
• Requiring employers to pay prevailing
wages and abide by apprenticeship requirements to claim the full value of many
clean energy tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, as part of the Treasury
Department’s implementation of the law.
NOVEMBER 2023
�Biden Becomes First Sitting President to Walk Picket Line
I
n an historic appearance, the first-ever by an incumbent
U.S. president on any union’s picket line, Joe Biden told
United Auto Workers members, “It’s time to get back
what we lost” in winning wage and benefit hikes from Ford,
GM and Stellantis/FiatChrysler.
Sporting a black UAW baseball cap and blue windbreaker,
the Democratic president joined red-shirt-clad members of
UAW Local 174 in Michigan, outside Ford’s historic Willow
Run Ford assembly plant for around 15 minutes on Sept. 26.
“You guys, the UAW, have made a lot of sacrifices and gave
up a lot,” Biden declared through a bullhorn. “The companies
were in trouble, but now they’re doing incredibly well. And
guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too. You
deserve a significant raise. It’s time to get back what we lost.
You’ve earned what you’ve earned and you should be earning
a helluva lot more.”
That means “the significant increase you need” in wages
“and other benefits,” he added. “It’s time for them to step up
for us.”
The workers, who interrupted his brief remarks with
cheers several times, are among the almost 18,000 UAW
members nationwide who (at press time) were walking lines
in the union’s growing “Stand Up!” strike against the “Detroit
3.” It’s UAW’s first-ever strike against all three. Combined, the
car firms employ 150,000 UAW members, not counting those
in non-Big 3 parts suppliers or 5,600 workers whom Ford
employs in Canada, represented by Unifor.
The UAW strike has political and class aspects, too,
though neither Biden nor new UAW President Shawn Fain
mentioned politics. Fain, who followed Biden to the podium,
talked about economic class as well.
“It’s a different kind of war we’re fighting,” not against the
Axis powers of World War II, “but against corporate greed”
here at home, Fain said. “Our people choose to stand up and
fight for economic and social justice.” His Axis reference cited
Willow Run’s enormous production of B-24 Liberator bombers during that conflict.
If there is no movement by GM or Stellantis in the talks,
the UAW will call more locals out on strike. Ironically, though
Local 174 in Willow Run picketed the plant there, it’s the only
Ford plant where workers were striking, because Ford had
moved significantly in bargaining.
Key issues in the talks with all three automakers are
wages, restoration of traditional defined-benefit pensions
and health care, an end to the hated two-tier pay system. Also
of importance are a shorter work week, curbs on mandatory
overtime and mandatory work on the third Sunday of every
month, and restoration of cost-of-living (COLA) increases.
The workers demand a 36% hike over four years to make
up for losses to inflation since the 2008 financier-caused
Great Recession. That crash forced GM and FiatChrysler into
bankruptcy.
The Obama administration loan guarantee plan saved
the two, but at the cost of imposing the two tiers, eliminating
COLAs, a freeze on retiree pensions which continues, and
the sell-off of health care coverage to the UAW, among other
givebacks.
Ford agreed to the COLAs, the end of two tiers and several other UAW member goals, including the right to strike
over domestic plant closures. GM and Stellantis have barely
budged. Their sole reported agreement: Adding Juneteenth
as a paid holiday.
President Biden addresses the crowd of union members outside their workplace in Michigan. UAW President Shawn Fain is at front left. (White House
photo)
Seafarers and other backers demonstrate for (and with) UAW members in late September in Warren, Michigan.
“President Biden is demonstrating once again that he is
the most pro-union president in history,’ AFL-CIO President
Liz Shuler said in a statement afterwards. “Working people
know he has our backs every day and that he understands
UAW members’ fight for a fair contract is deeply connected
to the struggle over the soul of our country. We stand with
President Biden, the UAW, and workers across the country
who are sick and tired of getting the short end of the stick.
Together, we’re organized to fight back against the corporate
CEOs who have rigged the system against working people for
far too long.”
Biden’s remarks on the picket line also occurred though
the union was a notable absentee from the giant AFL-CIO-organized joint union endorsement of the Biden-Harris ticket
earlier this year. That conclave, in Philadelphia, even drew
non-AFL-CIO unions, notably the Service Employees, but not
the UAW.
Both the union and the Detroit 3 back the shift to electric-powered cars, trucks and SUVs, a key part of Biden’s plan
to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions which cause global
warming. But the first two federal loans to build electric vehicle battery plants went to firms in anti-union Kentucky and
Tennessee, not pro-union Michigan.
The car companies also are using conversion of their
plants to electric vehicle assembly, which will cost billions
of dollars, as an excuse to both pause EV battery plant construction, and to deny workers’ demands for the big raises.
The UAW also wants EV plant workers included in its contracts with the Detroit 3, rather than on separate and lower
pay tracks for auto parts workers.
University of Rhode Island labor history professor Erik
Loomis told CNN that Biden’s picket line walk and talk was
“absolutely unprecedented.”
Unfair Labor Practices Charge Filings Up 10%, Union Petitions Up 3% in Fiscal Year 2023
Newly released case-processing data confirms that the
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) continues to see an
increasing demand for its services. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023
(Oct. 1, 2022–Sept. 30, 2023), 22,448 cases were filed with the
agency, an increase of 10% compared to FY 2022. This was the
largest number of cases filed since FY 2016.
The agency saw increases in both unfair labor practice
charges and representation-related activity. In FY 2023, the
number of unfair labor practice (ULP) charges filed with
NLRB’s 48 field offices increased 10% – from 17,988 charges in
FY 2022 to 19,854 charges in FY 2023, continuing the increase
from FY 2021 to FY2022 when the agency saw a 19% increase
in ULPs filed.
During the same period, 2,594 union representation petitions were filed – a 3% increase over FY 2022. This uptick in
filings builds on last fiscal year’s dramatic surge in representation-related activity and represents the highest number
filed since FY 2015. In FY 2022, 2,510 union representation
petitions were filed – a 53% increase from the 1,638 petitions
field in FY 2021.
In another notable election-related development, after
the board released its decision in Cemex, field offices received
28 filings (known as RM petitions) submitted by employers after being asked to voluntarily recognize employees’
unions. Under the Cemex framework, when a union requests
recognition on the basis that a majority of employees in an
NOVEMBER 2023
appropriate bargaining unit have designated the union as
their representative, an employer must either recognize and
bargain with the union or promptly file an RM petition.
This increase in activity in the agency’s field offices
resulted in a corresponding increase in workload for the
adjudicative side of the agency. The board issued 246 decisions in contested cases during FY 2023, including more than
a dozen significant precedent-setting cases, an uptick from
243 decisions in FY 2022. The board’s increased productivity
also slightly lowered the median age of cases pending before
the Board, from 108 days in FY 2022 to 106 days in FY 2023.
As was the case at the end of FY 2022, however, the board’s
case-processing achievements were overtaken by a significant jump in case intake. In FY 2023, the Board received 321
unfair labor practice and representation cases, up from 308
cases in FY 2022, driven by a 10% increase in representation
cases brought before the board. As a result, although the
board – even at static staffing levels – processed more cases
than last fiscal year, the rise in case intake left 191 cases pending before the board at the end of FY 2023, an increase from
145 in FY 2022.
The increased workload on both sides of the agency
remains a challenge, according to the NLRB, and comes as
the organization “continues to deal with funding and staffing shortages,” the agency noted in a mid-October news
release. “In December 2022, Congress gave the NLRB a $25
million increase for FY 2023, ending a hiring moratorium,
preventing furloughs, and allowing the NLRB to backfill
some critical staff vacancies. However, the agency remains
understaffed after almost a decade of flat funding. In the past
two decades, staffing in field offices has shrunk by 50%,” the
release pointed out.
“Dedicated NLRB employees have continued working
hard to increase the board’s productivity, but the continuing
surge in case intake has again increased our year-end backlog. Although the agency tremendously appreciated the $25
million increase in funding for FY 2023, and used every extra
dollar to address critical staffing vacancies and infrastructure needs, additional resources are necessary to enable the
board to expand staffing capacity and continue processing
cases more efficiently,” said Chairman Lauren McFerran.
“Our committed and talented NLRB career employees
continue to process cases with professionalism and care,”
said General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. “The president’s
budget requests $376 million for the agency, which is much
needed to effectively and efficiently comply with our Congressional mandate when providing quality service promptly
to the public in conducting hearings and elections, investigating charges, settling and litigating meritorious cases, and
obtaining full and prompt remedies for workers whose rights
are violated.”
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG • 5
5
�Recognized at Last: A Tribute to All Who Go to Sea
Westbrook
Appointed as
Assistant Vice
President
Editor’s note: This article was written and
submitted by World War II mariner Mark
Gleeson, a longtime activist with the American Merchant Marine Veterans.
C
hris Westbrook, whose career
with the SIU spans 30 years, is
the union’s newest assistant vice
president.
SIU President David Heindel recommended Westbrook for the post, and the
union’s executive board approved the
proposal.
“Chris has earned the complete confidence of everyone in the SIU,” Heindel
stated. “I know he’ll continue doing great
work and I congratulate him on the promotion, which is well-earned.”
Westbrook, 52, started sailing with the
union in the early 1990s, working aboard
vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico
and on the Mississippi River. He worked
his way up from ordinary seaman to chief
engineer during his sailing career.
In 1998, he came ashore to serve the
membership as a union official. He has
worked as the New Orleans port agent for
the last 18 years, and previously served as
a safety director. Both as a rank-and-file
mariner and as a union official, he has
completed numerous maritime safety
courses, graduating from many of those
classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.
Westbrook has been involved in
numerous organizing campaigns and
has served on a multitude of bargaining
committees, in capacities ranging from
rank-and-file delegate to lead negotiator,
SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook
for both the SIU and the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades
Union.
Moreover, he serves as the president
of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s Port Council of Greater New
Orleans and Vicinity. He is a member of
the nominating committee for the Port of
New Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard
Parish Board of Commissioners. He serves
on the executive board of the Louisiana
State AFL-CIO as Special Assistant to the
President on Maritime Affairs and on the
executive board of the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO, respectively.
Additionally, Westbrook has served on
the U.S. Coast Guard’s New Orleans Area
Maritime Security Committee and has
received two gubernatorial appointments,
from both a Republican and a Democrat.
AOTOS Honorees Announced by USS
The United Seamen’s Service (USS) in
early October announced the recipients
of this year’s Admiral of the Ocean Sea
(AOTOS) Awards. Slated for the honors are
George Pasha IV, president of The Pasha
Group; Adam Vokac, president of the
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
(MEBA); and Mark W. Barker, president of
Interlake Steamship Company.
The 54th annual awards dinner
(scheduled to take place Dec. 1 in New
York) also will recognize mariners who
were involved in at-sea rescues, though
those honorees hadn’t been selected at
press time. Several SIU crews have been
nominated by the union.
“For more than half a century, the
United Seamen's Service has annually
presented the AOTOS Award, widely
regarded as the most prestigious accolade
in the maritime sector,” the USS said in a
news release. “This award acknowledges
exceptional contributions made by individuals and organizations towards the
advancement of American seafarers and
the United States' maritime industry.”
Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle, USA (Ret.),
who serves as chairman of the USS AOTOS
Committee, stated, “We are proud to
acknowledge the AOTOS awardees from
the American maritime industry. Mark
Barker has a strong sailing background
in the trans-Atlantic trades and advocates
for maritime interests at both state and
national levels. George Pasha IV has made
significant contributions to the maritime industry, especially in the Hawaii
market. Adam Vokac has demonstrated
exceptional leadership and a dedication to protecting the rights of merchant
mariners during his MEBA career. They
are an outstanding group of individuals
who represent strength, leadership and
commitment to the advancement of the
American maritime industry.”
The Pasha Group owns several SIUcrewed vessels operating in the Jones Act
trade.
Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for
the U.S. Merchant Marine, mariners of all
nations, and U.S. government employees
and military members overseas.
I admire good writing. There are thousands of books written each year, and
thousands of speeches presented, but what
do you remember? What was written or said
that captured the feeling, the intensity of
the moment?
An example is in the relatively recent
book written by former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher where he describes
talking to his father, who is very ill. Bill was
proposing further treatments for his father,
but the father replies, “I’ve had enough, Billie.” The book is good, but those few words
have stuck with me.
Good writers probably read a lot, and it is
important to read to see how other writers
handle situations and emotions. President
Franklin Roosevelt was a great writer and
is forever remembered for his appeal to the
nation to stay calm in the Great Depression
when he said, “The only thing we have to
fear is fear itself.” Winston Churchill was a
superb writer and the right man at the time.
Those of us from my generation all remember him saying, “Never in the field of human
conflict was so much been owed by so many
to so few.” He was speaking about the role of
the Royal Air Force in winning the Battle of
Britain. Dr. Martin Luther King is remembered for the “I have a dream” speech, and
the late Dr. Charles Krauthammer wrote on
every subject, and no one was better.
I have had several opportunities to be
slightly creative in writing – to find the
right words, the right phrase, for the right
occasion.
I was honored many years ago to be the
main speaker at the first National Maritime
Day program of the Mon Valley chapter of
the American Merchant Marine Veterans in
Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. I had been serving
as co-chairman of a national committee
seeking recognition of WWII merchant
seamen. Even in those days, such memorial
presentations couldn’t take long, as men are
sitting in the sun – and what could I really
say that was so important? In the audience
were our shipmates and veterans from all
the other services. We were so honored.
I remember outlining what we had been
doing to gain veteran recognition, and then
listed a few specific events that few people
knew about from WWII. Convoys that were
famous, invasions participated in, the
breakwaters formed on D-Day by sinking
ships off Omaha Beach. I bemoaned the fact
that most of these events were unknown to
the public. I came to the end of my presentation and asked the attendees to pause at the
end of a day, when the rivers were calm and
quiet, and I said, “Tell me, shipmates, who
tolls the bell for us?” I answered my own
question when I said, “We do, only we here
in Elizabeth do.”
I finished my presentation and was
expecting someone to comment on my
using an inspiration from Ernest Hemingway. The only person who said anything
was a local reporter who asked if I had
a copy of the speech. I am pleased that
through the years, others have picked up
“who tolls the bell” and used it. It always
fits.
My last opportunity to say something
significant in a few words came in 1990
when I was invited to address a monthly
meeting of the John Brown Chapter of
veterans in Baltimore. We had finished a
10-year congressional fight to pass legislation finally recognizing merchant seamen
who had not gotten to sea until after August
15, 1945. The Department of Defense had
refused to recognize the men although the
war was not officially over until the end of
1946.
I flew to Baltimore, and took a cab to
the motel where the luncheon meeting
was to be held. Some friends of mine from
Pittsburgh, including some Armed Guard,
had driven down to be with me. I remember several attendees were in their officer
uniforms, including some captains. After
lunch, I gave my presentation, which was
really a listing of events over the prior 10
years. I came to the end of the talk, thanked
everyone for their support, stopped for a
few seconds, fixed the audience with my
eyes, and said: “Recognized at last. Recognized at last. Thanks God almighty, we’re
recognized at last.”
I waited a few seconds, said thank you,
and sat down. A polite applause, no requests
for a copy of the speech, no interviews. No
one said how fitting it was that I had drawn
reference to Martin Luther King saying,
“Free at last.” I came home with my citation.
I write vignettes on the WWII merchant
marine. I often include a phrase written by
someone describing the wartime experience. I include, “Never again will the world
see such a fleet of ships, and never again
will the world see such a group of men who
sailed them.”
Whover first wrote that could not have
said it better.
Two years ago, Congress presented the
WWII merchant mariners with a Congressional Gold Medal. We are the men of the
WWII merchant marine. Recognized at last.
Aboard
Matson
Kodiak
Pictured on the vessel in the
Pacific Northwest are (from
left) Safety Director Danielle
Woodward and AB Ayen
Cabasag.
The World War II Memorial in the nation’s capital includes this recognition of the U.S. Merchant Marine. (Alamy
photo)
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
66
• SEAFARERS
NOVEMBER 2023
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
MEETING WITH SENATOR – SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph
Soresi (right) meet with pro-maritime U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) during a Sept.
25 gathering in Jersey City, New Jersey. The senator earlier this year received the International
Propeller Club’s prestigious Salute to Congress award.
HEADING HOME– The SIU-crewed Cape Washington (Crowley) returns to Baltimore after a shipyard period
in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by David Sites)
WITH CIVMARS ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (back row, far left in group photo) and SIU Representative Jesse Ruth (crouching third from right in back) meet with members of the SIU Government
Services Division in San Diego, aboard the USNS Washington Chambers (above, left).
RECRUITING IN LAST FRONTIER – SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp and Anchorage-based SIU Representative Julie Leonard in early October made a recruiting
trip to the University of Alaska Southeast’s Ketchikan Campus. The school features a maritime training center. Asp is standing in the classroom photo; pictured from left in
the other snapshot are Leonard, Assistant Professor of Marine Transportation Chris Boss, Assistant Professor of Maritime Studies Mike LaBarge, and Asp.
TALKING MARITIME IN JAX – SIU
VP Dean Corgey (right) and SA Timothy
Cooper meet at the hiring hall in early
October.
ABOARD USNS POLLUX
- Pictured aboard the TOTE
ship during a recent servicing
are (from left) Houston
Patrolman Kirk Pegan, Bosun
Chris Nagle, Patrolman J.B.
Niday, QEE Glenn Snow, GUDE
Rogelio “Rodge” Jamora and
GUDE Abad Martinez.
SEAFARERS
NOVEMBER
2023
SEAFARERS LOG • 7
LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
MILESTONE IN CHARM CITY – AB/SJ Arsenio Brecio (left)
receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Baltimore hall with SIU
Port Agent John Hoskins.
WELL-EARNED RECOGNITION – Liberty Maritime Corp. President
and CEO Philip Shapiro (second from left) was honored by the U.S. Coast
Guard Foundation during its annual awards dinner Oct. 5 in New York. As
noted by the agency, “Mr. Shapiro’s personal efforts and philanthropy have
enabled the Coast Guard Foundation to directly assist tens of thousands of
Coast Guard members and their families.” Pictured at the event are (from
left) Liberty Maritime COO Josh Shapiro, Phil Shapiro, UIW Representative
Jordan Esopa, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU VP George Tricker.
ABOARD ISLA BELLA – ABM Angel Pagan
snaps a Seafaring Selfie while painting deck
hatches aboard the TOTE vessel as it sails from
Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico in
mid-October.
WELCOME ASHORE IN GARDEN
STATE - Longtime Seafarer German
Dolmo (left), who sailed in the steward
department, receives his first pension
check at the hall in Jersey City, New
Jersey. Congratulating him is SIU Port
Agent Ray Henderson.
NEW TONNAGE – SIU officials recently met with executives from Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Towing (GLT) at the parent company’s shipyard in Cleveland.
Pictured from left in the group photo are SIU VP Bryan Powell, GLT Exec. VP of Operations Gregg Thauvette, SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and GLT Director of
Operations and Compliance Lindsay Dew. In the background (and in the other photo) is the new tug Minnesota, which is slated for completion next year.
TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA - Receiving their respective B-books at the September membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, are (group photo, facing podium, from left) Chief Cook Nikia Stripling, GUDE Tameka Scott,
STOS Santana Schofield, GUDE Elvershon Williams and GUDE Jermaine Hayes. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is administering the oath. Pictured individually (above, left to right) are Stripling, Scott and Schofield.
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
88
• SEAFARERS
NOVEMBER 2023
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
BAY STATE SOLIDARITY – SIU personnel participated in the Massachusetts AFL-CIO convention, which took place Oct. 11-13 in Boston. Pictured from
left (above, left) are newly elected Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch and SIU Representative James Bast. From left in the other photo are
Bast, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (who spoke at the convention), and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson.
VETERAN OUTREACH - The SIU this month is teaming up with the
Acadiana Veterans Alliance and with Lafayette Veterans Assisting Others to help
U.S. military veterans start careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Pictured at a
recent networking event in Louisiana are (from left) SIU Asst. VPs Mike Russo and
Chris Westbrook, SIU VP Bryan Powell, Anazia Andrus-Sam (head of Lafayette
Veterans Assisting Others) and her husband.
WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK – Recertified Bosun Ron Paradise
(center), who began sailing with the SIU in 1976, picks up his first pension
check. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and SIU
Representative Sam Spain.
NOVEMBER 2023
CATCHING UP IN OAKLAND – Pictured at the
hiring hall are AB Walid Nasser (left) and SIU Port
Agent Duane Akers.
GATHERING IN WOLVERINE STATE – SIU Algonac Port
Agent Todd Brdak (left) recently attended the Michigan AFL-CIO
Constitutional Convention in Lansing. He’s pictured with (from left)
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber, Michigan Maritime Trades
Port Council President Jeanette Bradshaw, and Michigan Building and
Construction Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devlin.
A-BOOK IN ALGONAC - GUDE Osama Shamman (left)
receives his A-seniority book the hiring hall. He’s pictured with
Safety Director Jason Brown.
HELPING AT THE HALL – QEE Scott Thompson
assists with installation of the new job-board monitor
in the Baltimore hall.
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •99
�Bosuns
Share Insights
During Graduation
Newest Class of Recertified Seafarers Wraps Up Coursework
Pictured shortly after their arrival at union headquarters are (from left) Paul Brown, Stephen Gately, Ali Alhamyari, John Coleman Jr., Luis Garcia, Jabr Ali, Charles Ford, Ricky Rivera, Junior Augustin,
Robert Hoppenworth and Godofredo Milabo.
T
he union’s newest group of
recertified bosuns shared valuable
insights during their respective
graduation speeches Oct. 2 in Piney
Point, Maryland.
Completing the two-week
curriculum – considered the top
curriculum available to deck
department Seafarers at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education
(PHC) – were Ali Alhamyari, Jabr
Ali, Junior Augustin, Paul Brown,
John Coleman Jr., Charles Ford,
Luis Garcia, Stephen Gately, Robert
Hoppenworth, Godofredo Milabo and
Ricky Rivera.
The coursework included wideranging topics such as leadership and
teamwork, recruiting, how to prevent
workplace harassment, the myriad
ways in which politics affects the
maritime industry, vessel operations,
contracts, shipboard safety and more.
The bosuns met with headquarters
officials and with representatives
from the Seafarers Plans and the
SIU communications department in
addition to PHC personnel.
The following are excerpts from
the graduation speeches, presented
during the October membership
meeting.
Luis Garcia
I was born in Colombia, and in 1991
I moved to the USA. At first, I worked
in different jobs like school custodian,
mechanic helper, etc., until a friend of
mine who was an SIU member told me
about the maritime industry.
I decided to join the SIU in 2004; my
first assignment was on NCL’s Pride
of Aloha as an ordinary seaman. From
the beginning, I was eager to learn as
much as I could, so I asked questions
to the bosun and ABs and watched
how they worked.
As soon as I had enough sea time to
upgrade, I went back to the school to
get my endorsement as AB so I’d have
more opportunities to get a job.
If you want to succeed in this
career, you must have a positive
attitude toward the job. Work hard,
especially with your team, and take
advantage of the school to upgrade.
Our job relies on maritime laws,
especially the Jones Act, so we have to
support SPAD (the union’s voluntary
political action fund. MDL (Maritime
Defense League) donations are
important, too.
Since I joined the SIU, my life
changed in a positive way. I have
a better financial status, and I can
spend more quality family time when
I’m home.
I thank this great SIU brotherhood,
and I thank SIU President David
Heindel as well as the school’s
instructors and staff.
Stephen Gately
I am a third-generation mariner.
My grandfather, father, and brothers
sailed. This career has given me
financial stability.
To the trainees: Take pride in
your work and develop a good work
ethic. Always take advantage of
opportunities to learn, and upgrade at
the school when you can. Knowledge
is good. Contribute to SPAD to help
our union and keep shipping.
I want to thank all the instructors
and staff for a good experience and
their support as a union member of
SIU. Thank you!
Jabr Ali
Twenty years ago, I never could
have imagined that one day I would
be standing here. I started sailing in
Hawaii on the cruise ships, in the
steward department. Then I went
to the Great Lakes and worked as a
deckhand and a gateman.
After that, I came here for
upgrading; I took the welding class
and the conveyorman class. Then I got
my AB ticket.
The best thing that ever happened
to me was joining the SIU. It helped
my family and myself financially.
For the apprentices, when you go
on a ship, every day is a learning day.
Keep your heads up and learn, ask
questions, and keep coming back here
for upgrading, Make sure you pay your
dues on time.
Also, donating to SPAD will help
keep our union strong like always.
John Coleman
I would like to thank the SIU – from
the leadership to the instructors to
the port agents and patrolmen – for
allowing me to succeed in my career. It
seems like I wanted to be here as long
as I can remember!
My maritime journey started down
10
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
10
• SEAFARERS
in the oilfields of Louisiana on nonunion tugboats. It was low pay, long
hours and no benefits. In hindsight,
I should have gone through the
apprentice program, but things work
out for reasons, as my mom used to
say. I was bored with the oilfield and
asked one of our tugboat mates how
could I see the world working on the
water. He told me to go get my AB
ticket and go talk to the SIU. The rest
is history. Twenty-eight years later, I
am here!
With a lot of hard work and the SIU,
I have created a good life in Thailand
with a great wife and three kids and
have been able to put my first kid
through college. He will be graduating
with a degree in aviation engineering
this year.
There are three major factors of
why this is a great career: the money,
you can live anywhere you want, and
you have a flexible work schedule. It
is hard to find those three in any other
career.
Lastly, I would tell the trainees to
stay focused on your goals. Upgrading
and hard work will help you achieve
them.
Ali Alhamyari
Once I completed the apprentice
program (in 2008) and got my AB
rating, I had a better understanding
of my career and where I wanted to
go with it. I became addicted to the
industry. I shipped out on tankers,
bulk carriers, heavy-lift ships, MSC
vessels, and containerships. Moving
around from different classes of ships
let me to gain the experience I needed
to sail bosun and to be here today.
Being a bosun is a big
responsibility. Being the union
chairman on the ship means you’ve
got to know how to deal with any
challenges for all SIU members on
board, plus how to conduct union
meetings and keep the union
informed of any beefs.
My brothers and sisters, I highly
encourage all members to do their
part in contributing to SPAD and MDL.
It is a vital tool for our union to have
the negotiating power. In the words of
our retired president Michael Sacco: If
we’re not sitting at the table, we’re on
the table.
To the apprentices, you are the
future of this industry. Take advantage
of this state-of-the-art school, and
always upgrade. And remember
to represent the SIU proudly in
solidarity.
I would like to take this
opportunity to thank the president,
vice presidents, and the officials in
the union halls for the hard work
that keeps this beautiful union going
strong. There’s a lot of work that
the average member has no idea
about when it comes to running this
powerhouse, and I commend our
officials.
Ricky Rivera
When I first went to the hall in San
Juan, I was looking for a better way
of life – and I found it here at the Paul
Hall Center. Thanks to the SIU, I’m
another success story of progress and
a life full of travel and experiences.
Thanks to the SIU, my son can have a
better education and a decent way of
living.
The SIU since its beginning has
built a reputation of representing the
most reliable, best-trained mariners.
We support our armed forces in
addition to helping with everyday
transportation of consumer goods.
We can support our union and
the maritime industry by supporting
SPAD and MDL and by making sure
that our daily actions aboard the
vessels show that the SIU’s training
provides the most professional
mariners in the world.
For the trainees, the union is
providing all the tools for you. Take
advantage of this opportunity and
take advantage of this facility so you’ll
become successful in your careers.
Also, do not forget that this is your
home.
Robert Hoppenworth
I started my career here in Piney
Point in 1995. I was in apprentice class
535.
This is one of the few industries
where you can consistently upgrade
and enhance your skills. My advice to
all you apprentices is to work hard and
always work as a team. Don’t forget to
support SPAD, because without SPAD,
we don’t have a voice in Washington.
Without that voice, politicians will get
rid of the Jones Act. Without the Jones
Act, we won’t have jobs.
I want to thank the leadership,
NOVEMBER 2023
�SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (left) addresses the bosuns during a meeting at the Paul Hall
Center, including Godofredo Milabo (right).
instructors and staff at headquarters
and here at Piney Point for everything.
Paul Brown
I am a third-generation seaman. My
father sailed, and his father sailed.
I am honored to be here and also
honored to be with these guys (his
classmates) for the last two weeks.
It has been a long journey. Along
the way, I have been to so many places
and met some great people. Some I
call my friends and some were great
mentors to me. I wouldn’t be here
without them – they are people who
really cared about the next generation
of seamen. I do the same. I teach all
that want to learn and master their
craft.
I am a UA graduate of class 652. If
you are trying to figure out what year
that was, it was January 2004. I was 18
years old. To all the trainees in here,
take advantage of the opportunity that
you have right now. Study hard while
you are here and learn as much as
you can. Your time is coming. Just be
patient.
To the members, keep up the good
work. Contribute to SPAD. We all
know how important the Jones Act is.
Last but not least, I would like to
thank all the staff, instructors and
union officials.
Charles Ford
I started my career 23 years ago,
right here as a trainee in class 609. In
2000, I graduated high school and had
SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (right) meets with class members in Piney Point, Maryland, including
Luis Garcia (left).
no idea of what I wanted to do. I heard
about the trainee program and SIU
from a family friend; it sounded very
interesting to me and I made the best
decision of my life by joining.
The SIU has given me a secure,
great-paying job and a career I can be
proud of. The pay, as well as benefits,
and everything else the SIU has to
offer has provided a great life for my
family and me.
To all the trainees: Work hard in
class, and when you get on the ship do
the same. Remember we are a team.
Please take this opportunity seriously,
work hard, and please keep upgrading
your skills, as it will help you and your
family for the future.
To all SIU members: Donate to MDL
and SPAD as much as you can donate.
Donations help all of us. This gives us
a voice and a leg to stand on.
Lastly, I want to thank all SIU
leadership top to bottom, along with
all the instructors and staff for their
help in getting me to where I am at
today.
In 1999, my cousin entered the
apprentice program and introduced
me to the industry. In 2003, I decided
to join the SIU. At the time I joined, I
was young – mid-twenties – and all I
was really thinking is hey, this career
would help me afford my expensive
tastes. I have always liked nice things
but could not afford them.
My merchant seaman career and
the union have been instrumental in
making my dreams reality; I would
not trade it for any other career.
My advice to all the apprentices is
to be very respectful of the industry
and to support SPAD. Without SPAD,
we cannot go any further.
I am truly blessed to be part of
this union. I am very thankful for
all the leaders and instructors that I
have come across during my career.
Their passion for the industry and
their professionalism has motivated
and helped me throughout my career
as well as inspired my growth in
the industry. There are truly some
monumental leaders in the union.
Junior Augustin
I was born in Haiti and was
fortunate to move to the United States
at age 15. We did not have much in
Haiti. Both of my grandfathers were
fishermen and they would both
take me deep sea fishing with them
from time to time. I used to see those
big ships in the horizon, and say to
myself, “It would be nice if I could
work on one.”
Godofredo Milabo
I graduated from the trainee
program in 1996 as a member of class
555. I joined because my father was
an SIU member and had sailed for
many years. After his passing when I
was 18 years old, I wanted to see and
know what it is like to be a merchant
mariner.
I have been with the SIU for 20-plus
years. Obviously, it’s a great career in
many ways. The number one reason
is you can save a lot of money for your
future.
To all members, please do
contribute to SPAD. It will preserve
and further the American Merchant
Marine with improved employment
opportunities for all seamen and
boatmen.
To all trainees, welcome aboard to
this great opportunity as you embark
on this career as a U.S. Merchant
Mariner. Listen to your instructors
and study hard. When you get on your
first ship, always be on time, every
time. Be motivated every day. Listen to
your department head to better your
skill and to keep a good, safe working
environment. After you sign off, save
your money, period. And do not lag on
the opportunity to upgrade.
Lastly, I want to say thank you
to the SIU for all you do. Thank you
to all the office staff members who
are always there to assist us in our
needs to keep us working on the
ships. Thank you to all instructors
for all your hard work to educate new
members and upgraders.
Also, I want to take this moment to
thank my mentor whom I sailed with
for many years aboard the USNS Sisler,
who gave me skills and knowledge. If
it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here
speaking in front of you all. His name
is Recertified Bosun Kenneth Steiner.
The newly recertified bosuns gather with union officials for a traditional group photo following the October membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland.
NOVEMBER 2023
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG•11
11
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from September 16 - October 15, 2023.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of October 16, 2023.
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
C
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Port
Total Registered
All Groups
A
B
C
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
15
2
7
13
2
5
6
24
19
19
3
6
20
7
5
1
3
11
2
15
6
2
2
9
0
5
3
18
21
8
3
2
14
1
2
4
6
6
2
7
4
0
2
1
1
1
0
3
5
4
0
2
10
1
0
0
2
0
0
3
5
2
7
12
3
6
4
17
17
16
3
6
18
6
2
1
4
8
2
15
4
3
1
7
0
4
3
12
16
9
1
2
9
2
2
2
6
8
2
7
2
0
2
0
1
1
0
4
3
3
0
0
6
1
0
0
1
0
0
3
2
1
5
6
0
5
2
13
10
12
2
2
8
2
0
0
5
6
0
6
26
3
2
23
1
12
10
40
44
30
3
11
27
16
6
3
7
28
3
43
4
3
2
11
0
8
4
30
25
10
3
8
14
2
2
4
6
8
0
12
4
0
1
3
1
4
0
3
9
4
0
2
10
1
0
0
2
4
2
3
TOTAL
185
121
39
154
100
27
87
338
156
53
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
4
1
3
3
1
1
7
9
16
6
1
3
15
5
1
1
3
5
5
12
102
0
0
2
3
0
1
2
5
10
1
0
2
12
1
0
2
0
0
0
2
43
1
1
1
2
1
0
1
0
4
1
0
0
7
1
0
0
0
2
0
1
23
0
0
2
2
0
1
2
4
4
3
0
0
4
1
0
0
0
6
1
0
30
6
1
2
14
1
2
5
14
30
10
4
2
25
6
1
3
4
9
3
16
158
1
0
1
3
0
4
2
7
14
2
1
5
14
3
0
1
1
4
2
5
70
0
1
2
1
1
0
11
4
1
1
0
0
7
1
0
0
0
4
0
2
26
0
0
0
4
0
1
1
2
5
1
0
0
5
3
0
0
1
2
0
6
31
5
0
1
9
1
4
7
18
25
12
2
4
16
16
1
5
3
14
2
30
175
0
0
2
2
2
3
3
12
23
6
0
1
20
4
0
2
9
3
1
7
100
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
4
5
1
0
1
7
2
0
1
0
1
0
2
28
5
0
1
2
0
0
0
5
5
1
0
0
11
3
1
10
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
4
1
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
6
0
2
10
1
2
7
0
3
0
32
53
20
1
0
10
9
0
9
1
11
0
13
16
2
0
12
1
7
5
30
126
30
2
1
41
13
0
5
2
8
1
10
Trip
Reliefs
Deck Department
Engine Department
3
0
3
4
1
3
6
9
14
4
0
1
7
2
0
0
2
4
3
8
74
0
1
2
4
0
3
2
7
8
1
0
0
3
1
0
0
2
5
0
2
41
1
0
0
3
0
0
1
0
3
1
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
18
Steward Department
November & December
Membership Meetings
Piney Point
Algonac
Baltimore
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Joliet
Monday: Nov. 6, Dec. 4
Monday: Nov. 13, Friday: Dec. 8
Thursday: Nov. 9, Dec. 7
Friday: Nov. 24, Thursday: Dec. 21
Friday: Nov. 17, Dec. 15
Monday: Nov. 13, Dec. 11
Thursday: Nov. 9, Dec. 7
Thursday: Nov. 16, Dec. 14
Mobile
New Orleans
Jersey City
Norfolk
Wednesday: Nov. 15, Dec. 13
Tuesday: Nov. 14, Dec. 12
Tuesday: Nov. 7, Dec. 5
Monday: Nov. 13, Friday: Dec. 8
Oakland
Thursday: Nov. 16, Dec. 14
Philadelphia
Wednesday: Nov. 8, Dec. 6
Port Everglades
Thursday: Nov. 16, Dec. 14
San Juan
Thursday: Nov. 9, Dec. 7
St. Louis
Friday: Nov. 17, Dec. 15
Tacoma
Friday: Nov. 24, Dec. 22
Wilmington
Monday: Nov. 20, Dec. 18
Algonac and Norfolk changes due to Veteran's Day
Guam change due to Thanksgiving
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Seattle
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
4
0
2
2
0
3
0
7
11
6
1
3
10
6
0
1
3
5
3
11
78
0
1
3
1
1
2
1
7
11
5
0
0
8
2
0
0
7
1
1
4
55
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
6
0
0
0
7
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
18
4
0
2
8
0
3
3
4
10
7
1
2
9
5
0
1
1
5
2
6
73
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
1
10
1
4
5
1
1
0
11
31
11
1
1
9
6
3
15
1
8
0
11
11
1
2
13
1
4
4
28
68
21
1
1
33
7
0
9
0
3
0
7
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
1
2
1
0
1
1
8
1
0
0
7
0
0
1
3
1
0
7
35
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
9
Entry Department
8
2
2
4
1
1
2
3
12
6
1
1
10
3
3
8
0
2
0
5
2
1
2
7
0
1
1
12
47
11
0
1
20
7
0
10
0
1
0
5
TOTAL
9
130
214
6
74
128
45
17
182
312
GRAND TOTAL
374
349
294
307
250
182
193
688
508
419
12
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
12
• SEAFARERS
NOVEMBER 2023
�Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of
space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues
requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then
forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew
Management, LLC), April 14 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Michael
Miller, Educational Director Kevin
Carraby, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan. Members voiced concerns over
transportation issues when going
ashore. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the
union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education,
located in Piney Point, Maryland. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
asked for union’s assistance with
transportation problem.
GREEN BAY (Waterman Transport,
Inc.), July 12 – Chairman Nicholas
Turano, Secretary Kevin Bozis, Deck
Delegate George Fababier, Engine
Delegate Mario Santos. Members
reviewed ship’s schedule and crew
changes, and also discussed importance of workplace safety. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew was
shown locations of Seafarers LOGs
and various union forms. Next port:
Vancouver, Washington.
MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line,
Limited), July 29 – Chairman Michael
Stein, Secretary Virnabeth Cano, Educational Director Ronald Embody,
Engine Delegate Semere Debas, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Chairman thanked crew for a job well done.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increases to
vacation time, faster internet service
and for job boards to be made available online. Next port: Newark, New
Jersey.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), August 11 – Chairman Cleofe
Castro, Secretary Nathaniel Simmons,
Deck Delegate Yung Fan Haloski, Steward Delegate Stanford Drakes. Crew
expressed concern with lack of internet-service upgrade. Payoff to take
place in Charleston. Educational director urged crew to upgrade their skills at
the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to leave clean rooms for reliefs
and to check medical certifications.
Crew would like to see increases in vacation and pension benefits. Members
gave thanks to the steward department
and reviewed details pertaining to boot
and taxi reimbursements. Next port:
Charleston, South Carolina.
DELAWARE EXPRESS (Marine Personnel and Provisioning), August 20 –
Chairman Linnell Coleman, Secretary
Dylan Faile, Educational Director Alvin
Cabahit, Deck Delegate Mohamed
Sailan, Engine Delegate James Pascocello, Steward Delegate Quinsha Davis.
Members voiced concerns with what
they described as contractual inconsistencies between Delaware Express
and her sister ships. Chairman advised
crew to make sure documents are up to
date and thanked everyone for all their
hard work during and after shipyard period. Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center. Ship fund expected to increase
due to scrap metal sales. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members requested increases to vacation days as
well as pension payouts. Crew gave a
big thanks to steward department for
a job well done and a special thanks to
Chief Cook Quinsha Davis. Next port:
Charleston, South Carolina.
MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line,
Limited), August 20 – Chairman Carlos
Gibbons, Secretary Hussain Nagi Ali,
Educational Director Juan Rochez, Engine Delegate Anias Stanford, Steward
Delegate Adrian Joseph. Chairman advised crew to read the Seafarers LOG for
latest information. Educational director recommended members take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at
the union-affiliated Piney Point school.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in vacation
days and better Wi-Fi service. Crew
would like a large “smart” TV as well as
DVD players, and a printer on D deck.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew
Management, LLC), August 27 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Nathan
Brailsford, Educational Director Melvin
Ratcliff. Chairman thanked the union
for resolving transportation issue. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated
school in Piney Point, Maryland. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested 15 for 30 vacation.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker
Company), August 26 – Chairman Adel
Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Aljohn Fernandez, Deck
Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Ronilo Monares, Steward Delegate
Nasr Almusab. Members were given
resources to replace any paperwork
lost in Hawaii fires. There is a form
and number available to help speed up
the process. Chairman advised crew
to make appointments early for medical certificates. He commended the
steward department for quality service and great food. Secretary thanked
members for good housekeeping and
doing a great job during shipyard period in Korea. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center and suggested applying for
courses as early as possible. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Ship gym needs
a new treadmill, and a refrigerator is
needed in crew mess. Members would
like steward assistant pay rate to match
entry level positions in other departments and for longer steward department courses to be offered at the Paul
OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship
Management, Inc.), August 28 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Kim Smith,
Educational Director George Mardones,
Deck Delegate Mohammed Haruna, Engine Delegate Angel Aranda Gamboa,
Steward Delegate Joseph Huls. Chairman reminded members to leave clean
rooms and supplies for reliefs. He urged
them to go out and vote for elected officials that support the union and to keep
documents up to date. Secretary asked
crew to return dirty dishes to the galley and to wash hands before entering.
Educational director advised members
to upgrade and take advantage of all
the opportunities offered at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman reiterated the importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the
union’s voluntary political action fund.
Crew requested new bedding, new movies, a bigger refrigerator, and new furniture in crew lounge. Vote of thanks given
to steward department for all their hard
work and good food. Next port: New Orleans.
Hall Center. Crew discussed writing
a 30-minute break period in the next
contract, rather than 15. Next port: Port
Angeles, Washington.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The
constitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every year,
which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership,
each year examines the finances of the
union and reports fully their findings
and recommendations. Members of
this committee may make dissenting
reports, specific recommendations and
separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust
fund agreements. All these agreements
specify that the trustees in charge of these
funds shall equally consist of union and
management representatives and their
alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon
approval by a majority of the trustees. All
trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union
and the employers. Members should get
to know their shipping rights. Copies of
these contracts are posted and available
in all union halls. If members believe
there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in
the contracts between the union and the
employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
NOVEMBER 2023
receipt requested. The proper address for
this is:
George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to
are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to
the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works
and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members
should know their contract rights, as well
as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the
proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other
union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally
has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official
capacity in the SIU unless an official
union receipt is given for same. Under
no circumstances should any member
pay any money for any reason unless he
is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment
be made without supplying a receipt, or
if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but
feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this
should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union
halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional
right or obligation by any methods,
such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
guaranteed equal rights in employment
and as members of the SIU. These rights
are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union
has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated
against because of race, creed, color, sex,
national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is
denied the equal rights to which he or
she is entitled, the member should notify
union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to
further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and
furthering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD
supports and contributes to political
candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution
may be solicited or received because of
force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a
condition of membership in the union or
of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his
or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right
of access to union records or information,
the member should immediately notify
SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •13
13
�SIU Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
This month’s question was answered by upgraders and one apprentice at the Paul Hall Center in Piney
Point, Maryland. For the apprentice, the question was modified to “what are you most looking forward to?”
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Question:What’s your favorite thing about being a mariner?
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Tiara Macklin
Chief Cook
Marcelino Pabito
Chief Cook
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
My favorite thing about being
a mariner is getting to meet
new people and to travel. I
like variety – I don’t like
anything stagnant – and
being a mariner allows you
different types of interactions
with different types of people
from all over the world.
Being a mariner helps a lot,
especially with my family.
It helps provide me with
enough money for my family
to survive. When I joined
Seafarers, they helped me a
lot so that I would be able to
provide for my family.
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
Robert Foster
Chief Cook
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
I would probably have to go
with the free travel, the health
benefits, and the money.
I spent a large amount of
time in my life working in
restaurants, living paycheck
to paycheck, and this career
allows me to work as much
as I want or as little as I want,
and to have the freedom to
do whatever I feel like doing.
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
Carlos Gomez
Chief Cook
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
I like the diversity and the
ability to travel and see
different parts of the
country. I also like that you
don’t have to go to college
or spend a lot of money to
have a great career.
Christian Smith
Apprentice
I like the crews, I like the
experience, and I like the
money, obviously. I like
travelling the world and
experiencing different
ethnicities. I love that – being
exposed to different kinds
of food, different kinds of
people, different levels of
education.
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
Emanuel Spain
Chief Steward
I like that you can have
travel experiences that can’t
be accomplished by other
industries. I am looking
forward to learning about
different cultures, trying
new foods and learning the
history of different places.
Pic from the Past
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
“Even the cigarettes were on the house,” reported the Dec. 3, 1948 issue of the LOG, recapping that year’s Thanksgiving celebration
that took place at SIU headquarters in New York. Officially, the gathering was hosted by the Maritime Trades Department – and it drew
1,200 guests from throughout the maritime labor movement. A few of the attendees are pictured above.
14
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
14
• SEAFARERS
NOVEMBER 2023
�Welcome Ashore!
We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who
have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and
we wish you fair winds and following seas.
DEEP SEA
ANDRE BENNETT
CHRISTOPHER JANICS
MICHAEL SORENSEN
ANDREW VAN BOURG
Brother Andre Bennett, 71, began sailing
with the Seafarers in
1979. A deck department member, he
first sailed aboard
the Golden Monarch.
Brother Bennett
upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school on several occasions. He last
shipped on the Lawrence Gianella and
makes his home in Bakersville, Virginia.
Brother Christopher
Janics, 61, began shipping with the union in
1981. He worked in the
deck department and
upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother
Janics’ first vessel was the Thompson Pass;
his last, the Mendonca. He settled in Clermont, Florida.
Brother Michael
Sorensen, 65, joined
the union in 1979, first
sailing aboard the
Del Sol. He worked in
the deck department
and upgraded at the
Piney Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother Sorensen’s
final vessel was the Horizon Kodiak. He
resides in Spokane Valley, Washington.
Brother Andrew Van
Bourg, 66, started
his career with the
union in 1990. He
first shipped on the
Independence and
upgraded often at
the Paul Hall Center.
Brother Van Bourg was an engine department member. He most recently sailed
on the Howard O. Lorenzen and makes his
home in Northfield, Minnesota.
MICHAEL MATTHEW JAMES
THOMAS STAGG
Brother Michael
Matthew James, 65,
embarked on his career
with the Seafarers in
2000. He worked in
the steward department, initially aboard
the Patriot. Brother
Matthew James upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions. He last
worked on the Padre Island and makes his
home in Miami.
Brother Thomas Stagg,
62, donned the SIU
colors in 1983. A deck
department member,
he first sailed aboard
the Aquarius. Brother
Stagg upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He concluded his
career aboard the Flickertail State and lives
in Surry, Virginia.
MARIO BERTRAND
Brother Mario Bertrand, 69, embarked
on his career with
the SIU in 1989 when
he sailed with Delta
Queen Steamboat
Company. He shipped
in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother Bertrand’s
final vessel was the USNS Brittin. He lives in
Chalmette, Louisiana.
LEO SULLIVAN
PAUL BURKE
TYRONE MCCALLON
Brother Paul Burke, 65,
joined the Seafarers
International Union
in 1976, initially sailing aboard the Cove
Communicator. He
upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions and shipped primarily in the
steward department. Brother Burke most
recently sailed on the OMI Champion. He is
a resident of Mobile, Alabama.
Brother Tyrone
McCallon, 65, became
a member of the Seafarers International Union
in 1978 and first sailed
with Interocean American Shipping. He sailed
in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions
at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McCallon’s
final vessel was the OMI Platte. He resides
in New Orleans.
JAMES BYNUM
THOMAS MCCURDY
MICHAEL THOMAS
Brother James Bynum,
65, signed on with
the union in 1982 and
first sailed aboard the
Taurus. He worked in
all three departments
and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on
several occasions. Brother Bynum last
shipped on the Green Island and resides in
New Orleans.
Brother Thomas
McCurdy, 65, signed on
with the union in 1975,
initially working with
Dravo Basic Materials. He was a steward
department member
and upgraded at the
Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. Brother McCurdy
last shipped on the Wilson. He makes his
home in Connersville, Louisiana.
Brother Michael
Thomas, 65, embarked
on his career with the
Seafarers in 1988 and
initially worked on the
Independence. He was
a member of the steward department and
last shipped on the Ambassador. Brother
Thomas upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He calls St. Cloud,
Florida, home.
ROMEO RIVERA
TERRY THOMAS
Brother Romeo Rivera,
65, donned the SIU
colors in 1994 when
he sailed aboard the
Independence. Brother
Rivera upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on
multiple occasions.
An engine department member, he last
shipped on the Horizon Reliance. Brother
Rivera settled in Las Vegas.
Brother Terry Thomas,
65, began sailing with
the Seafarers in 1980.
He initially shipped on
the El Paso Southern
and sailed in the deck
department. Brother
Thomas upgraded at
the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the
Maersk Alaska and lives in McDonough,
Geogia.
JOHN GREUBEL
Brother John Greubel,
65, started his career
with the SIU in 2000.
A steward department
member, he first sailed
aboard the Patriot.
Brother Greubel
upgraded at the Piney
Point school on several occasions. He most
recently shipped on the American Liberty
and makes his home in Conway, South
Carolina.
NOVEMBER 2023
Brother Leo Sullivan,
65, became a member
of the Seafarers International Union in 1990
when he sailed aboard
the William Baugh. He
upgraded often at the
Piney Point school and
worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sullivan last sailed on the
Maersk Atlanta. He calls Brooklyn, New
York, home.
INLAND
ROBERT CARROLL
Brother Robert Carroll,
67, joined the union
in 2007. He worked in
the deck department
and upgraded at the
Piney Point school on
multiple occasions.
Brother Carroll was
first employed with Crowley Towing and
Transportation. He most recently sailed
with Penn Maritime Inc. and resides in St.
Augustine, Florida.
DAVID GREGORY
Brother David Gregory,
71, signed on with the
union in 1992. He was
a deck department
member and first
sailed aboard the
Independence. Brother
Greogry upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and last shipped on the Champion. He
settled in San Angelo, Texas.
MARAD Posts Update
The U.S. Maritime Administration
(MARAD) recently announced that it has
chosen the Center for Naval Analyses
(CNA) to lead research efforts in developing a new maritime strategy for the
United States.
The CNA has been tasked with conducting a study during the next year,
throughout which they plan to engage
with public and private stakeholders in
the maritime industry to identify opportunities for growth. By the end of the
year, they aim to determine new ways to
revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine and
maritime industrial base to meet economic and national security needs, the
agency reported.
In accordance with the National
Defense Authorization Act of 2023,
MARAD was required to choose a Federally Funded Research and Development
Center (FFRDC) to commence this study.
The CNA is an independent nonprofit
FFRDC sponsored by the Department of
the Navy, with expertise in researching
sealift needs for national security.
“MARAD will work closely with CNA
on this historic effort that will set the
foundation for future success of the U.S.
maritime industry,” MARAD said in an
online statement.
The results from the CNA’s study will
be used as a tool to develop an in-depth
approach to begin identifying and prioritizing the elements for a strategy.
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •15
15
�Final Departures
DEEP SEA
JOEMARIE ABOY
Brother Joemarie Aboy,
66, died March 21. He
joined the SIU in 2007
when he sailed aboard the
Pride of Aloha. Brother
Aboy was an engine
department member. He
most recently shipped
on the Pride of America in 2020 and was a
Honolulu resident.
VIRGILIO BANZON
Pensioner Virgilio Banzon, 83, passed away
August 20. He signed on
with the Seafarers International Union in 2005
and first sailed aboard
the Seabrook. He sailed in
both the deck and engine
departments. Brother Banzon last shipped
on the Empire State. He retired in 2016 and
settled in Chula Vista, California.
JOHN BARNARD
Brother John Barnard, 66,
died July 24. He embarked
on his career with the SIU
in 1991, first shipping on
the Sealift Pacific. Brother
Barnard worked in the
deck department, lastly
aboard the Prestige New
York. He called McKinney, Texas, home.
EDWARD DESOUCEY
Pensioner Edward
Desoucey, 62, passed
away September 29. He
joined the Seafarers
International Union in
1979. Brother Desoucey’s
first vessel was the Leo.
He sailed in both the deck
and engine departments and concluded
his career aboard the Horizon Enterprise.
Brother Desoucey retired in 2005 and made
his home in Pittsburgh.
RUBEN GALLEGUILLOS
Pensioner Ruben Galleguillos, 93, died
September 9. Brother Galleguillos was born
in San Francisco and began sailing with
the SIU in 1979. He sailed in the steward
department, initially aboard the Santa
Maria. Brother Galleguillos last shipped
on the Endurance and became a pensioner
in 1996. He made his home in Lebanon,
Pennsylvania.
In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union
members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace.
RAYMOND GORJU
HAROLD NELLI
DAVID FEARS
Pensioner Raymond
Gorju, 74, passed away
September 14. He began
his career with the Seafarers in 1967, initially sailing
aboard the Alcoa Commander. Brother Gorju
was a deck department
member and concluded his career aboard
the USNS Capable. He began collecting
his pension in 2004 and lived in Gretna,
Louisiana.
Pensioner Harold Nelli, 96, died August 23.
Born in Rockdale, Illinois, he joined the
union in 1945. Brother Nelli initially sailed
with Merritt-Chapman and Scott. He was a
deck department member and concluded
his career aboard the Robert E. Lee. Brother
Nelli went on pension in 1988 and resided
in Lacombe, Louisiana.
Pensioner David Fears, 84, passed away
September 1. He signed on with the union
in 1973 and worked in both the deck and
engine departments. Brother Fears first
sailed with Dravo Basic Materials. He was
last employed with Western Towing Company and went on pension in 2011. Brother
Fears resided in Mount Enterprise, Texas.
ERNESTO GUARIN
Brother William Rios, 55,
passed away August 15.
He was born in Brooklyn,
New York, and started sailing with the SIU in 1988.
Brother Rios first shipped
on the Aries and worked
in the deck department.
He most recently sailed aboard the Magothy
and lived in New York City.
Pensioner Ernesto Guarin,
83, died August 26. He
donned the SIU colors
in 1979 when he worked
on the Panama. A deck
department member,
Brother Guarin last
shipped aboard the Performance. He retired in 2005 and lived in the
Philippines.
WILLIAM RIOS
BRIAN SENGELAUB
CESAR GUTIERREZ
Pensioner Cesar Gutierrez, 84, passed away
September 20. He
launched his career with
the Seafarers in 1970, first
sailing aboard the Steel
Maker. Brother Gutierrez shipped in the deck
department. He last sailed on the Sulphur
Enterprise before going on pension in 2004.
Brother Gutierrez was a resident of Kenner,
Louisiana.
Pensioner Brian Sengelaub, 72, died September 8.
He joined the SIU in 1973,
first working aboard the
Overseas Progress. Brother
Sengelaub was a member
of the engine department
and last shipped on the
Maersk Kensington in 2016. He retired the
following year and settled in Kunkletown,
Pennsylvania.
GREAT LAKES
RONALD LUPINACCI
RUSSELL BROWN
Pensioner Ronald
Lupinacci, 78, died
September 29. Brother
Lupinacci signed on with
the union in 1990. He was
a steward department
member and first sailed
on the Constellation.
Brother Lupinacci’s final vessel was the
Prestige New York. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Darlington,
Pennsylvania.
Pensioner Russell Brown,
72, passed away September 29. He embarked on
his Seafarers career in
1977 when he sailed on
the JT Hutchinson. A deck
department member,
Brother Brown last worked on the H Lee
White in 2006. He retired within the same
year and made his home in Alger County,
Michigan.
DARRELL MCDONALD
Brother Darrell McDonald, 64, has passed away.
Born in Tampa, Florida, he
began shipping with the
Seafarers International
Union in 1982. He sailed
in the engine department.
Brother McDonald’s first
vessel was the Virgo; his last, the Lawrence
Gianella. He called Old Town, Florida, home.
16
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
16
• SEAFARERS
INLAND
FRANK LYONS
Pensioner Frank Lyons, 76, died September
10. He joined the SIU in 1996. Brother Lyons
sailed in the deck department and worked
with Crowley for the duration of his career.
He became a pensioner in 2009 and made
his home in Willingboro, New Jersey.
JOHN ZENTS
Pensioner John Zents, 68, passed away
August 26. He joined the SIU in 1974 and
sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Zents worked for Moran
Towing of Maryland until 1990. He started
collecting his pension in 2019 and was a Baltimore resident.
NMU
JULIAN CASTRO
Pensioner Julian Castro, 96, died September 7. Brother Castro was born in Puerto
Rico. He sailed in the steward department
and concluded his career aboard the Green
Ridge. Brother Castro became a pensioner
in 1990 and called Yonkers, New York, home.
ALBERTO OLIVEIRA
Pensioner Alberto Oliveira, 88, died March
30. Brother Oliveira shipped in the steward
department, most recently aboard the
Green Lake. He retired in 1992 and lived in
Fall River, Massachusetts.
Correction
The October LOG contained an erroneous
obituary for SIU pensioner Avell Brown,
who in fact is alive and well. However, his
twin brother - SIU pensioner Arvell Brown
- passed away earlier this year. The correct
information and correct photo appear
directly below.
GEORGE DALEY
ARVELL BROWN
Pensioner George Daley, 73, died September
3. He donned the SIU colors in 1981, initially
working on the Padre Island. Brother Daley
sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed with Crowley
Towing and Transportation in 1994. He
became a pensioner in 2014 and lived in
Douglasville, Georgia.
Pensioner Arvell Brown,
77, passed away May 11.
Brother Brown worked in
both the deck and engine
departments. He last
sailed aboard the Green
Point before retiring
in 2013. Brother Brown
resided in Prichard, Alabama.
NOVEMBER 2023
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course
dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet
made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses:
(301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Title of
Course
Start
Date
DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSE
RFPNW
November 13
November 13
Date of
Completion
SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES
December 1
Basic Training Revalidation
November 6
November 13
December 4
December 8
November 6
November 13
December 4
December 8
Government Vessels
November 6
November 10
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
December 11
December 15
ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSE
RFPEW
Latest Course Dates
December 15
STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Certified Chief Cook
December 4
January 5
ServSafe Management
November 27
December 1
Chief Steward
November 13
December 8
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________
Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member
Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
COURSE
____________________________
START
DATE
__________________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________
Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________
Home Port _____________________________________________________________________
E-mail ________________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes
No
_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime
for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the
supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the
purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me.
NOVEMBER 2023
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________
Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________
Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original
receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org
Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise
qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission,
access or treatment of students in its programs or activities.
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
SEAFARERS
LOG17
• 17
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #899 – Graduated September 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Ricky Anderson, Kezavior Bryant, Brett Bundy, Elon Dancy-Mosley, Nathaniel Gasparini, Jonathan Graham,
Nayor Griffin-Taylor, Nasir Harrell, Giveric Henderson, Josue Hernandez Cordero, Clint Langford Jr., Kassidy Mays, Andrew Mentzer, Tyler Morin, Tony Noble, Frederick Rivers III, LaToya Sanford-Leggs, Maurice Smith, Tavon
Spence, Jyheir Thompson, Natanael Velez Cordero, Cedric Wallace Jr. and Xavion Young-Key.
MACHINE REFRIGERATION TECH – Graduated September 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Alvin
GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 15 (above, from left): Darrisha Bryant and
Rubenia Flores.
Alcasid, Haeven Bautista, Sherrod Frazier, Noah Hughes, Deidra Hunter, Tony King Jr., Thomas Koncul,
Joshua Mann, Jep Sumpter, David Watkins and Jonathan White. Instructor Christopher Morgan is also
pictured.
GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Faisal Ali,
Masha Blas, James Boatner, Maimouna Diallo, Luis Flores Ramos, Shavonne Freeman, Peter Frimpong,
Paul Harris, Ronda Jackson, Eric Johnson, Efrain Martinez, Charles McAllister III, Esstonia Moore, Edwin
Pagan, Arnel Resurreccion, Gedrick Reyes, Fahd Saleh, Lekesha Stevenson, and Gladys Williams. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)
18
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
18
• SEAFARERS
PUMPMAN – Graduated September 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Among those pictured are Jonathan
Bernardez Bernardez, Michael Clark, Marlon Green, Jared Johnson, Robert Pendarvis, Marcelino Santos
Bermeo, Bryan Wells and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Patrick Coppola is also pictured.
NOVEMBER 2023
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated September 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Deirick Coltrane II, Elijah Crawford, Jerrame Delfin, Robert Foster, Tiara MacKlin, Helen Martinez, Kyara Nunez, Gedrick Reyes,
Jonathan Slattery and Johnny Smith.
ABLE SEAMAN DECK – Graduated September 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Parker Hampton,
Kaylah Hill, La'Terri Kohn, Peter Pataki, De'Andre Peden, Darryl Shack Jr., José Soto-Ortiz, Chandler
Williams and Michael Wilt.
PHASE 3 DECK – Graduated September 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Coleman Brewer, Jacob
TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated September 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Ismael
Andriamasy, James Boatner, Shayanna Freeman, Michael John Valdez and David Watkins.
PHASE 3 ENGINE – Graduated September 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Curtis Gilliard II, Anthony
Burns, Stephen Chatten, Nailah Cundiff, Tevon Edwards, Isaiah Godette, Chase Greenawalt, Darlenzo
Hines Jr., Owen Lehman, Juliette Mandal, James Shoats, James Stamper and Alexis Walker.
Harrell Jr., Sierjohn Jove, Kamaria Lapread, Jylnn LeCounte, Keith Martin Jr., Mario Martin, Matthew
McManus, Kevin Menendez Barrales, Amar Ogletree, Kaicee Proctor, Josh Neilsen Rivera, Tre Scott, Stephen
Swaby and Ian Tarwater.
RFPEW – Graduated September 8: Rommel Centura.
WATER SURVIVAL (LIFEBOATMAN) – Graduated September 8: Johnathan Radzewicz.
NOVEMBER 2023
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
SEAFARERS
LOG19
• 19
�NOVEMBER 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 11
SEAFARERS LOG
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
Union, School Maintain Recruiting Efforts
From coast to coast and beyond, the SIU and its affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC)
are maintaining a steady pace – and a robust agenda – when it
comes to recruiting.
Union and school personnel regularly engage in
community outreach through career fairs – mostly off-site,
but also at some of the hiring halls. For instance, the Mobile,
Alabama, hall recently hosted a well-attended open house, and
the Jacksonville, Florida, hall conducts job-related seminars
multiple times each month.
The SIU and PHC also have secured creative partnerships
with various educational institutions to benefit all concerned
(most prominently the respective students).
Moreover, the union and school regularly connect with
military personnel who will soon separate from service and
who are weighing career options.
Although the maritime industry still faces a manpower
shortage, the aforementioned recruiting operation is helping.
For example, the PHC’s apprentice program has full rosters
well into next year, and the union also has had some success
SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (third from left) meets with students at
Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, New York, to chat about
career opportunities in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) explains the apprentice
program to an attendee at a job fair hosted by Rowan
University in Glassboro, New Jersey.
attracting current mariners from various segments of the
industry.
Finally, as recently noted by SIU President David
Heindel, informal/word-of-mouth recruiting has always
been effective for the union. Members, pensioners and
their families are encouraged to nudge prospective
apprentices and potential Seafarers to visit the
nearest hiring hall and also check out the website
mymaritimecareer.org.
SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (second from left) and Patrolman Kelly Krick (second from right) are pictured with
attendees at a local festival in Houston.
Guests pack the Jacksonville hall for a
recruitment seminar hosted by the union.
SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (at podium) addresses visitors during an
open house at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama.
Safety Director Andre MacCray (right) greets
visitors at the Rowan University career fair.
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and three rank-and-file members
meet with Army National Guard personnel at the hall in San Juan,
Puerto Rico, to discuss maritime job opportunities for veterans and
for individuals separating from the military. Pictured from left are
Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, Recertified Bosun Ricky Rivera,
Crespo, Maj. Whesley Sepúlveda, Israel Romero (deputy director for
personnel, Army National Guard), and Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo.
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present
Description
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Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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November 2023
Description
An account of the resource
ITF RECOVERS NEARLY $120M IN UNPAID WAGES
IBF AGREEMENT BOOSTS PAY FOR MARINERS
NEW SHIPS ENTERING SIU -CREWED FLEET
SIU JOBS REMAIN SECURE THROUGH RECENT TRANSACTIONS
BENEFITS CONFERENCES ROLL ON
TREASURY DEPARTMENT ISSUES GROUNDBREAKING REPORT ON BENEFITS OF UNIONS TO NATION'S ECONOMY
BIDEN BECOMES FIRST SITTING PRESIDENT TO WALK PICKET LINE
UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES CHARGE FILINGS UP 10%, UNION PETITIONS UP 3% IN FISCAL YEAR 2023
WESTBROOK APPOINTED AS ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
RECOGNIZED AT LAST: A TRIBUTE TO ALL WHO GO TO SEA
AOTOS HONOREES ANNOUNCED BY USS
BOSUNS SHARE INSIGHTS DURING GRADUATION
MARAD POSTS UPDATE
UNION, SCHOOL MAINTAIN RECRUITING EFFORTS
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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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11/01/2023
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Newsprint
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Text
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VOL 85, NO. 11
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3f94e7b01ee10004d00e636c40a821a7.pdf
82b1d543f0a0fdcf49e4fdcc4fbb6eb5
PDF Text
Text
SEPTEMBER 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 9
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
SIU Celebrates Reopening of Norfolk Hall
Union members, pensioners, officials and guests joined together July 25 to commemorate the formal reopening of the hiring hall at 115 Third Street in Norfolk, Virginia. The ceremony
(and luncheon) marked the culmination of a massive renovation that started last year. SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (above, right) oversaw the project, which met with very favorable
reactions from the assembled guests. Pictured above, left, immediately after the ribbon-cutting portion of the ceremony are (from left) ITF Inspector Bobbi Shipley, Seafarers Trustee
Tony Naccarato, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, Maersk VP Ed Hanley, retired SIU VP Kermett Mangram (who did the honors), Pastor O.L. Cromwell (rear), SIU Secretary-Treasurer
Tom Orzechowski, SIU President David Heindel, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Pages 10-11.
New Pasha Ship Christened
SIU President David Heindel (left) was a featured speaker Aug. 9 as Seafarers-contracted
Pasha Hawaii christened its new containership Janet Marie in Oakland, California. Pictured
at the event are (from left) Heindel, company President and CEO George Pasha IV, SIU
VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Elyse Pasha, wife of George. The ship is sailing in the
Jones Act trade. Page 3.
Philly Shipyard Event Underscores
Administration’s Support of Maritime
President Biden on July 20 expressed strong support for the Jones Act and the overall
U.S. maritime industry as he delivered keynote remarks at Philly Shipyard. The ceremony marked the start of construction on a first-of-its-kind offshore wind vessel being
built for SIU-contracted Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. SIU President David Heindel met
with Biden before the ceremony – and the union got a shout-out from the commander
in chief during his speech. Pictured at the shipyard are (from left) SIU Philadelphia Port
Agent Joe Baselice, U.S. Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania) and Heindel. Page 2.
Food Aid Event
Page 4
Stewards Graduate
Pages 6-7
�President’s Report
New and Improved
In the very near future, Seafarers LOG readers will notice some
changes to our official publication’s look. We are taking advantage
of advancements in the printing industry to help improve our
product while not appreciably adding to our costs.
Our format won’t be radically different
(slightly smaller in size) but I’m confident
you’ll agree that the fresh look is an
improvement. We’re not cutting back on
the amount of content, either. Stay tuned.
We regularly examine our methods
of communication, and I believe it still
makes sense for us to produce a monthly
publication. When and if that changes, we
won’t hesitate to adjust accordingly.
Meanwhile, for those who don’t know,
we also have a solid online presence and
we’ve offered a text-alert service for the
last decade. In addition to our website
David Heindel
(launched in 1997), we’re active on social
media, including multi-platform posts
every weekday and usually one day on the weekend. We also post
every edition of the LOG online, going all the way back to the
newspaper’s launch almost 85 years ago.
The printed page remains valuable and viable for the SIU in part
because connectivity at sea is, shall we say, still evolving. There
is no doubt it is improving, and both the union and our contracted
operators are fully committed to maximizing availability. But there
are technological limits (just as there are ashore) that result in
stretches of no cell service or no Wi-Fi or both. That’s not to say
that online reading and skimming the printed page is an either/or
proposition, but, let’s face it, when your phone or tablet or laptop
won’t connect, it’s good to have another option.
We also keep in touch with other unions about the most
effective ways to stay in touch with rank-and-file members.
What I’ve learned is that the organizations who abandoned their
respective publications quickly regretted it. There may be an
exception here or there, but the anecdotal evidence is solid.
Similarly, the feedback we receive from the membership –
across all age groups – strongly supports maintaining a periodical.
Lastly and again for those who may not know, while the LOG
first and foremost serves as a community newspaper, we also use
it to spread the word to the outside world about your outstanding
work, and about the union’s positions on maritime issues and
workers’ rights. We do not skimp with our online efforts, but
you can’t hand somebody a website. And if anyone doubts the
effectiveness of direct mail, check your mailbox ahead of next
year’s elections.
I’m excited about the LOG’s upcoming revamp and I welcome
your feedback once you’ve seen the new look.
The SIU Turns 85
Next month marks 85 years since the Seafarers International
Union received its charter. On a personal note, I am grateful to
have been part of the organization for 50 of those years (and
counting).
We have a proud history and a bright future. Our members
are second to none when it comes to professionalism, efficiency
and (in my view) community-mindedness. We have a world-class
training center to keep up with the times. We have solid working
relationships with our operators, and we have political strength
that helps ensure support for the U.S. Merchant Marine from our
military and at every level of government.
I am proud to be your president and I’m excited to continue
working on your behalf.
With union workers in the background, President Biden gives a pro-worker speech during a
ceremony at Philly Shipyard. (Photo from White House Twitter feed)
Biden Gives Shout-Out to SIU, Jones Act
With SIU President David Heindel seated near the
podium, President Biden on July 20 offered supportive
remarks about both the union and America’s freight
cabotage law during a speech at Philly Shipyard (which
employs union workers).
Biden was there to help celebrate the ceremonial start
of construction of the first offshore wind vessel of its
kind (a scour ship, the Acadia) to be Made in America
and Jones Act-compliant. The vessel, which will place
rocks on the seabed to secure the base for offshore wind
turbines, is being constructed for Seafarers-contracted
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock.
With hundreds of unionized workers in attendance,
Biden noted that the SIU will provide shipboard manpower when the vessel is completed. He mentioned that
several other unions will be involved in the ship’s construction.
He also stated, “Some folks may not know, there
was a law in 1920 called the Jones Act that was passed.
It says ships travelling between U.S. ports have to be
American-built, American-owned and have American
crews. There are some who are content to rely on ships
built overseas, without American crews to operate them.
Again, not on my watch. We’re strengthening American
shipbuilding, supporting good union jobs, and bringing
offshore-wind supply chains back home.”
Heindel met with Biden before the ceremony.
“I thanked the president for his support of the Jones
Act and the U.S. Merchant Marine. I also thanked him
for bringing good union jobs for the wind industry,”
Heindel stated.
During the ceremony, Biden talked about “the progress we’ve made building an economy from the middle
out and the bottom up.”
He said unions “built the middle class, and it changed
the economic direction of this country.”
Turning his attention to recent job growth, Biden
cited “over 13 million new jobs built across the country
and nearly half a million of them here in Pennsylvania
just in the last two-and-a-half years. Eight hundred-thousand manufacturing jobs (created in the U.S.), 28,000
here in Pennsylvania alone in the last two-and-a-half
years. That’s more jobs in two years than any president
has created in a four-year term. Unemployment is below
4 percent – the longest stretch of unemployment below
4 percent in the last 50 years. We’re beginning to come
back, folks. We can because we’re giving workers a
chance.”
The president also said that his “Investing in America
agenda is bringing our clean energy supply chains home.
Since I took office, we’ve seen more than $16 billion in
new offshore wind investments, including 18 offshore
wind vessels, 12 manufacturing facilities, and 13 ports.
Today, we announced the first-ever offshore wind sale in
the Gulf of Mexico. We’re going to the Gulf…. Across
the Delaware River in Paulsboro, New Jersey, workers
are welding the steel foundation for another large-scale
wind project. That’s going to create more than 3,000
good-paying jobs. A project off the coast of New York
will use a vessel built in the shipyards of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida and rely on an electrical substation
engineered in Kansas and made in Texas.”
He added, “All this investment means good-paying
jobs here at home. We’re making sure these new jobs
come free and fair and (with) the ability to join a union
if you’re not already in one. I made a commitment that
I’d be the most pro-union president in American history
– and I’m keeping that promise.”
Expanding on that commitment, Biden said he routinely tells business leaders that “union workers are the
best in the world…. You do the job right, and long-term,
it costs (management) less than non-union labor.”
Celebrating Maritime in Houston
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 85 Number 9
September 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant
Communications Director, Nick Merrill; Assistant
Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes.
Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left in both photos) met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete
Buttigieg (right in photo above, right) and U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips (right in remaining
photo) Aug. 4 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Houston for a federally funded container terminal
expansion project. “It was a great opportunity to discuss the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime
Security Program, recruiting and training, and port infrastructure grants,” said Corgey, a longtime member
of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.
September 2023
�Pasha’s Janet Marie Christened
The SIU-crewed Janet Marie, pictured in Long Beach, California, is sailing in the Jones Act trade. (Photo
courtesy Port of Long Beach)
In commemoration of the Janet Marie’s first call to the Port of Long Beach, Harbor Commission President Sharon L.
Weissman (center) presents Pasha Hawaii President and CEO George Pasha IV (center) and Janet Marie Capt. Doug
Fisher (standing next to George Pasha) with a plaque in honor of the captain and crew. (Photo courtesy Port of Long
Beach)
The SIU recently helped formally celebrate the addition of a
new Jones Act vessel.
Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii on Aug. 9 hosted a christening ceremony in Oakland, California, for its containership
MV Janet Marie. SIU President David Heindel was a featured
speaker at the gathering; SIU Vice President West Coast Nick
Marrone also attended, as did rank-and-file Seafarers.
As reported in the August LOG, the LNG-powered vessel
was delivered July 11. In addition to the christening, the company also previously conducted smaller commemorations for the
Janet Marie’s first calls on the ports of Long Beach, California,
and Honolulu, Hawaii, respectively.
During the christening, Heindel underscored “the significance of brand-new, state-of-the-art, American-built tonnage
entering the U.S. fleet and sailing with American mariners. This
is truly something to celebrate.”
He saluted the company’s “incredible commitment to our
Seafarers, to our flag, and to our national, economic and homeland security. I know that our members are doing great work
aboard this fine new ship, and George (Pasha IV, company president and CEO), you can count on us to continue taking good
care of your mother’s namesake and to assure the delivery of
her cargo.”
Heindel also pointed out that “ships like the Janet Marie help
our country maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen
seafarers who are available to work aboard military support ships
as needed.”
The Janet Marie is the second of two new ‘Ohana Class, 774foot containerships built at AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas. The
company’s first vessel in the class, the SIU-crewed MV George
III, began service in August 2022, becoming the first LNG-powered containership to call on the Bay Area.
Pasha Hawaii is a subsidiary of the 76-year-old, third-generation, family-owned company The Pasha Group, whose roots
were planted in the Bay Area in 1947. The George III and Janet
Marie are named in honor of the late parents of George Pasha,
IV.
“These ships represent the legacy of my parents and the
company they helped build from humble beginnings in San
Francisco,” said George Pasha IV. “The success of our family
business has always been based on ingenuity, striving for excellence and doing what is right for our customers and the communities where we live and work. Both George III and Janet Marie
provide our customers with best-in-class vessels, while setting
the standard for environmental stewardship when it comes to
ship design and construction. Today is a very proud moment for
the entire Pasha team and our family.”
Chris Connor, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities and board member of The Pasha Group
served as emcee for the christening ceremony. Connor was joined
by guest speakers Danny Wan, executive director of the Port of
Oakland; Oakland Deputy Mayor Kimberly Mayfield; Heindel;
and Pasha IV. Pastor Michael Ryan and Sister Judy Ryan, of St.
James Cathedral in Seattle and siblings to the late Janet Marie
Ryan Pasha, conducted a Catholic blessing, followed by a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Kahu (Pastor) Kordell Kekoa of Honolulu. George Pasha IV’s sister, Mary Jane Pasha, served as the
ship’s sponsor, overseeing the breaking of the champagne bottle.
Crowley Tug Artemis Signals New Jobs for Seafarers
The new tug will mean additional jobs for SIU boatmen on the West Coast.
Seafarers-contracted Crowley recently announced that it
has entered into the company’s fourth long-term charter for
its newest Tier IV ship assist tug, the Artemis, with SIU-contracted Brusco Tug & Barge. “The powerful, state-of-the-art
vessel reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability while providing high performance,” Crowley said in a
news release.
According to Crowley, the 77-foot tug “will deliver 7,000
horsepower with a bollard pull of 96 tons using two Caterpillar Marine 3516 Tier IV-compliant engines, meeting U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency emission standards. Artemis will also feature advanced technology to enhance maneuverability and provide operators with remote monitoring of
its performance, making it highly efficient and versatile for
various operations.”
“Artemis will not only offer the most power for its size
like its sister vessel Athena; it showcases our dedication to
September 2023
providing environmentally efficient services while maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability,”
said Paul Manzi, vice president, Crowley Shipping. “We are
grateful to continue collaborating with Brusco Tug & Barge
and Diversified Marine to bring new vessels that advance the
industry’s capabilities.”
The Artemis is slated to enter service later this year, serving Los Angeles and Long Beach with ship assists and escorts.
“We are proud of our Hercules Class tugs and pleased to
continue our partnership with Crowley and Brusco Tug &
Barge,” said Frank Manning, president, Diversified Marine.
“This will be the sixth DMI-built tug in Crowley’s fleet and
the eleventh we have built for Brusco. Our company is based
on relationships, and we are very thankful for the relationship
we have with these forward-thinking operators.”
Above: SIU President David Heindel expresses confidence
in the union members sailing aboard the new ship.
Below: Celebrating the ship’s first arrival in Honolulu Harbor are Pasha family members, Seafarers and SIU officials.
Pictured from left are Savannah Pasha, George Pasha IV,
Elyse Pasha, AB Eric Bell, AB Harold Harper, Pasha VP
Ed Washburn, SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, SIU VP Nick
Marrone and SIU Safety Director Amber Akana.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Port Event Highlights Threat To Food for Peace Program
SIU members and officials are pictured after the ceremony. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is sixth from left,
while SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo is at far right.
SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (right) and Bosun
Shatina Wright confer aboard the vessel.
ica’s home-grown food to hungry families half a world away for
70 years and counting.”
In remarks prepared for the ceremony, Marrone stated, “The
Seafarers International Union proudly supports cargo preference
and we strongly believe that the laws should be strengthened for
the betterment of America’s national, economic and homeland
security.”
According to the latest data from the World Bank, across the
Middle East and North Africa, one in five people are severely
food insecure, including eight million children.
Through Food for Peace, American farmers, millers, port
workers, longshoremen and mariners sailing under the U.S. flag
have played a critical role in the program to fight global food
insecurity.
In conjunction with the Longview event, Congressional
representatives and other stakeholders offered their support for
Food for Peace’s mission:
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) - “Eastern Washington’s agricultural community has a rich
history of feeding the world, especially those in need. Thanks to
the Columbia-Snake River system, our wheat farmers are able to
send their products to hungry nations around the world, preserving their hard-earned legacy and ensuring America continues to
shine as a beacon of hope. Thank you to our farmers, industry
stakeholders, and maritime partners who helped make this tremendous humanitarian effort possible.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) - “The
United States must continue to provide robust international aid to
meet the scale of need in the fight against hunger. I am inspired
by the partnership of the maritime labor, carriers, and agriculture
sectors in Washington and across the country to make this momentous contribution to global food security.”
Congressman Adam Smith (D-Washington) - “I commend
partners throughout Washington State for their continued commitment to USAID’s Food for Peace Program. Food for Peace
plays an integral role in alleviating hunger throughout the world
while also strengthening the United States’ diplomatic efforts.
Thank you to the many partners, including Washington State agricultural producers and union workers, who make these efforts
possible.”
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) “Washington State has long been a leader in agricultural production and has put us in a position to create positive change. With
eight billion dollars in agricultural exports last year and partnerships between public, private, trade groups, and labor, our state
is well positioned to extend beyond our geographic boundaries
and touch the lives of individuals and families facing hunger
emergencies.”
Jane Shey, Senior Policy Consultant, World Food Program USA – “Food security is national security. We must
increase our collective efforts to access the funding and commodities needed to meet the challenge of a food-insecure world.
Committed leadership on the part of the United States, from
Capitol Hill to the docks where we stand today, is essential to
securing a peaceful and prosperous future.”
Dan McKisson, President, Washington Area District
Council of the International Longshore and Warehouse
Union – “American-grown commodities, like the soft, white
wheat loaded on the U.S.-flagged vessel Liberty Glory here
today, have saved lives all over the world. This is a tangible symbol of our nation’s generosity, loading these cargos and sending
them to those in need overseas, also provides much-needed living wage jobs for our union members and for their families.”
Randy Suess, on behalf of the Washington Grain Commission and Washington Association of Wheat Growers
– “Food aid not only benefits everyone around the world and
American farmers, but it also involves everybody in the supply chain: the truckers, the warehousemen, the shippers and the
longshoremen.... Right now, one U.S. farmer feeds 166 others
across the country and around the world. I am proud to be part
of this program, working to achieve long-lasting and sustainable
food security for the world.”
The SIU crew of the Liberty Glory included Bosun Shatina
Wright, ABs Qaid Alnaawi, Guillermo Legra and Samuel
Vera Davis, STOSs Jose Oliva Umanzor and Venancio Bonifacio Suazo, OS Sincere Williams, GUDEs Lacorie Ray, Nabil
Said and Virgil Tudorache, Steward/Baker Isabel Sabio, Chief
Cook Eliezer Estremera and SA Yawoub Shack.
The Seafarers-crewed vessel prepares for its voyage to the Middle East. (All photos courtesy American Maritime
Congress)
Washington State Department of Agriculture Director
Derek Sandison addresses the attendees.
At the Washington Port of Longview, American farmers, port
workers, millers, mariners, and state and federal policymakers
stood together Aug. 15 to commemorate the significant humanitarian shipment of 28,000 metric tons of American-grown wheat
on the SIU-crewed Liberty Glory (Liberty Maritime) as part of
the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Food
for Peace program. The shipment comes as Food for Peace is
under intense pressure from lawmakers working to eliminate
shipments of food produced by American farmers aimed at alleviating the worst hunger emergencies around the world.
SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo attended the event, as did
rank-and-file Seafarers.
American-grown food has been the cornerstone of America’s
foreign aid policy since Food for Peace was launched in the
1950s with crops like corn, sorghum, rice and wheat. The shipments represent an “unbroken chain of humanity” that stretches
from America’s fertile fields to families facing an unprecedented
crisis. During the last three years, the United States has donated
more than one million tons of American-grown wheat per year
through Food for Peace. Much of that wheat has gone to support
hunger hotspots in the Middle East and East Africa, where food
insecurity still persists.
“Food for Peace is one of the most successful humanitarian
programs because of the enduring commitment of America’s
farmers, millers, port workers, longshoremen and merchant mariners to feeding the world,” said William P. Campbell, vice president of operations, Liberty Maritime Corporation. “However,
there are some out there who want to eliminate the contribution
of America’s farmers and mariners to Food for Peace or end the
program entirely. World hunger is at its peak as conflict persists
and the traditional breadbasket of Ukraine is disrupted. Against
this backdrop, America must stand up and fight hunger and once
again be the shining beacon of hope for those around the world.
Food for peace is that hope.”
“America’s farmers feed the world and this shipment will
feed one million people facing starvation for an entire year; focusing on families who need it most,” said Washington Grain
Commissioner Gary Bailey, a wheat grower in Whitman County.
“Washington’s wheat farmers are proud to have connected Amer-
4 Seafarers LOG
September 2023
�Merchant Marine Delivers
Relief Cargoes in Hawaii
At press time for this edition of the
LOG (mid-August), Seafarers and SIUcontracted vessel operators were involved
in the relief efforts in Hawaii, following the
wildfires that devasted parts of the state.
Additionally, the union is accepting
voluntary donations via the Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund. More information about
the fund is available on the SIU website
(prominently linked on the home page).
No SIU members are known to have
been injured or to have lost their homes as
a result of the fires.
Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii reported that its supply chain routes were
fully operational as support efforts for
Maui wildfire relief continue. The company has enacted its emergency response
plan “which includes prioritizing emergency rations, foodstuffs and medical supplies via available barge capacity to Maui
and its direct vessel roll-on/roll-off service,” Pasha said in a news release.
Additionally, Seafarers-contracted Matson reported that it had begun transporting
emergency response equipment and supplies to Maui for the Federal Emergency
Management Administration (FEMA) and
the Hawaii Food Industry Association
(HFIA).
Also in mid-August, the American
Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is
affiliated, issued a “situation report” noting that state, local and federal authorities
in Hawaii continue to respond to the needs
of residents and the devastating impacts of
several large wildfires, which had taken
more the 100 lives and destroyed more
than 2,200 homes and businesses.
In what has been described as the deadliest wildfire incident in the U.S. in more
than 100 years, the fires were exacerbated
by extremely dry conditions and strong
winds generated by the passage of Hurricane Dora.
According to AMP, as of Aug. 14, all 10
ports within Hawaii’s Commercial Harbor
System, including Kahului Harbor Piers 1,
2 and 3 on the island of Maui, remained
operational. The coalition also noted the
following, in addition to reporting about
the respective efforts of Pasha and Matson:
- Fuel availability, the movement of
cargo and the flow of humanitarian assistance have not been restricted by the impacts of the wildfires.
- Cargoes from the mainland U.S. to
Maui are generally routed through Honolulu and transshipped to Kahului, Maui
(the main harbor), but there is there is also
direct U.S. barge service and roll-on/rolloff vessel service from the mainland to
Kahului.
- The American maritime industry is coordinating with county, state, federal, and
emergency departments to prioritize and
move cargo, and ensure safe and expedient
delivery of disaster aid.
- U.S.-flagged barges are arriving at
Kahului Harbor in Maui to provide relief
goods.
- A barge with 20 Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) containers
arrived on Thursday, August 10, carrying
pallets of bottled water and ready-to-eat
meals.
- Another barge arrived on Saturday,
August 12, carrying 191 containers with
generators, emergency supplies, and other
equipment to assist the community response efforts.
- The Hawaii Department of Transpor-
Meeting with Labor Secretary
SIU President David Heindel (right) and MM&P President Don Marcus (left) are
pictured with Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su at AFL-CIO headquarters earlier
this year. They discussed her solid support for workers’ rights, including the right to
choose union representation.
tation (HDOT) has waived all wharfage
charges for cargoes inbound to Kahului
Harbor through September 10, 2023 to
support humanitarian relief in Maui.
- HDOT will waive demurrage and storage fees and port entry and dockage for
vessels displaced from small boat harbors
on Maui, and have determined that the declared state of emergency is good cause for
extensions of free time.
- The National Guard has activated 134
troops, including 99 Army National Guard
personnel and 35 Air National Guard personnel, to assist in the ongoing local and
federal wildfire response efforts.
- FEMA announced it had deployed
more than 150 personnel, including search
and rescue teams.
LCLAA Elects SIU AVP Crespo As Puerto Rico Chapter President
SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo recently earned an additional title.
In August, Crespo was elected president
of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Labor
Council for Latin American Advancement
(LCLAA) during the organization’s twentyfourth convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Also elected as LCLAA officials were Vice
President John Navas (Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, or AMPR), SecretaryTreasurer Jose Ramirez (American Federation
of State, County and Municipal Employees
or AFSCME), Log Secretary Nadrischka
Martinez (Secretary, AMPR), Board member
Nelly Ayala (President, AMPR), Board Member Maria Ortiz (Teacher and Tech Support,
AMPR), and Board Member Hector Reyes
(International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBEW). All members of the LCLAAPR Chapter are also members of the executive
Board of the Puerto Rico Workers Federation
(Federación de Trabajadores de Puerto Rico, or
FTPR AFL-CIO).
During the convention, the new chapter
electees adopted policy priorities and resolutions meant to ensure dignity for working
families. They resolved to prioritize workplace
initiatives for long-term economic stability,
foster strength and success for LGBTQ workers and help build a bright future for the middle
class. The resolutions also emphasize building
power with immigrant workers, empowering
women in the trades, ensuring quality beginnings to education, and advocating for workers’ rights in a global economy. The LCLAA
plans to work toward instating workplace
initiatives for longterm economic stability, advocating for affordable and accessible health
care for all, and fighting for equal rights on the
job and humanitarian protections for those in
harm’s way, the organization reported.
The convention’s theme, “Together Towards Tomorrow: Trabajadores para un Futuro Justo,” focused on improving the quality
of life of all Latin Americans in the U.S. and
enriching the benefits necessary to achieve
happiness, good living, and the peace to which
all Americans are entitled according to our
Constitution and Civil Rights. It commenced
with a chapter president’s meeting, during
which Crespo and the other new chapter mem-
September 2023
LCLAA friends and guests pose for a picture during the convention.
bers from Milwaukee, Greater Boston, Puerto
Rico, and South Central Arizona were welcomed. Stephanie Sepulveda offered insights
on citizenship clinics, while Lucia Gomez led
a workshop on voter education and partnering
with other organizations for effective voting
efforts. With inspiring speeches and discussions by esteemed speakers including AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and
American Federation of Teachers President
Randi Weingarten, the session set the stage for
a dynamic and transformative convention experience, according to attendees.
During the plenary session, Redmond
and Weingarten effusively exalted the Jones
Act in their respective speeches. They referenced Crespo’s effective work promoting the
law, and they emphasized how necessary and
vital that statute is for Puerto Rico’s economy.
Speakers also mentioned what this means for
U.S. national security, especially in cases of
national emergency like the major, devastating
hurricanes and earthquakes that have hit Puerto
Rico in the past five years. Both Redmond and
Weingarten were received and dismissed with
standing ovations.
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left in both photos) meets with (above, left) AFL-CIO
Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and with American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten (remaining photo).
Seafarers LOG 5
�Eight SIU Stewards Reach Top Level
Newly Recertified Seafarers Praise School, Union
The latest class of recertified stewards, from left to right: Ingra Maddox, Natalie Delgado, Annie T. Nodd, Erwin Renon,
Jermaine Robinson, J.D. Reyes, Bernard Butts and Dennison Dizon.
T
he newest class of recertified stewards
graduated in August, and the group
had plenty of good things to say about the
experience.
SIU members completing the top-level
course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) were: Bernard Butts, Natalie
Delgado, Dennison Dizon, Ingra Maddox, Annie T. Nodd, Erwin Renon, J.D.
Reyes and Jermaine Robinson. They
formally completed the class during the
August membership meeting in Piney
Point, Maryland.
During their training, the stewards
were instructed and tested on a variety
of subjects, including leadership, baking ability, computer skills, social responsibilities, Coast Guard updates, and
other department-specific workshops on
healthy eating, safe work areas and more.
During the two-week course, each member also gained new and additional insight
into the functions of the various departments of the SIU as well as the Seafarers
Plans, collective bargaining agreements,
and the union’s affiliations with both the
Maritime Trades Department and its parent organization, the AFL-CIO.
As part of the graduation ceremony,
each steward spoke to the assembled
crowd of SIU officials, members and
guests before receiving their certificates
of completion. In each speech, the new
recertified stewards described their experiences with the course, their careers as
mariners and their time spent at the PHC.
Without exception, each member of the
class praised the curriculum, the staff and
faculty of the school and the importance
of upgrading and furthering their careers.
Following are highlights of the respective graduation speeches.
Bernard Butts
Unable to attend the graduation ceremony in person, Butts nevertheless
thanked the union’s executive board,
staff and faculty for their assistance and
instruction throughout the course. The
Norfolk, Virginia-based mariner wrote,
“I would like to thank the president, vice
presidents, officials, patrolmen, chefs, instructors, my fellow recertified stewards
and all the stewards that came before me
that imparted wisdom, knowledge and
guidance to help me reach this point in
my career.”
He continued, “It is an honor to stand
before you as a new recertified steward.
6 Seafarers LOG
I began my career as a mariner in 2001,
after 12 years in the Navy. I embarked on
my first ship, the USNS Bold, beginning
what has become a prosperous and fulfilling career path in the SIU.
“Since I joined the union, my life has
excelled in many different ways. I have
been able to provide the life for my family
that I had always dreamed of. I have been
able to see many different parts of the
world that some only dream or imagine. I
have been able to teach and mentor many
along the way, sharing work knowledge,
life lessons and insight into this great entity we call the SIU.”
He concluded by offering advice to
the apprentices and upgraders: “Continue
to strive to become greater. Never limit
yourself. Always press to take your career
to the next level. Keep your head down,
mouth closed and ears open. There is an
opportunity in the SIU that you can’t find
in a lot of places, called upgrading! Take
full advantage of this opportunity, and
don’t get stagnant or complacent in your
current position.”
Ingra Maddox
Shipping from the Port of Tacoma,
Washington, Maddox spoke about her
career, as well as her family connection
to the SIU. After thanking the officials
seated on the dais, she reflected on her
experiences in the program.
“First, I’d like to say how honored I
am to be here with my fellow recertified
stewards, and humbly thank all of our
great instructors, including Natalie (Delgado, who previously taught at the PHC
during her shore time), for all they’ve
done over the years to help me get to
where I am today. I never could have
imagined I’d be here.
“My family has been a part of the SIU
for 45 years,” Maddox continued. “I’ve
been sailing for 20. Being a mariner has
enriched my life in so many ways, but
most importantly, by giving me the financial freedom to help in providing for
my family. The long vacations don’t hurt,
either.”
To the apprentices, she said, “Please
don’t waste the opportunity you’ve been
given. Apply yourself, learn all you can
and take full advantage of all our school
has to offer. The school is here to help us
all. When you get out on the ships, listen,
learn and ask questions. The only stupid
questions are ones not asked. Remember
that we all had to start at the bottom.
Never let anyone tell you that you are
not good enough, or that you can’t do it.
Prove them wrong, like I did.”
She concluded, “I thank the SIU, and
will always stand behind my union, as it
has done for me.”
Jermaine Robinson
Next to speak was Robinson, who sails
out of the Port of New Orleans. He detailed his career, starting with his first job
in the industry.
“I’ve been sailing with the SIU now
for 26 years and five months. I took my
first job on February 27, 1997, with the
Delta Queen Steamboat Company. From
there, my journey continued as I moved
on to bigger deep sea vessels, where in
2004 I got a job aboard the USNS Altair.… Aboard that ship I was able to go
completely around the world, where I got
my chance to cross the Equator.”
He thanked the union officials and the
staff at the PHC, as well as talked about
his family: “The SIU has been financially
good to my family and me over the years.
My wife and I have four kids and two
grandkids, and my baby boy is about to
graduate high school.” He then thanked
the union for helping enable him to send
all of his children to college.
He also mentioned some of the skills
he learned during the course, before
turning to address the apprentices in the
auditorium, saying, “Come aboard, work
hard, listen to your supervisors, work
alongside your fellow shipmates, learn as
much as you can, don’t be afraid to ask
questions and always remember to never
stop there. Always come back and upgrade, upgrade, upgrade.”
J.D. Reyes
Sailing out of Tacoma, Reyes is another legacy mariner in this class, who
followed his mother’s path to a career
at sea: “I became a mariner in the year
2000, in New York, because my family’s
history in the U.S. also began in New
York. My mother was a sailor for more
than 25 years, with the National Maritime
Union,” he recalled.
Reyes continued, “The most important
part of being a mariner is to love what
you are doing. If I wasn’t proud to be
here, I wouldn’t still be sailing.” He then
spoke about the importance of supporting
the Seafarers Political Activities Donation
(SPAD), the union’s voluntary political
action fund.
Finally, he offered the following advice to future mariners: “At sea, there
is no such thing as half-[hearted]. That
comes back to bite you, and gets you hurt.
We want to send you back to your loved
ones in one piece.”
Dennison Dizon
Dizon, hailing from the Port of Wilmington, California, was next to address
the crowd, saying, “I am honored to be at
this level in my career. It’s a dream come
true to be a recertified steward. I became
a merchant mariner because of my father,
Bosun Dante Dizon. I joined the SIU
and started sailing in 2009, and now I’m
the permanent steward of the USNS Red
Cloud.
“The SIU provides a quality lifestyle,
and I am evidence of that,” he continued,
Continues on next page
Recertified Steward Annie T. Nodd
September 2023
�Recertified Stewards Dennison Dizon (left) and Jermaine Robinson
“The SIU has helped me a lot, especially
when it comes to supporting my family.
It gives us a high standard of living, and
financial security through our future.”
He then offered advice to the trainees,
saying, “Take advantage of the opportunity that you have right now, study hard
while you’re here and learn as much as
you can. Remember, ‘Talent wins games,
but teamwork and hard work wins championships.’ Upgrading is a must, never
settle for less than what you deserve, and
you can’t be afraid to fail, because that’s
the only way to succeed.”
He also credited the union officials
and staff of the PHC, before thanking his
wife, who was in attendance: “She is the
reason why I am here. She motivated me
every single day. She’s my inspiration. I
love you, and this is for you!”
Annie T. Nodd
After thanking the officials, Nodd
talked about her history with the SIU. She
hails from Mobile, Alabama.
“I started as a trainee in the apprentice program – Class 563 – and that gave
me the right amount of discipline that
I needed, and the skills that I still use
today,” she said. “I’m so grateful to God
for guiding me in this direction. Without
God’s guidance, I don’t know where I
would be.
“The SIU has given me a sense of
stability and security,” she continued. “It
has allowed me to travel the world and
to continue to work and support my family, even when everything had shut down
(during the COVID-19 pandemic). I am
so grateful for that.”
She also mentioned the importance of
assisting young mariners, saying, “I had
some great mentors, some old-timers who
took me under their wing and taught me
all they knew. To the trainees, I was once
sitting where you all are now. The training and knowledge you all will learn here
will take you throughout your career, if
you apply it. Listen to your instructors
and work hard. This school is not set up
to fail you. If you fail, that’s on you.”
She concluded by thanking the staff
and instructors, saying, “Everyone here
has always made me feel at home and
safe. I grew up under you all, and I thank
September 2023
you all for hosting this year’s steward recertification class.”
Erwin Renon
Renon began with the most important
recognition, saying, “It is my distinct
honor to be here, but, first and foremost
I would like to thank my wife, who has
stood with me all these years. I thank her,
God, and my four beautiful daughters for
helping me to be here today.”
He quipped, “I have been a mariner
for 23 years, longer than most of you
have been alive.” He then spoke about
his history with the union, saying, “I fell
in love with my new career, and met so
many wonderful people along the way.
The union has become an important part
of my family’s life. Without the support
of the union, I would not have been able
to provide for my family as well as I can,
and I am forever grateful to the SIU for
that.”
He took a moment to thank the staff of
his home port, Tacoma, before speaking
Recertified Steward J.D. Reyes
to the trainees: “All of us can agree that
the road ahead is not going to be easy,
but do try to do your best and take every
opportunity that you are given. Your time
here will teach you many skills, and connect you to many people. Payday is coming for you.”
He concluded by urging his fellow
mariners to contribute to SPAD, and by
thanking the staff and instructors at the
PHC.
Natalie Delgado
Last to speak, Delgado ships out of
Wilmington, and has a long history with
the union. Beyond her sailing career of
more than 20 years, she also worked parttime at the PHC as an instructor for many
years.
“Prior to joining the union, I found
myself struggling to stay above water financially,” she began. “I was working two
full-time jobs…. Shortly after AHC went
out of business, I got a call from a Navy
captain, saying I came highly recom-
mended. For the last 17 years, I’ve been
loyal to the USNS Loyal as the permanent
chief steward.”
She added, “I consider myself truly
blessed to have had the privilege of working with the chefs here at Piney Point:
John Hetmanski, John Dobson, Paulie
Gelrud, R.J. Johnson, and my mentor who
took me under his wing, Ed White, God
bless his soul. Gentlemen, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”
Delgado stated, “Thank you to my
husband, Edwin, for holding down the
hatches while I was at sea.” She then
urged those in attendance to support
SPAD, as well as backing politicians who
support the Jones Act, and getting out to
the polls to vote.
She concluded, “To the trainees, don’t
be the one who years from now says,
‘shoulda, woulda, coulda’ or wonder
where you would be in life if you had just
committed to this industry. Joining the
SIU and becoming a mariner changed my
life.”
Pictured above, from left to right: Jermaine Robinson, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Dennison Dizon, J.D. Reyes, Erwin Renon,
VP Contracts George Tricker, Natalie Delgado, Executive VP Augustin Tellez, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Annie T. Nodd, Ingra
Maddox, VP Great Lakes Bryan Powell, President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, AVP Pat Vandegrift, Port
Agent Jose Argueta and VP Nicholas Celona.
Seafarers LOG 7
�ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Pictured aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated
vessel following a safety meeting are Capt. Raymond Davis, Recertified
Bosun Ritche Acuman, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, Electrician Salah Saleh
and GUDE Ruel Decrepito.
ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE – Pictured aboard the Keystone vessel following a union meeting are Recertified Bosun Billy Yurick, AB/Tankerman Jimmy Hargrove, Capt. Michael O’Connell, SIU Houston Patrolman
J.B. Niday, SIU Houston Patrolman Kirk Pegan and Second Mate Connor
Shea.
SHIPYARD SNAPSHOT – Many thanks to Recertified Bosun Adel Ahmed for this photo from
the Alaskan Navigator’s recent shipyard period in South Korea. Pictured from left (standing)
near the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel are QMED Ronilo Monares, AB Romeo Escalera, DEU Taher
Ahmed, Bosun Ahmed, Recertified Steward Albert Sison, QMED Aljohn Fernandez, Chief Cook
Nasr Almusab, AB Micheal Adote, AB Francisco Anacta, AB Zaid Said, SA Ammr Ali, AB Walid
Nasser and AB Bonifacio Fortes. In front is DEU Paul Koomson.
ENCOURAGING PROSPECTIVE APPRENTICES – SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (second from
left) assists candidates at the San Juan hall who are applying for the apprentice program based at
the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point,
Maryland. Behind the lens is Seafarer Jose Encarnacion.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – SIU personnel
(from left) Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, VP West Coast
Nick Marrone and Junior Engineer Luke Failauga
spread the word at a job and wellness fair in Honolulu.
TALKIN’ RECRUITING IN
CRESCENT CITY – SIU New
Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook (left) meets with Louisiana
Workforce Commission Apprenticeship Division Director Stephen Peychaud at the hiring hall,
where they discussed ongoing
recruiting collaboration.
A-BOOKS IN JERSEY CITY – Picking up their respective A-seniority books
at the hiring hall are QEE Jing Hui Huang (left in photo above, right) and Chief
Cook Leonardo Bagnol (left in remaining photo). They’re pictured with SIU
Port Agent Ray Henderson.
BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – These photos were taken during
the August membership meeting at the hall. From left in photo above, both
receiving B-books, are STOS Antione Clark and SA Shantracycia Stripling
(and SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson). From left in the photo at left: Chief Cook
Brittany Williams (B seniority), Steward/Baker Jeffery Toliver (A seniority) and
Chief Cook Armon Bailey (A seniority).
8 Seafarers LOG
September 2023
�SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS – SIU VP
Government Services Nicholas Celona
recently attended a change-of-command
ceremony on the West Coast. He’s at
right, with Brigadier General Douglas K.
Clark, Commanding General, 4th Marine
Division.
WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – SA Budiman Chandra (left)
receives his first pension check following a 20-year career with the SIU.
He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.
ABOARD G&H TOWING TUG – SIU Patrolman Kirk
Pegan (left) greets Seafarer Clay Casteel aboard
the Atlas.
FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Jose Ortiz (left) picks up his B-book at
the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
ABOARD PACIFIC TRACKER – During a recent voyage on the TOTE-operated vessel, Seafarers (from left) MDR Brandon Maeda, Chief Steward Julito Crodua and Chief Cook Michael
Gramer noted that they all started sailing in the 1980s, with American Hawaii Cruises. “It was
really great seeing each other again and sailing on the same ship,” Maeda wrote.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD NATIONAL GLORY – These photos from the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship, taken while the
vessel was headed to Puerto Rico, include Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo (left in both snapshots), Chief Steward
Melissa McCartney (right in photo at right) and Electrician Joe Flotta (right in remaining photo).
BOSUN CREDITS ABs – Many thanks to Recertified Bosun
Lee Hardman for this snapshot of SJ Joe Horton, AB Paul
Jimenez and AB Levi Gorokhovsky aboard the Global Sentinel (SubCom). Photo was taken during a recent trip from
the West Coast to the UK. Hardman said it “was a long trip
but time to catch up on some maintenance. They knocked
it out of the park chipping the lifeboat davits.” All are graduates of the apprentice program who recently secured their
respective AB tickets.
September 2023
BACKING PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – SIU
Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) greets
John Whitmire, the labor-backed candidate for
Houston mayor, during a gathering in support of the
campaign.
MILESTONE IN ALOHA STATE – QE4 Sean Carter
(left) receives his A-book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu
hall with SIU Administrative Assistant Caitlyn Wharton.
WORTH CELEBRATING – SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak
(left) attended a workers’ rights event earlier this year
in Lansing, Michigan, featuring Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
(right). The gathering celebrated Whitmer’s signing of
legislation repealing the state’s so-called right-to-work
(for less) law.
Seafarers LOG 9
�From left to right: Maersk Line, Limited Vice President Ed Hanley, SIU VP Contracts
George Tricker and SIU EVP Augustin Tellez show off a new addition to the (model) fleet.
From left to right: SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Asst. Vice President Pat
Vandegrift and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orezchowski stand ready to assist the members.
Welcome to Your New Home, Norfolk
The location and exterior bricks are quite familiar,
but the rest of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, is essentially brand new, following a successful, months-long
renovation.
SIU members, retirees, family members and guests
joined union officials July 25 for a ceremonial reopening
of the facility, located at 115 Third Street. The union has
operated from that spot since 1963, though it maintained
temporary offices in nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, since
late summer 2022, due to the refurbishment.
As with any renovation of such extensive scope, this
one included some figurative speed bumps, but the finished product elicited nothing but praise.
Bosun Darrol Bates stated, “No joke, this looks really
nice. It’s gorgeous, and I really like the desk area.”
“It’s up to the times for the new generation coming
in,” said Chief Steward Reynard Gibbs. “I think it’ll
definitely bring a positive energy. The map of southeast
Hampton Roads (behind the counter) is cool and the
Wi-Fi works. I just logged in.”
GUDE Blake Thrasher said, “Everything looks a
whole lot better. It’s clean and more modern. The front
desk is more organized and the hall has better spacing.”
Retired Recertified Bosun Aubrey Davis noted, “The
improvements make you feel good. I think it’s absolutely
wonderful and beautiful.”
The ceremony, which was followed by a catered luncheon, included remarks from (in chronological order)
SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SIU Norfolk
Port Agent Mario Torrey, SIU Assistant Vice President
Pat Vandegrift (who oversaw the renovation), Seafarers Trustee Tony Naccarato, Virginia Delegate Jeion
Ward, and SIU President David Heindel. Attendees then
gathered outside the building, where retired SIU Vice
President Kermett Mangram, long a mainstay in Norfolk,
SIU President David Heindel (right) poses for a photo
with Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays.
10 Seafarers LOG
cut the ceremonial ribbon following a blessing from local
Pastor O.L. Cromwell.
Moments before the program started, Seafarerscontracted Maersk Line, Limited (which is headquartered
in Norfolk) presented a new, glass-encased model of the
Maersk Peary, unveiled by company Vice President Ed
Hanley.
Heindel commended Vandegrift’s work in overseeing the renovation, which included completely replacing
most or all of the plumbing and drainage systems, electrical components, flooring and ceilings, windows, offices,
counter and more.
“The building started to show its age,” Heindel said.
“We invested in our membership to make sure you had a
comfortable place. It was time.
“Pat did an excellent job,” he continued. “He dedicated more than a year to get this project to conclusions.
It wasn’t easy, but Pat has the tenacity to keep things on
track and he did a hell of a job.”
Heindel said the refurbished hall “symbolizes improvements in the present and the hope for the future. This
location is excellent, and now this facility itself is state of
the art and will serve our membership well into the future.
It’s a place where our members and their families can feel
safe and proud to come and take care of their business.”
He concluded by telling the crowd that plans are being
made to improve a few more of the hiring halls in the near
future.
Naccarato, who has worked in the maritime industry
for 58 years, said the hall is “a beautiful building – a
building that will not only serve to provide good jobs to
members, but a building that will be a testament to the
excellent and valuable labor-management relationships
that owners and operators enjoy with the SIU. Buildings
of this quality do not happen without vision and determination.”
He also thanked the rank-and-file members “for your
service and for your willingness to sacrifice time away
from family and friends. You serve a very vital role. Being
a seafarer is not an easy life. Please rest assured that you
are truly appreciated not only for providing a decent living standard for yourself and for your families, but also
for your valuable contribution to our shipping companies
and to the defense and security of our country. Your participation and support absolutely are indispensable, now
more than ever in a very dangerous and uncertain world.”
In addition to her position as a state delegate, Ward
is president of an American Federation of Teachers local
and serves on the Virginia AFL-CIO Executive Council,
where she spearheads the labor movement’s support in the
general assembly.
She complimented the new-look hall and also said,
“If you tell me labor wants it, I’m going to fight for it….
When labor speaks, I listen.”
Orzechowski opened the festivities and stated, “We
couldn’t be more pleased with the product and we really
believe that this building is going to serve the SIU membership well in the next several decades.”
He also thanked Vandegrift, as did Torrey. The port
agent added, “I can truly say it’s good to be back home.
We’ve got the best of all worlds. We have the same great
location, a beautiful building, and decades of history. No
one knows more about these upgrades than Pat Vandegrift, who’s been in charge of this operation since day one.
He’s worked tirelessly.”
Vandegrift mentioned that he already was familiar with
the area, partly because of family, partly because of his
time in the Navy.
The hall “stood the test of time, but it needed an upgrade,” he said. “It needed a yard period. We got a great
product in the end, and I’m honored to serve all of you.”
One of the guests, American Maritime Officers Secretary-Treasurer Bob Rice – who sailed with the SIU for a
dozen years – hit the deck and recalled getting his start at
the Norfolk hall.
“Spring of 1990, I walked through that very door right
there,” he said.
Rice added that when he subsequently went to the
union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, “I
learned some of the best life lessons that I’ve ever
learned. Hard work wins. You get out of life what you
put into it. No matter how good you are, or how hard you
work, bad things are going to happen to you. How you
address those things largely will determine your character…. I just wanted to say how grateful I am to the SIU.
It’s made me the man I am today.”
A round of applause for the successful completion of the renovation project.
September 2023
�Members, retirees and guests pose for a photo before the festivities.
Bosun Mark Brownell (left) and AB Bartow Bridges enjoy the new hall.
Virginia Delegate Jeion Ward speaks to a crowd
which included many of her constituents.
September 2023
Port Agent Mario Torrey
Attendees partake of the provided luncheon after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Seafarers Trustee Tony Naccarato
American Maritime Officers Secretary-Treasurer Bob Rice
talks about his Norfolk Hall memories.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 16 - August 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of August 16, 2023.
Total Shipped
Total Registered
Port
All Groups
All Groups
A
B
C
A
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (above)
conducts a benefits conference in Norfolk, Virginia.
Benefits Conferences Continue
Representatives from the SIU and the Seafarers Plans are conducting a series of benefits conferences at various hiring halls
(the first took place in July). Seafarers, retirees and their families are strongly encouraged to attend at least one of the gatherings. Most of the conferences will take place the same days
as the respective membership meetings for the given months.
Designed to educate rank-and-file members as well as union
employees, the conferences focus on various Seafarers Plans.
Conference goals include making enrollees aware of benefits
available to them under each plan. Special emphasis is placed
on points that plan participants may not know about.
There may be an exception or two, but each staff conference
takes place ahead of the membership meeting, and is followed
by a separate conference for members, dependents and retirees immediately after the membership meeting.
The remaining schedule is as follows:
Port
Conference Date
San Juan
Thursday, September 7
Piney Point
Monday, October 2
Jacksonville
Thursday, October 5
Houston
Monday, November 13
New Orleans
Tuesday, November 14
Mobile
Wednesday, November 15
Jersey City
Thursday, November 30
Ft. Lauderdale
Monday, February 19, 2024
Algonac
Friday, March 8, 2024
September & October
Membership Meetings
Piney Point
*Tuesday: September 5, Monday: October 2
Algonac
Friday: September 8, October 6
Baltimore
Thursday: September 7, October 5
Guam
Thursday: September 21, October 19
Honolulu
Houston
Friday: September 15, October 13
Monday: September 11, **Tuesday: October 10
Jacksonville
Joliet
Thursday: September 7, October 5
Thursday: September 14, October 12
Mobile
Wednesday: September 13, October 11
New Orleans
Jersey City
Tuesday: September 12, October 10
Tuesday: September 5, October 3
Norfolk
Friday: September 8, October 6
Oakland
Thursday: September 14, October 12
Philadelphia
Wednesday: September 6, October 4
Port Everglades
Thursday: September 14, October 12
San Juan
Thursday: September 7, October 5
St. Louis
Friday: September 15, October 13
Tacoma
Friday: September 22, October 20
Wilmington
Monday: September 18, October 16
*Piney Point change due to Labor Day Observance
**Houston change due to Columbus Day Observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
12 Seafarers LOG
September 2023
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), May 27 –
Chairman Rufino Giray,
Secretary Caezar Mercado,
Educational Director Casey
Frederick, Deck Delegate
Christopher Justo, Engine
Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov.
Crew reviewed ship’s fund.
Educational director advised
members to upgrade at the
Paul Hall Center. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew
requested unlimited Wi-Fi access and a stronger connection
via an additional router. Members would like medical exams
to be required annually rather
than every six months. Crew
requested a chair for the gangway bridge, gym equipment,
30 for 30 vacation and wage
increases. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina.
SEABULK PRIDE (Eco Tankers Crew Management), May
30 – Chairman Brian Gauntt,
Secretary Moses Scott. Contract posted in crew lounge.
Starlink internet has been installed, but minor issues and
bugs are still being worked
on. Chairman and secretary
gave positive reports. Educational director recommended
members upgrade at the Piney
Point school and stay up to
date on credentials. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
requested increases to medical
and pension benefits. Members discussed rotary position
procedures and commended
the steward department for a
job well done. Next port: Long
Beach, California.
JEAN ANNE (PASHA), June
4 – Chairman Frank Hedge,
Secretary Samuel Sinclair,
Educational Director Richard
Huffman, Deck Delegate
Robert Knowlton, Engine
Delegate Julius Bollozos,
Steward Delegate Brandy
Clemons. Chairman thanked
crew for working safely and
keeping ship clean. He encouraged members to keep vaccination records up to date and to
leave clean rooms for oncoming reliefs. Secretary thanked
crew for separating garbage
and advised them to donate to
SPAD, the union’s voluntary
political action fund. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
expressed their appreciation
for improvements to medical
benefits. Members asked for
annual physicals and commended steward department
for providing good meals.
Crew requested 30 for 30 vacation, increases to monthly pension payments, and expanded
dental and optical coverage.
Members discussed chiropractic care. Next port: Honolulu,
Hawaii.
KEYSTONE STATE (PacificGulf Marine), June 11 – Chairman Gheorghe Savencu,
Educational Director Milan
Dzurek. Chairman reminded
crew to work diligently to prevent oil spills and commended
their work on the deck plugs.
Educational director suggested
members upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center to secure a lifetime
of valuable benefits. Crew discussed ship’s wheel functional-
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
ity with autopilot. Members
reviewed issues regarding
missing-man pay and penalty
pay. Crew requested new air
conditioning in SIU rec room.
MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk
Line, Limited), June 11 –
Chairman Mario Ordonez,
Secretary Charles Brooks,
Educational Director Jing Hui
Huang. Chairman reminded
crew of upcoming raise, taking effect July 1. Educational
director advised members to
upgrade at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. No beefs
or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested increases in
work boot allowances and for
company-paid travel to ship.
Members asked for raises in
vacation pay and for physicals
to only be required annually.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime Corporation),
June 12 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Christopher
Amigable, Engine Delegate
Denzel Lalin, Steward Delegate Xander Farris. Payoff
to occur June 15 in Tacoma,
Washington, per chairman.
Members were advised to
keep documents up to date.
Secretary thanked crew for
keeping mess hall and lounge
orderly and reminded everyone
to leave fresh linen for reliefs.
Educational director cautioned
crew to allow extra time for
renewing documents and to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center.
He also encouraged everyone
to donate to SPAD. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. New
fans in crew cabins and new
mattresses have been formally
requested. Vote of thanks was
given to steward department
for a job well done. Next port:
Tacoma, Washington.
USNS WATERS (Ocean
Shipholdings Inc.), June 25
– Chairman Sergio CentenoAlvarez, Secretary Alexander
Dominguez, Educational
Director Randy Slue, Deck
Delegate Michael Dibelardino, Steward Delegate
Lamarai Jones. Chairman
discussed starting a ship fund
to purchase TVs. Educational
director advised members to
renew MMCs as soon as possible to avoid delays. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed years of service requirement for retirement and
asked for equal access to WiFi. Members requested change
in vacation benefit. Crew
asked for clarification on extra
meal pay. Internet unavailable
since last union meeting and
crew’s requests for new mattresses were denied.
EVERGREEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 25 – Chairman John
Cedeno, Secretary Roche
Bonita, Educational Director Robert Noble. Ship Wi-Fi
completion to occur in Jacksonville, Florida. Chairman
addressed shipping rules by
group and seniority in regards
to sea days allowed by tour
and reiterated the importance
of SPAD. He also conducted a
401K worksheet exercise and
advised crew to stay hydrated.
Secretary reminded everyone
to bag up dirty linen at sign
off and to make sure to leave
clean linen for oncoming
members. Educational director
urged crew to take advantage
of the upgrading opportunities
offered at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman reminded
all rotary personnel to make
sure to obtain a tour of duty
form completed by captain
at completion of tour. Chairman offered reminders about
upcoming room sanitation
inspection. Crew went over
questions about retirement
benefits. Members requested
increases to vacation days and
suggested a $200 boot allowance. Next port: Jacksonville,
Florida.
SEABULK PRIDE (Eco Tankers Crew Management), June
29 – Chairman Brian Gauntt,
Secretary Moses Scott, Deck
Delegate David Chance.
Chairman reported a smooth
trip. Secretary praised crew for
keeping ship clean and having
good attitudes. Educational
director advised members to
attend upgrading courses at the
Piney Point school. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
reviewed collective bargaining
agreement. Members requested
repairing or replacing the juice
machine. Crew would like increases to optical benefits and
for completion of tour bonuses
to be offered to reliefs. Steward department doing a good
job. Next port: New Orleans.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may
make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the
employers. Members should get to know their
shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are
posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations
of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and
the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
September 2023
receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:
George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In
the event anyone attempts to require any
such payment be made without supplying a
receipt, or if a member is required to make
a payment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this should
immediately be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is
attempting to deprive him or her of any
constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges,
trials, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President David Heindel at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 13
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by members and one pensioner in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What are some things you like(d) about your job?
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
Frank Messick
Pensioner (Sailed AB)
I liked the travel. The pay was
great and the education was fantastic. The brotherhood is another
great thing. You see a lot of places
you’d never even thought of. The
friendships you get with your fellow union members.
Julian Abreu
Chief Cook
Roslyn Anderson
Chief Cook
I like cooking and I like the people, my fellow crew members. Being
able to cook with international products and experience different cultures
– I love that.
Michael Papaioannou
Electrician
Exploration and adventure. I
would also say situations you don’t
always run into, like making a barbeque for a lot of people on the
ship. Keeping the customers happy,
things like that. I actually enjoy that
a lot.
Traveling and working six months
a year. The money is good, and you
see new people all the time. I enjoy
it. I’ve been with the union 20 years.
Michael Jacob Caquias
Chief Cook
William Moran
Chief Steward
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
It covers three things I like to
do: I’m passionate about the sea, I
love cooking, and I love providing
the best for my daughter. With this
job, I do all three with one shot.
I get to interact with people from
different cultural backgrounds and
also get to play with food. I’ve been
sailing since 2001 and have been
with the union since 2014.
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Pics From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
The SIU-crewed Sea-Land Portland is pictured in 1970 (bow) and 1973 (stern). The containership typically delivered food cargoes to Puerto Rico. Altogether, Sea-Land ships during that era called on the island’s major ports every 13 hours.
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
14 Seafarers LOG
September 2023
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
RICHARD BORDEN
Brother Richard Borden, 65, started
his career with the union in 1978. He
first shipped on the Aries and sailed
in the deck department. Brother Borden upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He last sailed
with Moran Towing of Maryland
and makes his home in Hampstead,
Maryland.
BUDIMAN CHANDRA
Brother Budiman Chandra, 71,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2004,
initially sailing
aboard the Alatna.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions and
shipped in the
steward department. Brother
Chandra most recently sailed on the
Overseas Martinez. He is a resident
of Jacksonville, Florida.
JORGE ELLIS
Brother Jorge Ellis, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1988. A steward
department member, he first sailed
aboard the Baltimore. Brother
Ellis upgraded on
several occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center and last
shipped on the
Seakay Star. He
lives in Fort Pierce, Florida.
ROBERT FIRTH
Brother Robert
Firth, 66, signed
on with the SIU
in 1970, first sailing with Michigan Tankers. He
shipped in the
steward department and up-
graded at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school on numerous occasions.
Brother Firth most recently sailed on
the USNS Seay. He resides in Powder Springs, Georgia.
CAREY FOSTER
Brother Carey Foster, 66, became
a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1979 and first
shipped on the Merrimac. He sailed
primarily in the deck department and
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother Foster’s final vessel was the Sumner. He
resides in Conyers, Georgia.
JAMES MORGAN
Brother James Morgan, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1987,
initially working
on the USNS Assertive. He was
a member of
the deck department and most
recently shipped
on the Jean Anne.
Brother Morgan
upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He calls Kamuela, Hawaii,
home.
ROLANDO SALAMAT
Brother Rolando Salamat, 65, joined
the SIU in 2007 when he sailed
on the Pride of
America. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded on several occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Salamat last
shipped on the
Louisiana and makes his home in
Riviera Beach, Florida.
He primarily
worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Solano
last shipped on the
Alliance St. Louis
and resides in Houston.
AHMED SULTAN
Brother Ahmed Sultan, 68, began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1997.
He initially
shipped on the
USNS Capella
and sailed in both
the deck and engine departments.
Brother Sultan
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He most
recently shipped aboard the Maersk
Columbus and lives in Staten Island,
New York.
INLAND
JORGE BORGES DALMAU
Brother Jorge Borges Dalmau, 70,
embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1976. He primarily worked
in the deck department and sailed
with Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career.
Brother Borges Dalmau makes his
home in Kissimmee, Florida.
CHARLES HODGES
Brother Charles
Hodges, 62,
signed on with the
union in 1984. He
sailed in the deck
department and
first worked with
G&H Towing.
Brother Hodges
upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was last employed by
Crowley Towing & Transportation
and settled in Cuero, Texas.
LONNIE KEYS
Brother Lonnie Keys, 66, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1976 when he sailed with National Marine Services. He was a
member of the deck department and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on
multiple occasions. Brother Keys
last shipped with OLS Transport. He
lives in Potosi, Missouri.
ALBERT LONG
Brother Albert Long, 57, signed on
with the Seafarers in 1986. He sailed
in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Long worked with
Crescent Towing & Salvage for his
entire career. He makes his home in
Robert, Louisiana.
ANTHONY
ROMAN
Brother Anthony
Roman, 64, joined
the SIU in 1978.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Roman’s first and last employer was Moran Towing of Maryland. He is a Baltimore resident.
NMU
MICHAEL FOWLER
Brother Michael Fowler, 66, joined
the Seafarers International Union
during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger.
He shipped in the engine department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother
Fowler’s final vessel was the Chesapeake Bay. He lives in Savannah,
Georgia.
STEVEN SANTOS
Brother Steven Santos, 65, sailed
with the NMU prior to the 2001
NMU/SIU merger. He sailed in the
deck department and last worked
with Boston Towing and Transportation. Brother Santos resides in Stuart, Florida.
JOSEPH SHOEL
Brother Joseph Shoel, 65, signed
on with the union
during the NMU/
SIU merger in
2001. He shipped
in the engine department. Brother
Shoel concluded
his career aboard
the Lykes Discoverer and makes
his home in Seattle.
With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Kinloss
MARCELO SOLANO
Brother Marcelo Solano, 65, signed
on with the union in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence.
Promoting Maritime, Workers’ Rights
SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (left) meets with U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) at a labor roundtable event in Fort Lauderdale
on Aug. 15.
September 2023
Pictured aboard the vessel in Newark, New Jersey, are (back row, from left) ABM Robert Dunton, Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado, ABM Mahmoud Elsayes, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and QEE
Tijani Rashid. In front are (also from left) AB Chris Justo and SA Wilson Palacios.
Seafarers LOG 15
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
CONSTANTINE BAILEY
Pensioner Constantine Bailey, 81, passed away July 28. He
signed on with
the Seafarers
International
Union in 2001
and first sailed
aboard the Marine Chemist.
He sailed in
both the deck
and engine
departments. Brother Bailey
last shipped on the Overseas
Chinook. He retired in 2021 and
settled in Port Arthur, Texas.
JOSE BAYANI
Pensioner Jose Bayani, 97,
died July 29. He became a member of the SIU
in 1978 when
he sailed aboard
the Stuyvesant.
Brother Bayani
was a steward
department
member. He last
shipped on the
Horizon Pacific
before becoming a pensioner in 2007. Brother
Bayani made his home in San
Jose, California.
PAUL BURCKHARD
Pensioner Paul Burckhard, 80,
passed away June 27. He joined
the union in
1970, initially
sailing aboard
the Topa Topa.
Brother Burckhard primarily
sailed in the
engine department. He
concluded his
career aboard
the El Faro in 2002. Brother
Burckhard started collecting his
pension in 2008 and was a resident of Tacoma, Washington.
TOMAS DEL-ROSARIO
Pensioner Tomas Del-Rosario,
81, died July 2. Born in the
Philippines, he
started sailing
with the SIU in
1976. Brother
Del-Rosario initially sailed with
States Steamship
Company and
was a steward
department
member. He last
shipped aboard the Independence
and became a pensioner in 2001.
Brother Del-Rosario lived in Bakersfield, California.
JAY DILLON
Pensioner Jay Dillon, 65, has
passed away. First sailing aboard
the Capricorn,
he became a
member of the
SIU in 1979.
Brother Dillon
worked in the
deck department. He went
on pension
16 Seafarers LOG
in 2018 after sailing aboard his
final vessel, the Horizon Pacific.
Brother Dillon resided in Gulfport, Mississippi.
AMBROSIO FACHINI
Pensioner Ambrosio Fachini,
80, died May 26. He embarked on
his career with
the Seafarers in
1966, initially
sailing aboard
the Overseas
Joyce. Brother
Fachini was a
steward department member
and last sailed
on the American Merlin in 1999. He retired
the following year and settled in
Brazil.
HOWARD HARE
Pensioner Howard Hare, 88,
passed away June 30. He joined
the SIU in 1961
and first shipped
with Bulk Ships
Inc. Brother
Hare was a
member of the
deck department
and last shipped
on the William
Baugh. He went
on pension in
1996 made his home in Mobile,
Alabama.
JOHN MAHONEY
Pensioner John Mahoney, 88,
died June 5. Born in Ireland,
he began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1961. Brother
Mahoney’s first
vessel was the
Rockypoint. A
deck department
member, he
last shipped on
the Endurance.
Brother Mahoney retired in 1999
and resided in Seattle.
89, passed away
July 17. Born
in Greece, he
signed on with
the SIU in 1961.
Brother Psanis
first shipped a
Sea-Land vessel.
He was a deck
department member and also
worked on shore gangs. Brother
Psanis went on pension in 1998.
He called Sebastian, Florida,
home.
died July 22.
He embarked on
his career with
the Seafarers in
1964, initially
sailing on the
Western Planet.
Brother Vega
shipped in the
deck department. He last shipped aboard the
Horizon Discovery and retired in
2004. Brother Vega was a Cleveland resident.
JOSEPH QUINTELLA
Pensioner Joseph Quintella,
81, died July 23. He signed on
with the Seafarers in 1964.
Brother Quintella’s first
vessel was the
Overseas Rose.
He sailed in the
engine department and also
worked on shore
gangs. Brother Quintella became
a pensioner in 2002 and settled in
Buckley, Washington.
DAWUD YAMINI
Pensioner Dawud Yamini, 78,
passed away July 23. He signed
on with the
Seafarers International Union
in 1991. Brother
Yamini was
first employed
by Delta Queen
Steamboat and
primarily sailed
in the deck department. He
concluded his career aboard the
Louis J. Hauge Jr. and became
a pensioner in 2006. Brother
Yamini resided in Brookhaven,
Mississippi.
CALVIN REID
Pensioner Calvin Reid, 59,
passed away June 19. He joined
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1991.
Brother Reid
first shipped on
the USNS Contender. He was a
deck department
member and
most recently
sailed aboard the
Louisiana. Brother Reid became
a pensioner earlier this year and
made his home in Nashville,
North Carolina.
RONALD MOORE
Pensioner Ronald Moore, 79,
passed away July 19. He donned
the SIU colors in 1962 when he
shipped on the Del Valle. Working in the steward department,
Brother Moore concluded his career aboard the Robert E. Lee. He
became a pensioner in 1999 and
settled in Mobile, Alabama.
RONNIE RICHARDSON
Pensioner Ronnie Richardson,
71, died July 25. He began sailing with the SIU
in 1979. A steward department
member, Brother
Richardson first
sailed aboard the
Santa Maria. He
concluded his
career aboard the
Blue Ridge and
retired in 2016.
Brother Richardson was a San
Francisco resident.
RAFAEL PEREIRA
Pensioner Rafael Pereira,
83, died June 13. He became a
member of the
union in 1962,
initially sailing
with Sea Transport. Brother
Pereira was a
deck department
member and also
worked on shore
gangs. He was
last employed
with American Service Technology and retired in 2015. Brother
Pereira was a Houston resident.
PERCIVAL SHAUGER
Pensioner Percival Shauger,
95, passed away July 8. Brother
Shauger signed
on with the
union in 1947.
He first shipped
aboard the Alice
Brown and was
a member of the
steward department. Brother
Shauger’s final
vessel was the
OMI Wabash. He went on pension in 1989 and lived in Madisonville, Texas.
CHRISTOS PSANIS
Pensioner Christos Psanis,
RAFAEL VEGA
Pensioner Rafael Vega, 83,
GREAT LAKES
JOHN CLARK
Pensioner John Clark, 73, died
July 5. He joined the SIU in 1971
when he sailed
aboard a Great
Lakes Associates
ship. Brother
Clark was a
member of the
deck department
and last shipped
on the Walter J.
McCarthy. He
went on pension
in 2007 and settled in Duluth,
Minnesota.
INLAND
JOHN BRYAN
Pensioner John Bryan, 82,
passed away July 22. He joined
the SIU in 1980.
Brother Bryan
sailed in the
deck department. He retired
in 2003 after
concluding his
career with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. Brother
Bryan made his home in Orange
Park, Florida.
WILLIAM CARTER
Pensioner William Carter, 82,
died July 19. Signing on with the
union in 1966, he first sailed with
Berg Towing.
Brother Carter
worked in the
deck department.
He was last
employed with
Express Marine
before going on
pension in 2007.
Brother Carter
lived in Smyrna, Delaware.
AMOS DANIELS
Pensioner Amos Daniels,
89, has passed away. He began
sailing with the Seafarers in
1976 and worked in the deck
department. Brother Daniels was
employed with Moran Towing
of Virginia for almost all of his
career. He became a pensioner in
1995 and called Chesapeake, Virginia, home.
ISRAEL DEJESUS
Pensioner Israel DeJesus, 62,
died July 8. He joined the union
in 1993. Brother DeJesus was a
deck department member. He retired in 2019 after concluding his
career with Port Imperial Ferry.
Brother DeJesus resided in Maywood, New Jersey.
CHARLIE FOSTER
Pensioner Charlie Foster, 85,
passed away July 15. He donned
the union colors in 1961 and
first worked
with Gulf Atlantic Transport.
Brother Foster
shipped in the
deck department. He last
worked with
Express Marine
and became a pensioner in 2002.
Brother Foster was a resident of
Belhaven, North Carolina.
JAMES GODWIN
Pensioner James Godwin,
82, died June 17. He became a
member of the
Seafarers International Union
in 1981. Brother
Godwin was a
deck department
member. He
retired in 2008
after concluding
his career with
Allied Transportation. Brother
Godwin called Portsmouth, Virginia, home.
CHARLES ROLLINS
Pensioner Charles Rollins, 90,
passed away July 20. He signed
on with the union in 1961 and
first sailed with Gulf Atlantic
Transport. Brother Rollins was
a deck department member and
last worked for OSG Ship Management. He became a pensioner
in 1995 and lived in Claremont,
Virginia.
FREDERICK TAYLOR
Pensioner Frederick Taylor,
68, died July 3. He embarked on
his career with the SIU in 1970,
initially sailing with Michigan
Tankers. Brother Taylor primarily
shipped in the engine department.
He last worked with Allied Transportation and retired in 1993.
Brother Taylor resided in Portsmouth, Virginia.
BLAINE VALOIS
Brother Blaine Valois, 64,
passed away June 6. Born in
Pineville, Louisiana, he joined
the union in 1998. Brother Valois
was employed by E.N. Bisso &
Son Inc for the duration of his
career. He lived in Cottonport,
Louisiana.
September 2023
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change. All programs are geared toward improving the
job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
October 23
November 10
Lifeboat/Water Survival
September 25
October 23
October 6
November 3
RFPNW
October 9
November 13
October 27
December 1
Advanced Shiphandling
September 25
October 6
Advanced Stability
October 9
October 13
Advanced Meteorology
October 16
October 20
Search & Rescue Management Level
October 23
October 25
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training
October 9
October 13
Basic Training (Revalidation)
September 25
September 29
October 23
September 25
September 29
October 23
Government Vessels
September 11
September 25
October 16
October 23
November 6
September 15
September 29
October 20
October 27
November 10
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
September 18
September 22
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
September 25
October 9
September 29
October 13
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
November 13
December 15
FOWT
October 2
October 27
Junior Engineer Program
October 23
December 15
Marine Electrician
September 18
October 20
Advanced Refer Containers
October 23
November 3
Pumpman
September 18
September 22
Machinist
September 25
October 13
Welding
October 16
November 3
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
September 25
October 30
December 4
October 27
December 1
January 5
ServSafe Management
September 18
October 23
November 27
September 22
October 27
December 1
Advanced Galley Operations
October 16
November 10
Chief Steward
September 11
November 13
October 6
December 8
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
September 2023
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
9/23
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #897 – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Isaiah Jaim Balicha, Andrew Brown, D’Angelo Brown, Dedrick
Carpenter, Patrick English, Christopher Flood, Lawrence Girard III, Theodore Hampton IV, Jacob Isaacs, Jonathan Jeronimo, Jacob Kemper, Victor Mak, Shaderricka McLaurin, Troy
Mitchell, David Rojas and Ernest Ross Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Government Vessels – Graduated July 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Amado Paulito
Estimada Angeles, Joseph Bowen, Randall Campbell, Joshua Chamorro, Wilbur Edwards Jr.,
Raymond Forse, Ronald Glenn Jr., Eric Hondel, Calvin Johnson, Montree Nakwichet, Fidel
Saludo Pascua, Mused Saleh, Terry Taylor Jr., Lucas Tiderman, and Gerald Toledo. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)
Junior Engineer - Basic Electricity – Graduated July 28 (above, in alphabetical
order): Majed Alsharif, Christian Fredrick, Mohammed Gir, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Michael
Papaioannou, Corey Reseburg, Alonzo Devinn Sanz, Tara Trillo, Jorge Valencia
Bon, Oscar Jan Vencer III and Roberto Wadsworth. Instructor Roy Graham is also
pictured (far right).
Water Survival (Lifeboatman) – Graduated July 14: Tammy Gammage.
Instructor Charles A. Noell III is also pictured (right).
18 Seafarers LOG
Fast Rescue Boat – July 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Kingdom Alozie, Aaron
Burnett, Raymond Green, Vernon Humbles, and Terence Pitts.
Phase III Deck – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Tahjarian Campbell,
Ayman Elahi Jr., Tahj Horton, Stephen Hoskins, Adam Mason, Cody Miranda, Jawuam Mixon,
Jovanny Otero Negron, Malik Oxendine Jr., Nick Randall, and Ubaydulwakeel Shambley.
RFPNW – Graduated July 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Ryan Heimberger, Jamzie Shepard III,
Dacobi Timmons and Marvin White.
September 2023
�Students Helping Students
Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education
recently volunteered for an annual back-to-school event sponsored by the local NAACP.
Pictured in the photo below are trainees Christian Smith, Laron James, Brize Agbayani,
Robert Crain, J’lon Williams, Dallas Smith, Adam Mason, Marcus Olmedo, Nick Randall,
Ayman Elahi, Tajh Horton, Jovanny Otero and Cody Miranda (along with longtime Paul Hall
Center employee Howard Thompson, third from left). Standing at far right in the photo at
right is Maryland Delegate Todd Morgan (from St. Mary’s County).
Notice
Members Approve Changes to 4 Ports
During the August membership meetings, votes were taken at
all of the union’s constitutional ports on a matter proposed by
SIU President Dave Heindel and unanimously approved by the
SIU Executive Board to change the status of four informational
port facilities: the halls in Norfolk, Virgina; Jacksonville, Florida;
Wilmington, California; and Tacoma, Washington.
A majority of the voting membership concurred and, as a result,
effective October 1, 2023, the port offices in Norfolk, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Tacoma will all be classified as constitutional ports – meaning that official actions can be taken at the
meetings in those ports, along with all other constitutional ports,
starting with the October membership meetings.
Paul Hall Center, Union Host Military Sealift Command Officials
The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in late July hosted a quarterly labor-management meeting at the
school that also included personnel from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the MM&P and the MEBA. Attendees covered a wide range
of topics pertaining to federal-sector mariners. Following the meeting, they
toured the campus in Piney Point, Maryland. Among those pictured in the
posed photo (right to left, starting at far right) are SIU Representative Sam
Spain, SIU Counsel Jon Madden, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas
Celona and (far left) SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo.
September 2023
Seafarers LOG 19
�SEPTEMBER 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 9
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Norfolk Hall
Grand Reopening
Pages 10-11
Greetings from the USNS Mary Sears
Many thanks to AMO member Ed McDonnell
for these snapshots from the USNS Mary
Sears (Ocean Shipholdings). The group
photo was taken in Sydney, Australia. SIU
members in the various photos include
Recertified Bosun Joe Gierbolini, ABs
Julian Lina, Mark Bolitho and Toby Blunt, OS
Mohamed Saleh, QMEDs Mackenzie Latta,
Peter Solis and Russ Bravo, Storekeeper
Ana Calma, GVA Chris Gonse and SA Surait
Kajuna. Ed also offered special kudos to
Gierbolini, who "is above and beyond. He's
super safety-conscious and always taking
care of everyone. Amazing guy and has his
kids following him into the industry.”
A creative approach to life ring storage.
Recertified Bosun Joe Gierbolini, alongside a
35-lb Mahi Mahi he caught.
Storekeeper
20 Seafarers
LOGAna Calma
The crew of the USNS Mary Sears poses for a photo while in Sydney, Australia.
QMED Mackenzie Latta
SA Surait Kajuna
AB Toby Blunt
QMED Peter Solis
AB Mark Bolitho
May 2023
OS Mohamed Saleh
�
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NORFOLK HALL REOPENS
PASHA CHRISTENS JANET MARIE
PRESIDENT BIDEN GIVES A SHOUT-OUT TO THE SIU
STEWARDS COMPLETE RECERTIFICATION
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF FOOD FOR PEACE
CROWLEY ORDERS NEW TUG
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09/01/2023
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Vol. 85, No. 9
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5318d4e4b995f51bc1909dab2bc00af5.pdf
2461173c80bde13eef1b2f1295b43daa
PDF Text
Text
JUNE 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 6
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Seafarers, Apprentices Featured in Maritime Day Ceremony
The SIU came through with a typically strong turnout for this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony in the nation’s capital. In addition to union officials and Paul Hall Center apprentices attending (and participating in) the event, a half-dozen SIU members were featured in a well-received video shown to the in-person and online audiences. Pictured immediately after the ceremony at DOT Headquarters are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, FMC Chairman Daniel Maffei, DOT Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Carlos
Monje, USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, USCG Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, SIU
Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski and Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Tamekia Flack. Also pictured are members of Paul Hall Center Apprentice Class 894. Pages 3-4.
Waterfront Classic: Back and Better than Ever
Charitable Event Benefits Organization Serving Veterans, First Responders
Captains preparing their vessels before dawn for the tournament. Event coverage and additional photos appear on pages 12-14.
Badlands Trader Flags In Annual Funding Notice
Page 5
Page 6
�President’s Report
Focusing on Manpower
The SIU is far from alone in working to boost our nation’s merchant
mariner pool. This sentiment proved obvious during a recent hearing in
the U.S. House of Representatives and throughout an industry panel that
convened at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters later in the
month, on National Maritime Day.
At the time of writing this column, I
was scheduled to participate in the panel,
and the SIU weighed in at the hearing via
joint testimony with other maritime labor
organizations. The fact that people from so
many segments of the industry, and from
the military, congress and the administration
recognize the seriousness of this issue is
essential to solving the problem.
It’s an enormously important topic, which
is why I’ve touched on it in this space every
month. And while there’s a lot of work
ahead, I’m optimistic that our union will
continue being part of the solution. Check
David Heindel
out our coverage of the hearing elsewhere
in this edition for more information, and in
the meantime, I’m happy to report that our
ramped-up recruiting efforts are starting to pay off. We’ve got several
months’ worth of apprentice classes filled and we’re pursuing creative
ways to attract credentialed mariners.
The best examples for a being a merchant mariner come from you, our
members. You can play a vital role in making sure well-trained, well-paid
American mariners continue to sail the high seas. Spread the word and
please encourage prospective Seafarers to visit the halls and check out our
online offerings. This is not only important for the nation’s security, but it
also assures qualified Seafarers are available when you need a relief.
No one denies that there’s a lot of red tape in maritime, which is
something we’re working to improve. But the U.S. Merchant Marine
remains a unique and rewarding career path, while the SIU offers industryleading benefits and solid contracts. Put those components together and I
think we’ve got a lot to offer. We will continue doing so as we spread the
message online, in print and in person.
More Progress
After many months of work, the extensive refurbishment of the
Norfolk hiring hall is almost finished. Keep an eye on our website (and
our Facebook page, for those so inclined) for an open invitation to a
ceremonial reopening in the very near future.
We hit a few speedbumps along the way (inevitable, given the scope
of the project), but the hall is looking good and I’m very confident that
Seafarers, retirees and their families will be pleased with it.
Speaking of gains, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan recently
announced new benefits for eligible SIU dependents. Those benefits
pertain to mental health and to substance use disorder, two areas that are
taking on more and more prominence in our society. My hope is that these
benefits will help improve lives and perhaps even prevent tragedies.
Details are contained in a participant letter that was mailed in midMay, and we’ve also got an article about them elsewhere in this edition.
Kudos to everyone who helped make these benefits a reality.
Hats Off to WWII Mariners
In addition to being saluted at various National Maritime Day
ceremonies across the country, the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War
II was scheduled to be recognized during Memorial Day gatherings in the
nation’s capital (after this edition went to press). Several mariners and
their respective caretakers were lined up to participate in a parade, lay a
wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and more.
For anyone unfamiliar with the heroism of World War II mariners –
including thousands of SIU members – it is a history worth learning. Quite
simply, and without any overstatement, the Allies would not have won
the war without the incredible bravery, dedication and sacrifices of our
mariners.
It’s always gratifying when they are acknowledged, and their
prominent inclusion on Memorial Day in D.C. is most appropriate.
Kentucky Backs Jones Act
Kentucky state legislators recently came together across party
lines to pass a resolution in support
of the Jones Act, America’s freight
cabotage law.
Governor Andy Beshear signed
the new resolution, which affirms
the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s
support for the Jones Act and emphasizes the importance of the law’s
impact, both to the state and to the
United States as a whole.
House Concurrent Resolution 5
passed by a vote of 93-0 in the state
house in mid-February and by 35-1
in the state senate in mid-March.
Sponsors of the new resolution underscored the improvements that a
strengthened domestic maritime industry will make to both Kentucky’s
economy and to national security.
The Jones Act has aided U.S.
national, economic and homeland
security for more than a century.
The law requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed,
built, flagged and owned American.
Kentucky’s 1,600-mile network
of navigable waterways includes
access to both the Mississippi and
Ohio rivers, making it a critical hub
for the nation’s marine transportation system, the resolution states.
Additionally, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is home to
20,730 maritime jobs supported by
the Jones Act, the fifth-highest per
capita in the United States. According to the new resolution, these jobs
generate $1.25 billion for workers
and create accessible pathways to
high-paying careers that do not require advanced formal education or
the acquisition of exorbitant student
loans.
The more than 40,000-vessel
Jones Act fleet supports more than
650,000 family-wage jobs across
the nation and generates more than
$154 billion in economic output, as
well as providing an estimated $5.1
billion to Kentucky’s own economy.
Moreover, the resolution points
out that the United States’ ability
to project and deploy forces globally, and supply and maintain military installations domestically also
depends on the civilian fleet of the
Jones Act vessels and mariners.
The passage of House Concurrent Resolution 5 comes on the
heels of the COVID-19 pandemic,
which demonstrated the importance
of maintaining strong, resilient domestic industries and transportation
services.
AFL-CIO Releases Job Safety Report
The AFL-CIO in late April
released its 32nd annual report,
“Death on the Job: The Toll of
Neglect,” a national and state-bystate profile of worker safety and
health. Key findings from the report
point to a troubling rise in worker
deaths, particularly among Black
and Latino workers, and illustrate
the urgency of funding and support
needed for critical job safety oversight and enforcement, the federation noted.
The report shows the fatality rate
for Black workers grew from 3.5 to
4.0 per 100,000 workers and more
than 650 died on the job, the highest
number in nearly two decades. Latino workers have the greatest risk
of dying on the job, with a fatality
rate at 4.5 per 100,000 workers that
has grown by 13% over the past
decade. There was also a slight uptick in deaths for Latino workers in
2021, and the overwhelming majority who died were immigrants.
“Every American should be
alarmed and outraged by the tragic
data unearthed in this report,” said
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “It
is unconscionable that in the wealthiest nation in the world, Black and
Latino workers are facing the highest on-the-job fatality rates in nearly
two decades. This report is more
than a wake-up call, it is a call to
action. No one should have to risk
their lives for their livelihoods.
There is no corporate cost-benefit
analysis that should put human life
and worker safety on the wrong side
of the ledger.”
Shuler added, “This report isn’t
just about data points, it is about
people. Every worker who died on
the job represents another empty
seat at a family’s kitchen table.
Every worker accounted for in this
report is a person who just went to
work one day and never came home.
It is our solemn responsibility to
these workers to do everything in
our power to honor their memories
by making America’s workplaces
safer – because that’s what unions
do. It is our history, it is our responsibility and it is our cause to always
put workers and their safety first.”
This year’s report also reveals
that in 2021: 343 workers died each
day from hazardous working conditions; 5,190 workers were killed on
the job in the United States; an estimated 120,000 workers died from
occupational diseases; the job fatality rate increased to 3.6 per 100,000
workers; employers reported nearly
3.2 million work-related injuries
and illnesses; the true impact of
COVID-19 infections due to work-
place exposures is unknown. Limited data show that more than 1.5
million nursing home workers have
been infected with COVID-19 and
more than 3,000 have died; and,
underreporting is widespread – the
true toll of work-related injuries and
illnesses is 5.4 million to 8.1 million
each year in private industry.
The report, which includes data
on the worker fatality rate in all 50
states as well as the most affected
industries, also lays out recommendations for strengthening federal agencies tasked with enforcing
worker safety. In 2021, there were
1,871 inspectors – 900 at the federal
level and 971 at the state – for the
more than 10.8 million workplaces
under the Occupational Safety and
Health Act’s jurisdiction. That
equates to the federal Occupational
Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) having the ability to inspect every workplace once every
190 years and just $3.99 in OSHA’s
budget to protect each worker. Penalties for employer violations also
remain too low to be a deterrent,
and fewer than 130 worker deaths
have been criminally prosecuted
since 1970, according to the federation.
The full report is linked on the
SIU and AFL-CIO websites.
TRANSCOM Leader Visits Seafarers
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 85 Number 6
June 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant
Communications Director, Nick Merrill; Assistant
Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes.
Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
The Seafarers-crewed USNS Watkins (Patriot) recently hosted Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (second
from left), commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command. Pictured from left are Chief
Steward Bill Moran, Gen. Van Ovost, Chief Cook Shafreda Thigpen and SA Juan Norales.
June 2023
�Gen. Van Ovost: ‘Merchant Mariners are Patriots’
DOT National Maritime Day Ceremony Underscores Industry’s Importance
Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost
Commander, USTRANSCOM
Daniel B. Maffei
FMC Chairman
PHC Apprentice Scott Haselbauer rings
“eight bells” as part of the event.
The United States has been well-served by
its merchant marine for centuries, and must
maintain a strong American-flag fleet with U.S.
crews to preserve national and economic security.
Those were among the key messages delivered May 22 at the annual National Maritime
Day ceremony hosted at U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The SIU had a strong presence at the event,
both in person and on screen. Six SIU members
– Recertified Bosun Robert Natividad, Electrician Michael McGlone, QMED Isaac Nugen,
Storekeeper Christina Price, QMED/Electrician Ashely Burke and Electrician Yahya
Mohamed – were featured in an SIU-produced
video shown during the ceremony. Attending
the gathering were SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom
Orzechowski, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Safety Director Jose Argueta, Trainee
Commandant Craig Guy, and members of Paul
Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Class 894.
Two of those class members – Emily Castellano and Scott Haselbauer – played highprofile roles in the ceremony. Castellano was
the wreath-bearer, while Haselbauer handled
the traditional ringing of eight bells.
Featured speakers (in order of appearance)
were Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator
Tamekia Flack (emcee), Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, DOT Under Secretary for
Transportation Policy Carlos Monje, U.S. Coast
Guard Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Daniel B.
Maffei, and U.S. Transportation Command
(USTRANSCOM) Commanding Officer Gen.
Jacqueline Van Ovost.
The theme of this year’s DOT ceremony
was “Mariners Move the Nation: Yesterday,
Today, Tomorrow.” Approximately 250 people
attended the gathering.
Van Ovost discussed the maritime industry’s
role in supporting “national defense objectives.”
She said the industry is filled with “amazing
people tirelessly serving in our shipyards, stevedores and port laborers, and the merchant
mariners supporting the Jones Act and international trade. They are also keys to the success
Continues on Page 4
Paul Hall Center Apprentice Emily Castellano (left) places a memorial wreath near the
stage as dignitaries observe.
Attendees convene at the DOT ceremony in the nation’s capital.
June 2023
of our strategic sealift mission. They are part of
our total force that we need with us all the way.
Delivering on time is necessary to succeed.”
However, they won’t achieve success “without a healthy merchant marine force,” Van
Ovost added. “Why? Because the mariner truly
moves the nation…. They continue to represent
the difference between victory and defeat.”
She cited the centuries-long history of reliable mariner service and pointed out how it
continues today with sealift missions backing
Ukraine. “At a moment’s notice, we stood in
support of our allies and partners…. Nearly 70
percent of Ukraine’s total security cooperation
material has been delivered by governmentowned ships or commercial vessels – all of
which were operated by our U.S. Merchant
Mariners,” she noted.
Van Ovost concluded, “In the future, our
nation will continue to rely on well-trained
merchant mariners to meet the challenges of
contested environments in the face of a persistent, capable adversary…. Mariners are patriots. They are people of deeds, not words. They
will be there for us when we need them. When
they are called, they will rise to the occasion.”
Phillips said that since her confirmation last
year, she has taken part in more than 80 “events
and engagements” with maritime industry
stakeholders. “I thank you for our thoughtful
discussions and look forward to continuing
to work together to support and advance this
critical sector of our economy and our national
defense,” she stated. “Our nation relies on us
in ways that few understand for the success of
our economy.”
She noted the wartime service of mariners
and added that MARAD is “working every day
to foster, promote and develop the maritime industry in the United States to meet the nation’s
economic and national security needs…. We
are in the midst of long-overdue and critically
needed recapitalization of the Ready Reserve
Force (RRF), and are implementing a major expansion of commercial sealift by bringing the
Tanker Security Program online.”
Monje thanked past and present mariners
and noted their vital roles in the U.S. national
Ann Phillips
Maritime Administrator
Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin
USCG Asst. Commandant
for Prevention Policy
Carlos Monje
DOT Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy
Tamekia Flack
Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator
Seafarers LOG 3
�2023 Maritime Day White House Proclamation
Editor’s note: The White House issued the following statement:
On National Maritime Day, we honor the thousands
of dedicated merchant mariners who serve on United
States vessels around the world. During times of both
peace and war, merchant mariners are always there –
stepping up to transport equipment, troops, and goods
across the globe to make our country safer and stronger.
With professionalism and passion, merchant mariners have forged us into the maritime Nation we are
today. During the Revolutionary War, merchant vessels
joined the vastly outnumbered American fleet to help
defend our independence. During World War II, as our
brave service members battled the forces of fascism,
more than a quarter-million members of the Merchant
Marine volunteered to transport tanks, ammunition,
and troops across the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of freedom. And today, merchant mariners not
only help move hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth
of cargo through our 25,000 miles of waterways and
more than 360 commercial ports annually – they also
crew vessels of our United States Ready Reserve, ship-
ping vital military cargo to help the people of Ukraine
defend themselves against Russia’s brutal war.
My Administration remains steadfast in its support of the Merchant Marine as well as the Jones Act,
which ensures American workers see the benefits of
our domestic maritime industry. We are also making
historic investments to improve our maritime supply
chains by making it easier, faster, cheaper, cleaner, and
safer for ships to get in and out of our ports. We are
strengthening our support for licensed Merchant Marine Officers, including requesting $196 million in my
2024 Budget to upgrade the United States Merchant
Marine Academy’s campus, expand training, and help
prevent sexual assault and support survivors – because
every person at the Academy deserves to feel safe
and have their contributions fully valued. We are also
working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in
the ranks of the Merchant Marine because our economy and national security are strongest when we draw
on the full skillsets and diversity of our Nation.
The United States Merchant Marine underpins our
Nation’s prosperity and upholds our Nation’s highest
principles – freedom, liberty, and dignity. Today, and
every day, we honor merchant mariners’ service and
sacrifice and renew our commitment to stand by their
side, from sea to shining sea.
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May
20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S.
Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a
proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. I
also request that all ships sailing under the American
flag dress ship on that day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.,
President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim May 22, 2023, as National Maritime Day.
I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to
celebrate the United States Merchant Marine and maritime industry with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our
Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
and forty-seventh.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Maritime Day Celebrated
Continued from Page 3
and economic security. He described
DOT’s maritime-related work as “critical priorities for this department and
this administration. We are working to
strengthen the maritime industry and invest in our future…. This administration
is working to grow our fleet and add essential new capabilities.”
He added, “We are now in the process of implementing the new Tanker
Security Program to address the risks of
reliance on foreign-flag tankers…. This
administration is unwavering in its support of the Jones Act, which is a cornerstone of our nation’s domestic maritime
industry and its economic engine.”
Arguin said, “I’m honored to be here
today to celebrate the critical role maritime plays in our nation’s ability to lead
around the globe. National security and
economic prosperity are inextricably
linked.”
He pointed out that waterborne trade
“reduces congestion on our roads and
remains the most efficient way” to transport goods, and commended the work of
mariners during the pandemic.
He asked the PHC apprentices to
stand and thanked them for choosing the
maritime industry. He also encouraged
them to recruit others.
Maffei echoed thanks for mariners’
work during the pandemic: “We must
not forget any of these sacrifices.”
He applauded the heroism of World
War II mariners, who were “so absolutely vital to winning that conflict and
who suffered higher casualty rates than
any other service.”
Maffei concluded, “Serving on U.S.flag ships is more important than ever.”
Flack said, “The United States has
always been and will always be a great
maritime nation…. We thank all Americans who have sailed the seas to defend
our freedoms, and we remember especially those who paid the ultimate price
in service to our nation.”
Gen. Van Ovost (left) chats with Paul Hall Center apprentices after the DOT ceremony.
SIU retiree Mary Lou Lopez attends the National Maritime Day ceremony in San
Pedro, California.
4 Seafarers LOG
In addition to the DOT ceremony, other National Maritime Day events took place across the
country. One such gathering took place May 18 in Norfolk, Virginia, where retired Recertified
Steward Tony Spain (second from left) was honored as the Propeller Club of Norfolk’s Seafarer of the Year. Spain sailed with the SIU for 45 years. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent
Mario Torrey (second from right) and Maersk executives Dennis Houghton (left) and Travis
Hansen.
June 2023
�SIU Members Crew Up Newly Reflagged Tanker
SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the newly reflagged vessel in Greece.
SIU members are working aboard the Badlands Trader, a tanker
that reflagged to United States registry April 17 in Piraeus, Greece.
U.S. Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) is operating the ship
for Maersk Line, Limited.
Built in 2016 in South Korea, the Badlands Trader is 600 feet
long and has a deadweight tonnage of 50,034. According to a
USMMI spokesperson, the ship will replace the Maersk Michigan
– though, at press time, the latter vessel remained in service.
The first SIU crew members on the Badlands Trader included
Recertified Bosun Basil D’Souza, ABs Faustino Cosby, Yoland
Legaspi, Dean Diaz Sr., Donovan Armstrong and Richard Diaz
Jr., Pumpman Tousif Khan, QMEDs Christopher Eason and
Anson Johny, Steward/Baker Alba Ayala, Chief Cook Khalid
Mohamed and GVA Desiree Wilson.
“The crew is awesome,” said USMMI Risk Manager Henly
Ervin. “Everyone stepped up and did an outstanding job to ensure
a smooth reflag and certificate of inspection.”
Diaz stated, “It’s a nice ship – a simple layout, nice and roomy
as far as tankers go.”
He added, “As far as the vessel’s condition, she was foreignflag, so she needs a little TLC, but it shouldn’t take much to get her
looking good. We’re bringing the living conditions up to what U.S.
mariners are accustomed to.”
Armstrong said he appreciates the chance to assist with a reflag.
“This is only my third ship and it’s my first trip as an AB,” he
said in early May. “It’s a learning experience for the whole crew,
but I’m personally really grateful to go through a reflag this early
in my career. It has been unique and eye-opening.”
Armstrong added that he expected the vessel to continue its
shipyard period for at least a few more weeks.
“We’ve been getting deliveries of stores and supplies almost
every other day,” he stated. “We got 13 pallets’ worth of stuff today,
including some TVs, and everything is coming along.”
While there is plenty of work on the ship, the crew also has
enjoyed time ashore – and they appreciate the strong internet connectivity that has been available since the reflag, Armstrong noted.
Built in 2016, the tanker Badlands Trader is a new addition to the SIU-crewed fleet. Photos courtesy of AB Donovan Armstrong (above, left) and Maersk Line, Limited.
Longtime Union Representative Dhooge Passes Away at Age 68
Gerard Dhooge, known for his versatility, insight and dedication throughout a 35-year career
with the SIU, passed away April 22 at his home in
Milton, Massachusetts, surrounded by family. He
was 68 and had been stricken with brain cancer.
Dhooge started working for the SIU as a field
representative in 1985. He left in 1993 to work for
pro-maritime Congressman Gerry Studds but returned to the union in 1995 and never left. At various times, he served as a port agent and consultant.
SIU President David Heindel stated, “Our deepest sympathies go out to Gerard’s family for their
loss as well as the loss of his special contributions
over such a long period. On behalf of our entire
organization, may he rest in peace.”
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
said, “I worked with Gerard since he came aboard
as a field rep replacing Joe Corrigan (who transferred to Honolulu) up in Boston. It was apparent
from the beginning that he would be a good fit.
Throughout his time with the SIU, Gerard proved
to be a conscientious and effective operative in
every project he took on, most recently the offshore wind industry. He was respected and admired
by everyone he dealt with and he loved his family
immensely.”
SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski
said, “Gerard was always ready to dive into the
fight for maritime jobs. He had a great sense for the
politics surrounding so many of the projects that
the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and the
Seafarers have worked on over the years. His insightfulness, his willingness to broker labor peace
when needed and ultimately his professionalism
will be missed.”
Karen Horton-Genette, national director of the
SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers, said,
“Gerard was a very kind gentleman and strong
June 2023
union man. He fought hard for what was right and
put everything he had into representing our membership. I am proud to have worked with such an
all-around great man! He will be missed.”
Daniel W. Duncan, who recently retired after
a similarly lengthy career (first with the SIU and
then with the MTD), added, “Gerard spent his entire career with Seafarers making sure the political community and the labor community knew the
SIU throughout New England. He was a well-connected, determined fighter for all working people.”
SIU Political Consultant Terry Turner said
that no matter the task, “Gerard has demonstrated
throughout his professional life that he is just that:
a true professional. But more importantly to me,
he was my friend. I will miss him dearly and think
of him often.”
Dhooge earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston State College (which later merged with another
school). He subsequently served as the city hall
manager for Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 198081, then worked for the Boston retirement system
from 1981-84 before serving as an SIU field representative based in New Bedford, Massachusetts,
from 1985-93 and again from 1995-2003. He
became an SIU port agent in 2003 following the
retirement of Henri Francois. As the union’s pursuits changed, he became a consultant in 2010 and
from then on played a key role as the SIU explored
rank-and-file job opportunities in the wind-energy
sector.
Additionally, he worked as the secretary-treasurer for the MTD’s Maritime Port Council of
Greater Boston and New England Area from 19962000, then served as its president from November
2000 until his passing.
He is survived by numerous family members
and friends.
Gerard Dhooge is pictured in June 2022 at the Maritime Trades Department
convention in Philadelphia.
Seafarers LOG 5
�Annual Funding Notice - Seafarers Pension Plan
Introduction
This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer
pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All
traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every
year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It
is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice
is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2022 and ending
December 31, 2022 (“Plan Year”).
The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes
when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so.
Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following
categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of
total assets:
How Well Funded Is Your Plan
The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a
measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better
funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding
plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and
liabilities for the same period.
Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets
The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based
on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can
allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values
tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in
the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also
includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years.
The December 31, 2022 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis
since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which
is currently in progress.
Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status
Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is
less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent
(other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status
and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within
20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the
plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical
status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation
plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension
plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan
in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and
future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries.
The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year.
If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending
December 31, 2023, separate notification of the status has or will be provided.
Participant Information
The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date
was 18,766. Of this number, 7,384 were current employees, 6,724 were retired and receiving
benefits, and 4,658 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future
benefits.
Funding & Investment Policies
Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives.
A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding
policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the
terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North
America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the
portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the
Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of
the Plan’s Actuary.
Investment objectives:
Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of
large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting
regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan
participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity
to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses.
Investment Guidelines:
With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment
Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to
each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any
transactions.
Asset Allocation:
The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are
breached.
Standards of Investment Performance:
Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy,
research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may
affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the
extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the
Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s
investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the
fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines
are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates
the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code.
6 Seafarers LOG
For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as
described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust
investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp
Springs, Maryland 20746
Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report
Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called
the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an
electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search
tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513,
Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain
personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan
administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is
identified below under “Where To Get More Information.”
Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans
Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer
plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The
plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding
notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to
pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the
highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough
to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC,
below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan
the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored
if the plan’s financial condition improves.
A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and
beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how,
their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option.
Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC
The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have
earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed.
There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for
single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer
program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent
of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the
accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is
$35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service.
Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit
of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined
by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60.
The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75
x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10).
Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual
rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount
for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus,
the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).
The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which
are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before
starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will
disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier
of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at
the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above
the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such
as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay.
For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go
to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact
your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension
benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your
Plan,” below.
Where to Get More Information
For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at:
Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs,
MD 20746; 301.899.0675
For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer
identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329.
June 2023
�U.S. House Hearing Examines Maritime Manpower Shortages
SIU, Other Unions Weigh in with Joint Letter Citing Suggested Changes
The SIU teamed up with several other
unions and labor organizations to deliver a
unified message during a recent hearing in
the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation on May 11
conducted a hearing titled, “Assessing the
Shortage of United States Mariners and Recruitment and Retention in the United States
Coast Guard.” Guest panelists included U.S.
Coast Guard Vice Adm. Paul Thomas, deputy commandant for Mission Support; Rear
Adm. Ann Phillips, USN (Ret.), administrator, United States Maritime Administration;
Heather MacLeod, director, Homeland Security and Justice, United States Government
Accountability Office; and Dr. Beth Asch,
Ph.D., senior economist, RAND Corporation.
Submitting joint testimony that was entered into the formal record were the SIU;
American Maritime Officers; International
Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots;
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association;
Marine Firemen’s Union; Maritime Trades
Department, AFL-CIO; Sailors’ Union of the
Pacific; and Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO.
The maritime labor organizations spelled
out why the widely acknowledged manpower
crisis is worthy of prompt action.
“It is critically important that our government and the American people understand
that without the U.S.-flag vessels and U.S.
citizen licensed and unlicensed merchant
mariners ready and available to provide
the commercial sealift readiness capability
needed by the Department of Defense, our
nation would be forced to entrust the support,
supply, and security of American forces deployed overseas to foreign flag vessels and
foreign crews who may not support U.S. defense operations and objectives,” they stated.
“It goes without saying that doing so would
jeopardize the lives of American servicewomen and men who will no longer be guaranteed the supplies and equipment they need
to do their job in support of our country.”
They added, “It is therefore imperative
that the downward trend in the number of
SHBP Announces New Benefits for Dependents
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP)
recently spelled out new benefits for dependents of
eligible SIU members.
Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen in
mid-May sent a letter notifying participants that the
SHBP Trustees “decided to add mental health and
substance use disorder benefits for dependents of
eligible mariners at the Core-Plus and Core benefit
levels. These services will be covered in the same
way as all other professional services and inpatient
hospital stays.”
The benefits took effect May 1, as follows, for the
spouse and children of an eligible mariner at the Core-Plus or Core Benefit levels:
• Outpatient counseling and/or psychotherapy, including applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy treatment for autism. The Plan will pay for these services for a dependent in the same manner as other outpatient professional services. The Plan will pay 90%
of the network-allowed amount for in-network treatment; or 65% of the reasonable and
customary charge for out-of-network treatment.
• Hospitalization for mental health disorders. The Plan will pay for an inpatient hospital stay for a mental health condition of a dependent in the same way it pays for other
hospital stays. At in-network facilities, the Plan will pay 100% of the network-allowed
charge for the facility fee, and 90% of the network-allowed charge for professional fees. For
out-of-network treatment, the Plan will pay 70% of the reasonable and customary charge
for the facility fees, and 65% of the reasonable and customary charge for professional fee.
There is a $450 copayment for all inpatient hospital stays.
• Inpatient detoxification from alcohol or drugs. The Plan will pay for inpatient detoxification for a dependent in the same way it pays for other hospital stays. A $450 copayment applies to this benefit.
• Inpatient substance use disorder treatment. The Plan will pay for inpatient substance
use disorder treatment for a dependent in the same way it pays for other hospital stays. A
$450 copayment applies to this benefit.
• Prescriptions for mental health and substance use disorders. The Plan will pay for
these prescriptions in the same manner as it covers all other prescriptions.
The letter also points out that all mental health and substance use disorder benefits are
subject to the annual deductible.
Questions may be directed to the Plan by phone at (800) 252-4674, option 3.
vessels operating under the U.S. flag must
be stopped and reversed, and the American
maritime manpower shortage must be addressed and resolved. Simply put, the current manpower shortage is a national security
threat, and it is clear that the Department of
Defense cannot do its job if private industry
is unable to provide the civilian American
merchant mariners DOD needs. This requires
strong, positive action by the Congress and
the Administration to support and fund existing programs that support the operation of
U.S.-flag vessels, including the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program,
and the Jones Act; to eliminate statutory and
regulatory impediments to the growth of the
maritime manpower pool; and to propose and
implement innovative and effective programs
and policies that will increase the number of
commercially viable U.S.-flag vessels, increase the number of American maritime
jobs, and increase the amount of America’s
foreign trade carried aboard U.S.-flag ships.
Simply put, more cargo means more U.S.flag ships, and more U.S.-flag ships means
more American mariners!”
To that end, they recommended several
viable steps that would boost U.S.-flag shipping and help grow the manpower pool.
Those suggestions included developing “a
realistic maritime strategy that includes at
its core a national cargo policy that increases
the percentage of America’s foreign trade
carried aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels
and ensures that American mariners have jobs
during peacetime. The treatment of U.S.-flag
vessel operations and American mariners
under the tax code should encourage rather
than discourage the utilization of U.S.-flag
vessels and American mariners, and bilateral
and multilateral trade agreements should reflect the strategic importance to our nation of
a stronger, more active U.S.-flag fleet in the
carriage of America’s exports and imports.
Today, with the ongoing efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to secure domination
over the world’s oceans and international
trade as well as the proliferation of stateowned and controlled and foreign flag-ofconvenience vessel operations, including
partial ownership in many security-sensitive
foreign ports, we have seen the U.S.-flag
share of America’s foreign trade fall to less
than 2 percent. This situation threatens our
security and threatens our economy, as China
will only further increase its control over
what cargoes move and at what cost unless
we bolster our own U.S.-flag fleet and regain control over the carriage of our foreign
trade.”
The organizations further explained the
importance of Congress “continuing to provide the Maritime Administration with the
authority it needs to fully enforce and implement the nation’s U.S.-flag cargo preference shipping requirements…. Similarly,
we recommend Congress increase the U.S.flag requirements for all other governmentgenerated civilian cargoes to 100 percent, the
same percentage that covers the shipment of
defense cargoes, with U.S.-flag carriage dependent, as it is today, on the availability of
U.S.-flag vessels at fair and reasonable rates.
Requiring 100 percent would greatly decrease
the gamesmanship of U.S. government agencies intentionally violating cargo preference
statutes , and will make Maritime Administration enforcement that much easier.”
After highlighting additional recommendations, the groups concluded, “Finally, we
strongly support provisions included by the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
in H.R. 2741, the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023. Reducing the time
requirement for Able Seaman and authorizing additional funding for the Coast Guard to
modernize its credentialing system are just
two of the provisions that can and should help
alleviate impediments to the efficient and
timely availability of American mariners.”
Video of the entire hearing is available on
the subcommittee’s website.
SIU-Crewed Tankers Will Remove
Military Fuel from Red Hill Facility
Seafarers-contracted U.S. Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) recently was awarded two
agreements by the Department of Defense to help with removing fuel from a military storage
facility in Hawaii.
Both contracts were announced in April: one for the Yosemite Trader, the other for the
Pohang Pioneer. Both vessels carry SIU crews.
The U.S. Navy operates the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, which, according to the
Environmental Protection Agency, “supports military operations in the Pacific. This facility
can store up to 250 million gallons of fuel. At the facility are 20 steel-lined tanks, encased in
concrete, and built into cavities that were mined inside of Red Hill. Each tank has a storage
capacity of approximately 12.5 million gallons. The tanks are connected to three pipelines that
run 2.5 miles through a tunnel to fueling piers at Pearl Harbor.”
However, a jet fuel leak from the station in late 2021 contaminated the local water supply.
The Navy subsequently started implementing plans to empty the tanks in order to expedite
repairs. In early 2022, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed the Department
of Defense to “defuel” and permanently shut down the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.
The Pohang Pioneer was awarded a five-year service contract while the Yosemite Trader
received a three-year agreement.
Great Lakes VP Powell Honored in Michigan
SIU Vice President Great Lakes Bryan Powell recently received accolades from the Wayne
County (Michigan) Commission.
Powell on April 20 received a resolution
signed by all 15 county commissioners. The
document salutes his years of dedicated service
to the state’s citizens, primarily in his role as
vice chair of the board of directors for the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority. The commissioners also applauded his advocacy for
maritime workers in the Great Lakes region and
across the globe.
The Wayne County Commission is the legislative branch of county government. Wayne
County, the most populous county in Michigan,
is divided into 15 districts, and commissioners
are elected every two years in even-year elections.
The text of the resolution follows:
Whereas, it is with great pleasure that we,
the members of the Wayne County Commission, recognize Bryan Powell for his years of
investing in the city of Detroit, Wayne County,
and the State of Michigan; and
June 2023
Whereas, Bryan Powell presently serves as
Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the
Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, and has
served on the board since 2017 in roles including board member and secretary-treasurer; and
Whereas, Bryan Powell serves as Vice President for the Seafarers International Union of
North America AFL-CIO, which is the largest
labor organization representing merchant mariners aboard U.S.-flag vessels, devoting himself
to advocacy for maritime workers and promoting the industry as a whole; and
Whereas, a leader, strategist, problem solver,
and innovator, Bryan Powell has demonstrated
the ability to leverage his extensive project development experience and engagement in the
maritime transportation sector to help drive and
support the Port Authority’s mission and objectives; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Wayne County Commission commends Bryan Powell for his years of
unwavering and selfless service to the residents
of Michigan.
Pictured from left are Commissioners David Knezik, Joseph Palamara (Vice Chair),
Martha Scott, Glen Anderson, Melissa Daub, Irma Clark-Colemen, Sam Baydoun, Alisha
Bell (Chair), SIU Great Lakes VP Bryan Powell, Commissioners Terry Marecki, Monique
Baker McCormick, Tim Killeen, Al Haidous, Cara Clemente and Jonathan Kinloch. (Also
signing the proclamation, but not pictured: Ray Basham.)
Seafarers LOG 7
�STOPPING BY THE HALL – Seafarer Antonio Ramos
(right), a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, picks
up his first vacation check at the San Juan hall. He’s
pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.
MEETING WITH MARITIME SUPPORTER – SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) in early May attended a fundraiser
for U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) (second from right), a leading backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Also pictured are (from left) Christian Yuhas and Duncan Ballenger of MEBA.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
CONFERRING WITH MAYOR – Pictured with New York City Mayor Eric Adams (center) at a NY Central
Labor Council event are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (right) and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson.
BOATMEN WELCOME ASST. VP – SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from left) meets with Seafarers employed by G&H Towing. Pictured from left are Mate Nathan West, Russo, Capt. Vincent Forbes,
Engineer Matt McRae and AB Alex Kakaletris.
TEAMING UP FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY – SIU officials recently visited SUNY Maritime for the signing of
a cooperative MOU aimed at boosting training and shipboard manpower. Pictured from left are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson.
BROTHERHOOD OF THE SEA – ABs (and brothers) Thomas and Ryan Drummond recently received their
respective A-seniority books. They are both 2015 graduates of the apprentice program, and are pictured at
the Philadelphia hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice. Thomas is at far left, Ryan is in the middle.
8 Seafarers LOG
WELCOME ASHORE IN WILMINGTON – Longtime steward-department Seafarer Eusebio Avila Solano (left) receives his first pension
check at the Wilmington, California, hall (SIU Safety Director Gordon
Godel is at right). He started sailing with the union in 1989 and most
recently shipped aboard the Alaskan Explorer, earlier this year.
June 2023
�WITH SEAFARERS IN FORT LAUDERDALE – AB Mark Lettman (left in photo above, left) receives his A-seniority book, while AB Fred Hayston (right in other photo) picks up his
first pension check. Both Seafarers are pictured at the hiring hall, with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
CELEBRATING JOB CREATION – SIU Port Agent John Hoskins
(left) is pictured with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore at a ceremonial
groundbreaking April 21 in Sparrows Point, Maryland. The site will
host a new plant where wind turbine foundations and other windenergy components will be constructed. According to news reports,
the facility will employ 125 union construction workers and account
for 20 professional staff jobs.
RECRUITING IN THE LONE STAR STATE – Setting up at a career fair in La Porte, Texas, are (from
left) SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo.
CELEBRATING MARITIME INVESTMENTS – SIU members employed by Great Lakes Towing were on
hand April 3 as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited the Port of Monroe for a news conference announcing state and federal grants. Among other projects, some of the money will go towards building a container
terminal. Pictured at the event, from left in front of (and aboard) the tug Georgia, are SIU Port Agent Todd
Brdak, AB Jason Brown, AB Tugman Foaad Saleh and AB Tugman Jeff Davis.
June 2023
BECKONING IN THE BAYOU – SIU Port Agent
Chris Westbrook (left) and SIU Safety Director James
Brown man a booth April 22 at a New Orleans career
fair, hosted at the city’s convention center.
ABOARD LURLINE – Recertified Steward Ruti De Mont is pictured
aboard the Matson vessel, preparing another scrumptious meal for
her shipmates. De Mont started her SIU career in 1988.
Seafarers LOG 9
�MEETING WITH WEST COAST BOATMEN – Pictured from left aboard the Starlight Marine tug Jamie Renea are SIU
Safety Director Dylan Rivera, Deckhand Stevie Rossi, Chief Engineer Florian Schreier, Capt. Dave Cadiz, SIU Port Agent
J.B. Niday and Mate Brian Edmiston.
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Longtime Seafarer Stephen Ackley (left) picks up his first pension
check at the Tacoma hall (SIU Port Agent Warren Asp
is at right). Ackley signed on with the SIU in 1979 and
sailed for a dozen years in the deck department before
starting work on a shore gang. He most recently was
the lead bosun on the Matson shore gang in Tacoma.
WITH SEAFARERS IN OAKLAND – Completing paperwork at the hall in Oakland, California, are MDRs (from left) Joseph
Samonte and Yan Paing.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD TANKER WEST VIRGINIA – Pictured aboard the Seabulk vessel on the West Coast are (from left) SIU Safety
Director Dylan Rivera, QEP Scott Fuller, OMU Dana Thomas, Steward/Baker Munasser Ahmed, Chief Cook Torrika Devine
and Oiler Oscar Vencer.
READY TO SHIP OUT – New Seafarer Sandra
Norato (left) recently completed the CCAP program in
Piney Point, Maryland, and was about to head to her
first vessel when this snapshot was taken in early May
at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. “I met Sandra
in the port of New Jersey in September 2022,” said
SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta (right). “She asked tons
of questions and I was happy to help out. I helped
her obtain all the necessary documents to get into the
CCAP program, as she had prior cooking experience.”
WEST COAST FELLOWSHIP – Following the April membership meeting, Seafarers stuck around at the Wilmington, California, hall for a cookout.
10 Seafarers LOG
June 2023
�6/23
June 2023
Seafarers LOG 11
�Seafarers Waterfront Classic Worth the Wait
Fishing Tournament Brings in Donations for Veterans Charity Boulder Crest
Seventeen boats full of eager anglers
gathered under a cloud-covered dawn
at the Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney
Point, Maryland, to participate in the 8th
Annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic – all
for a great cause.
After a three-years-long hiatus due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, seasoned
sailors and spectators alike were happy to
resume the fundraiser/fishing tournament
on May 16, a decade after its inaugural
event in 2013. This year’s iteration of the
event generated funds for the Boulder
Crest Foundation, which serves military
veterans, first responders and their families.
Seafarers and other excited fishers
came from all over the country to participate in the tournament, some even hailing
from as far as Canada. One such Seafarer was Vince Giannopoulos, the vice
president for St. Lawrence and East Coast
with the SIU of Canada.
“I had a great time at the Seafarers
Waterfront Classic,” he said. “We caught
a few keepers and had a great time for
charity. This was my third Waterfront
Classic. I just think it’s a really cool initiative. It’s a lot of fun to be here, and the
campus is as impressive as ever.”
He added, “After three or whatever
years of COVID, it was really nice to
catch up with some people I hadn’t spoken to in a long time. Obviously, coming from Canada, we weren’t able to get
down here during COVID. I met some
new faces and was able to reconnect with
some old ones as well.”
The 161 fishermen and women who
took to the Potomac River at 6 a.m. returned to the dock in the afternoon with
a total of 139 fish, which combined
weighed in at 521 lbs.
Apprentices gathered at the pier to assist each boat with docking and bringing
their catches of the day up to be measured
by school staff.
The largest catch of the day, in pounds,
went to John Raggio from Sealift, Inc.
He caught a 7.45lb rockfish while fishing
with the rest of his crew aboard the Three
Sons.
When asked about his technique, Raggio stated, “I’m not a real fisherman; this
is first-time luck. I was the fourth person
to handle the rails and when my turn
came up, I got the fish. It’s all luck, no
talent. I just reeled him in and that’s it.”
After a jubilant cocktail hour, where
the participants and their families celebrated a successful day out on the river,
attendees gathered in the PHC’s main
dining room for the awards ceremony
and seafood feast. Galley staff worked
quickly to prepare the freshly caught
rockfish into several dishes, including
buffalo bites and fish tacos.
This year’s event benefitted the
Boulder Crest Foundation, a non-profit
organization dedicated to providing aid
to struggling veterans and first responders and their families. Boulder Crest uses
the science of “Posttraumatic Growth”
to help participants transform their traumatic stress and rediscover hope, purpose, and their belief in the future.
SIU Vice President George Tricker,
founder of the Seafarers Waterfront Clas-
sic, formally introduced Boulder Crest
as the new fundraising partner for the
Waterfront Classic at dinner, saying, “For
the first seven years of the tournament
we were associated with the Wounded
Warrior Anglers who have since changed
their name to American Military Veterans
Foundation (AMMILVETS). We have
since parted ways with them. They’re a
fantastic group, and we’re still in contact
with them – they’re doing well, they send
their regards and love. But this year we’re
thrilled to be partnering with Boulder
Crest Foundation, a wonderful new organization that we’ve had the pleasure of
getting to know.”
Tricker cited Maersk Line, Limited
President and CEO Bill Woodhour as a
major factor in the foundation’s collaboration with SIU for this fundraising event.
“There are three things that I think
make Boulder Crest a bit different, which
is their clarity of mission, their passion,
and their purpose,” Woodhour said. “I
think they’re addressing a significant
need in America today. I’ve been able
to see this program on a personal level,
volunteering on the weekends and working in the kitchens. I was reflecting with
one of the past participants, when you
see people on day one and when you see
them on day five or six, there’s been a
complete transformation.”
Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy
for the Boulder Crest Foundation, was
also invited to the podium to further explain the non-profit’s mission. “There is a
growing epidemic in the United States,”
she said. “You may have heard the sta-
tistics that 22 veterans take their lives
by suicide every day, and that’s a low
estimate these days. More first responders die by suicide than those in the line of
duty.”
She added, “For a long time, we have
accepted this narrative that once someone takes off their uniform, their life is
diminished, it is not able to be fulfilling
once their service is complete. The role of
Boulder Crest is to change that narrative.
We are the home of post traumatic growth
– the exact opposite of what PTSD is.
It’s the notion that what doesn’t kill you
makes you wiser – that there is life after
service and that you can find a fulfilling
life after in the aftermath of trauma.”
SIU Vice President Nicholas Celona
then spoke and honored the United States
Merchant Marine, citing their motto,
“Acta non Verba,” which translates to
“Deeds not Words” and presented an
award with that same motto to Boulder
Crest, which will be on display in the
PHC.
Later, a painting, courtesy of SIU
Pensioner Nick Rossi, was auctioned off
for $350. Following the auction, plaques
were presented to the person with the
largest catch on each boat. One of the
winners, Hope Wines, who represented
Boulder Crest, said of her first Seafarers
Waterfront Classic, “I had an absolutely
wonderful time. I would absolutely love
to come back, but I definitely encourage
others to participate as well.”
Turn to Page 14 for additional photos.
Participants shove off for a typically early start in Piney Point, Maryland.
12 Seafarers LOG
June 2023
�Scenes from the 8th Annual Waterfront Classic
Guests enjoy excellent weather as the charitable event returns after a pandemic-caused hiatus.
Sealift CFO John Raggio (left) had the largest catch of the day (a 7.45 lb.
rockfish). SIU VP George Tricker (right), founder of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic, congratulates him on the pier.
A few of the 161 waterborne participants gather for a photo. As reflected by the banner, this year’s
event benefited the Boulder Crest Foundation.
Anglers and event supporters head to the pier.
From left, Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation, addresses the attendees at the awards dinner while SIU VP George Tricker and Maersk Line, Limited President/CEO
Bill Woodhour listen.
June 2023
This unusual catch didn’t make it to the weighing station.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Scenes from the 8th Annual Waterfront Classic
Longtime labor relations official Tony Naccarato (left) and SIU VP Bryan Powell are pictured at the school
as the boats return.
Seventeen boats took part in the most recent Seafarers Waterfront
Classic.
Guests are seated for the awards dinner.
PHC Advisory Board Convenes
The day after the Seafarers Waterfront Classic, members of the Paul Hall Center Advisory Board conducted a meeting at the Piney Point, Maryland, campus. Above, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen addresses attendees. Topics included recruiting, an update on medical requirements for mariners, future training needs, and progress with various technical projects.
14 Seafarers LOG
June 2023
�Medical Department Offers Important
Reminders About Drug-Screen Success
Editor’s note: The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s
Medical Department provided the following article:
SIU mariners are employed in safety-sensitive positions
and must comply with the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) and
U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) urine drug-screen
(UDS) guidelines regarding workplace drug testing. Positive
UDS results and refusal to test will result in time lost from
shipping and may impact career goals.
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 16 - May 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 15, 2023.
Port
A
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
B
C
A
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Ordering:
UDS collections should only be requested when they are
needed to prepare for shipping, if required for class, or to renew
USCG merchant mariner credential (MMC). There are two
types of drug tests that can be ordered: pre-employment and
periodic. Periodic tests are ordered for issuance of USCG documents or new endorsements. Pre-employment tests are ordered
to go to work. The member is informed when the exam order is
recommended and may decline or postpone the exam.
Scheduling:
The acuity scheduler will confirm exam orders with the
member when scheduling the clinic appointment. The member should not schedule an appointment for collection of UDS
without reasonable certainty of negative results.
Appointments should be made when the mariner’s schedule will allow the appointment to last at least three hours. The
DOT guidelines allow three hours to complete the “shy bladder” protocol. Do not schedule the appointment on days when
the member may be needed somewhere else within the threehour period.
If necessary, the UDS may be rescheduled or cancelled. Be
aware that no-shows or last-minute cancellations may cause a
cancellation fee.
Collection:
Once the collection procedure is initiated at the clinic, it
must be completed. This step is defined by DOT/SIU as the
moment the donor is called out of the waiting room to the collection area.
Failure to produce a urine sample, remain at the collection
site, or cooperate with the collection process may constitute
a refusal. A refusal to test will be reported to the USCG and
investigated in the same manner as a positive result.
Positive UDS:
Positive UDS results will be reviewed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO). The donor will be contacted by the MRO
to complete an interview. Prescription medications will be confirmed and the final exam results will be discussed.
SIU members who have positive UDS results will be
blocked from shipping pending USCG investigation and completion of requirements to meet USCG and DOT standards for
return to duty. This is a lengthy process that takes at least one
year to complete.
June & July
Membership Meetings
Piney Point
Algonac
Monday: June 5, July 3
Friday: June 9, July 7
Baltimore
Guam
Thursday: June 8, July 6
Thursday: June 22, July 20
Honolulu
Friday: June 16, July 14
Houston
Monday: June 12, July 10
Jacksonville
Joliet
Thursday: June 8, July 6
Thursday: June 15, July 13
Mobile
Wednesday: June 14, July 12
New Orleans
Jersey City
Tuesday: June 13, July 11
Tuesday: June 6, *Wednesday: July 5
Norfolk
Friday: June 9, July 7
Oakland
Thursday: June 15. July 13
Philadelphia
Wednesday: June 7, July 5
Port Everglades
Thursday: June 15, July 13
San Juan
Thursday: June 8, July 6
St. Louis
Friday: June 16, July 14
Tacoma
Friday: June 23, July 21
Wilmington
**Tuesday: June 20, Monday: July 17
*Jersey City change in July created by Independance Day.
**Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
June 2023
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
This month’s question was posed to members at SIU Headquarters and upgraders at the Paul Hall Center.
Question: Has being a mariner measured up to what you thought it would be when you first signed on?
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Edward Williams
QMED
It definitely has. It’s been a
great experience because of the
education, training and opportunities that the union and industry
have provided me. I’m especially
thankful for the situation I’m now
in with respect to training: being
able to get my engineering license. That translates into a more
lucrative income for myself and
my family. My only regret is that I
did not start sailing sooner.
Aevon Branch
Ordinary Seaman
Yes, it has. Becoming a merchant
mariner has been a life-changing
experience for me. I am now able
to provide better opportunities for
my family and friends. Rather than
going to a bank, I can just work
hard, save the money I make and do
it on my own. I also get to see the
world, go to places that I used to see
on TV but never thought it possible
for me to actually visit.
Wilbert Hinton
QMED
Absolutely not, but only because I started in this profession
when I was 18 and had no idea
what I was getting myself into.
Over the years, however, all of
that has changed. Through my
training, I have gained more
knowledge and a better grasp
on how everything works. As a
result, everything is now falling
into place.
Tyrone Ellis
Pumpman
I started with the union back in
2007. Everything I heard was very
positive, so after getting into the
profession, I began to see some of
the things they had told me about.
Like any job, working in this industry has its ups and downs, but
there definitely are more ups than
downs. For that reason, I’m still
here. It’s a great career and I tell
as many people as I can about it
who are searching for a profession.
Carlos Gutierrez
QMED
Being a mariner entails a lot more
than I thought it would when I first
joined up. I had no idea that the
training would be so in-depth and
thorough. There really are a lot of
intricacies involved. It was kind of a
challenge at first, but I now know that
paying attention to detail and doing
everything safely benefits me and my
shipmates. I am glad that I made the
decision to be a mariner.
Benjamin Verrett
Steward Assistant
Being a mariner has impacted my
life on a scale far greater than I ever
expected. The SIU has opened up
so many more avenues for me. As a
result, I have been able to open up
two more businesses aside from the
one I had when I came in. So, at the
end of the day, I end up doing the
two things I enjoy most: traveling
and cooking.
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
16 Seafarers LOG
Seafarer Eric Foultz (left) shakes hands with Vice Adm. Michael Kalleres, head of the Military Sealift Command, after presenting
the MSC commander with an SIU white cap he signed at a National Maritime Day ceremony conducted May 19, 1993 in the
nation’s capital. Kalleres requested the cap for his personal collection.
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
June 2023
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
JOSE CANALES DAVID
Brother Jose Canales David, 65,
started his career with the union in
1994. He first
shipped on the
Global Mariner
and sailed in all
three departments.
Brother Canales
David upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions. He
last sailed aboard
the Isla Bella and makes his home in
San Juan, Puerto Rico.
DONALD CHRISTIAN
Brother Donald Christian, 69, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1979, initially sailing aboard the
Cove Sailor. He
was an engine
department member and upgraded
often at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school.
Brother Christian
most recently
shipped on the
Cape Rise. He resides in Williamsburg, Virginia.
DORENE DUNN
Sister Dorene Dunn, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1980 when she
sailed aboard the
Oceanic Independence. She
upgraded at the
Piney Point school
on multiple occasions and sailed
in both the deck
and steward departments. Sister
Dunn also worked
on shore gangs. She concluded her
career with American Service Technology and lives in Port Hadlock,
Washington.
FERDINAND GONGORA
Brother Ferdinand Gongora, 71,
began sailing with the union in
1969. He worked
in the deck department and
upgraded often at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gongora first sailed
aboard a Hudson
Waterways vessel
and most recently
shipped aboard
the Maersk Atlanta. He is a resident
of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania.
JOHN GRYKO
Brother John Gryko, 82, joined the
Seafarers International Union in
2000. He initially
sailed aboard the
Pride of America
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother Gryko
shipped in the engine department,
most recently on
the Pacific Tracker. He calls Port
Charlotte, Florida, home.
MARCO GUEVARA
Brother Marco Guevara, 65, signed
June 2023
on with the
union in 1990. A
steward department member, he
first sailed with
Sheridan Transportation. Brother
Guevara upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions. He
last shipped on the Alliance St. Louis
and settled in Houston.
FREDERICK HAYSTON
Brother Frederick Hayston, 65,
became a member of the union in
2002, initially
sailing aboard the
USNS Dahl. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Hayston most recently shipped on
the Texas Enterprise. He makes his
home in Miramar, Florida.
DANIEL HEINTZ
Brother Daniel Heintz, 65, embarked
on his career with
the SIU in 2008
when he sailed on
the USNS Effective. He shipped
in the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
in 2013. Brother
Heintz’s final
vessel was the Global Sentinel. He
resides in Meridian, Idaho.
MOHAMMAD KHAN
Brother Mohammad Khan, 72,
donned the union
colors in 2002 and
first sailed aboard
the Diamond
State. He sailed in
the engine department and concluded his career
aboard the Rio
Grande Express.
Brother Khan is a
Houston resident.
ROBERT LINDSAY
Brother Robert Lindsay, 69, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1990.
He sailed in the
deck department,
initially aboard
the Cape Nome.
Brother Lindsay upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. He last
sailed on the Cape Ray and resides
in Norfolk, Virginia.
sailed on the American Freedom and
lives in Honolulu.
JOHN MENSAH
Brother John Mensah, 71, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 2000, initially
sailing on the
USNS Wright.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Mensah last
shipped on the
American Freedom and calls Olney,
Maryland, home.
ABRAHAM MILLS
Brother Abraham
Mills, 71, started
sailing with the
SIU in 1999 when
he worked on the
Maui. He shipped
in the steward
department and
upgraded often at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mills
concluded his career aboard the
Haina. He resides in Houston.
department. Brother Sims’ final vessel was the Charles L. Brown. He
makes his home in Wailuku, Hawaii.
LEO SULLIVAN
Brother Leo Sullivan, 65, began
sailing with the union in 1990. He
sailed primarily in the deck
department, initially aboard the
William Baugh.
Brother Sullivan upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
He most recently
shipped on the Maersk Atlanta and
settled in Boston.
EDWIN TIRADO NIEVES
Brother Edwin Tirado Nieves, 65,
signed on with the SIU in 1977 and
first sailed aboard the Champion.
A deck department member, he
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Tirado Nieves last shipped on the
Columbia. He resides in Homestead,
Florida.
GREAT LAKES
SAMUEL PORCHEA
PATRICK BENSMAN
Brother Samuel Porchea, 71, began
his career with the Seafarers in 1997
when he shipped on the Allegiance.
He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was
a member of the deck department.
Brother Porchea last sailed aboard
the Overseas Key West and settled in
Florence, South Carolina.
Brother Patrick Bensman, 65, began
sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1979. He initially
sailed on the Columbia and was a
deck department member. Brother
Bensman last shipped on the American Mariner and resides in Alpena,
Michigan.
DUANE REBER
Brother Duane Reber, 65, signed
on with the union in 2005, initially
sailing aboard
the Freedom. An
engine department member,
he upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Reber
most recently
shipped aboard
the Overseas Key West. He calls
Peoria, Arizona, home.
MIGUEL RIVERA
RICKY GUY
Brother Ricky Guy, 65, signed on
with the SIU in
1981. He first
shipped on the
E.M. Ford and
sailed in both the
deck and engine
departments.
Brother Guy’s
final vessel was
the Adam E. Cornelius. He calls
Alpena, Michigan, home.
ERIC NOETZEL
Brother Eric Noetzel, 65, joined the
union in 2010. He first sailed aboard
the John Boland
and worked in the
engine department. Brother
Noetzel upgraded
at the Piney Point
school often. He
last shipped on
the American
Spirit and makes
his home in Port
Huron, Michigan.
MARK MAHONEY
Brother Miguel Rivera, 65, donned
the SIU colors in
1980. He was an
engine department
member and first
shipped on the
Producer. Brother
Rivera upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. He
concluded his
career aboard the
Achiever and is a resident of Florida
City, Florida.
Brother Mark Mahoney, 71, began
sailing with the union in 1999 when
he shipped with
Admiral Towing. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions
and worked in the
deck department.
Brother Mahoney
most recently
ALLANROY SIM
MICHAEL BRENNAN
Brother Allanroy
Sim, 68, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1985 and first
shipped on the
Independence.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1992
and was a member of the steward
Brother Michael Brennan, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union in
2011. A deck department member,
he was employed by Penn Maritime for the duration of his career.
Brother Brennan lives in Palm Bay,
Florida.
INLAND
GARY CORMIER
Brother Gary Cormier, 58, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers in
1993 when he shipped with Moran
Towing of Texas. He was a member of the engine department and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in
2001. Brother Cormier most recently
worked on the Zeus. He lives in
Bridge City, Texas.
CHRISTOPHER HARVEY
Brother Christopher Harvey, 62,
signed on with the union in 1982.
A deck department member, he
first worked on
the Sugar Island.
Brother Harvey
upgraded his skills
at the Piney Point
school in 2001.
He concluded his
carer on the Douglas B. Mackie and
settled in Laramie, Wyoming.
EDWIN HENLEBEN
Brother Edwin Henleben, 66, began
sailing with the SIU in 1975, initially working for Higman Barge
Lines. He shipped in the deck department and was last employed
with National Marine Service.
Brother Henleben calls Kirkwood,
Missouri, home.
DAVID JANKOWIAK
Brother David Jankowiak, 69,
started his career with the SIU in
1971. He was employed by Moran
Towing of Maryland for most of
his career and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Jankowiak is a Baltimore
resident.
ROBERT KING
Brother Robert King, 65, joined the
Seafarers International Union in
1981. He sailed in both the deck and
engine departments and first worked
on the Padre Island. Brother King
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in
1986. He last shipped on the Sugar
Island and lives in Richmond Hill,
Georgia.
JOHN LLOYD
Brother John Lloyd, 74, signed on
with the Seafarers in 1972, initially
sailing with Allied Transportation.
A deck department member, he last
worked for Overseas Shipholding
Group. Brother Lloyd makes his
home in Oriental, North Carolina.
RUPERT PERRY
Brother Rupert Perry, 55, joined the
union in 1991, when he worked with
Overseas Shipholding Group.
He upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul
Hall Center and
shipped in the
deck department.
Brother Perry remained with the
same company
for the duration of his career. He is a
resident of Palm Coast, Florida.
DAVE RICHARD
Brother Dave Richard, 66, began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1981.
He was a deck department member
and upgraded at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school in 1992. Brother
Richard worked with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He
lives in Melbourne, Florida.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
OSWALD BERMEO
Pensioner Oswald Bermeo,
84, passed away March 16. He
signed on with
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1968,
when he sailed
aboard the
Steel Age. An
engine department member, Brother
Bermeo last
shipped on the National Glory.
He retired in 2020 and settled
in Miami.
THOMAS BLUITT
Pensioner Thomas Bluitt, 68,
died March 21. Born in New
York, he started sailing with the
union in 1970. Brother Bluitt
initially worked on the Jacksonville and was a deck department member. He concluded
his career aboard the Overseas
Alice in 1995. Brother Bluitt
went on pension in 2019 and
was a resident of Harbor Beach,
Michigan.
WILLIAM CURTS
Pensioner William Curts, 83,
passed away February 25. He
joined the SIU
in 1967 when
he sailed on the
Bowling Green.
Brother Curts
was a member
of the deck department and
last shipped on
the Pacific in
1997. He became a pensioner
the same year and made his
home in Spokane, Washington.
WILLIS GREGORY
Pensioner Willis Gregory, 90,
died April 9.
He began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1956. Brother
Gregory first
CORRECTION
An obituary in the May LOG was
accompanied by the wrong photo.
The correct one is included here.
SALIM IBRAHIM
Pensioner Salim Ibrahim, 75,
passed away March 31. A deck
department
member, he
started sailing with the
union in 1976.
Brother Ibrahim’s first
vessel was
the Overseas
Joyce; his last,
the Maersk
Ohio. He went
on pension in 2012 and made
his home in Kissimmee, Florida.
18 Seafarers LOG
shipped with American Trading and was a member of the
deck department. He last sailed
aboard the Stonewall Jackson
and retired in 1994. Brother
Gregory resided in Jupiter,
Florida.
department.
Brother Ramos
last sailed on
the Horizon
Producer. He
became a pensioner in 2004
and settled in
Patillas, Puerto
Rico.
SAID MAJID
Pensioner Said Majid, 84,
passed away February 8. He
donned the
SIU colors in
1990 when he
shipped on the
Independence.
Working in the
steward department, Brother
Majid concluded his career aboard the Louis J. Hauge
Jr. He became a pensioner in
2003 and settled in Dearborn,
Michigan.
CARL MERRITT
Pensioner Carl Merritt, 87, died
April 13. He became a member
of the union in 1967. Brother
Merritt was an engine department member and also worked
on shore gangs. He first worked
on the Bradford Island. Brother
Merritt was last employed with
Sealand Manpower and began
collecting his pension in 2005.
He was a Baltimore resident.
ADAM NOOR
Pensioner Adam Noor, 75,
passed away April 3. Born in
Singapore, he
joined the Seafarers International Union in
1990. Brother
Noor first
shipped on the
Independence.
He was an
engine department member and concluded
his career aboard the USNS
Seay. Brother Noor became a
pensioner in 2014 and made
his home in Atlantic City, New
Jersey.
RICHARD PATUREL
Pensioner Richard Paturel,
85, died February 25. Sailing
first aboard the
USNS Wilkes,
he donned the
SIU colors in
1988. Brother
Paturel worked
in the deck department. He
last shipped
on the Horizon
Trader in 2004 before going
on pension the following year.
Brother Paturel resided in San
Francisco.
JOSE RAMOS
Pensioner Jose Ramos, 83,
passed away April 10. He
signed on with the Seafarers
in 1978. His first vessel was
Waterman’s A. Stephens and he
primarily sailed in the engine
JOHN ROPP
Pensioner John Ropp, 93, died
April 11. He embarked on his
career with the
SIU in 1978,
initially sailing aboard
the Manhattan. Brother
Ropp worked
in the engine
department and
concluded his
career aboard the American
Tern. He retired in 2011 and
made his home in Modesto,
California.
DERALL WILLIAMS
Brother Derall Williams, 64,
passed away April 29. He
began sailing
with the SIU in
1986 when he
worked aboard
the USNS Vindicator. Brother
Williams was
a deck department member
and most recently sailed
on the Gopher State. He lived
in Norfolk, Virginia, his birthplace.
INLAND
KENNETH BARRON
Pensioner Kenneth Barron,
84, died March 18. Signing on
with the union in 1977, he first
sailed with Crowley Towing &
Transportation. Brother Barron
was a deck department member
and last shipped with Moran
Towing of Texas. He became a
pensioner in 2000 and settled in
Macclenny, Florida.
DAVID DEL BUONO
Pensioner David Del Buono,
80, died March 23. Signing on
with the union
in 1977, he
first sailed with
Crowley Puerto
Rico Services.
Brother Del
Buono worked
in both the deck
and engine departments. He
last shipped
with Crowley Towing and
Transportation and became a
pensioner in 2007. Brother Del
Buono settled in Baldwin Park,
California.
UBIE HAMMACK
Pensioner Ubie Hammack, 86,
passed away April 13. He began
sailing with
the Seafarers
in 1965 and
worked in the
deck department. Brother
Hammack was
employed with
Dravo Basic
Materials for
the duration of his career. He
went on pension in 1998 and
called Range, Alabama, home.
CRAIG MELWING
Pensioner Craig Melwing, 73,
died March 27. He embarked
on his career
with the union
in 1986 when
he shipped
on the USNS
Algol. Brother
Melwing sailed
in the deck
department.
He was last
employed with Crowley Towing
and Transportation before retiring in 2011. Brother Melwing
resided in Harbor City, California.
GEORGE REYNOLDS
Pensioner George Reynolds,
88, passed away March 31.
He joined the
SIU in 1973,
initially sailing
with Norfolk,
Baltimore and
Carolina Lines
Inc. Brother
Reynolds
worked in the
deck department and concluded his career with Allied
Transportation. He began collecting his pension in 1997 and
made his home in Ennis, Texas.
DOUGLAS SCOTT
Pensioner Douglas Scott, 65,
died April 2. In 1994, he became a member
of the Seafarers
International
Union. Brother
Scott was a
deck department member
and sailed with
G&H Towing
for his entire
career. He became a pensioner in 2022 and
lived in Willis, Texas.
NMU
HENRY EBANKS
Pensioner Henry Ebanks, 92,
passed away November 28.
Brother Ebanks concluded his
career aboard the Texaco Minnesota in 1985. He became a
pensioner the same year and
settled in the Cayman Islands.
BOBBY EDWARDS
Pensioner Bobby Edwards,
80, died February 25. Brother
Edwards sailed in the deck de-
partment, and last shipped aboard
the Lash Atlantico. He retired in
1997 and made his home in Lexington, South Carolina.
FELIX MAS
Pensioner Felix Mas, 93, passed
away April 19. Brother Mas first
shipped aboard
the America in
1963. He was a
steward department member and
concluded his
career aboard the
African Dawn.
Brother Mas
went on pension
in 1989 and lived
in Puerto Rico, his birthplace.
DOMINGO OQUENDO
Pensioner Domingo Oquendo, 92,
died February 11. He was born in
Puerto Rico and
began sailing in
1945. Brother
Oquendo was a
steward department member
and first shipped
on the John Ericson. He last
sailed aboard
the Constitution
and became a pensioner in 1967.
Brother Oquendo made his home
in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
MILTON ROBERT
Pensioner Milton Robert, 96,
passed away April 11. Brother
Robert was born
in Oklahoma
City and started
sailing in 1966.
A steward department member, he
first worked on
the Robin Mowbray. Brother
Robert last sailed
on the Aspen and
went on pension in 1990. He resided in Antioch, California.
WESLEY SAMUELS
Pensioner Wesley Samuels, 89,
died April 25.
Sailing in the
deck department,
he concluded his
career aboard
the USNS Victorious and retired
in 2011. Brother
Samuels made
his home in New
Orleans.
GEORGE WISE
Pensioner George Wise, 95,
passed away April 15. Born in
Rockford, Illinois, Brother
Wise first
sailed aboard
the Andrew
Hamilton
in 1945. He
shipped in
the steward
department
and concluded
his career aboard the Harry Culbreath. Brother Wise became a
pensioner in 1965 and was a resident of Waynesboro, Tennessee.
June 2023
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), February 25
– Chairman Angel Centeno,
Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director
Randy Slue, Engine Delegate
Christopher Waters, Steward
Delegate Branden Williams.
Chairman brought up various
overtime issues, including considerations regarding department
delegates and meetings. Members qualify for one hour of OT
weekly for sanitary. Chairman
talked about missing-man pay
and advised crew to call meetings to settle any disputes. Educational director urged members
to upgrade at the union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located
in Piney Point, Maryland, for a
pay raise. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew is requesting
Wi-Fi access for their phones,
rather than sharing one laptop
among all SIU members. Members are being charged for home
calls and asked why they aren’t
covered by ship funds. Crew requested an additional phone line
in crew lounge for outside calls,
as well as new mattresses and
TVs in all rooms.
EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March
18 – Chairman Abdulkarim
Mohamed, Secretary Markese
Haynes, Educational Director Mohsen Mohamed, Deck
Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine
Delegate Mark Canada, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman.
Crew reviewed old business.
Chairman asked for members’
patience for reliefs and reminded
them to update their documents.
Educational director encouraged
crew to keep upgrading at the
Piney Point school and reported
a fleet-wide need for more ABs.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members congratulated
former SIU President Michael
Sacco on his retirement as well
as David Heindel on becoming
the new president of the SIU.
Crew requested more flexibility
on rotation. Members asked to
add penalty pay to extended
MSC contract if a new contract
cannot be achieved. They requested increases to vacation
pay and day pay in lieu of day
off. Chairman reiterated the importance of donating to SPAD
(Seafarers Political Activity
Donation), the union’s voluntary
political action fund. Ship still
waiting on Wi-Fi, and members
requested refrigerators in their
rooms.
USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean
Shipholdings, Inc.), April 2
– Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary Alphonzo Berry, Educational Director Ronald Sease,
Deck Delegate Dhindo Faulve,
Steward Delegate Hussain Nagi
Ali. Ship arriving at Port Canaveral, Florida, April 3. Chairman
read April’s president report in
the Seafarers LOG. Educational
director discussed the importance of attending upgrading
courses at the Paul Hall Center.
Chairman asked for suggestions
for ship funds. A boom box was
suggested by a crew member for
the pier activities while in port.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members are reportedly
happy with the new OSI bridge
contract. Everyone got a raise
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
and is looking forward to working with OSI in the future. Crew
requested new box springs for
state room single bunks.
OCEAN GRAND (Patriot Shipping, LLC) April 18 – Chairman
Lech Jankowski, Deck Delegate
Fredrick Martinez, Engine Delegate Alonzo Sanz. Ship continues to have poor Wi-Fi service.
Educational director recommended members upgrade at the
SIU-affiliated Piney Point school
and referred them to the SIU’s
website for further information
about course dates and descriptions. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members discussed restricted pay for Pakistan. Safety
bonus pay no longer in effect
with new company.
OHIO (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), April 25 – Chairman Ali Al Kassemi, Secretary
John Huyett, Educational Director Damien Bautista, Deck
Delegate Carlos Bonilla, Engine
Delegate Florencia Tindugan, Steward Delegate Kevin
Hubble. Ship should be getting
hard copies of new contract during current port stay. Chairman
announced an upcoming sanitary
inspection and advised crew to
get LNG-certified as more ships
are coming on line. Educational
director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and
to use word-of-mouth recruiting
to bring new members in to the
union. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew dryer and crew
ice machine still awaiting parts
for repair. New shower curtains
to be ordered. Next port: Long
Beach, California.
Crowley to Flag In 3 Tankers
At press time, three Crowley-managed tankers were selected by
the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to serve in its Tanker
Security Program. The chosen medium-range tankers are part of
a joint venture between Crowley and Stena Bulk USA. The vessels – Stena Immaculate, Stena Imperative (pictured above) and
Stena Impeccable (below) – will be reflagged as U.S.-registered
vessels with U.S. crews. The tankers will continue international
commercial operations but can be chartered to serve the U.S.
government’s operations. (Photos courtesy Crowley)
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s
money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified
public accountants every year, which is
to be submitted to the membership by the
secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected
by the membership, each year examines the
finances of the union and reports fully their
findings and recommendations. Members
of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the
employers. Members should get to know their
shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are
posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations
of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and
the employers, they should notify the Seafar-
June 2023
ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In
the event anyone attempts to require any
such payment be made without supplying a
receipt, or if a member is required to make
a payment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this should
immediately be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is
attempting to deprive him or her of any
constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges,
trials, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President David Heindel at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
July 10
August 11
August 21 September 22
September 25 October 27
October 30 December 1
December 4 January 5
ServSafe Management July 3 July 7
August 14 August 18
September 18 September 22
October 23 October 27
November 27 December 1
Able Seafarer-Deck July 17 August 4
August 28 September 15
October 23 November 10
July 31
August 25
Advanced Galley Operations
October 16 November 10
Lifeboat/Water Survival July 3 July 14
July 31 August 11
Chief Steward June 26 July 21
August 28 September 8
September 11 October 6
November 13 December 8
RFPNW June 26 July 14
August 14 September 1
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
October 9 October 27
Medical Care Provider
June 12
June 16
Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21
Basic Training Revalidation
June 19
June 19
July 14 July 14
Advanced Shiphandling
September 25
October 6
Advanced Stability
October 9
October 13
Advanced Meteorology
October 16
October 20
Search & Rescue Management Level
October 23
October 25
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW August 14 September 8
November 13 December 15
FOWT June 12 July 7
October 2 October 27
Junior Engineer Program
August 21
Marine Electrician
September 18
October 13
Marine Refer Tech
September 15
August 7
October 20
Advanced Refer Containers
July 31
August 11
October 23 November 3
Government Vessels June 12 June 16
June 19 June 23
July 17 July 21
July 31 August 4
August 14 August 18
August 28 September 1
September 11 September 15
September 25 September 29
October 16 October 20
October 23 October 27
November 6 November 10
Tank Ship DL (PIC)
August 14
August 18
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
June 12
June 16
September 18 September 22
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
June 19
June 23
September 25 September 29
October 9 October 13
Pumpman September 18 September 22
Machinist September 25 October 13
Welding July 17 August 4
August 28 September 15
October 16 November 3
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
20 Seafarers LOG
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
6/23
June 2023
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #894 – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order) Richard Calderon, Emily Castellano-Marquez, Ne’shawn Christopher, Qaadir GilletteJames, Colontae Hargrove, Scott Haselbauer, Lamar Johnson, Grant Lee, David Morris, Alex Needham, George Ortega, Sergey Sharov, Ian Trefry and Gary Wassel Jr.
Able Seaman Deck – Graduated April 28 (above, in alphabetical order) John Joseph Alcos, Jordan Banks, Elijah Courtney, Robert Freer III, Levi Gorokhovsky, Ryan Henderson, Paul
Jimenez, Travis Morris, Zion Oliphant, Darius Parker, Errol Wade-Cephas and Steven Ware (Note: Not all are pictured.) Instructor Dominic Hix is pictured at far left.
Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Roche Bonita, Howard Brooks Jr., Hyeyoung Choi Forrer, Dominique McLean, Anthony Parks and Sherley
Rivera-Aguila.
June 2023
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Advanced Refrigeration Container Maintenance – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Kirk Chambers, Angel Ivan Cintron Colon, Aleksander Djatschenko, Terren
Fields, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez, Teon Shelton and Edwin Velez. Instructors Mike Fay and Roy Graham are also pictured.
Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) – Graduated March
24 (above): Michael Martin.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated April 28 (photos above, in alphabetical order): Allan Acasio, Debra Bright, Marcus Dalton,
Gregory Eady, Jasmin Franklin, Laura Katschman, Ricardo Petilo, Eugenia Porter, Shamprell Thomas and Benjamin Verrett III. (Note:
Not all are pictured).
FOWT (Apprentices) – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order):
Kyree Carter, Christopher Emanuel, Danielle Gore, Ernest Grant Jr. and
D’mitri Hill. (Note: Not all are pictured.) The course instructor, John Wiegman III, is also pictured (far right).
FOWT (Upgraders) – Pictured March 24 (above, in alphabetical order)
King Alfred Haber, Mikel Hatcher, Jaquan Jones, Ronald Jones, Luis Perez
Garcia, Mukhtar Suwaileh, Daniel Ursitti and Darrell Whitaker. The course
instructor, John Wiegman III, is also pictured (far right).
22 Seafarers LOG
Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) – Graduated April 21 (above): Brandon
Bob, John Caulder, Robert Durant, Esraa Alaa Abdel Hafez Embaby, Abel Palacios and Matthew Tiderman.
FOWT (Upgraders) – Graduated April 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Maria Guadalupe Escobar, D’mitri Hill, Jaquan Jones, Morey Lewis, Sean Wilson, and Michael Zabielski.
June 2023
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Samone Alston, Volodymyr Bendus, Reco Bennefield, Jasmine Donahue, Ricardo Antonio Escorcia,
Simon Gathing, Jason Icasas, Eric Jackson, Diane MacDonald, Myles Otis, Arthur Peoples, Jose Perez, Andre Philippe, Paul Riley Jr., Dahiangely Rivas, Kenya Scott, Lovell Smith
and Tahisha Watson.
Machinist – Graduated March 31 (above, in alphabetical order):
Elhassene Elkori, Crystal Higgs, Christopher Hinton, Justin Johnson, Mathew Palmer, Luis Sepulveda, Neil Tupas, and Michael John
Estavillo Valdez. The course instructor, Patrick Coppola, is also pictured (far left).
Government Vessels – Graduated March 24 (above, in
alphabetical order) Tyvesha Dixon, Glenn Guthrie, Jermaine Ross, Brian Smith and Kendo Williams Sr.
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March
10 (above, in alphabetical order): Eric Jackson, Kim
Tye, Paul Valiente and Tahisha Watson. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)
Water Survival – Graduated April 21
(above, in alphabetical order) Shane
Beal and Sammie Head.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamel BrownFaulkner, Johnnie Carswell, Theodore Cash Jr., Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Tyvesha Dixon,
Christopher Emanuel, Torrie Florence, Manuel Cayetano Flores, Stanley Golden, Renato Calditara
Govico, Dwight Hunt Sr., Dylan Jones, Erni Lizada, Michael Marrero, Jamaal McKenzie, Arturo
Reyes, Marcus Rowe, Zaid Alawi Said, Tameka Scott, Samuel Clayton Tilles and Henry Ortua
Wright Jr.
June 2023
Water Survival – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order) Krystal Mosley and Nirale Rolle.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical
order): Joshua Glancy, Toddrick Harold, Ruben Haynes, Alexander Hunting,
Julio Martinez, Mark Mitchell, Baltazar Sambaoa, Daryl Thomas Jr. and Brian
Wendler.
Welding and Metallurgy – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order):
Miguel Angel Abad, Joshua Nino Bonita, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez and
Daryl Thomas Jr. Instructor Chris Raley is also pictured (far right).
Seafarers LOG 23
�JUNE 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 6
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
Seafarers Tackle ‘Labor of Love’ At Hawaiian Middle School
More than 300 volunteers with membership
in 23 different unions (including the SIU) teamed
up in mid-April to participate in the Hawaii State
AFL-CIO’s Labor of Love event, a yearly gathering where union members contribute their skills
to support the local community. This year, volunteers worked to rehabilitate the Dole Middle
School campus, a local school in Honolulu.
Dole Middle School is a Title I facility,
which, according to the U.S. Department of Education, means that it serves a large percentage of
students from low-income families.
When asked about the event’s significance,
SIU Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso said,
“This year was special because Dole Elementary School – which is located in Kalihi, the
same town as our union hall – was selected. We
always look forward to participating and helping to beautify less fortunate, neglected public
schools.”
Affiliates of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council of the Maritime Trades Department (Hawaii
PMC) often take part in this event. This year’s
list of participating organizations included SIU,
Marine Firemen (MFOW), Sailors’ Union of the
Pacific (SUP), American Federation of Government Employees, International Longshore and
Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 142, Electrical
Workers (IBEW) Local 1260, Hawaii Government Employees Association (AFSCME) Local
152, Elevator Constructors Local 126 and Laborers Local 368.
The participation of fellow union members
was a big plus for Engine Storekeeper Tanya
Awong. “That was the first time I had ever gone
to anything like that, because I usually am out of
town. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of people.
I thought it would be a smaller group, but there
were a lot of other unions there, too. There were
about 10 of us that showed up from SIU, but I
wish that even more people came out. I would
definitely do it again next year, if I’m on land,”
Awong said.
Bosun Jim Reynolds also appreciated the attendance at this year’s project.
“The Labor of Love event was a great experience,” he said. “It’s always a worthwhile time to
give back to the community by doing these types
of projects. It was amazing how big a turnout
there was from SIU and the other unions. I was
happy to see fellow crewmates from the SBX
there, too. The school staff was very emotional
about the big response, and the turnout was so
large that it took us way less time to repaint the
designated areas around the outside of the school
complex.”
Dole Middle School received almost $80,000
worth of repairs during the Labor of Love event.
In a single day, volunteers installed air conditioning units and laundry machines, renovated
bathrooms, repainted several campus buildings
and walkways, and set up new benches and picnic tables.
“The school was a little run down,” observed
Steward/Baker Marcus Rowe. “When the kids
come to see the renovations, I hope it will uplift
them and inspire them to do better in school and
maybe in life because it showed that somebody
cared.”
Hawaii State AFL-CIO President Randy Perreira (of AFSCME) said of the event: “At a time
when our community is facing ever-increasing
costs and new challenges, Hawaii’s labor unions
remain committed to fighting to raise living
conditions and improve the quality of life for all
citizens. Our Labor of Love project is where all
unions bring their talents and resources together
to improve a school in need. Today our union
members proudly demonstrate that labor unions
in Hawaii are more relevant than ever as we
showcase our skills and commitment as valuable
members of our local community.”
After volunteers completed their work renovating Dole Middle School’s campus, the school
hosted a Union Career Day. Members of several
Hawaii PMC-affiliated unions took their places
at booths to represent their respective organizations and educate future workers about the many
possibilities for a career in which their labor will
be rewarded.
“You hear such bad things about kids these
days, but these middle school kids that came out
for career day were really interested – especially
when I told them that I work with food,” Rowe
noted. “The kids were asking questions about
what it’s like going out to sea. I absolutely inspired some future Seafarers that day. I’m glad I
did it, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
SIU volunteers at the Labor of Love outreach included (from left) Hazel Galbiso,
Arturo Reyes, Marcus Rowe, Arjay Hermoso, Kent Arroyo, Jim Reynolds, Todd
Lander, Amber Akana and Tanya Awong.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green (left) and Steward/Baker Marcus Rowe were among
the volunteers who helped beautify a local school.
From left, Seafarers Todd Lander, Arturo Reyes, Tanya Awong and Marcus Rowe apply
fresh paint to some sidewalk stripes.
Seafarers take a photo at their booth during Union Career Day. Pictured from left to
right are SIU Safety Director Amber Akana and SIU members Todd Lander, Arjay Hermoso, Jim Reynolds and Marcus Rowe.
24 Seafarers
SeafarersLOG
LOG
SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (right) poses with two ILWU members and Hawaii
AFL-CIO COPE Director Dion Dizon (left).
May 2023
�
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KENTUCKY BACKS JONES ACT
AFL-CIO RELEASES JOB SAFETY REPORT
GEN. VAN OVOST: 'MERCHANT MARINERS ARE PATRIOTS'
MARITIME DAY CELEBRATED
SIU MEMBERS CREW UP NEWLY REFLAGGED TANKER
LONGTIME UNION REPRESENTATIVE DHOOGE PASSES AWAY AT AGE 68
U.S. HOUSE HEARING EXAMINES MARITIME MANPOWER SHORTAGES
SIU-CREWED TANKERS WILL REMOVE MILITARY FUEL FROM RED HILL FACILITY
GREAT LAKES VP POWELL HONORED IN MICHIGAN
SEAFARERS WATERFRONT CLASSIC WORTH THE WAIT
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OFFERS IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT DRUG-SCREEN SUCCESS
SEAFARERS TAKE 'LABOR OF LOVE' AT HAWAIIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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06/01/2023
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Newsprint
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VOL. 85, NO. 6
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/02931b4e80d5fff782ac38af0ecd6d04.pdf
d9fd8bb4a7abdc65e4e7c2aefe82e31a
PDF Text
Text
MAY 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 5
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Event Delivers Pro-Maritime Messages
‘Sail-In’ Returns to D.C.
Following a pandemic-induced pause, the Maritime Congressional Sail-In returned to the nation’s capital March 30 – and the SIU turned out in force. Throughout the day,
small groups of maritime labor and industry representatives met with members of Congress and their respective staffs. The maritime personnel explained or reiterated the
importance of maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Pictured just before the meetings began are (from left) SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, SIU VP
Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski and SIU Executive VP
Augie Tellez. Pages 2, 10, 11.
Seafarers to the Rescue (3 Times)
It has been a busy stretch for SIU crews when it comes to rescues at sea. The SIU-crewed National Glory (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning) handled two such operations, one in February involving 21 migrants (photo at left) and
the other in early March involving 15 distressed individuals, while the Seafarers-crewed Overseas Long Beach saved
12 migrants on March 30. Standing in the photo below are Bosun German Nunez (right) and GUDE Allan Castillo
aboard the OSG ship. Page 7. (National Glory photo courtesy AMO)
Paul Hall Center Earns Award
Page 4
Michigan Stands Up for Workers
Page 5
�President’s Report
Promoting Our Union and Our Industry
The SIU had an outstanding turnout March 30 as our industry resumed
a crucial event known as the Maritime Congressional Sail-In. Prior to the
pandemic, the Sail-In took place annually for a decade before being forced
into a three-year break.
The Sail-In involves meetings with members
of Congress and their staffs throughout a very
full day on Capitol Hill. We send small groups
that include representatives from various sectors
of the industry, including maritime unions, vessel operators, shipbuilders and more.
I’m glad it’s back. My overriding thought
during the meetings was that we could stand to
do more of that kind of outreach. It is that important. And it’s an eye-opener that reinforces
the need for us to regularly educate Congress
about who we are, what we do and why it matters to the nation. The individual meetings are
longer than an elevator pitch, but in the same
David Heindel
vein. We conducted more than 100 this time
around.
Seafarers know that our industry is heavily regulated. The U.S. Merchant Marine depends on federal statutes
including the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference
laws and more. In part, that’s because we play a critical role in national,
economic and homeland security. But even if that’s common knowledge
among some members of Congress, we cannot assume that all senators
and congressmen and their staffs automatically know about the industry.
Between the regular, election-generated turnover in D.C. and the constant
attacks on U.S.-flag shipping, we have a mandate to remain politically active (not just at the federal level, either). We must speak up for ourselves
in order to preserve your jobs and to keep the U.S. flag flying on the high
seas, on the coasts and on our inland waterways.
This is a never-ending part of the job and I’m proud of the SIU’s very
active participation year-round, not just during special events like the
Sail-In. Nevertheless, the Sail-In is a big deal for us, and we’re all better
off with its resumption. Next year we hope to have some rank-and-file
members join us on Capitol Hill to meet with your representatives and
share your experiences as Seafarers and what they mean to you and your
community.
Recruiting the Next Generation
Along those same lines, recruiting is a constant undertaking. We all
know about manpower challenges in our industry and others, and the
SIU is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to meet the moment. Most
recently, this has involved outreach in Texas, California, New York, Washington State, Alaska and elsewhere.
Recruiting has always been part of our operation, but it has taken on
added importance since the pandemic. With that in mind, we’ve invested
additional resources and worked even more closely with our affiliated
school and with our contracted operators to attract people.
Obviously, there’s not an overnight fix, but I believe we’re making
progress. We will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Also, as mentioned in last month’s column, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of
word-of-mouth, informal recruiting. That’s also been part of our identity
for as long as we’ve been in business, and I encourage our SIU sisters and
brothers to be on the lookout for prospective members and send them our
way.
Finance committee members convene at headquarters and begin their work.
SIU Financial Committee
Signs Off on 2022 Records
The SIU Constitution stipulates
that a seven-person contingent of
rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) annually examines the
organization’s financial records for the
previous calendar year.
That requirement was achieved
this year in early April when seven
SIU members successfully scrutinized and approved the union’s fiscal archives. After being duly elected
by their brother and sisters during the
union’s April membership meeting in
Piney Point, Maryland, members of
the seven-person team converged on
SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs,
Maryland, April 4 to conduct the audit.
Over the next several days, committee
members met and reviewed the union’s
financial records.
The committee found that the
SIU’s financial records for 2022 are
in good order. Their report, filed with
the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be
read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership
meetings.
Serving on the committee were
Recertified Bosun Timothy Pillsworth (chairman), Bosun Carl Pedersen, ABM Atm Zahid Reza, AB
Mark Stabler, Chief Cook Kenneth
Kelly, Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus
Jr., and Recertified Bosun Gerard
Costello.
The members conducted their tasks
in accordance with Article X, Section
14-c of the SIU Constitution, which
lists the duties of the annual financial
committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group.
In part, their final report reads, “We
find that the Headquarters of the Union
is taking all steps possible to safeguard
Union funds and to see that the disbursements of the Union are in accor-
dance with the authority delegated to
them and that, at the same time, there is
a striving effort to increase day-to-day
efficiency of our operation.”
The members reported that they
met with representatives from the
certified public accounting firm that
periodically audits the union’s books
and records. Those representatives
explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial
report of the union’s records, and they
also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU SecretaryTreasurer Tommy Orzechowski also
worked with the committee “and made
himself and the records of his office
available” to the group, according to
the report.
In addition to Orzechowski, the
union’s legal counsel also convened
with committee members in the event
any of them had questions.
Progress Continues
Last but not least, I’m happy to report that our Norfolk hiring hall renovation is moving along nicely. We remain on track for a reopening this
summer, and I’m confident that our collective patience will be rewarded.
Anyone who has been to that hall knows that the location is tough to
beat. Renovating, rather than relocating, was the right call, and we’ll rechristen the building in style.
After wrapping up their work, finance committee members joined SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy
Orzechowski for this photo. Seated (from left) are Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Orzechowski, QMED
Timothy Pillsworth and Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus Jr. Standing are Bosun Carl Pedersen, ABM Atm
Zahid Reza, Chelsea Heindel from the office of the union’s secretary-treasurer, AB Mark Stabler and Chief
Cook Kenneth Kelly.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 85 Number 5
May 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
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Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Assistant Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support,
Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
Garamendi Offers Bill to Boost American-Flag Fleet
Legislation Would Guarantee Cargo for Vessels During Peacetime
A longtime champion of the United States maritime
industry has introduced legislation aimed at bolstering the
American-flag fleet.
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) issued the
following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on March 29, 2023, upon his introduction of
the Rebuilding the U.S.-Flag International Fleet Act:
I introduce the bipartisan “Rebuilding the United StatesFlag International Fleet Act.” This comprehensive legislation would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag international
fleet of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guaranteeing
government cargo during peacetime so that U.S.-flag vessels are available during wartime or emergencies.
The United States has the world’s most capable navy able
to operate in all five oceans, and we need an equally impressive fleet of commercial cargo vessels crewed by American
mariners. For too long, Congress and both Democratic and
Republican presidents have allowed the commercial fleet of
U.S.-flagged, ocean-going vessels to dwindle.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of oceangoing U.S.-flagged vessels has declined more than 75
percent since 1985, following the 1982 treaty called the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The global supply chain crunch during the height of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade
of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of China’s island
building in the South China Sea and saber-rattling in the
Taiwan Strait have shown that the United States cannot remain reliant on foreign vessels flying flags of convenience.
The “Rebuilding the United States-Flag International
Fleet Act” offers Congress the chance to enact the first
comprehensive reform of cargo preference laws in decades.
Our legislation incorporates recommendations for the Maritime Administration from the Government Accountability
Office’s report published on September 14, 2022, entitled
“Actions Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Oversight.”
Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of the House to join me
in cosponsoring this critical legislation to address this crisis
facing the U.S.-flag international fleet.
May 2023
�U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly
(R-Mississippi)
U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz
(R-Florida)
Ann Phillips
Maritime Administrator
Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost
USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer
Military, Government Leaders Emphasize
U.S. Reliance on Strong Sealift Capacity
A recent hearing in the U.S. House of
Representatives focused on national defense capabilities, prominently including
the crucial need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.
Jointly hosted by two subcommittees
of the House Armed Services Committee
(Readiness, and Seapower and Projection
Forces), the hearing took place March 28.
It featured testimony from Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of
the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), and from Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips.
Also weighing in with their support for
American mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet
were (among others) U.S. Rep. Michael
Waltz (R-Florida), chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness; and U.S. Rep.
Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), chairman of
the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
The hearing featured candid dialogue
about the challenges facing not only the
maritime industry but other components
of the nation’s readiness systems.
Waltz stated, “Recapitalization of our
sealift fleet that we will rely on to carry
ground platforms and materiel into theater
is a pressing issue. Crewing these vessels
is also of great concern. We have a significant shortage of credentialed mariners
that, combined with poor vessel state,
have resulted in less than impressive readiness rates during recent exercises.
“We will also rely on this same pool
of credentialed mariners to crew commercial vessels in the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program,”
he continued. “We have a tough road
ahead and I look forward to hearing how
MARAD plans to administer these important programs and bolster the number of
credentialed mariners.”
Kelly noted, “I remain concerned with
our aging sealift and air refueling fleet.
This year’s budget includes money to
purchase two additional sealift assets, but
the fleet remains on average too old….
MARAD is also an organization punching
above its weight. We are happy with the
success of the Tanker Security Program
and would like to hear your thoughts on
increasing capacity…. Finally, I’m concerned with merchant mariner readiness
and how we can increase the pool of credentialed mariners.”
“The Department of Defense’s ability to project military forces
is inextricably linked to commercial industry. Our industry partners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks
to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements. Sealift is vital to
delivering the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent of military
cargo will be transported via sealift.”
- Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command
Van Ovost offered a comprehensive
review of USTRANSCOM’s responsibilities and explained some of the threats
facing the United States. She said that
President Biden’s official National Security Strategy “makes clear that the
People’s Republic of China (PRC) and
Russia are working aggressively to undermine democracy and export a model
of governance marked by repression at
home and coercion abroad. In their own
ways, both seek to erode the legitimacy of
established international norms and laws
that have persisted for almost a century.
Geopolitically, the PRC remains our most
consequential pacing challenge; followed
closely by Russia, an acute threat. Other
persistent threats including North Korea,
Iran, and violent extremist organizations
are developing or acquiring new capabilities and pursuing strategies that could
challenge our ability to deploy and sustain the Joint Force.
“The Department of Defense’s ability to project military forces is inextricably linked to commercial industry,” she
added. “Our industry partners provide
critical transportation capacity and global
networks to meet day-to-day and wartime
requirements. Sealift is vital to delivering
the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent
of military cargo will be transported via
sealift.”
SIU Jobs Secure Aboard
T-AGS Vessels, LMSRs
The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced
two contract awards that signal job security for SIU
members.
May 2023
She then explained that there are concerns about the ages of many vessels in
the Ready Reserve Force (RRF).
“Therefore, USTRANSCOM supports
the Navy’s strategy to recapitalize the
government- owned fleet by acquiring
foreign-built used sealift ships from the
commercial market and further requests to
provide the Secretary of Defense discretionary authority to purchase foreign-built
ships to expeditiously replace the aging
ships under more favorable market conditions,” Van Ovost said. “This includes
removing the overall limit on the number
of used sealift vessels DOD can procure,
currently authorized at nine ships. We are
already a generation late in recapitalizing
a ready sealift fleet to meet our national
objectives.”
The general spelled out various steps
her agency and MARAD have taken to
bolster U.S. sealift capability, including vessel purchases, implementing the
Tanker Security Program and more.
She said that maintaining a sufficient
pool of mariners “requires continued assessment to ensure an adequately trained
supply to crew our surge fleet while minimizing impacts to commercial industry.
The supply of contract mariners is sufficient to meet the initial sealift surge when
government reserve ships are activated
but will be challenged with the ability
to sustain crewing requirements over an
extended period. The post-COVID recovery has highlighted significant workforce
concerns to maritime stakeholders to include recruiting and retention.”
Phillips touched on components of
In both instances, SIU-contracted companies were
chosen to continue operating ships that they already
had been managing.
In early April, Ocean Shipholdings was selected
to operate seven government-owned oceanographic
survey (T-AGS) vessels. Those ships are the USNS
Waters, USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS
Henson, USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS Mary Sears
and USNS Marie Tharp (formerly named the Maury).
President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget request that pertain to upgrading the
RRF, and why doing so is vital to national
security. She noted a plan to grow the fleet
from its current number of 45 vessels to
51.
The maritime administrator also underscored the importance of the Maritime
Security Program, Cable Ship Security
Program, and Tanker Security Program.
Turning to shipboard manpower, she
said her agency “is partnering with our
stakeholders, both federal and non-federal, to work to identify strategies to help
address the mariner shortage and ensure
their readiness. Last fall, I hosted a summit with industry and federal stakeholders
to discuss the mariner shortfall. Participants identified the need to address barriers to entry in the merchant marine as well
as the need to ensure quality of life aboard
ships such as ensuring internet connectivity for crew members.
“We also note that the existing Coast
Guard licensing system relies on laborintensive paper copies and manual entries
and is not set up to provide critical data
regarding the number of and availability mariners with various credentials,”
she added. “We fully support the Coast
Guard’s ongoing efforts to modernize
the system to enable efficient issuance of
mariner credentials and provide enhanced
querying capabilities.”
Phillips stressed the agency’s focus
on “supporting our U.S.-flagged fleet
through opportunities to carry cargo. As
I said last year in testimony before the
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, put simply, without
cargoes, ships will leave the U.S. flag,
and our modest fleet will continue to
dwindle…. We are working with the
Biden-Harris Administration’s Made In
America Office to help agencies understand cargo preference requirements. In
addition, I have written to all federal departments and agencies explaining how
MARAD can help them ensure they meet
their obligations under cargo preference
laws and regulations.”
The agreement is expected to expire at the end of
September 2024.
Previously, in late March, U.S. Marine Management received a contract for the operation of three
government-owned large, medium-speed, roll-on/
roll-off (LMSR) vessels. Those ships are the USNS
Seay, USNS Pililaau and USNS Brittin. As with the
other award, this one is expected to last through September 2024.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Members of the executive working group meet in New Orleans. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, the labor representative, is second from right, in front. (Photo courtesy USTRANSCOM)
Industry Group Examines U.S. Wartime Readiness
Mariners Hailed as ‘Backbone of Our Maritime Capability’
Officials from the Department of Defense
(DOD) and Department of Transportation
(DOT), along with executives from the American maritime industry met in New Orleans in
mid-March to discuss wartime readiness and
strengthen their strategic relationships.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
is the labor representative on the committee
known as the executive working group, which
is overseen by the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). He took part in the
recent sessions.
“When our nation goes to war, so too does
the maritime industry,” said U.S. Army Lt.
Gen. John Sullivan, deputy commander of USTRANSCOM. “Maintaining an adequate fleet
of seaworthy ships is critical to TRANSCOM’s
ability to deploy forces in a major conflict, as
nearly 90% of U.S. military equipment would
move by ship.”
Sullivan led the group and also was joined
by senior leaders from the Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command, and executives from U.S. commercial sealift carriers.
The group is a subcommittee under the
National Defense Transportation Association,
where its members weigh how the DOD can
improve its global transportation enterprise –
specifically sealift and the Voluntary Intermodal
Sealift Agreement (VISA). Tellez has been part
of the group for more than two decades.
VISA is a partnership program between the
U.S. government and maritime industry. The
agreement was established in 1997 to provide
Paul Hall Center
Receives County
Food Safety Award
we feed for each meal. With the continuous
rotation of upgraders and apprentices, for us
to always get that job done is a tribute to the
staff and students.”
The award recipients make up approximately 20% of St. Mary’s County’s licensed
food service facilities.
According to the county, “The Gold Star
Program has recognized food establishments
for superior food safety practices since the
program’s inception in 2007. Environmental
health specialists at the health department
regularly inspect more than 500 food service
facilities in St. Mary’s County to ensure food
safety is being adequately addressed. During
2022, more than 1,400 inspections were conducted.”
“These food establishments deserve recognition for achieving such high standards
for their attention to food safety and sanitation,” stated Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s
County health officer. “We appreciate their
extra dedication to ensure our community
members can not only enjoy their food, but
also have confidence in its safe preparation.”
The food establishments that achieve this
high level of compliance receive a certificate
and a window sticker designating them as
Gold Star establishments. The requirements
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education (PHC) recently received accolades from the St. Mary’s
County, Maryland, Health Department.
School personnel were on hand April 3 for
a local ceremony honoring the PHC and other
recipients of the county’s Gold Star Awards.
Those honors are given annually “to food service facilities that achieve superior food safety
standards,” according to the county.
PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski,
who attended the ceremony in Leonardtown,
stated, “It’s always a team effort with the
upgraders, trainees and crew (staff), coordinating a daily sanitation checklist along with
observations that are addressed immediately.”
He added that the school, located in Piney
Point, sees no shortage of meals or diners.
“The level of activity that we have here
is amazing,” Hetmanski noted. “We do three
meals a day and we have hundreds of people
4 Seafarers LOG
the DOD with assured access to commercial
sealift and intermodal capacity to support emergency deployment and sustainment of U.S. military forces. Intermodal capacity includes dry
cargo ships, equipment, terminal facilities, and
intermodal management services.
Sullivan expressed appreciation for the historic contributions delivered by civilian seafarers.
“U.S. Merchant Mariners are the backbone of
our maritime capability,” he stated. “The qualified mariners you employ are the lifeblood we
rely on to power our strategic sealift portfolio.”
USTRANSCOM, in coordination with
MARAD, manages a strategic sealift portfolio that
includes privately owned ships plus governmentowned vessels. The privately owned ships enrolled
in VISA are one element of the broader collection.
to earn a Gold Star include: no critical violations (based on the Code of Maryland Regulations), no temperature violations cited during
a monitoring inspection; all violations noted
by an inspector must be corrected by a 30-day
The Maritime Security Program, a government
retainer program for internationally trading ships,
is another element of the commercial fleet, as the
ships included in that program commit 100% of
their capacity and support to VISA.
According to USTRANSCOM, on any
given day, approximately 30 commercial and
military ships are providing support to the
DOD, moving strategic resources and materiel
worldwide. With that in mind, Sullivan said,
“Sealift is essential not only in crisis, but in everyday operations.”
He added, “Eighty percent of the 62 voyages
supporting the delivery of aid and supplies to
Ukraine were conducted by our commercial partners. While the air numbers (sorties flown) are
larger, the largest volume has travelled by sea.”
follow-up inspection, no confirmed unsafe
food handling complaints, at least one food
service worker completed a recognized and
approved Food Service Sanitation and Safety
Class within the last two years.
Pictured at the awards ceremony are (from left) St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr.
Meena Brewster and Paul Hall Center personnel Executive Chef John Hetmanski, Chef
Robert Johnson, upgrader Hyeyoung Choi Forrer, and apprentices Cameron McNeil
and Gregg Lamar Gethers.
May 2023
�Michigan Lawmakers Deliver Legislative
Victories for U.S. Unions, Working Families
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
(D) on March 24 delivered a huge win for
labor unions – and for all working families
– across the United States when she signed
legislation (Senate Bill 34 Restoring
Workers Rights) that repealed the state’s
so-called “right to work” law (RTW).
In addition to this main bill, Whitmer
also signed a pair of companion pieces
of legislation. The first, House Bill 4004,
erased the state’s RTW law for public-sector workers as well. That bill’s sponsors
acknowledged public-sector unions will
still be blocked from requiring government employees to join or pay dues under
the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in
Janus v. AFSCME.
Finally, the governor signed a third bill
(House Bill 4007) as part of Democrats’
pro-labor package, restoring Michigan’s
prevailing wage law to set minimum pay
requirements for workers involved in statefunded construction and infrastructure
projects.
“Michigan workers are the most talented and hard-working in the world and
deserve to be treated with dignity and
respect,” Whitmer said in a statement
released by her office. “These bills will
protect health and safety, ensuring healthcare workers can put patient care ahead of
profit, construction workers can speak up
when there’s a safety issue, and employees
can call attention to food safety threats and
other problems.
“Today, we are coming together to
restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job and grow Michigan’s middle class,” the governor
concluded after she signed the legislation.
Reaction to the Michigan RTW law’s
demise was swift, especially from those
who supported the governor’s action.
“Unions made Michigan a hub of American business, and an engine of America’s
middle class,” tweeted President Joe
Biden. “A strong middle class benefits
everybody. Michigan is leading as a great
place to be a worker and a great place to
do business.”
“Today, we are coming together to restore workers’
rights, protect Michiganders
on the job and grow Michigan’s middle class,”
- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO,
the largest federation of unions in the U.S.,
also chimed in. “This is what happens
when we elect union members to halls of
power,” she said. “We fight and we WIN
for working people. Right to work, hit the
curb!”
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron
Bieber issued a statement outlining his
stance shortly after the RTW law met
its demise. In part, that statement read:
“After decades of anti-worker attacks,
Michigan has restored the balance of
power for working people by passing
laws to protect their freedom to bargain
for the good wages, good benefits, and
safe workplaces they deserve. Ten years
ago, Governor Whitmer was standing
side by side with well over 10,000 working people who showed up in Lansing
to protest the devastating attack on their
rights. Today, she has demonstrated yet
again her unwavering commitment to
putting working families first. After decades of attacks on working people, it’s
a new day in Michigan, and the future is
bright.”
Passed more than decade ago, the
Michigan RTW statute allowed people in
unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues and fees as a condition of
employment, even if the union represented
them in negotiations. According to several
sources, Michigan State Democrats had
long viewed the law as contentious, arguing that it allowed for “free riders,” or people receiving union representation without
having to pay fees or dues for it. With the
law now abolished, unions can require all
workers in all unionized workplaces to pay
fees for the cost of representation in bargaining.
Michigan, when the RTW law was
enacted in 2012, enjoyed the nation’s
seventh-highest percentage of unionized
workers, but that plummeted to 11th in
2022. Union membership over the last
decade in Michigan has decreased by 2.6
percentage points; U.S. union membership overall has been falling steadily for
decades, reaching an all-time low last year
of 10.1%.
Michigan became the first state in 58
years to repeal a RTW law, with Indiana
repealing its in 1965 before Republicans
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D)
there restored it in 2012. In 2017, Missouri’s Republican Legislature approved a
RTW law, but it was blocked from going
into effect before voters overwhelmingly
rejected it the next year.
In total, 26 states now have so-called
RTW laws in place.
Washington State Senate: Jones Act
‘Critical’ to Prosperity and Security
The Washington State Capitol, located in Olympia
May 2023
The Washington State Senate in early February passed a resolution that recognizes the
vital role of the Jones Act in the state’s economy and national security. The Jones Act,
which was authored by then-U.S. Senator for
Washington State Wesley Jones, requires that
vessels transporting cargo between U.S. locations be American-built, American-owned and
American-crewed – a boon for U.S. national
and economic security.
The bipartisan resolution, sponsored by
Senator Karen Keiser (D) and co-sponsored
by Senator Mark Schoesler (R), emphasizes
the critical role of the Jones Act in cultivating
a robust American maritime industry that is
essential to the state and country. The resolution also notes that Washington is home to an
estimated 22,500 jobs supported by the Jones
Act, and the American maritime fleet supports
approximately 650,000 family-wage jobs nationwide.
“It was an honor to have so many members
of the maritime community join us in Olympia
as we celebrated the legacy of the Jones Act
and recognized the importance and history of
the maritime industries to our state’s economy
and culture,” said Senator Keiser of Washington’s 33rd Legislative District, during her floor
speech celebrating the bill’s passage.
The Jones Act fleet contributes more than
$154 billion in economic output nationally
and $6.1 billion to Washington’s economy, according to the latest statistics by the American
Maritime Partnership. The impact goes beyond
the men and women who work aboard vessels
in the area, as it also includes shipbuilding
and ship repair industries as well as America’s
equipment manufacturers and vendors, dredgers and marine construction contractors.
The resolution also noted that the pandemic
has raised the “critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services to the citizens and workforce of
Washington state.”
Peter Schrappen, vice president – Pacific
Region of the American Waterways Operators,
commented, “The Jones Act is the foundational law that makes it possible for American
maritime to make these and many other contributions to Washington’s economy, security,
environment and quality of life.” He added
that U.S.-flag industry, including the tugboat,
towboat and barge components, is a “critical
economic engine and a committed leader in
environmental sustainability” in Washington
State and across the United States.
In addition, the Jones Act helps to ensure
the nation’s security by maintaining a domestic
maritime industry capable of providing support
to the military in times of conflict or national
emergency. This is particularly important for a
state like Washington, which is home to major
naval bases, including Naval Base Kitsap,
Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station
Whidbey Island, to name a few, all of which
provide important support to the Pacific Fleet
and the services both in peace and war.
As one industry group put it, “Given the
current tensions with China after the U.S. military took down a Chinese spy balloon, maintaining a strong Pacific Northwest keeps the
United States ready in the event of a conflict.”
The Washington State resolution is the latest
of several state resolutions that have passed in
recent months recognizing the Jones Act for its
role as a crucial pillar of the nation’s economic
and national security. Supporters say the resolution is also a testament to its enduring importance to Washington State and an affirmation of
Sen. Jones’ legacy.
Seafarers LOG 5
�ITF Pushes Governments to Heed
Pandemic Supply-Chain Lessons
The International Transport Workers’
Federation (ITF) is urging governments
to apply lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath to secure reliable
maritime supply chains for their citizens
and the climate.
In a new report from the federation –
titled “Opportunities for Seafarers and
National Maritime Policies: Navigating
Beyond the Chaos of the Pandemic” – industry experts identify specific examples
and propose practical solutions for bolstering supply chains.
The SIU is an affiliate of the Londonbased ITF.
“During the pandemic, in many countries, consumers and businesses experienced shortages, including of critical
goods like medicines and fuel supplies,”
said Chris Given, secretary-treasurer of the
Seafarers International Union of Canada
and one of the report’s authors. “But what
we see is that in other countries, specifically those with robust national maritime
policies, governments were able to harness
well-laid policy levers to get their people
fed, fueled and on a quicker path back to
economic and health recovery.”
Throughout the pandemic, many of the
world’s shipping containers had been scattered – found in locations far from their
intended destinations, the federation reported. The disarray resulted in record-high
shipping prices and persistent port conges-
NMC Issues Notice
About Credentials
Lost in the Mail
Editor’s note: The following news release
was issued by the National Maritime Center
on March 20. It’s available on the SIU website.
Credentials Lost in the Mail
The National Maritime Center (NMC)
mails completed credentials via standard
USPS mail, which does not include a means
of tracking, and delivery can take up to 21
days. In some cases, the credential may be
returned or irreparably lost in the mail for
a variety of reasons. Following are some
important things you can do to reduce the
chances of this happening:
• Validate your address. When applying for a credential, make sure the address on
your application form is accurate and legible.
If you change your address after the applica-
6 Seafarers LOG
tion, which quickly led to mass shortages
of finished goods and left consumers at the
mercy of overstretched supply chains, according to the ITF.
At the same time, upwards of 400,000
mariners were essentially trapped aboard
vessels due to pandemic restrictions, unable to return home and be relieved by a
fresh crew. Tired and weary, some seafarers were stuck on board for more than a
year at the crew change crisis’ peak, the
report stated.
“Amidst the chaos, some countries were
able to use national flag fleets to shift critical cargo and get supply chains moving
again. We have to remember that these are
supply chains that remained logjammed
elsewhere,” Given said. “In writing this
report, we asked ‘Why?’ What was different about some countries that saw them
come through faster and stronger, while
others were very negatively exposed by
these crises?”
The report also identifies governments
whom the federation describes as “struggling to navigate the turbulent waters of
the crises due to poor planning and policy.”
For instance, according to the ITF, Australia’s federal government “could only
look on as its lack of a strategic fleet caused
the country’s businesses and consumers to
become hostage to an incredibly volatile
global market for shipping services. Firms,
households and the public sector were at
tion has been submitted, notify us as soon as
possible before your credential is processed
and mailed by contacting our Customer Service Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Note, after the credential has been processed
and mailed, we cannot change the method
used for mailing.
• Consider using an expedited mailing option. We strongly recommend you
use an expedited mailing option. Please
note, the cost incurred for expedited
mailing is the responsibility of the mariner.
Think your credential is lost in the mail?
A replacement credential will be issued,
free of charge, to mariners whose credentials
were lost in the mail prior to receipt through
no fault of their own. Affected mariners
should follow the steps below to obtain an
expedited replacement credential:
1. Confirm that we mailed out your credential. You can use the Credential Application Status tool.
2. If you have not received your credential by 21 days after it was mailed, provide a
CG-719B application for a Merchant Mariner
the mercy of the markets and their recordhigh prices, even for cargo critical to the
nation’s economic or physical health.”
“COVID-19 and the supply chain
shocks which followed laid bare just how
fragile our global supply chains are,” said
SIU President David Heindel, who also
heads the ITF Seafarers’ Section. “Sensible national maritime policies are an important insurance to safeguard a country’s
economic, health, security, and environmental interests. After what the world has
been through, what kind of government
wouldn’t want that insurance for their
people?”
He added, “In the absence of sensible
national maritime policies, governments
put their economies and their communities
at extreme – and unnecessary – risk. There
is another way.”
Heindel said some countries have already shown they had taken note of the
pitfalls of an unprepared national maritime
sector. The ITF’s report highlights recent
moves by Brazil, Canada, New Zealand,
Norway, Panama, South Africa, the UK
and the United States to strengthen support
for cabotage and other sensible national
maritime policies in their domestic legislation and planning.
“The standout performance of our domestic shipping sectors, not only in the
U.S. but elsewhere too, throughout these
cr ises shows that when you invest in your
people … and your industry, you are better
prepared to provide for your citizens come
what may in the global headwinds,” Heindel concluded.
Given added, “Ours is a success story.
But there is more we can do, with more
governments supporting our critical sector
all over the world.”
ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline
Smith agreed. “If the world is to step up
to the collective challenge of cutting carbon emissions to a safe level, then shipping
needs to do our part,” she said. “We can’t
do that, however, if there aren’t seafarers
coming through with the right skills to
handle the fuels and ships of the future.”
Smith said that up to 800,000 seafarers
would require some form of retraining or
familiarization by 2030 as the industry rapidly decarbonizes.
“Now is the time for governments to invest in a secure future by putting in place
sensible national maritime policies. They
should do this not only for people but also
Credential and affidavit of loss to the NMC
within 60 days of mailing of the original
credential in person or via e-mail to your servicing Regional Examination Center. The affidavit should contain the following:
a. Mariner’s full name
b. Mariner’s date of birth
c. Mariner’s reference number
d. The mailing address the replacement
credential should be sent to
e. Current phone number and/or e-mail
address that the NMC can use to contact the
mariner with questions, if necessary
f. Description of the circumstances surrounding the loss, i.e., never received the initial credential.
We will make every effort to have replacement credentials mailed out as soon as possible. If your original credential is subsequently
received, you must immediately return the
credential to the NMC.
PLEASE NOTE: E-mailing your application is the preferred method. While the
Coast Guard can accommodate e-mails
with attachments up to 35 MB in size,
verify any size restrictions your e-mail
provider may have prior to sending. Miss-
for the planet,” Smith said.
The ITF has more than 700 affiliated
trade unions from 153 countries. Collectively, they represent millions of workers.
International Maritime
Officials Tour PHC
Campus, Facilities
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education
in late March hosted guests from
the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade
Union of Ukraine, the International
Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF),
and Nautilus International. Pictured
during a tour of the school in Piney
Point, Maryland, are (from left in photo
above) SIU President David Heindel
and Oleg Grigoryuk, president of the
Ukrainian maritime union; and, from
left in photo below, Maya Schwiegershausen-Güth and Anne Lindsay of
the ITF along with Danny McGowan
of Nautilus. Tomas Abrahamsson of
the ITF Seafarers’ Trust also visited
as part of the same group.
ing information will cause applications to
be delayed or rejected.
If you have questions regarding duplicate or replacement credentials, please
contact the NMC Customer Service Center via our online chat system (scan the QR
code below to open the chat website) or by
calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
May 2023
�One of the doomed craft, filling with water after the migrants had
been safely brought aboard the National Glory
Some of the migrants are pictured aboard the SIU-crewed National Glory following their rescue on March 4.
National Glory Crew Saves Lives – Twice
The M/V National Glory, operated by
SIU-contracted Intrepid Personnel and
Provisioning, was called upon to rescue two vessels full of migrants within a
month.
On March 4, the National Glory saved
15 Cuban migrants, adrift aboard a powerless raft near the Straits of Florida; and,
just a month prior, the Seafarers-crewed
vessel rescued 21 people from a doomed
makeshift sailboat in the same region.
SIU members sailing aboard the National Glory during the rescues included:
Recertified Bosun Joseph White, ABs
Kerry Bodden, Delroy Jose Fernandez
Fernandez and Carlos Lasso, STOSs
Dexter Arriola Arzu, Jet Delfin and
Carlos Jones, QMED Linarys Castillo
Ortiz, Oilers Reinaldo Timbal Fostanes,
Mohammed Alam Gir and Benjamin
Scott, Steward/Baker Cole Briggs and
Chief Cook Yoaquin Antonio Gonzalez
Dejesus.
In the early hours of March 4, watchstanders noticed a flickering light among
the waves. Once it was determined to be
a signal for help, the crew was alerted and
rushed into action as the National Glory
created a lee to shield the raft from the
waves. The stranded boaters were then
brought aboard to safety, as the crew
provided medical aid to one of the rescued migrants, who was having difficulty
breathing.
According to White, the bosun, “Our
training is just what we do. We’re professional seamen, and I’ve been involved in
maybe 20 rescues in my life. We just automatically kick into gear, and my crews
have a system down at this point. It’s second nature.”
The third mate, who was fluent in Spanish, served as a translator between the crew
and the rescued migrants. He was told by
the migrants that their craft’s engine had
died and they had been drifting powerless
for five days, and had run out of food and
water.
“They always say they’re sinking, and so
we treat every rescue as if it’s life and death,”
White explained. “One group was pretty far
away from shore, and I don’t know if they
would have made it without us.”
He added that the Cuban Coast Guard
personnel (to whom the migrants were transferred) were friendly and helpful, as usual.
In both recent instances, the migrants
were provided with food and dry clothing
as the crew awaited the arrival of a Coast
Guard vessel to transport the rescued boaters into Cuban custody.
“You look at their boats, just plywood
stuck together with no fiberglass on the
outside, and it’s pretty clear that boat
wasn’t going to make it,” White added.
“But an American seaman is never going
to leave anyone stranded in the water, not
in a million years.”
These snapshots, submitted by Bosun German Nunez, show the rescue operation involving the Overseas
Long Beach.
Overseas Long Beach Crew Rescues 12
On March 30, the crew of the OSG-operated Overseas Long Beach diverted course to rescue 12 individuals
stranded on an adrift vessel approximately 185 nautical
miles south of Louisiana.
The SIU crew aboard the Overseas Long Beach included: Bosun German Nunez; ABs Kar Lee Arrington
Jr., Kevin Chan and Elben Sandoval; OSs Samuel Lambert and LaMario McGhee; QMED Gilbert Johnson;
GUDE Ahmed Ali and Allan Castillo; Chief Steward
Jose Norales; Chief Cook Edgardo Padagdag; SA Tony
Washington; and Apprentices Coleman Brewer and Anthony Harrell.
According to OSG: “The Overseas Long Beach was on
a voyage from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jacksonville, Florida, when at 1645 LT, the 4x8 lookout watch on the bridge
spotted a small craft approximately 1.5 miles away with
May 2023
occupants waving their arms. The officer on watch took
immediate action notifying the Master and diverted from
course to render assistance as necessary while the Master mustered the crew. The Master of the Overseas Long
Beach maneuvered the ship close to the distressed craft to
establish communications. U.S. Coast Guard Sector New
Orleans was immediately notified, and the craft with 12
persons aboard was brought alongside to assess the situation and to transfer food, water, first-aid supplies, blankets,
flashlights, emergency signals and life jackets while awaiting further guidance from Sector New Orleans.”
After consulting with the Coast Guard, the crew worked
to bring all 12 migrants aboard. Then, following a security
and medical evaluation, the rescued boaters were provided
food, water, blankets and mattresses in the crew lounge.
The rescued individuals relayed through a bilingual crew
member that the doomed craft had been at sea for 12 days,
and that they had run out of food a week prior to being
saved. After 36 hours on board, the migrants were transferred to a Coast Guard Cutter off Key West, at which time
the vessel returned to its original route.
OSG CEO Sam Norton congratulated the crew, stating:
“Universal human rights are protected in international law,
but their effective enforcement is not universal. In similar
circumstances, some may have chosen the easy way out of
a potentially complex situation by turning a blind eye to the
existence of a vessel in distress. The Overseas Long Beach
did not choose this path. Rather, all on board chose to act
with honest concern and empathy for those in need in a
manner which affirms, in the most visible way possible, the
standards of ethics and transparency that lie at the core of
OSG’s culture. Thanks to the individuals involved for a job
well done, for the care and attention that were offered those
in distress, and for the level of professionalism exhibited
by all in handling this matter effectively.”
Seafarers LOG 7
�SPREADING THE WORD IN LONE STAR STATE – Houston-based members of Team SIU are on the recruiting trail, as reflected
in these recent photos. Pictured at the conference table in photo above are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Houston City
Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes and SIU Port Agent Joe
Zavala. They discussed recruiting opportunities in District F. The snapshot at right includes SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick (standing)
along with Bob Silva of AMO and Evangeline Broome of OSI.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
RECRUITING IN LAST FRONTIER – SIU Tacoma Port Agent
Warren Asp (left) welcomes a prospective member to a career
fair in Anchorage, Alaska.
ABOARD GEM STATE – SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (seated at center) meets with SIU members March 20
aboard the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessel. Marrone thanked the Seafarers for their dedication in answering the call when
MARAD activated the ship.
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Dave “Hoss”
Henson (right) is pictured at the hiring hall as he picks up
his first pension check. He retired from Crescent Towing as
a licensed engineer after 44 years of service. SIU Port Agent
Chris Westbrook is at left.
REPRESENTING SIU – SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson recently served on a NY/NJ Port Authority
Workforce panel. He’s at the front table, far right (nearest the podium), with Capt. Jeffrey Spillane of SUNY Maritime
and Sean Kerwick of Hudson County College. Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY and NJ
served as moderator. Panelists and other attendees discussed various aspects of local transportation jobs, including
retention and how different sectors can more effectively work together.
ABOARD USNS CAPELLA
– Pictured in late March
aboard the Ocean Duchess
vessel in San Francisco are
(from left) SIU Port Agent
J.B. Niday, GUDE Rolando
Dinong, SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera, Recertified
Bosun Artis Williams, GUDE
Rodolfo Ludovice, Electrician Salah Saleh, Recertified Steward Dante Cruz and
Electrician Alex Canada.
8 Seafarers LOG
May 2023
�FULL BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Three Seafarers received their respective
B-books at the March membership meeting. They are (from left in photo at left) AB
Jamison Pierce, Chief Cook Maurice Henry and (left in photo above) AB Kenneth
Townsend. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right in both photos.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
MILESTONE IN TACOMA – Chief Cook Gervacio Antonio
Simon (left) receives his A-seniority book from SIU Port
Agent Warren Asp.
WELCOME ABOARD – Chief Cook Elizebeth Chavez (second
from left) receives her full book at the hall in Oakland, California. A graduate of the Paul Hall Center’s CCAP program, she’s
pictured with (from left) SIU Patrolman Kathy Chester, SIU Port
Agent J.B. Niday and SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera.
BOOKS RECEIVED IN GARDEN STATE – AB Yoland Legaspi (left in photo at left) picks up his A-seniority book at
the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, while Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed (left in photo directly above) receives
his B-book. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right in both photos.
AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Newly certified Chief Cook Ramon
Hilerio (left) receives his B-book in late March. He’s pictured with
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.
AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE HALL – AB Rossitza
Zahariev (right) receives her A-seniority book. She’s
pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins.
BOOKS GALORE IN WILMINGTON – Three Seafarers recently secured their respective full B-seniority books at
the hiring hall. They are: AB Carlomagno Surigao (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman), QMED
Jorge Valencia Bon (center photo) and Chief Cook Shadonna Jones (right in photo at right, also with Jarman).
May 2023
SEAFARERS TEAM
UP – The SIU-crewed,
Pasha-operated Jean
Anne (above) gets an
assist from the SIUcrewed Crowley tug
Scout in San Diego.
Seafarers LOG 9
�Sail-In Sets
Participation Record
In Return to Nation’s Capital
Event Carries Pro-Maritime Message to Capitol Hill
Pictured left to right: SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff Mark Wooley, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, U.S.
Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York), MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and SIU Executive VP Augustin
Tellez.
Pictured above: SIU Representative Shane Sterry (second from right), U.S.
Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) (middle), AMO’s Captain Kevin Stith,
Winston & Strawn’s Bryant Gardner and Cottrell Contracting VP Government
Relations Devon Carlock.
Above: SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right), MM&P Pilot Capt. Nate
Lammers, International Ship Masters’ Association Chairman of Legislative
Communications Scott Skrzypczak, USMMA’s Jeff Surrell, Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley and a member of Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s
(R-Minnesota) staff.
10 Seafarers LOG
Gathering for a photo in between meetings, from
left to right: USMMA Alumni Brian Foy, Hapag Lloyd
USA Senior Sales Manager Gina Rivera and SIU
VP Contracts George Tricker.
In the photo above: SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (third from right), SIU Political
and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman (right), U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois),
Schuyler Lines CEO Dion Nicely, APL President Tony Padilla and MEBA President Adam
Vokac.
T
he SIU strongly contributed to a record turnout as
maritime industry leaders met with members of
Congress and their respective staffs on March 30,
in a return to the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In
event which had been on hiatus since the onset of the pandemic. In total, 138 members of the maritime community
– including 28 SIU executives and representatives – sat
down with 139 senators, congressional representatives or
their staffs, making this iteration of the event the largest
in its 11-year history.
Representing the SIU at the day-long outreach: President David Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin
Tellez; Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski; Vice
Presidents George Tricker, Nick Marrone, Dean Corgey,
Joseph Soresi, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell; Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman; Assistant
Vice Presidents Amancio Crespo, Michael Russo and Joe
Vincenzo; Political Consultants Terry Turner and Lanier
Avant; Port Agents Joe Baselice, James Bast, Todd Brdak,
DeCarlo Harris, Ray Henderson, John Hoskins, Gerret
Jarman, Ashley Nelson, J.B. Niday, Mario Torrey, Chris
Westbrook and Jimmy White; and Representative Shane
Sterry.
The Sail-In allows the maritime community to come
together and speak to lawmakers on the issues that matter
most to the industry. Each group typically features at least
In the photo above: SIU Vice President Atlantic Region Joe Soresi (second from right),
SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (third from left), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania)
(third from right), Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Senior Vice President Bill Hanson,
MM&P Rep Keith Poissant and USMMA Alumni Mark Remijan.
Above: SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (third from right), MEBA VP Gulf Adam Smith, MM&P
VP Jeremy Hope, Texas A&M Maritime’s RADM Mike Fossum and two legislative assistants
from Rep. Lizzie Fletcher’s (D-Texas) staff.
In the photo above: SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (second from left),
Euro-America Shipping President Obaid Ahmad, Transportation Institute’s John Flynn and
APL Trade Support Specialist Hannah Hass.
one member from a different component of the maritime
industry, including labor, management, retired Naval officers, and educators.
This year, participants discussed (among other topics) the Maritime Security Program, and that it should be
fully funded at the congressionally authorized level of
$318 million; the Tanker Security Program being fully
funded at the congressionally authorized level of $120
million; and increasing funding for international food
aid programs, such as PL-480. They also touched on the
numerous benefits of the Jones Act, America’s freight
cabotage law, which protects U.S. national, economic and
homeland security.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (second from right), American Maritime
Congress President Fair Kim, Schuyler Lines Counsel Emily Jones, Liberty Maritime
Corporation VP Operations William Campbell and a member of Rep. Rick Crawford’s
(R-Arkansas) staff.
Pictured above: SIU Asst. Vice President Amancio Crespo (second from left),
Crowley VP Caribbean Logistics Sal Menoyo, TOTE Maritime VP Caribbean
Services Eduardo Pagan, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department’s Dale Troll and a
member of Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon’s (R-Puerto Rico) staff.
In the photo above: SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (second from left),
U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-California) (middle), ARC’s Charles Diorio,
USMMA Alumni Walter Egee IV and Federal Pilots’ Hank Webster.
May 2023
Among those pictured: SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left), International Propeller Club Executive VP Adm.
Joel Whitehead, Maersk General Counsel Pat McCaffery, USMMA Alumni Senior VP Marilyn Livi, Seacor’s Chris Johnsen,
and a member of Rep. Andrew Clyde’s (R-Georgia) legislative staff.
May 2023
From left to right: SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, SIU Port Agent James Bast, SIU
Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from left), Rep. David Valadao (R-California) (middle), K&L Gates Government Affairs Counselor Jim Sartucci, Great Lakes Pilot Captain
Jon Olney and Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s Captain Michael Surgalski.
Pictured are SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (second from right), Crowley VP
Maritime Solutions Gavin Hughes, USMMA Alumni Braddock Parks, DC Propeller Club President Jeff Vogel, and a member of Rep. David Rouzer’s (R-North
Carolina) staff.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent James Bast (left), U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-North Carolina) (third from right), OSG VP and General Counsel Susan Allen, K&L Gates’ Brody Garland, Liberty Global Logistics
Executive VP Paul “Chip” Jaenichen and Patriot Contract Services
CEO Ryan Pereyda.
From left to right: MEBA Secretary-Treasurer
Roland Rexha, SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff
Mark Wooley, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. (DNew Jersey) and SIU Executive VP Augustin
Tellez.
From left to right: Transportation Institute VP Pacific Coast Operations
Sarah Scherer, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, U.S. Rep. Marie Perez (DWashington), MM&P’s Dan Twohig and SIU Assistant VP Joe Vincenzo.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: Why did you apply for the apprentice program, and how’s the training going so far?
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Robert O’Neal
Apprentice
I have family in the industry.
The program is going great. At
times, it feels tough, but it’s a
good career and the SIU takes
care of their people. It’s a good
opportunity making amazing
money.
Jesus Fernandez
Apprentice
I signed up because I knew I
needed a change in my life. It’s going
great so far. We take our tests Friday
and some people have ships (lined
up) as soon as they head out. It’s been
life-changing.
Frances Mendez
Apprentice
I have family that works in
the industry, and they told me it’s
worthwhile. I think I’ll like the
lifestyle. The training is really
good. They prepare you for everything you’ll do on the ship.
Wade Henry
Apprentice
I was in banking for five years
before this. I signed up because that
wasn’t my passion. So far, it’s better
than I expected. I’m getting a lot of
value and I feel more knowledgeable.
It’s paying off for me.
Darlenzo Hines
Apprentice
I really have a passion for
the sea. I grew up fishing in the
panhandle, and it’s second-nature
to me. It’s more like a home than
a job. I love the training – I’m
learning a lot and doing a lot. The
SIU is definitely delivering.
Randall Cox
Apprentice
The apprenticeship is going really
good. I signed up to further my education in a mechanical trade. I was an
electrician before coming here, and
just want to work my way up in the
union.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
In this 1954 snapshot, SIU members on the Western Trader listen as the delegate (with envelope) presents a U.S. Army chaplain
in Korea with donations from the crew for a new chapel.
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
12 Seafarers LOG
May 2023
�Supporting Our Troops
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 16 - April 16, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15, 2023.
Port
These photos of the Seafarers-crewed USNS Pomeroy
(Patriot) were taken March 22 at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina (vessel is in the background in
photo at right). The
ship was preparing
to load materiel as
part of the U.S.
Army’s Prepositioned Stocks Programs. (Photos by
Airman 1st Class
Caleb Parker)
Important Notice to Seafarers:
Make Sure Your Flu Vaccines
Are Approved by the U.S. FDA
The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC)
requires an annual flu
vaccine for all mariners
who sail aboard MSCcontracted ships. Specifically, the flu vaccine
must be approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This
is due to other countries
using different flu strains
in their respective vaccines which may not be as
effective against the types
of flu seen in the U.S.
If you are getting a flu
shot in order to sail on
MSC-contracted vessels,
it is best to receive it in
the U.S. (states or terri-
tories). That is the only
way to be certain that the
vaccine is U.S. FDA-approved.
Veterans who can access care on overseas U.S.
military medical facilities
may be able to obtain an
FDA-approved vaccine,
but in that case, be sure to
verify its status.
Flu vaccines administered in other countries
are unlikely to be U.S.
FDA-approved.
Questions may be directed to the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan
Medical Department at
(301) 994-0010 or shbpmedical@seafarers.org
May & June
Membership Meetings
Piney Point............................................Monday: May 8, June 5
Algonac..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9
Baltimore............................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
Guam.............................................Thursday: May 25, June 22
Honolulu..............................................Friday: May 19, June 16
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
Jacksonville......................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
Joliet...............................................Thursday: May 18, June 15
Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 17, June 14
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: May 16, June 13
Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 9, June 6
Norfolk..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9
Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 18, June 15
Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 10, June 7
Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 18, June 15
San Juan.........................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
St. Louis............................................Friday: May 19, June 16
Tacoma.............................................Friday: May 26, June 23
Wilmington.......................Monday: May 22, *Tuesday: June 20
*Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
B
C
A
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
14
2
2
11
3
7
5
23
22
18
4
6
20
5
5
3
4
19
1
20
194
4
2
1
14
0
6
2
16
22
7
2
2
8
1
0
5
1
8
0
9
110
4
0
0
3
1
1
0
6
5
1
0
2
9
0
0
1
2
6
1
1
43
Deck Department
8
2
2
3
2
0
2
1
0
7
6
3
2
0
0
9
4
2
6
2
0
17
7
2
28
16
2
17
4
1
2
2
0
6
4
1
13
5
4
5
2
0
1
2
0
1
4
1
3
1
0
19
7
2
1
0
1
11
6
0
161
77
21
1
1
2
2
0
4
3
12
15
8
0
4
6
1
1
2
1
6
0
10
79
34
3
2
24
4
12
9
43
36
38
4
10
27
14
7
3
13
28
1
52
364
9
2
2
23
0
7
4
22
30
12
0
2
9
2
1
1
5
11
2
16
160
3
0
0
3
1
2
0
8
7
1
0
3
6
0
0
1
1
6
0
6
48
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
4
1
3
6
1
2
2
15
17
8
1
0
12
11
1
2
5
12
1
11
115
1
0
1
2
0
3
2
7
12
2
3
1
10
3
0
3
0
7
2
3
62
1
0
2
1
0
0
1
1
2
3
0
1
6
2
0
1
0
2
0
2
25
Engine Department
2
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
9
3
0
0
0
0
2
4
1
4
0
0
8
3
1
12
10
0
9
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
0
6
4
7
4
1
1
0
0
0
2
1
0
2
1
0
4
4
0
1
0
0
6
3
4
79
39
16
2
0
0
4
0
2
1
5
8
6
2
1
2
1
0
1
0
2
1
2
40
7
3
1
10
2
2
6
15
20
13
3
3
13
11
3
2
5
16
3
18
156
3
0
2
10
0
5
5
16
13
4
2
2
16
3
1
4
2
12
3
2
105
1
0
2
1
0
0
1
0
3
4
0
2
7
2
0
1
0
3
0
3
30
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
3
0
0
7
1
3
3
11
16
10
1
1
13
13
1
2
4
6
0
15
110
3
0
0
5
1
0
2
4
13
5
1
1
9
7
1
8
7
5
1
5
78
0
1
3
2
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
0
4
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
19
Steward Department
2
2
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
7
4
2
0
0
1
5
0
0
3
0
1
8
5
1
10
14
1
7
4
1
1
0
0
2
1
0
11
11
0
9
2
1
0
0
0
4
3
1
1
3
1
6
3
2
1
1
0
6
6
0
83
60
14
0
2
0
6
0
0
1
3
7
5
0
2
3
1
0
1
1
4
1
4
41
5
0
0
10
1
3
7
20
29
14
2
2
20
18
2
3
6
14
1
29
186
2
0
1
7
1
1
3
4
23
5
1
2
15
9
1
5
8
6
1
7
102
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
5
3
0
3
1
1
0
4
23
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
4
0
1
16
5
2
0
3
1
2
2
8
22
6
0
0
10
4
1
4
0
9
1
10
90
6
0
1
8
3
2
1
13
64
14
1
0
22
5
1
17
0
6
1
4
169
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
5
Entry Department
3
3
1
0
0
2
5
2
1
1
1
3
1
1
7
7
10
39
5
12
2
0
0
2
8
13
1
0
1
0
7
10
0
0
4
1
0
0
5
3
62
99
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
6
10
1
1
1
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
24
2
1
0
0
0
3
1
3
4
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
5
0
2
25
15
2
0
3
0
2
6
18
47
13
0
0
17
8
0
2
1
15
2
20
171
15
1
2
10
2
2
1
26
110
20
3
1
31
10
2
11
3
10
2
10
272
340
256
328
184
731
538
373
May 2023
GRAND TOTAL: 435
238
C
150
Reliefs
All Groups
A
Houston...............................................Monday: May 15, June 12
B
Registered on Beach
Trip
A
B
C
Seafarers LOG 13
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), February 8 –
Chairman Adel Ahmed, Educational
Director Imran Khan, Engine
Delegate Saddam Yahia, Steward Delegate Roberto Coronado.
Crew requested upgraded Wi-Fi
to better maintain internet connection. Members applauded the new
changes to medical benefits. Chairman reminded crew to be mindful
of rules at the halls and on vessels.
Educational director advised crew
to upgrade at the union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney
Point, Maryland, and reviewed the
requirements to sign up for courses.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew displeased with delays in
medical reports from CHS. Members are reportedly having a hard
time receiving communications and
have not been receiving their “FFD”
status on time to join vessels. Crew
also discussed penalty pay.
MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk
Line, Limited), February 11 – Chairman Hanapiah Ismail, Secretary
Ali Matari, Educational Director Kelly Percy, Engine Delegate
Troy Hubbard, Steward Delegate
Christopher Coston. Chairman
thanked crew for working safely and
reminded everyone to leave clean
rooms for members who will be
signing on. Secretary thanked everyone for separating garbage. Educational director encouraged crew to
upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members requested
increases in vacation time and a 10G
data plan.
USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean
Shipholdings, Inc.), February 18
– Chairman Robert Natividad,
Educational Director Terry Taylor,
Deck Delegate Richard Flores,
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
Steward Delegate Charles Crawford. Educational director urged
crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education, which is affiliated with
the SIU. Beef reported between
bosun and OSI about bonus check
requirements. No OT disputes
reported. Members wished SIU
President Emeritus Mike Sacco a
wonderful retirement and gave a
warm welcome to the SIU’s new
president, David Heindel. Crew
reviewed repairs needed for galley.
Vote of thanks given to chief cook
for a job well done. If members take
flights to ship that exceed twelve
hours, rest is needed before signing
on.
Aboard Perla Del Caribe
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management) February 26 –
Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary
Gamal Asaad, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate
Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate
Michael Garcia. Crew discussed
various concerns pertaining to getting timely reliefs. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
very pleased with food provided by
steward department. Crew requested
faster internet service.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), March 1 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Erwin
Renon, Educational Director Imran
Khan, Deck Delegate Nathaniel
Rivera, Engine Delegate Saddam
Yahia, Steward Delegate Nasr
Almusab. TVs have been installed
in crew state rooms. Bosun talked
about new contract. He went over
the course schedule at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education and advised crew
to upgrade. Chairman discussed
procedures available to mariners for
expedited passport renewals, and
thanked the steward department for
Many thanks to Chief Mate Doug Voss for these snapshots from the
SIU-crewed TOTE vessel. The individual photo (bottom left) shows Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez running mooring winches. Pictured in the
fire fighting drill (top left) are
SA Edna Bakhos, Oiler Eric
Jackson, AB Julio Perez and
AB Mark Smith. The remaining photo (above) includes
QMED Ronaldo Quinones, AB
Pedro De Jesus, SA Bakhos
and Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz
prepping for lifeboat drills.
good meals. Steward department
thanked crew for maintaining
good housekeeping. Steward delegate reviewed shipping rules with
members. If a mariner receives a
job assignment and rejects it after
48 hours, their shipping registration card shall be forfeited for the
next 60 days. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew still waiting
for improved Wi-Fi service aboard
ship. Members requested 30 for 30
vacation days, better dental and eye
care coverage and for all entry level
positions to be at an equal pay scale.
Next port: Long Beach, California.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), March 6
– Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Dapiriye Oruamabo, Educational Director George Velez, Deck
Delegate Melvin Smalls, Engine
Delegate Fidel Pascua, Steward
Delegate Milton Sivells. Chairman
extended thanks to all departments
and especially thanked the steward
department. Crew discussed various shipboard conduct including
interactions between officers and
unlicensed personnel. Educational
director recommended members
upgrade at the Piney Point school as
soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested
TVs in each room, a washer and
dryer and coffee machines.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s
money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified
public accountants every year, which is
to be submitted to the membership by the
secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected
by the membership, each year examines the
finances of the union and reports fully their
findings and recommendations. Members
of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the
employers. Members should get to know their
shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are
posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations
of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and
the employers, they should notify the Seafar-
14 Seafarers LOG
ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In
the event anyone attempts to require any
such payment be made without supplying a
receipt, or if a member is required to make
a payment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this should
immediately be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is
attempting to deprive him or her of any
constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges,
trials, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President David Heindel at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
May 2023
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
TAWRENCE ABRAMS
Brother Tawrence Abrams, 57,
started his career
with the union
in 2001. He first
shipped on the
Global Link and
sailed in the engine department.
Brother Abrams
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. He most
recently sailed on the Cape May and
makes his home in Baltimore.
STEPHEN ACKLEY
Brother Stephen Ackley, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1978 and initially sailed aboard
the Delta Venezuela. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Ackley
shipped in the
deck department
and also worked
on shore gangs.
He last worked
as the lead bosun on Matson’s
shore gang in Tacoma, Washington, and is a resident of Olympia,
Washington.
ROBERT BOOMER
Brother Robert Boomer, 71, joined
the union in
2006, initially
sailing aboard the
Coastal Reliance.
A deck department member,
he upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Boomer
most recently sailed on the Resolve.
He calls Mariposa, California,
home.
CHARLES BROOKS
Brother Charles Brooks, 58, signed
on with the SIU in 1986 when he
sailed on the
USNS Desteiguer.
He shipped in the
steward department and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on numerous occasions.
Brother Brooks’
final vessel was
the Maersk Sentosa. He resides in
Bluefield, West Virginia.
WILLIAM DOWZICKY
Brother William Dowzicky, 65,
joined the union in 1978, initially
sailing on an
Alton Steamship vessel. He
worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. Brother
Dowzicky most
recently shipped
on the Cape Wrath and makes his
home in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania.
May 2023
MICHAEL FUNK
Brother Michael Funk, 65, started
sailing with the SIU in 1987 and
first worked on the Charles L.
Brown. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center in 1990. Brother Funk’s
final vessel was the Gus W. Darnell.
He resides in Merrick, New York.
KENNETH MARICH
Brother Kenneth Marich, 65, became a member
of the union in
1988. A deck department member,
he first sailed
aboard the USNS
Assertive. Brother
Marich upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions. He
last sailed on the
USNS Able and lives in Wamsutter,
Wyoming.
ALVIN MARTIN
Brother Alvin Martin, 68, joined the
Seafarers in 2001.
He initially sailed
on the Kenai and
was a member of
the deck department. Brother
Martin upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
He most recently
shipped on the Alaskan Legend and
lives in Prairieville, Louisiana.
DOMINGO MARTINEZ REYES
Brother Domingo Martinez Reyes,
66, donned the
SIU colors in
1990 when he
sailed aboard the
Sealift Atlantic.
He sailed in all
three departments
and last shipped
on the Overseas
Santorini. Brother
Martinez Reyes is
a resident of Naples, Florida.
DIONICIO MEJIA
Brother Dionicio
Mejia, 65, joined
the union in 2001.
A deck department member, he
initially shipped
on the Mormacsun. Brother
Mejia concluded
his career aboard
the Overseas
Houston. He resides in Cypress,
Texas.
ANTHONY OBESEM
Brother Anthony Obesem, 67,
signed on with the SIU in 2004. He
first sailed aboard the USNS Heezen
and worked in the deck department.
Brother Obesem upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center the same year he
joined the union. He most recently
shipped on the Liberty Peace and is
a New Orleans resident.
FLOYD PATTERSON
Brother Floyd Patterson, 66,
joined the Seafarers in 1991
and first sailed
aboard the Cape
Clear. He upgraded at the
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Patterson’s final vessel was the Golden
State. He makes his home in Liberty, Mississippi.
CONRADO QUILAO
Brother Conrado Quilao, 65,
started his career
with the union
in 2004, initially
sailing aboard the
USNS Bowditch.
A steward department member, he
last shipped on
the USNS Dahl.
Brother Quilao lives in Murrieta,
California.
RANDY SNAY
Brother Randy Snay, 65, became
an SIU member
in 1982 when
he worked with
Michigan Interstate Railway.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2002
and worked in the
engine department. Brother
Snay’s final vessel was the Overseas Philadelphia. He resides in
Miami.
STANLEY WILLIAMS
Brother Stanley Williams, 65, began
his career with
the Seafarers International Union
in 1979, initially
sailing on the El
Paso Southern.
He was a member of the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother Williams last shipped
on the Seabulk Trader and calls
Pearland, Texas, home.
GREAT LAKES
KEVIN HOLLENBECK
Brother Kevin Hollenbeck, 60,
signed on with
the SIU in 1984.
He was employed
by Luedtke Engineering for the
duration of his
career and sailed
in the deck department. Brother
Hollenbeck upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point
school. He settled in Frankfort,
Michigan.
DAVE JARVIS
Brother Dave Jarvis, 65, started his
career with the Seafarers in 1976
when he shipped on the J.A.W. Igle-
hart. He sailed in all three departments and last shipped aboard the
American Mariner. Brother Jarvis
makes his home in Alpena, Michigan.
INLAND
CURTIS CARRABY
Brother Curtis Carraby, 63, donned
the SIU colors in 1981. He sailed in
the steward department and worked
with Delta Queen Steamboat Company for the duration of his career.
Brother Carraby is a resident of La
Place, Louisiana.
DAVID HENSON
Brother David Henson, 64, signed on
with the union in 1979. He sailed in
both the deck and engine departments.
Brother Henson was employed with
Crescent Towing & Salvage for his
entire career. He makes his home in
Covington, Louisiana.
GEORGE HOFMANN
Brother George Hofmann, 62, began
sailing with the Seafarers International Union in
1981. He initially
sailed aboard the
Long Lines and
was a deck department member.
Brother Hofmann
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. He last
shipped on the Dodge Island and
resides in Callahan, Florida.
DAVID JANKOWIAK
Brother David Jankowiak, 69,
started his career
with the SIU in
1971. He was employed by Moran
Towing of Maryland for most of
his career and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Jankowiak is a Baltimore resident.
began sailing with
the SIU in 1971.
He first shipped on
the Rob Trent and
primarily worked
in the deck department. Brother McClenton upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple
occasions. He concluded his career
aboard the Liberty Island and settled
in Jacksonville, Florida.
CHRIS MCKAY
Brother Chris McKay, 62, signed
on with the union in 1989. He first
sailed with Stc Little Curtis Company. Brother McKay shipped in the
deck department. He last sailed with
Penn Maritime and makes his home
in Scotland, Maryland.
JAMES MCNEIL
Brother James McNeil, 58, started
his career with
the SIU in 1984,
initially working with Higman
Barge Lines. He
shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1995.
Brother McNeil’s
final vessel was the Athena. He lives
in Orange, Texas.
ROBERT SADLER
Brother Robert Sadler, 59, joined
the Seafarers International Union in
1991 when he worked for Virginia
Pilot Corporation. He sailed in the
deck department and continued to
work for the same company for his
entire career. Brother Sadler resides
in Norfolk, Virginia.
LEE WALLACE
Brother Lee Wallace, 69, donned the
SIU colors in 1979. A deck department member, he was employed
with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career.
Brother Wallace is a resident of Sulphur, Louisiana.
DAVID LYTLE
Brother David Lytle, 67, joined
the Seafarers
in 2002 when
he sailed with
Crowley Towing
& Transportation. He primarily
sailed in the deck
department and
remained with the
same company for
the duration of his
career. Brother Lytle resides in Gray,
Louisiana.
BRET MATTEI
Brother Bret Mattei, 62, became a
member of the union in 1981. He
sailed in the deck department and
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. Brother Mattei worked for Crescent Towing &
Salvage for his entire career. He
calls Metairie, Louisiana, home.
NMU
PATRICK MCGAUGHEY
Brother Patrick McGaughey, 67,
embarked on his SIU career in 1980.
He shipped in the engine department
and was last employed by Woods
Hole Shipping. Brother McGaughey
lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
TIMOTHY WATKINS
Brother Timothy Watkins, 65, began
sailing in 1978. He was a member of
the deck department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center in 1981.
Brother Watkins last worked with
Boston Towing and Transportation.
He resides in North Smithfield,
Rhode Island.
RICKY MCCLENTON
Brother Ricky McClenton, 68,
Seafarers LOG 15
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
DANA BROOKS
Pensioner Dana Brooks, 64, passed
away February 8. She signed on with
the Seafarers International Union
in 2001. A deck
department member, Sister Brooks
first sailed aboard
the Lykes Explorer.
She last shipped on
the Ocean Glory
in 2016. Sister
Brooks began collecting her pension the following
year and settled in New Orleans, her
birthplace.
MICHAEL CLAPSHAW
Pensioner Michael Clapshaw, 80,
died January 9. He started sailing
with the union
in 1978, initially
working for Anchorage Tankship.
Brother Clapshaw
primarily sailed in
the engine department. He concluded his career
with American
Service Technology and went on
pension in 2007. Brother Clapshaw
was a resident of Port Angeles,
Washington.
ALPHONSO DIXON
Pensioner Alphonso Dixon, 66,
passed away
March 14. He
joined the SIU
in 1986 when
he sailed on the
USNS Dutton.
Brother Dixon
was a member
of the steward
department and
last shipped on
the Maui. He became a pensioner
in 2016 and made his home in Alpharetta, Georgia.
MITCHELL FRENCH
Pensioner Mitchell French, 66,
died March 2.
He began his
career with the
Seafarers in 1990.
Brother French
first shipped on
the Sealift Arctic
and was a member
of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the
Horizon Kodiak and retired in 2021.
Brother French resided in Bellingham, Washington.
SALIM IBRAHIM
Pensioner Salim Ibrahim, 75, passed
away March 31. A
deck department
member, he started
sailing with the
union in 1976.
Brother Ibrahim’s
first vessel was
the Overseas
Joyce; his last, the
Maersk Ohio. He
16 Seafarers LOG
went on pension in 2012 and made
his home in Kissimmee, Florida.
in 2020 and made his home in
Chevy Chase, Maryland.
sioner in 2000. Brother Potts lived in
Orange, Texas.
ABUBAKAR IDRIS
MANUEL TAN
WILLARD RANSOM
Pensioner Abubakar Idris, 71,
died March 24. He signed on with
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1997,
initially sailing
on the Overseas
Philadelphia.
Brother Idris was
a deck department member
and last shipped
on the Overseas
Key West in 2019. He began collecting his pension in 2022 and lived in
Beaumont, Texas.
Pensioner Manuel Tan, 84, passed
away March 17. Sailing first aboard
the Mobile, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1980.
Brother Tan sailed
in the engine department and also
worked on shore
gangs. He most
recently was employed by World
Crane Services
before going on pension in 2002.
Brother Tan resided in Lancaster,
California.
Pensioner Willard Ransom, 79, died
March 21. He
embarked on his
career with the
union in 1966 and
shipped in the engine department.
Brother Ransom
worked with G&H
Towing for most
of his career. He
retired in 2021 and
resided in Pearland, Texas.
KONSTANTINOS KOSTOUROS
FERDINAND VINIEGRA
Pensioner Konstantinos Kostouros, 88, passed away February 16.
Born in Athens,
Greece, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1968.
Brother Kostouros first shipped
on the Western
Hunter and
worked in the engine department.
He concluded his
career aboard the
Frances Hammer in 1999. Brother
Kostouros became a pensioner the
same year and settled in Fort Myers,
Florida.
Brother Ferdinand Viniegra, 68, died
November 18. He
joined the union
in 1997 when he
sailed aboard the
USNS Gilliand.
Brother Viniegra
was a member of
the deck department. He last
shipped on the
Mercury and
lived in Chester, Virginia.
ROMULO DIAZ
JOHN MARTH
Pensioner John Marth, 73, died
March 8. He became a member
of the union in
1968 and worked
in the deck department. Brother
Marth’s first vessel was the Volusia; his last, the
Value. He began
collecting his
pension in 2014 and lived in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania.
CARLOS PEREZ
Brother Carlos Perez, 57, passed
away February 20. Born in
Camden, New
Jersey, he signed
on with the SIU
in 1990. Brother
Perez was an engine department
member and first
sailed aboard the
Overseas Valdez.
He concluded his
career aboard the Steven L. Bennet
and was a resident of Crestview,
Florida.
MARK RUHL
Pensioner Mark Ruhl, 68, died
February 24. He was born in Washington, D.C., and joined the Seafarers International Union in 1974.
Brother Ruhl first shipped on the
Yukon and sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career
on the Cape Washington in 1997.
Brother Ruhl became a pensioner
JOHN WILLIAMSON
NMU
Pensioner Romulo Diaz, 103, passed
away February 8.
Brother Diaz was
born in Venezuela and started
sailing in 1942.
His first vessel
was the Spidoleine; his last, the
Texaco Montana.
Brother Diaz became a pensioner
in 1985 and settled in Garland,
Texas.
WILLIAM DENNY
INLAND
WILLIAM HEILIG
Pensioner William Denny, 92, died
March 3. Brother Denny was born in
Louisville, Kentucky. He joined
the union in 1963
and first sailed
aboard the Pioneer Tide. Brother
Denny was a deck
department member and concluded
his career aboard
the American
Hawaii. He went on pension in 1987
and lived in Cheriton, Virginia.
Pensioner William Heilig, 79, died
January 10. Brother Heilig sailed
in the deck department, and last
shipped aboard the Greenpoint. He
retired in 2008 and made his home
in Boston.
Pensioner Connie Peters 82, died
March 4. He
joined the union
in 1963 and initially sailed with
Dravo Basic Materials. A deck department member,
Brother Peters
concluded his career with Higman
Barge Lines. He
went on pension in 1997 and called
Iota, Louisiana, home.
Pensioner Larry Mann, 83, passed
away March 6. Brother Mann
shipped in the steward department.
He concluded his career aboard the
Cape Kennedy before going on pension in 1997. Brother Mann lived in
Kissimmee, Florida.
WELDON POTTS
GEORGE MARTIN
Pensioner Weldon Potts, 84, passed
away March 19. He started his career with the SIU
in 1966. Brother
Potts worked in
the deck department and was first
employed by Higman Barge Lines.
He last worked
with Seabulk and
became a pen-
CHARLES POLK
Pensioner Charles
Polk, 88, died
January 11. Sailing
in the deck department, he concluded
his career aboard
the Adabelle Lykes
in 1988. Brother
Polk made his
home in New Orleans.
JOHN SLOAN
Pensioner John Williamson, 68,
passed away March 17. Born in Boston, he signed on
with the Seafarers
in 1971. Brother
Williamson sailed
in the deck department. One of his
first vessels was
the Sealand Newark. He last sailed
on the Pearl and
became a pensioner in 2017. Brother Williamson
resided in Passadumkeag, Maine.
CONNIE PETERS
Moody last sailed on the Thompson
Lykes. He went on pension in 1998
and resided in Emporia, Virginia.
LARRY MANN
Pensioner George Martin, 94, died
March 13. A deck department member, Brother Martin last shipped on
the American Resolute in 1986. He
became a pensioner the following
year and called Norfolk, Virginia,
home.
Pensioner John Sloan, 82, passed
away February 14. He was a member of the steward department and
concluded his career aboard the
Kittanning. Brother Sloan became a
pensioner in 1996. He was a Philadelphia resident.
ALEXANDRU TOLNACI
Pensioner Alexandru Tolnaci, 81,
died February 7. He last shipped
on the Lykes Liberator and worked
in the engine department. Brother
Tolnaci retired in 2006 and lived in
Romania.
FREDERICK WOLFMAN
Pensioner Frederick Wolfman,
97, passed away February 21. He
worked in the
deck department
and shipped on
his final vessel, the Almeria
Lykes, in 1989.
Brother Wolfman
went on pension
the following
year and settled in
Houston.
GRAHAM WRIGHT
Pensioner Graham Wright, 92, died
February 16. He shipped in the deck
department and concluded his career
aboard the Cape Diamond. Brother
Wright retired in 1994 and lived in
Perry, Florida.
WILLIAM WYLIE
Pensioner William Wylie,
75, passed away February 1.
He concluded his career with
Woods Hole Shipping and went
on pension in 2012. Brother
Wylie called Fairhaven, Massachusetts, home.
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to develop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME
AGE
Cormier, Joseph
86
Davis, Van
95
Figueroa, Hermene 87
Kenney, John
78
Sanchez, Rafael
96
DOD
02/07/2023
03/16/2023
01/17/2023
05/02/2021
02/28/2023
WILLIAM MOODY
Pensioner William Moody, 78,
passed away February 10. Brother
May 2023
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Welding
June 5
June 23
Engineroom Resource Management
June 12
June 16
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
June 5
July 10
August 21
September 25
October 30
December 4
July 7
August 11
September 22
October 27
December 1
January 5
ServSafe Management
May 29
July 3
August 7
September 18
October 23
November 27
June 2
July 7
August 11
September 22
October 27
December 1
Able Seafarer-Deck
June 5
July 17
August 28
October 23
June 23
August 4
September 15
November 10
Lifeboat/Water Survival
June 5
July 3
July 31
June 16
July 14
August 11
RFPNW
May 15
June 26
August 14
June 2
July 14
September 1
Advanced Galley Operations
Fast Rescue Boat
July 17
August 28
July 21
September 1
May 22
July 31
October 16
June 16
August 25
November 10
Chief Steward
Leadership & Management Skills
June 19
June 23
June 26
September 11
November 13
July 21
October 6
December 8
Advanced Shiphandling
September 25
October 6
Advanced Stability
October 9
October 13
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
June 5
June 9
Advanced Meteorology
October 16
October 20
Medical Care Provider
June 12
June 16
Search & Rescue Management Level
October 23
October 25
Basic Training Revalidation
May 22
June 2
June 19
July 14
May 22
June 2
June 19
July 14
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
May 15
May 19
Government Vessels
May 22
June 5
June 12
June 19
July 17
July 31
May 26
June 9
June 16
June 23
July 21
August 4
Tank Ship DL (PIC)
August 14
August 18
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
May 22
June 12
September 18
May 26
June 16
September 22
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
May 15
June 19
September 25
May 19
June 23
September 29
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
May 15
August 14
June 9
September 8
FOWT
June 12
October 2
July 7
October 27
Junior Engineer Program
June 5
August 21
July 28
October 13
Marine Electrician
September 18
October 20
Marine Refer Tech
August 7
September 15
Advanced Refer Containers
July 31
October 23
August 11
November 3
Pumpman
September 18
September 22
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
May 2023
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
5/23
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #892 – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Abubakar Bockarie, Dayshaun Brown, Marc Joseph Dadich, Ricky Gamble Jr., Gregg
Gethers, Dajah Gosha, Jon Kavanagh, Harry McKever II, Cameron McNeil, Sara Mesa, Tyrone Simms and Danielle Vidal-Garrido.
Able Seaman Deck – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Spencer Bailey, Laura Bess, William Borders, Padgett Carpenter, Declan Gallagher,
Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren, Justin McClellan, Alexander Reay and Jaime Rios. Course instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right.
18 Seafarers LOG
May 2023
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamel Brown-Faulkner, Theodore Cash Jr., Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Tyvesha Dixon, Christopher Marsh Emanuel, Torrie Florence, Renato Calditara Govico, Dwight Hunt Sr., Michael Marrero, Julio Cesar Martinez, Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren and Samuel Tilles.
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – Graduated March 10 (above, in alphabetical
order): Patrick Dean, Lamonte McKinnon, Patrick Schoenberger and Edwin Velez. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)
Small Arms – 9MM – Graduated March 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Tomas Merel,
Deja Lashay Taylor and Robert Lee White III.
Certified Chief Cook Module 5 – Graduated March 24
(photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Cris Arsenio, Kevin
Bozis, Ervin Flynn, Ramon
Hilerio Rosa, Austin Leamer,
Raymond Murphy, Abraham
Pena, Lenford Royes, Wilma
Lunzaga Smith, Tyler Willette
and Arkala Williams.
May 2023
Seafarers LOG 19
�MAY 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 5
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 18-19
President Joe Biden
Congratulates President
Emeritus Sacco on Retirement
President Sacco is pictured (below) at the union’s headquarters building
shortly after taking office in 1988, and (above) at a Maritime Trades Department meeting in mid-February in Florida, which took place the week he
retired.
Congressman Thompson Honors Retired SIU President Sacco
U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (DMississippi) entered the following remarks
into the U.S. Congressional Record on
March 22, 2023.
Whereas, Sacco is universally recognized throughout the American maritime
industry as one of its most effective leaders; and
longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO
Executive Council, where his guidance
proved beneficial to numerous other labor
leaders; and
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in
the Record the following proclamation
honoring the career of Michael Sacco,
who recently retired after serving for
nearly 35 years as president of the Seafarers International Union.
Whereas, his long list of noteworthy
achievements includes helping secure
enactment of the U.S. Maritime Security
Program, leading the historic merger of
the SIU and the National Maritime Union,
powerfully defending the Jones Act, and
protecting mariners’ rights not only in the
United States but also around the globe;
and
Whereas, Sacco also played a crucial
role in helping develop the SIU’s affiliated school – the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education – into
one of the world’s finest, most modern
facilities for new and experienced seafarers alike; and
Whereas, Michael Sacco recently retired following nearly 35 years as president of the Seafarers International Union;
and
20 Seafarers LOG
Whereas, Sacco also had been the
Whereas, Sacco proficiently promoted
the success of his union’s contracted companies, though never at the expense of his
own rank-and-file members; and
Whereas, Sacco’s immense popularity
both within the union and throughout the
labor movement and the maritime industry
reflected a healthy respect and admiration
for his lifetime of service; now, therefore
be it
Resolved, That the United States Congress salutes Michael Sacco for his work,
his dedication, and his achievements. I appreciate everything he has done on behalf
of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I wish
him the best in retirement.
May 2023
�
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MARITIME CONGRESSIONAL SAIL-IN RETURNS TO D.C.
SIU JOBS SECURE ABOARD T-AGS VESSELS, LMSRS
INDUSTRY GROUP EXAMINES U.S. WARTIME READINESS
PAUL HALL CENTER RECEIVES COUNTY FOOD SAFETY AWARD
WASHINGTON STATE SUPPORTS JONES ACT
NATIONAL GLORY SAVES LIVES -- TWICE
OVERSEAS LONG BEACH CREW RESCUES 12
WHITE HOUSE, CONGRESS HONOR SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS SACCO
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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05/01/2023
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Newsprint
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Vol. 85, No. 5
Title
A name given to the resource
May 2023
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4875b68c6fbd8fddbb925898498149f6.pdf
67fe61c03eb3579bb5412bf4a9d2c565
PDF Text
Text
APRIL 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 4
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
‘Steady As
She Goes’
Heindel Pledges Unyielding
Support of Rank and File
SIU President David Heindel (right), appointed to the office in mid-February, is a career Seafarer. In his introductory column, he offers some personal background and spells out his vision
for the union which includes building upon the SIU’s sound policies so the union thrives and
grows. The photo at right was taken Feb. 17 in Florida, during a meeting of the Maritime Trades
Department Executive Board. Page 2.
SIU Crew
Rescues
8 Migrants
Seafarers aboard the ATB Legacy (Crowley) recently saved eight Cuban migrants who’d been
stranded at sea for nearly a month. The photos at
right show the migrants’ raft under a searchlight provided by a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft, and a closer
view of the makeshift watercraft as it neared the
ATB after dawn. Page 4.
PRO Act Reintroduced
Page 3
Remembering Chet Wheeler
Page 8
�President’s Report
A Winning Team
Although I am new to the office of president, the SIU – along with
my family – has been the focal point of my entire adult life, as many
of you know. I started sailing as a teenager, eventually came ashore to
work for the union, and am grateful to have enjoyed the membership’s
support which allowed me to remain part of
this great organization for nearly 50 years.
Following in the footsteps of Mike Sacco
is no easy task. However many accolades
Mike receives for his 35 years at the helm as
our president and his lifetime of service, he
deserves all of those and more. He’s truly one
of a kind and he did a fantastic job.
Longtime Seafarers know what Mike has
meant not just to us but to the broader U.S.flag industry. In particular for those of you
who are new to the SIU, be sure to take the
time to read the tributes about Mike in this
David Heindel
issue of the LOG and in last month’s edition.
They’re worth your time and they’ll help
give you some appreciation for his work.
It’s no overstatement to say that Mike stabilized the industry. He
came in at a difficult time and began turning things around right away,
even though it wasn’t easy. Those of us who worked for Mike know
that he was tough but fair. He demanded results, but he was reasonable.
Mike’s charisma and energy are readily apparent to anyone who’s
met him. He always made himself available to talk with Seafarers.
Something else that has always stood out to me is his foresight. His
vision and determination were the foundations of so many key developments for the SIU, from being the industry’s spokesperson for the
Maritime Security Program to updating our hiring halls to merging
with the NMU to constantly modernizing Piney Point and so much
more.
While Mike and I have different styles, his policies will continue in
my administration. Mike designed a winning model and put together a
winning team. I’m not about to fix something that isn’t broken. At the
same time, I of course will bring my own vision and my own approach
to the office. And don’t think for a minute that I’m too proud to call
Mike if I need advice. He is the ultimate lifeline, and I’m grateful to
know he’s available.
Throughout my entire time with the SIU, I’ve always believed that
the first priority of every official should be supporting the rank-andfile members. You have my pledge that I will continue doing so to the
best of my ability – and we will get the job done. We will stay on our
toes and we’ll win the battles so that Seafarers can continue working
on American-flag vessels.
Many of you know about our current challenges. Manpower is at
the top of that list, and of course that’s not just for our union or our
industry but for so many different occupations around the world.
We are formally recruiting all over the country, but word of mouth
is still effective. Please keep an eye out for the next generation of
prospective members. Bring them to the halls and show them what
we’re all about.
Something else we’ve been working on is new job opportunities
in the wind-energy sector. This may sound like a far-off development
but it’s actually here now. I think this sector will be vital for us moving forward, and that’s why we’ve been involved and we’ll remain
involved.
Brothers and sisters, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead our
union, but I also know that it’ll continue to be a team effort. We are,
as always, stronger together, and at the same time I will work day and
night to keep the SIU strong.
Mendonca Delivery Highlights
U.S.-Flag Sealift Capabilities
A recent mission involving the
SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca demonstrated the solid reliability and
vital capability of U.S.-flag sealift
operations.
The Mendonca – a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel
(LMSR) operated by Ocean Duchess
for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) – delivered more than
1,200 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including M1 Abrams main
battle tanks, Bradley infantry fighting
vehicles and a range of wheeled vehicles belonging to the 2nd Armored
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary
Division deployed to Europe, at the
port in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The
delivery was part of an ongoing mission known as Atlantic Resolve.
AB Jeremy Smoot told the LOG,
“It was a long trip, essentially a 60day trip. We went from the U.S. to
Europe, then across to the Middle
East, back to Europe and then headed
back home to the U.S. We were able
to visit ports not normally visited by
commercial U.S.-flag ships, such as
Riga, Latvia and Vlissingen, Netherlands. We were met with some adversities, including the Wi-Fi being
controlled and only a few members
having access at all times. Despite
the communication issues, all of the
crew members were proud to do our
part in supporting our military, as
well as allied military missions.”
SIU members sailing aboard
the Mendonca during the operation included: Recertified Bosun
Christopher Janics; Bosun Hector
Cumba Concepcion; ABs Ibrahim Abubaker, Antonio Donald,
Shawana Mills and Smoot; QE4s
Vincent Freeman, Tommy McGahe and Randy Pearson; QEE
Nakesha Miller; GUDEs Ashanty
Castillo, Joseph Hendricks and
Jamil Wright; Oilers Emmanuel
Adeoti, Tracy Mitchell and Emmanuel Nuez; Wipers Richard
Gould and Donnell Marsh; OSs
Ronnie Brickhouse, Leroy Chatman and Tito Mallory; Chief Cook
U.S. soldiers in the Netherlands scan military vehicles that were part
of a cargo of more than 1,250 items safely transported by the SIUcrewed Mendonca. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Yeadon)
Korey Jackson; Steward/Baker Eileen Mendiola; Storekeeper Lally
Manalo; SAs Makesa Jones and
Lavon White; and ACU John Reid.
“We appreciate the Netherlands’
strong dedication to enhancing military mobility,” said 21st Theater Sustainment Command Commanding
General Maj. Gen. James Smith. “A
strong NATO ally with excellent port
facilities and infrastructure, today’s
operation once again demonstrates
our ability, with host nation support,
to rapidly deploy equipment and personnel into and across the European
continent.”
According to MSC, “Soldiers
from 21st TSC’s 260th Movement
Control Team, in coordination with
the 598th Transportation Brigade
(Surface Deployment and Distribution Command), hosted nation support and commercial organizations,
discharged the vehicles and equipment, efficiently executing its reception, staging and onward movement
(RSOM).
Additionally, according to 260th
MCT Commander Capt. Karl Bliven,
Vlissingen’s facilities and the Netherlands’ infrastructure make it possible to rapidly offload an entire
brigade’s worth of equipment and
quickly stage it for transport through-
out the European theater.
“Once the vehicle gets offloaded
from the ship, we as an MCT use
what is called a DRAM (Distribution
Retrograde Adaptive Planning and
Execution Management) tablet to
scan the military shipping labels on
these vehicles,” said Bliven. “This
will ensure that we know all the
information relating to the vehicle
and that it gets on the correct truck,
barge or train to get to the final location. It’s important that we do this
smoothly and safely to allow for the
equipment to arrive ready, in terms
of maintenance, and in the most efficient way possible.”
Dutch Sea Port of Debarkation
Commander, Lt. Col. Peter van
Dorst, said experience working with
the U.S. Army at Vlissingen is paying dividends, as this is the fourth
time the port has supported an Atlantic Resolve rotation.
“As a representative of the 13th
Light Brigade from the Netherlands,
we enjoy working together,” said van
Dorst. “Cooperation with [598th]
SDDC, 21st TSC and members of
the 2nd Armored Combat Brigade is
going very well. The Dutch military
are already showing their experience
in an operation like this, and it is
going better each time.”
Union Leaders Meet with Lula
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 85 Number 4
April 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
The AFL-CIO on Feb. 10 hosted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil (left) for a discussion with
officials from the federation and its affiliates, including the SIU. He’s pictured with then-SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel (who has since been appointed as the union’s president). Following the
meeting, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “Lula has spent his entire life fighting for the working
class as both a union and political leader…. The significance of today’s meeting is heightened as
a momentous step forward in the longstanding bond between our two movements. Four years ago,
while Lula was wrongfully imprisoned, the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka traveled to the
country’s federal police building to demand justice and organize for Lula’s release. We stood by him
then and we will continue to stand alongside Lula, his Workers’ Party and the Brazilian labor movement in their fight to defend democracy and build a better world for working people.”
April 2023
�PRO Act Introduced in Congress Again
Legislation Aims to Boost Workers’ Rights
A bipartisan group of legislators on
Feb. 28 introduced a comprehensive proposal to protect workers’ right to come
together and bargain for higher wages,
better benefits, and safer workplaces.
The bill, dubbed the Richard L.
Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize
(PRO) Act of 2023 (H.R. 20), was introduced in the House of Representatives
by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia),
ranking member on the Committee on
Education and the Workforce. Scott was
joined by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick,
(R-Pennsylvania). The Senate companion bill was proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), who serves as
chair, Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
“Congress has an urgent responsibility to ensure that workers can join a
union and negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces,” said
Scott.
“Passing the PRO Act is the most
critical step we can take this Congress to
achieve that goal,” he continued. “I urge
my House and Senate colleagues on both
sides of the aisle to join me in advancing the most significant update for workers’ labor organizing rights in more than
eight decades.”
“At a time of massive income and
wealth inequality, when too many workers are falling further and further behind,
we need to make it easier for workers to
exercise their constitutional right to form
a union and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Sanders.
“We need to hold CEOs accountable for
flagrantly violating labor laws, illegally firing pro-union workers, and closing down
pro-union shops,” the Vermont senator
continued. “If we are going to reverse the
40-year decline of the middle class, reduce
the widening gap between the billionaire
class and everyone else, and take on the
unprecedented level of corporate greed in
America, we have got to rebuild the trade
union movement. That is what the PRO
Act is all about and I am proud to be introducing this bill in the Senate.”
“The PRO Act is how we level the
playing field,” AFL-CIO President Liz
Shuler said in a statement. “It is how
U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott
(D-Virginia)
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick
(R-Pennsylvania)
Sen. Bernie Sanders
(I-Vermont)
we stop the intimidation, the lies. This
is how we let workers, not wealthy corporations, decide for themselves if they
want the power of a union.”
Named after the late labor leader and
longtime friend of the SIU, the Richard
L. Trumka PRO Act, would protect the
basic right to join union. According to
the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the
bill, if passed into law, would:
Create a roadmap to a first contract
Terms of the new bill state that employers and workers have a set process to
follow to negotiate a first union contract,
and if they can’t reach an agreement,
they go to binding arbitration.
workplaces. Yet, overall union membership has waned in recent decades.
The decline is due in part to the decades-long, systematic attack on foundational labor laws that has created a hostile
environment for workers seeking to organize. An EPI analysis found that employers were charged with violating federal law
in 41.5% of union election campaigns, by
firing, threatening, or otherwise retaliating against workers who dared to come
together in their workplaces to bargain
collectively. The penalties for violating
current labor law are not sufficient to deter
employers from infringing on workers’
rights under the National Labor Relations
Act. The PRO Act is needed to restore the
basic rights of workers to organize their
workplaces and bargain collectively for
better pay, benefits, and working conditions, advocates say.
The PRO Act passed the House in both
2020 and 2021 but never reached the floor
for a vote in the Senate. In that chamber,
the legislative filibuster requires at least
60 votes to pass most bills. Last year,
Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), Mark
Kelly (D-Arizona), and Senate Republicans refused to back the bill.
Give workers more control
Under the PRO Act, workers and the
National Labor Relations Board, not
employers, control the timing of union
elections and employers can’t force employees to attend anti-union meetings.
Impose real penalties when employers
break the law
According to the proposed legislation, employers and corporate executives
would be penalized for illegally retaliating against workers trying to organize,
and workers would get monetary damages or other remedies if they are illegally fired or harmed; fired workers must
also be reinstated while their cases are
pending.
Strengthen the right of workers to strike
Under the PRO Act, employers are prohibited from permanently replacing workers when they strike, and workers are no
longer banned from engaging in so-called
“secondary” activity, such as boycotts,
seeking leverage in negotiations.
Crack down on worker misclassification
Details of the new bill specify that
workers can’t be wrongly deprived of
their organizing and bargaining rights
by being misclassified as supervisors or
independent contractors.
The move to pass the PRO Act comes
on the heels of a year that was characterized by an unprecedented spike in strike
activity by organized labor and historic
public support for unions. A recent Gallup poll showed that more than 70% of
Americans approve of labor unions and
many workers want to have them in their
ITF Reinforces Support
For Ukrainian Mariners
The International Transport Workers’ Federation
(ITF) Seafarers’ Trust has awarded another humanitarian grant to Mortrans, part of the Marine Transport
Workers’ Union of Ukraine (MTWTU), “for financial support for seafarers and their families in need
during the ongoing conflict.”
The ITF Seafarers’ Trust made the announcement
in late February.
“When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022,
the Trust was swift to send an emergency grant for
essential medical support for seafarers and their
families caught up in the conflict,” the organization
noted in a news release. “We followed up with a
transportation project to enable families to make the
hard decision to escape from danger and have some
breathing space to decide on their future plans. The
collaboration with MTWTU and V-ships allowed
around 500 family members to travel to Romania
and stay for a week in hotel accommodation with
meals and advice provided. The Canada Steamship
Line also contributed funds to this initiative.”
The release added, “Today the conflict continues
creating untold misery for the Ukrainian people as a
whole and specific challenges for seafarers inside the
April 2023
country, unable to pursue their maritime careers and
earn an income for their families.”
SIU President David Heindel, who also serves as
chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, said, “It is vital to
recognize the sustained economic and psychological damage caused by the acts of aggression against
civilians and the country’s infrastructure. We must
do all possible to support the fortitude and morale
of the Ukrainian people. The Trust is on standby to
support MTWTU in its tireless work to protect the
livelihoods and wellbeing of the seafarers and their
families.”
MTWTU Chairman Oleg Grygoriuk said, “We
are proud to be part of an international family that
trusts in us to deliver for our members and for all
Ukrainian maritime workers. We are convinced that
we will succeed in the end and emerge in a stronger
position than ever before. We could not imagine that
we would be at war in the 21st century but the world
has seen the resilience of the Ukrainian people and
we are counting on our friends to go the distance
with us.”
The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is a UK charity established in 1981.
SIUNA Announces
New Appointments
The Seafarers International Union of North America
(SIUNA) Executive Board on
March 7 unanimously approved
several new appointments.
During an online meeting, the board named David
Heindel as the SIUNA’s new
president; Tom Orzechowski as
secretary-treasurer; and Todd
Brdak, Mike Given and Jeff
Richards as vice presidents.
Brdak fills Orzechowski’s old
position, while Given replaces
the recently retired Jim Given.
Richards succeeds the recently
deceased Joe Gremelsbacker.
There are four-and-a-half years
left on their respective terms.
The SIUNA’s autonomous
affiliates include the Seafarers
International Union, Atlantic,
Gulf, Lakes and Inland Wa-
ters; the American Maritime
Officers; the Marine Firemen’s
Union; the Sailors’ Union of the
Pacific; the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union;
the Seafarers International
Union of Canada; the United
Industrial Workers; the Sugar
Workers Union; the Industrial,
Professional, Technical Workers
International Union; and others.
In addition to the aforementioned officers, the SIUNA
board includes the following
vice presidents: Paul Doell, Nicole Walsh, Anthony Poplawski,
Dave Connolly, Nicholas Celona, Dean Corgey, Nick Marrone, Joseph Soresi, Augie
Tellez, George Tricker, Pat
Vandegrift, Marcus Woodring,
Monte Burgett, Karen HortonGennette and Laura Lopez.
Seafarers LOG 3
�A few crew members are pictured with most of the men they helped rescue. AB Thomas
Tramutola is at front left, Chief Mate James Steltzlen at far right, and AB Jarred Moylan in the
back, fourth from left among those standing.
ATB Legacy Crew Rescues
8 Migrants in Gulf Of Mexico
Rescues at sea are nothing new for longtime SIU member AB Donnie Collins, but that
doesn’t mean he takes them lightly.
That point was reinforced March 1 when
Collins and his fellow Seafarers aboard the
Crowley-operated ATB Legacy saved eight
Cuban migrants who’d been stranded at sea
aboard a makeshift raft for nearly a month.
The rescue took place in the Gulf of Mexico,
approximately 145 miles south of Southwest
Pass, one of the channels at the mouth of the
Mississippi River.
“They said they had left Cuba on Feb. 2,
supposedly to go to Mexico,” recalled Collins,
a 33-year SIU member who’d previously assisted in three other rescues. “They figured it
would take them five days. When we found
them, they thought they had been at sea for 18
days. We told them, no, it’s March 1.”
Taking part in the rescue were Capt. Gus
Cramer, Chief Mate James Steltzlen, Second Mate Brett Stepanski, Third Mate Devon
Haffner, AB/Tankermen Collins, Thomas
Tramutola, Jarred Moylan and Dominique
Calvy, Chief Engineer Cle Popperwill, First
Assistant Engineer William Ziadeh, Second
Assistant Engineer Andrew Burns, Third Assistant Engineer Joseph Krajnik, and Cook
America Cacho.
“The crew did an excellent job,” Cramer said.
Collins and Stepanski were on watch at
approximately 1:30 a.m. when they spotted a
flashing light.
“I went outside and could hear someone
screaming,” said Collins. “I yelled to them that
we’d be coming back.”
The Legacy approached the raft while contacting the U.S. Coast Guard; the agency then
dispatched an aircraft. Cramer later determined
The SIU-crewed ATB Legacy nears a makeshift raft carrying eight migrants.
4 Seafarers LOG
Tom Donahue speaks at a Maritime Trades Department gathering in 1995.
Labor Movement Mourns
Passing of Tom Donahue
Some of the rescued individuals rest and eat
aboard the ATB.
that the most prudent means of bringing the migrants aboard was to deploy a pilot ladder on
the vessel’s barge.
“The seas were getting bigger, and [the
migrants] weren’t going to make it to the next
night, the way we saw it,” Collins recalled.
“You could tell they were grateful when they
came aboard. They said they’d originally had
an engine on the raft, but lost it.”
“When we got really close to them, we were
going to hand them supplies and food, but it
was obvious to me that the raft was in pretty
bad shape,” Cramer said. “We weren’t going
to leave them out there; we were going to get
them on board.”
Cramer noted that the original estimated
time of arrival for the Coast Guard cutter that
had been dispatched was upwards of 14 hours.
The eight males told the Legacy crew that
they had survived largely by grabbing food
scraps from the water (available perhaps because of the large number of cruise ships in
those waters). With Cacho and Ziadeh serving
as interpreters, they mentioned that numerous
vessels had passed them.
“They were in pretty bad shape,” Collins
added. “We weren’t sure if they’d have the
strength to climb up the ladder. Once they
were aboard, we fed them, gave them liquids,
and mustered up some old coveralls and rubber
boots. They didn’t have shoes.”
As a safety matter, the Legacy personnel
also searched the migrants for contraband (and
found none).
“You always have to double-check people,”
Collins said. “You don’t know who you’re
dealing with, so you have to be safe.”
Roughly 10 hours after the migrants
boarded the Legacy, they were transferred to
a Coast Guard vessel. The transfer only took
about 45 minutes, Cramer said.
Reflecting on the experience, Collins stated,
“We all felt great about helping. A lot of us
were probably emotional about it, because
people don’t understand that others are desperate to leave that country and its totalitarian system…. If the one migrant didn’t have an LED
flashlight, he’d have never been seen.”
AFL-CIO President Emeritus Thomas
R. Donahue, one of the most influential
leaders of the postwar labor movement,
died Feb. 18 in a Washington, D.C., hospital at the age of 94.
Donahue served as secretary-treasurer
of the AFL-CIO under Lane Kirkland,
who led the national labor federation for
16 years. He was AFL-CIO president
from August to October 1995.
“Tom Donahue was a good man and
a strong fighter for all working people,”
stated SIU President Emeritus Michael
Sacco. “Tom was someone you could
count on. You always knew where he
stood and that was on the side of workers.”
The Bronx, New York-born Donahue
began his labor career as a part-time organizer with the Retail Clerks International
Union in New York City. He joined the
Building Service Employees International
Union in 1960. From 1967 to 1969, he
was Assistant U.S Labor Secretary.
In 1973, then AFL-CIO President
George Meany tapped Donahue to be his
executive assistant. When Meany retired
in 1979, Donahue said, “My hopes for the
labor movement are growth, dynamism,
militancy.”
One of his most often quoted remarks
was “The only effective answer to organized greed is organized labor.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and
Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond released the following joint statement on
Donahue’s passing:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss
of former AFL-CIO president Tom Donahue and extend our condolences to his
family, friends and loved ones.
“Tom was an innovator, intellectual
and a visionary labor leader who was
ahead of his time. Long before the future
of work and the impact of technology on
workers became a robust policy debate,
Donahue was creating a blueprint for
unions that encouraged experimentation
with new approaches and technology to
expand worker organizing and increase
the labor movement’s influence.
“That blueprint served as a guide that
still influences union innovation today. He
was a brilliant strategist who had the keen
insight to foreshadow challenges and opportunities workers would face well into
the future, and our movement is much
better for it today.
“In a career that spanned six decades
starting as a part-time organizer with the
Retail Clerks International Union in New
York City and rising to secretary-treasurer
and president of the AFL-CIO, Donahue
put every ounce of his being into the labor
movement he loved from the moment he
joined it. A tireless champion of organizing, he helped create the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute which opened doors for a
new generation of organizers. Throughout
his distinguished career as an organizer
and labor leader, Donahue always pushed
the labor movement to embrace innovation and change to keep propelling workers forward.
“Donahue’s influence extended well
beyond our nation’s borders. He served as
chairman of an advisory group on labor
and diplomacy with Secretaries of State
Madeline Albright and Colin Powell,
powerfully advancing the cause of democracy and ensuring the link between
anti-democratic movements and worker
oppression was clear to leaders here and
abroad. He helped lead the labor movement’s support for the independent Polish
trade union Solidarnosc in the 1980s and
was a vocal critic of oppression in any
form, leading a call for unions to boycott
apartheid-era South Africa.
“Throughout his legendary career, he
never forgot his roots in the Bronx. His
father was a union deckhand with the
Staten Island Ferry, giving him an early
education in the movement that would
shape his life. He believed deeply in the
collective power workers wield when
we have a union on the job. Everyone in
the labor movement who knew Donahue
respected both his absolute commitment
to working people and his formidable
intellect. All of us in the labor movement
today in a new age of organizing and technological change stand on his shoulders.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Rachelle,
daughter and grandchildren during this
difficult time.”
Donahue leaves behind his wife of
nearly 44 years, Rachelle Horowitz; his
daughter, Nancy Donahue (Tom Fogarty),
and six grandchildren: Matt Fogarty,
Kerry Fogarty (Kevin Carrig), Kate Fogarty, Erin Donahue, Megan Donahue, and
Mary Clare Donahue, and their mother,
Emily Donahue. He was preceded in
death by his son, Thomas Reilly Donahue
III, in 2018.
Donahue’s funeral mass was held
March 2 at Our Lady Queen of Peace
Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia.
He was interred March 4 at Gate of
Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, New
York.
April 2023
�President Joe Biden Nominates Julie Su
To Become Next U.S. Secretary of Labor
President Biden in early March nominated another pro-union individual to
head up the U.S. Department of Labor
(DOL).
Following the news that Labor Secretary Marty Walsh (a lifelong trade unionist) is leaving his post for the top job at the
National Hockey League Players Association, Biden nominated Deputy Secretary
Julie Su to succeed him.
During a press conference announcing
the nomination, Biden stated, “Julie knows
in her bones [that] the people who get up
SIU Assistant VP Mike Russo (center) is
pictured earlier this year with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh (right) and Deputy Secretary Julie Su during a gathering at
a Houston-area union hall.
every morning and go to work and bust
their necks just to make an honest living
deserve someone to fight on their side to
give them an even shot…. Julie has spent
her life fighting for that vision, her entire
professional career.
He added that at the DOL, Su has “led
the effort to ensure jobs of high-growth
industries like semiconductor manufacturing, broadband, healthcare, and so much
more – making sure they’re good-paying
jobs, high-quality jobs, and union jobs.
Union jobs.”
Biden stressed that using union labor ultimately saves employers money by having
well-qualified workers and less turnover.
He also pointed out that Su, like Walsh,
comes from a union family.
At the same news conference, Su stated,
“I believe in the transformative power of
America, and I know the transformative
power of a good job. I know because it was
the kind of job that my mom got that had
predictable hours, paid sick leave, health
benefits, a secure income, and a pension
when she retired. A union job that gave my
parents a path to the middle class and gave
our family the kind of breathing room that
the president talks about.”
She continued, “We have never had a
president who has made workers, worker
wellbeing, and worker power so central to
his vision of a strong nation and a strong
economy. Mr. President, when you said
you wanted to be the most pro-worker,
pro-union president in history and restore
decency and build the middle class, I said,
‘Sign me up for that.’ I want to help do
that, and it has been my honor to be the
Deputy Secretary. Those shared values
are what I will work to make real every
day.”
At press time, the Senate had not set a
date for Su’s confirmation hearing.
Senate Labor Committee Chairman
Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) noted, “I’m
confident Julie Su will be an excellent Sec-
State Department
Provides Passport
Update for Mariners
The following communication has been issued by the
U.S. Department of State. It also is available on the SIU
website.
Updated Notice to Mariners
With International Voyages
To ensure timely service for mariners, Passport
Services provides the following streamlined passport
renewal provisions. These provisions are subject to
change.
Qualifications
n Be a credentialed merchant mariner;
n Be eligible to apply on a DS-82 application for passport renewal. (Check eligibility at https://travel.state.gov/
content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html); and
n Have a current passport that is expired or expiring in 7 months or less.
Application and Mailing Instructions
1. Applicants must submit the following:
n DS-82 application completed, signed, and dated.
Please use the online form filler tool to fill out and print
your form: https://pptform.state.gov. This tool produces
a barcode to help us process your application faster;
n Passport photograph taken within the past six months;
n Current passport;
n Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front
and back.
n A check or money order in the amount of $209.53
April 2023
President Biden (left) introduces Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su at a White House
news conference. (Photo courtesy White House)
retary of Labor. I look forward to working with her to protect workers’ rights and
build the trade union movement in this
country.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said,
“From her beginnings protecting immigrants and other vulnerable workers, to
fiercely combatting wage theft and abuse
of low-wage workers in California, to her
leadership [at DOL], Su distinguished herself as a principled fighter for the basic
rights of every worker, no matter where
we’re from or what kind of work we do.
At this pivotal moment in history, that’s
precisely the leadership America’s working people need in their next Secretary of
Labor.”
Walsh issued the following statement
before Su’s nomination became official:
“I am grateful to President Biden for announcing his intent to nominate my dear
friend and colleague, Deputy Secretary
made payable to U.S. Department of State if applying
for a passport book only. If applying for both the passport book and card, the total fee is $239.53. This amount
includes the passport fee, expedite fee, and 1-2 day
delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees,
please visit travel.state.gov).
n Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or
your U.S. mariner’s union.
2. The supervisor letter should include the following
details:
n Applicant’s full name;
n Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor
or mariners’ union representative;
n Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature;
and
n Date the letter was issued.
3. Applications must be sent by traceable overnight
delivery service to:
El Paso Passport Agency (PPT/EP)
44132 Mercure Circle, PO Box 1073
Sterling, Virginia 20166 – 1073
Attention: Mariner Program
Service Expectations
Completed passports will be mailed using a 1-2 day
delivery service. Please be sure the application includes
a physical U.S. mailing address and not a P.O. Box.
Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be completed and
sent out by Friday of the same week.
Requesting a Second Passport
Mariners may wish to apply for a second limited validity passport (4 years). Second passports provide greater
flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas
when traveling domestically and overseas. For more information, please see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/
en/passports/have-passport/second-passport-book.html
Julie Su, to succeed me as U.S. Secretary
of Labor. Julie has been a true partner in
leading the Department of Labor, and her
drive and vision have been central to everything we have achieved over the past
two years.
“As Deputy Secretary, Julie’s achievements – prioritizing rights and protections
for the most vulnerable workers; driving our equity work; attracting diverse,
world-class talent into public service;
modernizing workforce development and
unemployment insurance systems; and
deepening our engagement with state and
local governments – have been broad and
deep.
“She is a lifelong champion of America’s workers, and I have the utmost confidence in her ability to sustain the work of
the department and advance the President’s
vision of an economy that puts workers
first and leaves no one behind.”
Following are the two options for applying for a second passport.
Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport
To apply for a second passport, applicants must also
include:
n A second DS-82 application (with photograph)
completed, signed, and dated;
n Signed statement describing the need for a second
passport. (This is required in addition to the company
letter authorizing use of these special procedures); and
n Include payment for both applications in
a single check totaling $419.06 ($209.53 per application).
Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current Valid Passport
If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying for their second passport, they can
apply at a passport acceptance facility using a DS-11
form. They can expect to receive the second passport
within the expedited timeframe posted at travel.state.
gov. To apply at a passport acceptance facility, applicants need:
n Completed (not signed) DS-11 application;
n Passport photograph;
n Photocopy of their 10-year passport data page;
n Signed statement of need for a second passport
as outlined on our website;
n Payment of $209.53 to the U.S. Department of State,
which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional
$19.53 for 1-2-day return delivery; and
n Additional payment of $35 to the passport acceptance facility to execute the application.
To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility,
see https://iafdb.travel.state.gov. Please note that many
passport acceptance facilities require customers to
schedule an appointment ahead of their visit.
Seafarers LOG 5
�ABOARD USNS BUTTON – Seafarers aboard the Crowley-operated vessel gathered for this shipboard photo in Guam, and they also extended thanks and congratulations to recently
retired SIU President Michael Sacco “for all he’s done with the SIU. We wish him all the best. We would also like to congratulate new SIU President David Heindel.” Pictured are (front,
from left) SA Abdulhamed Musa, SA Lashay Creekmore, Bosun Franz Eder and SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon. In the back are (from left) AB Noel Gemo, Recertified Steward Edwin
Bonefont, AB Nicholas Selle, AB Rhiannon Buttrum, AB Douglas Vaughn, OS Kaylah Hill, AB Montavis Harold and OS Charles Catunao.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD TANKER LOUISIANA – Pictured above in the galley of the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are (photo at left, from left) Chief Steward Matthew
Conyac and Chief Cook Yolanda Martinez. The photo at right includes Bosun Pablo
Borja (left) and SIU Tacoma Safety Director Duane Akers.
AT THE SAN JUAN HALL –
Chief Cook Eliezer Estremera
(right) receives his B-seniority
book at the hiring hall. He is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio
Crespo.
AT THE HONOLULU HALL – AB Ronaldo Ramos (left in photo
at left, with SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso) receives his A-seniority
book while GUDE Theodore Cash (left in photo above, with SIU
Safety Director Amber Akana) picks up his full B-book.
6 Seafarers LOG
PROMOTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS – SIU Port Agent
Mario Torrey (left) is pictured with AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Fred Redmond at a Department of Labor (DOL)
event in the nation’s capital. Titled “Making Equity Real:
Black Workers and Good Jobs,” the event took place Feb.
21. According to the DOL, “Black labor leaders and workers
engaged in discussion with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty
Walsh and Deputy Secretary Julie Su about the importance
of centering equity and job quality in the implementation of
historic federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy,
manufacturing, and technology. Panelists also discussed
the potential of these investments to expand economic opportunity and equity, and the historic role of unions and
worker organizing in strengthening and expanding a Black
middle class.”
ON THE JOB AT WATCO – Crane Operator Saleh Mothana explains the operation to a guest.
April 2023
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime
Seafarers recently picked up their respective first pension
checks at the hiring hall. Steward/Baker Leslie Davis (right
in photo at left) sailed with the SIU for 40 years, while Bret
Mattei (right in photo above) sailed with Crescent Towing for
42 years, almost exclusively as a captain. Both members
are pictured with SIU Safety Director James Brown.
TAKING THE OATH IN OAKLAND – AB Jody Owens (left)
receives his full book at the hiring hall in Oakland, California.
He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday.
B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – SA Eric Trinemeyer (left) receives
his full book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
WITH MEMBERS IN WILMINGTON – QMED Steven Benavides (right in photo at immediate left) picks up his A-seniority
book at the hiring hall, while AB Noel Engo (left in photo above)
receives his full B-book. Both members are pictured with SIU
Port Agent Gerret Jarman.
ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN –
Many thanks to Chief Mate Cullen
Bozza for this snapshot of SIU and
AMO members aboard the ship.
The Seafarers (below, from left) are
Recertified Boson Gregorio Cudal,
ABs Tomas Robinson, Fernando
Haber and Andres Martinez, Chief
Steward Marcelino Pabito, Pumpman Walden Galacgac, QMEDs
Josh Bonita and Arvin Heras, AB
Vener Pelayo, Chief Cook Cody
Younghans and GVA Abdulrahman
Omar. Behind the name board (also
from left) are Second Assistant Engineer Tim Cook, Third Assistant
Engineer Mahlon Glidden, First Assistant Engineer Graham Monohan,
Chief Engineer Chris Gill, Captain
Wayne Archer, Bozza, Second
Mate Aaron Lamb and Third Mate
John Dufrene.
April 2023
Seafarers LOG 7
�Norfolk Hall Taking Shape
Progress continues with the months-long refurbishment of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, as reflected
by these photos from early March. The hall tentatively is scheduled to reopen this summer (the union has
been operating in temporary quarters in nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, while construction is happening).
Chet Wheeler
Retired Government Services
Official ‘Chet’ Wheeler Dies at 77
The union is mourning the loss of retired SIU Assistant Vice President Chester “Chet” Wheeler, who passed away March 10 in California at age 77. He had had been battling cancer.
Wheeler retired in 2019, following 22 years of service as an official. Previously, he sailed with the union for 32 years, beginning in
the mid-1960s, mostly as a civil service mariner with MSC.
SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona stated,
“Chet was absolutely tireless in his work on behalf of the membership. He set a high standard and consistently did a great job handling
issues in an often-complex sector of the industry. He will be missed.”
SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Joe Vincenzo
said Wheeler “was a friend who made a real difference in the lives of
CIVMARS. Whether in the everyday routine of handling premium
pay disputes or sorting through pending disciplinary matters to make
life a little easier for our mariners, his impact can hardly be overstated. It was a privilege to observe him up close and personal and to
accompany him servicing ships up at the Navy base in Bremerton,
Washington, and to work with him on issues of consequence both
abroad and right here at home.”
Wheeler came ashore to work for the union in 1997, first as a
representative and soon thereafter as an assistant vice president. Prior
to the SIU’s merger with the National Maritime Union in 2001, he
handled all West Coast representational efforts for MSC and the Suisun Bay reserve fleet. In fact, since 1997, Wheeler was involved in
every MSC and Suisun Bay contract negotiation and “instruction and
policy” negotiation until he retired.
Colleagues described him as instrumental in ensuring the safety
and health of mariners by negotiating afloat and ashore habitability
agreements, watch hours, standards for shipboard water potability and
air quality, and shipyard working conditions. He was a guiding force
in the three-year negotiation of Civilian Mariner Personnel Instruction (CMPI) 610, a key document covering hours of work and overtime pay. Wheeler also played leading roles in representing mariners
aboard joint high-speed vessels, and in securing significant compensatory time for travel for many CIVMARS.
Retired SIU Counsel Deborah Kleinberg, who was a close friend
and worked with Wheeler day-to-day for 22 years, noted, “Chet was
a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Chet’s life was filled with
purpose and the desire to be of service. He was a natural teacher and
shared his vast knowledge freely. In his personal life, and over the
course of his career, he helped many thousands of people. His legacy
will be how he aided people through their most difficult times, his
incredible generosity, integrity, and most of all, loyalty to his family,
friends, and the mariners he represented throughout his lifetime and
the SIU.”
Upon his retirement, Wheeler offered the following advice for
those entering the industry: “Get as much out of it as you can. It’s an
adventure; make this your adventure. The other thing is, learn everything you can. We have a great school (the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education). Look out for your fellow shipmates. It’s a wonderful occupation and I’m really glad I did
it.”
Donations in Wheeler’s memory may be made to: Hospice Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, California
95453, Phone (707) 263-6222.
8 Seafarers LOG
April 2023
�Maritime Community Reacts to Sacco Retirement
Accolades Attest Accomplishments of SIU President Emeritus
You were there all 50 years I sailed. Brother, it’s been a
great ride. Enjoy your retirement.
- Retired Bosun John Wells
It was a pleasure meeting you. Your guidance to help seamen in our future gave us confidence and was much appreciated. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the Brotherhood
of the Sea. You are appreciated and never will be forgotten.
- Cleavern Brown, former FOWT
Allow me to be on board the ship to send President Sacco
my wishes for a happy retirement. Smooth sailing, sir.
- Antoinette Saucier, former Cook and Baker
I first met Mr. Sacco at a union meeting in Houston in 1982.
Mike and his brother Joey chaired a meeting. The union was
knee-deep in a strike with Dixie Carriers. Mike had a way of
speaking to the membership and has had that gift my whole
career. Even in the early 80s when shipping was tight, Mike
pushed members to fill jobs. And how important it was to keep
the SIU on top of all the contracts under our umbrella.
As a longstanding member (42 years) I’ve always made it
a point to make union meetings at Piney Point to hear Mike’s
and Augie’s reports. I have a permanent job but still make
meetings when I’m off. Even at the last meeting I saw Mike,
he was pushing the membership to fill the jobs. And like every
meeting, Mike let the membership know the importance of the
Jones Act.
Mr. Sacco has been the driving force behind the SIU. I personally thank Mike for all the years of looking out for us.
- Recertified Bosun James K. Walker
I have been a member of the SIU for 44 years. I have seen
the best and worst of economic times. Mike led us through the
roughest times when others faltered. Mike was steadfast with
keeping the last piece of the puzzle intact, the Jones Act. I wish
Mike well going into retirement.
- John Bilich, Master, M/V Rocketship
From my early days as a trainee until the day Mike retired,
he was a constant inspiration and motivational force in my
development as a Seafarer and eventual official of our great
organization. Everyone needs to be uplifted and encouraged to
become successful, and Mike’s steady hand brought that not
only to me but hundreds, if not thousands of young Seafarers.
Thank you for the years and best wishes for a long and healthy
retirement!
- SIU President David Heindel
As a young man entering a phase in my life where I was
looking for a new career or simply a career, I entered the
trainee program in Piney Point. Back then it was known as
the trainee program and it had not yet graduated to the term
or structure we use today, known as the apprentice program.
Upon arrival there were the normal formalities of haircuts and
uniforms, etc. But the charge really hit me when I attended my
first SIU union meeting. It was then, listening to Mike, that I
knew I had found my home and calling.
After going to sea, I had come ashore to work as a patrolman and organizer. Over the years, Mike had always given me
great latitude to make decisions and learn. He is a great communicator with a vision to constantly grow our organization
through hard work and influence. After many years of working
for him and many years of “talks” and conversations we have
had over a cup of coffee (and maybe a beer or two), he had become my mentor and friend. Accountability and responsibility
were always part of his daily lesson. His passion and energetic
outlook on the day’s task at hand will continue through those of
us he has trained and mentored.
Mike’s contribution to labor, maritime labor and the SIU are
unsurpassed. In short, his career has been iconic.
-Tom Orzechowski, SIU Secretary-Treasurer
I’ve known Mike Sacco 46 years. He was my union teacher
in 1977 when I was in Piney Point as a trainee, and again when
I came ashore in 1983 and worked as a young patrolman in
New Orleans – working with his brother Joey, who was the
vice president of the Gulf region.
Mike inspired me and gave me insight and knowledge of the
maritime industry as a whole. He was a mentor, and his leadership was from the heart. One of his favorite sayings – and I use
it all the time – is, “Money, marbles and chalk!” Godspeed,
Mike.
- SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona
Mike Sacco is the only president that has been at the helm
since I came to work for the Seafarers 30-plus years ago. From
the beginning, he always inspired me to work hard on behalf
of the mariners. His passion for the industry and the men and
women that work in it has always been something I have admired.
When he spoke at membership meetings or conventions,
I was always willing to be part of the mission, whatever it
might be! You couldn’t help but be moved into action. Mike
has taught me so many lessons over the years, whether it was
to “keep my eye on the bouncing ball” or letting him or others
know when I needed help.
Every time I saw Mike, the first question was, “How’s it
going, kid”? And I felt like he genuinely wanted to know. It
might sound corny but he was a great leader with vision for the
future and he provided me an appreciation for an industry that I
didn’t know about when I first came aboard.
- Maggie Bowen, Seafarers Plans Administrator
I have known Mike and have worked closely with him for
the last 48 years. My introduction to Mike was at Piney Point
when I was a trainee in 1975 and he was vice president of the
school. What impressed me most about Mike at that time was
his aptitude for public speaking. It was amazing to watch him
engage the audience and hold their attention while he spoke,
and I realized then that this was a special talent.
Mike gave me my first opportunity to come work ashore
for the school as a union ed teacher in 1979. My confidence in
teaching that class came from the skills I learned from Mike.
Over the years, I was fortunate to witness many of Mike’s public speaking engagements in which he was able to captivate the
audience, engage them at their level, and produce the results
he was aiming for. One of the most memorable moments (and
there have been many) was back in 1990 when I was a lobbyist for the SIU. Mike had only been president for two years,
and the congressional budget process had done away with the
operating differential subsidy program. This was a real threat to
the U.S.-flag fleet in the international trades. Through Mike’s
dynamic leadership and relationship skills, he spearheaded an
effort with the American-flag shipping companies, the Maritime Administration and the newly created U.S. Transportation
Command to create a new program to maintain the U.S.-flag
presence in the international trades, and to provide the Department of Defense with sealift assets that they desperately
needed.
After many meetings with DOD officials, our congressional
representatives, and our shipping company CEOs and never
giving up on our objectives, we all were successful in the birth
of our current Maritime Security Program, which has stood the
test of time.
Being with Mike during this time and watching him (along
with others) orchestrate this objective was one of the proudest memories I have of Mike’s leadership abilities. I wish him
all the best of health and fair, following seas in his retirement
years.
- Nick Marrone, SIU VP West Coast
My first day with the LOG coincided with the June 1991
membership meeting in Piney Point. When Mike spoke at the
end, I had no idea what he was talking about – but I knew I was
ready to run through the proverbial brick wall for him.
I spent a lot of time with Mike behind the scenes, and always came away impressed. He was totally dedicated to the
membership, and as I observed his tireless commitment year
after year, I couldn’t bear the thought of ever letting him down.
It was a blessing to work for him, and if there were a hall of
fame for bosses, Mike would be a first-ballot inductee.
- Jordan Biscardo, SIU Communications Director
June 1979 was the first time I heard Mike Sacco speak.
It was at my first membership meeting; I was an 18-year-old
trainee in Piney Point. His passion had a way of making me
believe not only in the greatness of the SIU, but the potential
within myself.
Throughout the next 44 years, I spent a lot of time around
Mike, first as a member, then ultimately serving as part of his
executive board. His lifetime devotion to the SIU and dedication to the men and women has paved the way for so many of
us to live a prosperous life, filled with dignity and purpose.
Thanks to your example we all show up with passion and devotion every day to make our members’ lives better, but no one
will ever measure up to you, sir. Thank you.
- George Tricker, SIU VP Contracts
I have been with the SIU for more than 36 years, almost all of it with Mike Sacco at the helm.
Over the years, I have heard three sayings that sum up
April 2023
SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco
Mike.
“Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!” He never forgot what the union is
all about, and he made sure none of us ever did – making
sure our members are working, with good, safe jobs, and
their families are taken care of. I remember how proud
he was in 1990 when new general agreements were ratified with the first raises for members in years. Under his
leadership, the union was able to expand its benefits to
members and gradually extend benefits to families. The
difference between what members had in 1988 to today is
amazing.
“Money, Marbles and Chalk!” Mike made sure that
members and friends knew where the SIU stood. When
he gave this declaration, our friends and allies knew the
Seafarers would be solid. From white caps marching on
a picket line to financial help to members and families
hurt by a natural disaster to solidarity for a worthy cause,
Mike made sure the SIU cared for its members and all
workers.
“Brawn to Brains.” Like the previous saying, this one
has years of history behind it. Mike came to the union at
a time when muscle settled many beefs. Under his leadership, he realized the times had changed. To survive, the
SIU needed brainpower, and he was not afraid to have
people around him who would give him the information
needed to win at the negotiation table. Sure, there were
plenty of headaches with this approach, but aspirin is a
lot cheaper than setting broken arms and legs.
Personally, I was lucky enough to travel with him over
the years when he would visit crews aboard ships. His
whole attitude would lighten up as he climbed the gangways to visit with the members. He loves being around
the members, whether on a vessel or at Piney Point.
Mike, smooth seas and following winds to you, Sophie,
and your entire family.
- Daniel Duncan, Retired MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer,
former SIU Communications Director
I worked with Mike Sacco for over 40 years. I have always
been inspired by his dedication to the union and its membership.
I also appreciated his leadership approach, which was always
collaborative in nature. In addition, he never shot the messenger
when I had to indicate that we could not do something legally
that people were proposing and I certainly appreciated that. He
believed in me and my ability to be general counsel at a time
when very few unions were elevating women into that role
- Leslie Tarantola, SIU General Counsel
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Michael for his great
leadership of the SIU and his work at the forefront of protection for seafarers all over the world. His advocacy and determination to defend the Jones Act and constant support in helping
us establish cabotage in Australia and around the world has
never waned.
- Paddy Crumlin, President, ITF
Seafarers LOG 9
�Q&A With SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco
Editor’s note: Following his retirement, SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco on Feb. 14 did
an interview with the LOG in Florida. Excerpts from the discussion follow. Additional coverage of
his career is available in the March edition of the LOG. Sacco served as SIU president from 19882023.
Q: Why did you decide to retire?
A: I’m 86 years old and I believe it’s time for me to retire. I’m leaving the union in good hands,
that’s the main thing. The people who have been elected are going to do a great job in growing this
union and maintaining its policies.
Q: How did you get involved with the SIU back in the late 1950s? (Sacco served in the U.S.
Air Force from 1954-58.)
A: I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was younger. Paul Hall (who was the
union’s president) was the one who actually recruited me. I was one of these kids in Brooklyn
that used to hang around the hall. One day, I ran into him. He said, ‘Why don’t you go inside and
talk to some of the boys? See if you can get your documents, and you can go to work on a ship.’ I
talked to one of the patrolmen, and they gave me a letter. I went down to the Coast Guard and got
my papers. Before you know it, I was washing dishes and pots and pans on a ship running from
New York to Puerto Rico.
I really didn’t have any intention of staying, until I got my first pay. Once I got that first paycheck, I said, ‘Hey, this is not a bad deal. Let me think about it.’
As time went on, Paul took a special liking to me. He put me on an organizing campaign…. Finally, after I don’t know how many campaigns, he calls me in the office and says, ‘Why don’t you
come to work for us?’ But even then, I really didn’t know how long I was going to stay.
Q: You served as the vice president of the Lundeberg School in Piney Point during its formative years. What do you remember about those days, and why do you think the school is still important for the SIU’s future?
A: In order for us to meet our contractual obligations, and with the way the industry changes,
we have to have a training facility to meet the needs of the (vessel-operating) companies. Piney
Point is the future of the SIU. As new technology comes into the industry and the job requirements
change, we have to have the courses ready and available to teach our people to meet those needs.
What Piney Point really did for me is, it opened my eyes to what the industry is all about.
When you work in a port and that’s all you see, that’s all you understand…. That’s when I realized
that if we didn’t help keep the industry strong and profitable, in time, we’d all be out of a job. I
grew up in Piney Point.
Q: Paul Hall recruited you, but what other officials influenced you?
A: E.B. MacAuley. He was my main man. He was our headquarters representative in Brooklyn.
I used to go on payoffs with him. He used to tell me, write down all the questions you couldn’t
answer. After we get done with the payoff, you and I will sit down and review them. Same thing
with the beefs – write it all down. He made sure I read the constitution and knew it from A to Z.
He used to say, after six months, the questions all repeat, and he was right. Suddenly it comes easy,
and you know the answers.
of?
Q: You have no shortage of accomplishments as president. What’s one you’re especially proud
we were so transparent with everybody.
Q: You said you weren’t sure how long you’d stick with the SIU, and that you sailed but also
did other jobs after serving in the Air Force. Ultimately, what made you stay during those initial
years?
A: The money (from sailing) was good, but it wasn’t only the money, it was the people. No one
ever asked where you came from or who you were. As long as you did your job, nobody bothered
you, and that was good enough for me.
A: When I was invited to the White House to meet the Queen of England (Elizabeth II, in
2007). That was a highlight of my whole life. My wife (Sophie) and I get there, and we’re waiting
in line to get in. (Congresswoman) Nancy Pelosi sees me, and I know what she’s thinking: ‘What
the heck are you doing here?’ I was the only labor guy. You could see it on her face. (Senator)
Trent Lott yells, ‘Your mother is going to be proud of you.’
But there have been so many experiences. It’s hard for me to believe I did all those things.
Q: What is something you enjoyed about being president?
A: How people looked to me for leadership. I provided hope for a lot of people at that time
(when first taking office). There was a lot of insecurity (years ago). Paul Hall would fire you in a
minute, ship you out. Even E.B. MacAuley had to go to sea for six months because we couldn’t
make payroll. We needed security and stability. I felt it all the time – my job was in jeopardy every
day when I was a patrolman.
Q: What are your plans for retirement?
A: I really don’t know. After a couple of months, I’m thinking of going to my church and seeing how I can help and volunteer – on a very limited basis. I don’t want to put myself in a position
where it’s going to be a work day, but I’d like to help as much as I can. Whatever I could do to
help.
But at first, I want at least two or three months to calm down. I’m going to miss everybody. I
don’t know anything but this work.
Q: Looking back on when the NMU merged into the SIU in 2001, what comes to mind?
A: The NMU merger was a turning point. It eliminated the competition on bids for government
contracts. Before the merger, the NMU would bid, we would bid lower, then they would come
back and bid lower. It was crazy. But every promise that I made to the NMU, I kept.
The fact that it worked out so well is an example of timing being on our side –
maybe it’s fate, maybe it’s luck. Maybe because we always try to do the right thing, and
Prior to signing on with the Seafarers, Michael Sacco (left) served in the U.S. Air Force
from 1954-58.
Michael Sacco (above) calls the most recent Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meeting to order,
earlier this year. Among those pictured in this lifeboat class photo from 1965 (below) are Michael Sacco (second
from right in the second row) and his brother, Joey (far left, second row).
In 2007, SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo above) and his wife, Sophie (far right), were among the guests invited
to the White House to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (third from right) and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh
(second from left). President George W. Bush is second from right, while First Lady Laura Bush is third from left. In photo
below, AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland (standing) addresses Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland, as newly appointed SIU
President Michael Sacco (left) listens.
Elaine L. Chao (center), who served as a cabinet secretary in two different administrations, always stood up for the U.S. Merchant Marine. She is pictured with
SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and his wife, Sophie, at the SIUNA convention
in Piney Point, Maryland, in 2017.
10 Seafarers LOG
April 2023
April 2023
Seafarers LOG 11
�Inquiring Seafarer
Seafarers International
Union Directory
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
This month’s question was answered by members at the Jacksonville hall. And for anyone wondering, the Slues
are father (Randy) and son (Donald).
Question: What is your favorite port and why?
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
Duane Washington
Chief Cook
Tampa, especially Ybor City.
We would be in port for a day and
a half. You could run around the
city and walk to Ybor City.
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Dominic Jones
Wiper
Germany and Belgium because of
the love they show. They are respectful – once you show respect, they
give it back.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
James Blitch
Recertified Bosun
Puerto Rico because I was able
to surf and dive on my off time.
And I would be home within a
week to see my family.
Donald Slue
Wiper
Germany. There are multiple
things to do there and a lot of fun
activities. You get to go out with your
shipmates.
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
Anthony Newbill
Bosun
Australia. It’s nice, fun and enjoyable. I had a great time.
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
Randy Slue
Electrician
Cape Canaveral. It’s close to home
and surrounded by water. Everywhere
you travel, you see water, and – now
and then – you see a launch.
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
12 Seafarers LOG
Jose Norales
Chief Steward
I have a couple – the ports of
Jacksonville, Tampa, Port Everglades and Long Beach because
they are all easy to go ashore and
get personal items.
Pic From
The Past
The SIU-crewed Vantage Horizon is shown in 1974, following
a shipyard period in Newport
News, Virginia. The vessel had
recently become the first U.S.
ship to load wheat in Australia
since World War II. It also had
carried grain from the Gulf of
Mexico to Germany, India and
Iran, among other ports. According to the July 1974 edition
of the Seafarers LOG, “The fully
air-conditioned ship is one of the
50 American ships which carry
grain to the Soviet Union as part
of the trade agreement between
the U.S. and Russia signed in
1972.”
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
April 2023
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 15 - March 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15, 2023.
Port
A
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
B
C
A
B
Registered on Beach
Trip
C
Reliefs
All Groups
A
B
C
The Lilac is pictured in 1969. (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)
Lilac Preservation Project
Execs Solicit Memorabilia
For Historical Exhibition
Editor’s note: The following
communication was submitted
by the Lilac Preservation Project.
This is for SIU members who
trained at the Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship between
1972 and 1984.
The ex-Coast Guard Cutter
Lilac is celebrating her 90th year
in 2023 with an exhibit about the
ship’s history. After her decommissioning in 1972, she was donated to the Lundeberg school
and used as a dormitory. Little
was changed on this steamship
during her tenure there since
training in her reciprocating
steam propulsion system was no
longer necessary. She was sold
by the school on Oct. 24, 1984
to Atlantic Towing.
We are seeking photos, reminiscences and other memorabilia from SIU members who
were familiar with the Lilac
during her days at Piney Point.
We have very little information
about this period in her history
and hope that you can help fill
the blank. If you have material
to share, please contact Museum Director Mary Habstritt
at mary@lilacpreservationproject.org.
The Lilac is the last surviving steam-powered lighthouse
tender in America and the oldest
Coast Guard black hull afloat.
Her significance has been recognized by her enrollment in the
National Register of Historic
Places.
The Lilac served as a lighthouse and buoy tender from
1933 to 1972 and is now owned
and operated by the non-profit
Lilac Preservation Project. The
ship is currently being restored
for maritime education and community activities and is berthed
from May to October at Hudson
River Park’s Pier 25 in New
York City, where she is open to
the public for tours and other
events. To learn more and view
our schedule of events for 2023,
see www.lilacpreservationproject.org
April & May
Membership Meetings
Piney Point............................................Monday: April 3, May 8
Algonac..................................................Friday: April 7, May 12
Baltimore............................................Thursday: April 6, May 11
Guam.............................................Thursday: April 20, May 25
Honolulu..............................................Friday: April 14, May 19
Houston...............................................Monday: April 10, May 15
Jacksonville......................................Thursday: April 6, May 11
Joliet...............................................Thursday: April 13, May 18
Mobile..........................................Wednesday: April 12, May 17
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: April 11, May 16
Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: April 4, May 9
Norfolk..................................................Friday: April 7, May 12
Oakland...........................................Thursday: April 13, May 18
Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: April 5, May 10
Port Everglades..............................Thursday: April 13, May 18
San Juan.........................................Thursday: April 6, May 11
St. Louis............................................Friday: April 14, May 19
Tacoma.............................................Friday: April 21, May 26
Wilmington........................................Monday: April 17, May 22
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
April 2023
Seafarers LOG 13
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
OCEAN GRAND (Intrepid
Personnel & Provisioning),
September 18 – Chairman Lech
Jankowski, Secretary George
Egbert, Educational Director
Christopher Eason. Educational director reminded crew to
take Coast Guard physical before taking any classes at Piney
Point. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew change to
take place in Tampa. Members
requested better Wi-Fi and free
calls. Crew suggested overtime
pay rates for apprentices.
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
upgrading opportunities. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested increases to
vacation and pension benefits.
Steward department was thanked
for doing an excellent job during
the holidays.
LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty Maritime), November 20 – Chairman
Victor Eligio, Secretary Gregory
Melvin, Deck Delegate Dwayne
Harris. Chairman advised members to keep upgrading. Payoff
date scheduled for November
27. Crew is working on finishing
engine repais. Secretary reminded
members to keep documents up
to date. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested new
mattresses, new shower curtains,
new refrigerators, new TV for
crew lounge, new lamps and new
power supply for state rooms.
Members discussed possibly
modifying requirements for pension qualification.
MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited) January 29 –
Chairman Linnell Coleman,
Secretary Norma West, Educational Director Charles Packer,
Deck Delegate Muafa Musad,
Engine Delegate Lateef Sanusi,
Steward Delegate Carl Royster.
Chairman urged crew to check
their documents and to take advantage of the upgrading courses
held at the union-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Not all
crew quarters have heat. New
linen and various PPE items
needed on ship. Members requested a change in rider gang
pay and vacation time. Crew
asked for increases in pension
payout and increases in vacation
days. Vote of thanks given to the
steward department for providing good food. Next port: Newark, New Jersey.
MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk
Line, Limited), January 22 –
Chairman Ferdinand Gongora,
Secretary Glenn Williams,
Educational Director Derek
Chestnut, Steward Delegate
Steven Laubach. Chairman
reminded crew to keep rooms
clean. Members were instructed
to place dirty linen in bags on B
and C deck when departing ship.
Educational director reviewed
credential expiration dates and
LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty
Maritime), February 12 – Chairman Victor Eligio, Deck Delegate Dwayne Harris, Engine
Delegate Travis Houston,
Steward Delegate Delphine
Simmons. Chairman recommended members upgrade at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, the
union-affiliated school located in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Several
items to be ordered including
mattresses, washing machines,
new pillows, shower curtains and
towels. Four refrigerators also to
be ordered. Crew reviewed and
discussed retirement benefits.
Aboard Kaimana Hila
MISSOURI EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), February 12 – Chairman
Nathaniel Sherrill, Secretary
Vincent Chavez, Educational
Director Jimmie Williams,
Deck Delegate Michael Brisco,
Engine Delegate Yves Nsuami.
Educational director encouraged
crew to take advantage of the
upgrading opportunities at the
Piney Point school. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
are unhappy about paydays
being moved from the end of the
month to the seventh of the following month. Crew needs better
Wi-Fi for a stronger signal.
OVERSEAS MARTINEZ
(Overseas Ship Management), February 24 – Chairman
Anton Sulic, Secretary James
Cameron, Educational Director George Mardones, Deck
Delegate David Brady, Engine
Delegate Julio Zapata, Steward
Delegate Maurice Henry. Crew
reviewed subjects under “old
business,” including orders for
new pillows, new comforters
and a new refrigerator in crew
mess hall. Chairman reminded
everyone to leave clean rooms
for oncoming members and to
know when documents expire.
He encouraged crew to go out
and vote for people that are
going to support unions. Secretary also advised members to
stay on top of documents and
to keep ship clean. Educational
Pictured aboard the Matson vessel are Recertified Steward Alan
Hollinger (right) and SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon.
director urged members to advance their careers by upgrading
at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center, which offers upgrading
courses for mariners in all three
shipboard departments. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed importance of fulfilling contractual obligations. They
encouraged fellow members to
donate to the Seafarers Political
Activities Donation (SPAD), the
union’s voluntary political action fund, and to the Maritime
Defense League. Crew requests
DVD players in rooms with USB
drives, along with fitted sheets
for bigger beds. Vote of thanks
given to steward department.
Next port: Long Beach, California.
MAERSK PITTSBURGH
(Maersk Line, Limited),
January 17 – Chairman John
O’Shaughnessy, Secretary
Memo Elfeky, Educational
Director Jan Morawski. Crew
reported smooth trip. They discussed upgrading opportunities
available at SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or
disputed OT reported.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s
money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified
public accountants every year, which is
to be submitted to the membership by the
secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected
by the membership, each year examines the
finances of the union and reports fully their
findings and recommendations. Members
of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the
employers. Members should get to know their
shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are
posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations
of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and
the employers, they should notify the Seafar-
14 Seafarers LOG
ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In
the event anyone attempts to require any
such payment be made without supplying a
receipt, or if a member is required to make
a payment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this should
immediately be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is
attempting to deprive him or her of any
constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges,
trials, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President David Heindel at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
April 2023
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
home in Summerfield, Florida.
FERNANDO ABUAN
LESLIE DAVIS
Brother Fernando Abuan, 66,
signed on with the SIU in 2007
when he sailed
aboard the Baldomero Lopez.
He worked in
the steward department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Abuan last
shipped on the
John Paul Bobo and lives in Woodland, California.
Brother Leslie Davis, 66, donned
the SIU colors
in 1983 and first
shipped on the
Boston. He was
a steward department member
and most recently
sailed on the
American Liberty.
Brother Davis upgraded his skills
often at the Piney Point school. He
is a New Orleans resident.
MOHAMED ALSINAI
Brother Mohamed Alsinai, 65,
embarked on his career with the
union in 1990,
first sailing on the
Independence. He
shipped in the engine department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother Alsinai
concluded his
career aboard the Horizon Kodiak.
He makes his home in Dearborn,
Michigan.
MARIO BATIZ
Brother Mario Batiz, 60, started
sailing with the
SIU in 1988 when
he shipped aboard
the Economy. He
was a deck department member
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Batiz last
sailed on the Pennsylvania. He is a
Houston resident.
HENRYNILO BECODO
Brother Henrynilo Becodo, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 2002, initially sailing on
the Global Link.
Working primarily in the deck
department, he
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother Becodo
most recently shipped on the
Maersk Atlanta. He calls Severn,
Maryland, home.
EVAN BRADLEY
Brother Evan Bradley, 68, joined
the union in 1975.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions.
Brother Bradley’s
first vessel was
the Erna Elizabeth; his last,
the Alliance Fairfax. He makes his
April 2023
CHRISTOPHER FENNELL
Brother Christopher Fennell, 65,
joined the union
in 1976. A deck
department
member, he first
sailed aboard the
Boston. Brother
Fennell upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
He last shipped
on the Long Lines and resides in
Pilot, Virginia.
MICHAEL HINTON
Brother Michael Hinton, 66, became an SIU member in 1975
when he sailed on the Venture. He
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point school and worked
in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Hinton was last employed by Moran Towing of Texas.
He is a resident of Jacksonville,
Florida.
JOSEPH JONES
Brother Joseph Jones, 58, signed on
with the union in
1988. He sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Jones’ first vessel
was the Bonny;
his last, the Pacific Reliance.
He makes his home in Fort Worth,
Texas.
MOHAMMAD KHAN
Brother Mohammad Khan, 66,
joined the SIU in 1998. He sailed
primarily in
the steward department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Khan first
shipped on the
Global Mariner.
He most recently
sailed on the
Maersk Atlanta and makes his
home in North Brunswick Township, New Jersey.
TOMAS MARTINEZ
Brother Tomas Martinez, 67, signed
on with the union in 1989, sailing
first aboard the Independence. He
worked in all
three departments
and upgraded at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Martinez
last shipped on
the Sam Houston
and is a Houston resident.
CLEOTILDE MARTINEZ MEJIA
Brother Cleotilde Martinez Mejia,
67, joined the SIU in 2001. He
initially worked
aboard the Chemical Pioneer and
sailed in the steward department.
Brother Martinez
Mejia upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. He
last sailed on the
President Truman and lives in the
Bronx, New York.
STEVEN MCKITTRICK
Brother Steven McKittrick, 66,
donned the SIU colors in 1978. He
first sailed aboard the Maryland and
was a member of the deck department. Brother McKittrick upgraded
at the Piney Point school on multiple
occasions and concluded his career
aboard the Endurance. He settled in
Signal Hill, California.
GEORGE PINEDA
Brother George Pineda, 65, signed
on with the SIU
in 1991 and was
a deck department member. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Pineda worked on
the Independence
for the duration of
his career. He lives in Honolulu.
JOSE ROJAS
Brother Jose Rojas, 65, joined the
union in 1994 and
first sailed aboard
the Independence.
He worked in
the steward department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2005.
Brother Rojas’
final vessel was
the Liberty Grace. He resides in
Reading, Pennsylvania.
LEVI ROLLINS
Brother Levi Rollins, 67, embarked
on his career with
the Seafarers in
1990 when he
shipped on the
Cape Nome. He
primarily sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother Rollins last shipped
on the Patriot and settled in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
RICHARD SANDERSON
Brother Richard Sanderson, 66,
became an SIU
member in 1974.
He upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center and
worked in the
steward department. Brother
Sanderson’s first
vessel was the
Keva Ideal. He
most recently sailed on the North
Star and is a Seattle resident.
MILTON SIVELLS
Brother Milton Sivells, 66, joined
the SIU in 1989. He sailed in the
steward department and
upgraded often
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school.
Brother Sivells
first shipped on
the USNS Indomitable. He most
recently sailed on
the Resolve and makes his home in
Suffolk, Virginia.
MARSHALL TURNER
Brother Marshall Turner, 55, signed
on with the union in 1993, sailing
first aboard the
USNS Denebola.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on several
occasions. Brother
Turner most recently shipped
on the Perla Del
Caribe and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida.
the SIU colors in 1976. An engine
department member, he was first
employed with McAllister Towing of
Virginia. Brother Compton upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center in 1997. He
concluded his career with Crowley
Towing and Transportation and is a
resident of Jacksonville, Florida.
HOWARD HAWREY
Brother Howard Hawrey, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1982 when he shipped on
the Manhattan
Island. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Hawrey most
recently sailed
aboard the Liberty
Island. He lives in Deland, Florida.
CHARLES MILLS
Brother Charles Mills, 65, became
a member of the union in 1995,
initially sailing
with OSG Ship
Management. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded often at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mills
most recently
shipped aboard
the Innovation and
settled in Baltimore.
GIL PRUITT
Brother Gil Pruitt, 62, began sailing
with the SIU in 1979 when he worked
with Steuart Transportation. He was a
deck department member and upgraded
at the Piney Point school on numerous
occasions. Brother Pruitt concluded his
career with Express Marine. He lives in
Onancock, Virginia.
CHARLES WILLIAMS
GREAT LAKES
EDWARD DERRY
Brother Edward Derry, 65, began
sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1987. He initially
sailed on the Steel T. Crapo and
was a steward department member.
Brother Derry last shipped on the
Alpena. He resides in Watertown,
New York.
ABDO MASHRAH
Brother Abdo Mashrah, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1978. He first
shipped aboard the Paul Thayer
and worked in the deck department.
Brother Mashrah upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point
school. He last sailed aboard the
Presque Isle and makes his home in
Dearborn, Michigan.
INLAND
DENNIS COMPTON
Brother Dennis Compton, 63, donned
Brother Charles Williams, 56,
started his career with the SIU
in 1990, initially working
with McAllister Towing of
Philadelphia. He
shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Williams was last employed with
Crowley Towing and Transportation
and lives in Jasper, Florida.
STEPHEN WILLIAMS
Brother Stephen Williams, 64,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1989. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Williams worked
with Moran Towing of Texas for
his entire career.
He resides in Orange, Texas.
Seafarers LOG 15
�Departures
Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
ABRAHAM ABAS
Pensioner Abraham Abas, 90, passed
away February 20. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1969, when he sailed
aboard the Transcolumbia. An engine department member, Brother
Abas last shipped on the Manhattan.
He retired in 1994 and settled in
Lacey, Washington.
DEEP SEA
Wilkes and was
a member of the
deck department.
He last sailed
aboard the Horizon Pacific and
retired in 2009.
Brother Inskeep
resided in Reno,
Nevada.
Final
Departures
MARION KAMINSKI
Wilkes and96,
was
Pensioner Marion Kaminski,
a member
of the
passed away February
28. He donned
deck department.
the SIU colors
in 1951 when he He last sailed
Pensioner21.
Abraham
Abas,sailing
90, passed
February
He started
with shipped with Blid- aboard the Horiaway
February
20. He signed on
the
union
in 1952,
berg Rothchild. zon Pacific and
with the working
Seafarers International
initially
retired in 2009.
Working in the
Union
in 1969,
when he sailed
for
Alcoa
Steamsteward depart- Brother Inskeep
aboard
the Transcolumbia. An enship
Company.
ment, he concludedresided in Reno,
gine department
member, Brother
Brother
Allen was
his career aboard Nevada.
shipped on the Manhattan.
aAbas
decklast
departthe Seattle in 1982.
He retired
in 1994 and settled in
ment
member.
He
became aKAMINSKI
penMARION
Lacey,
Washington.
He
concluded
his
sioner the followPensioner
Marion
96,
career aboard the
ing
year and
settledKaminski,
in Baltimore.
passed away February 28. He donned
Stonewall
JackJAMES ALLEN
the SIU colors
son before going
Pensioner
Allen,
91, died
SHAN
MOON
in 1951 when
he
on
pensionJames
in 1994.
Brother
Allen
February
21.DEEP
He
sailing with Pensioner
shipped with
Blidwas
a resident
ofstarted
Baton
Shan
Moon,
92,and
diedwas
JanuSEARouge,
Wilkes
the union in 1952,
berg Rothchild. aary
Louisiana.
25. He of
became
member
the
initially working
Working in the
a
member
of
the
deck
department.
ABRAHAM
ABAS
for Alcoa Steamsteward depart- He
union
1989 and
lastinsailed
EPIFANIO
HIPOLITO
ship Company.
Pensioner
Abraham
Abas, 90, passed ment, he concludedaboard
workedthe
in the
enHoriBrother
Allen
was
Pensioner
Epifanio
Hipolito,
away
February
20. He
signed94,
on
his career aboard zon
ginePacific
department.
and
a deck
passed
away
December
11. He
with
thedepartSeafarers
International
the Seattle in 1982. retired
BrotherinMoon
2009.
ment member.
joined
the
SIU in
1978hewhen
Union
in 1969,
when
sailedhe
He became a pen- Brother
worked aboard
Inskeepthe
He concluded
his
sailed
on
Overseas
Washington.
aboard
thethe
Transcolumbia.
An ensioner the follow- resided
Independence
for
in Reno,
career
aboard
themember,
Brother
Hipolito
was a member
of
gine
department
Brother
ing year and settledNevada.
in Baltimore.
the
duration of his
Stonewall
Jack- on and
the
deck
last shipped
Abas
lastdepartment
shipped
the Manhattan.
career. He began
sonthe
before
going
on
Enterprise
1993.
He in
beHe
retired
in
1994inand
settled
collecting his
SHAN
MOON
MARION
KAMINSKI
on
pension
in
1994.
Brother
Allen
came a Washington.
pensioner the following year
Lacey,
pension in 2001 and lived in Sandy,
was made
a resident
of Baton
Rouge,
Shan Moon,
92, died
and
his home
in Daly
City,
Pensioner
Marion
Kaminski,
96, JanuUtah.
Louisiana.
ary 28.
25. He
Hedonned
became
California.
passed away February
JAMES
ALLEN
a member of the
the SIU colors
MAHER
OMAR
Pensioner James Allen, 91, died
in 1951 when
he union in 1989 and
EPIFANIO
HIPOLITO
LONNIE
GAMBLE
February
21.
He
started sailing with shipped
worked
the enPensioner
Maher
76,inpassed
with
Blid-Omar,
Epifanio
Hipolito,
Pensioner
Lonnie
78,94,
died
the
union in
1952,Gamble,
gine
awayRothchild.
November 21.
Hedepartment.
joined the
berg
passed away
December
11. He
February
8. Signinitially
working
Brother
Moon
SeafarersinInternational
Union
in
Working
the
joined
the SteamSIU in 1978
when
ing on
withhe
the
for
Alcoa
worked
aboard the
2001. Brother
first shipped
on
steward
depart-Omar
sailedCompany.
on the Overseas
unionWashington.
in 1967,
ship
the Cape
Alexan- Independence for
ment,
he concluded
was
a member
he first
sailed of
Brother Hipolito
Allen was
dercareer
and sailed
in the duration of his
his
aboard
deckdepartdepartment
andBloomlast shipped the
with
athe
deck
bothSeattle
the deck
and career. He began
in 1982.
on themember.
Enterprise in
1993.
He befield
Steamship.
ment
engine
departHe
became
a pen- collecting his
came
a pensioner
following
year
Brother
Gamble
He
concluded
his the
pensionthe
infollow2001
ments.
His
final and lived in Sandy,
sioner
and made
his home
in Daly
City, dea steward
career
aboard
the was
Utah.
vessel
ing
yearwas
andthe
settled in Baltimore.
California.Jack- partment member
Stonewall
Mercury. Brother
son before going and last shipped
Omar
became
a
MAHER
OMAR
SHAN
MOON
onBrother
the Delta
Maron
pension GAMBLE
in 1994.
Allen
pensioner in 2014
LONNIE
Maher
Omar,92,
76,died
passed
iner.aHe
became
pensioner
in 2006 Pensioner
was
resident
ofaBaton
Rouge,
Moon,
Januand made Shan
his
Pensioner
Gamble,
78, died
away November
21.
the
and settledLonnie
in Mobile,
Alabama.
Louisiana.
aryHe
25.joined
He became
home
in
Jersey
February 8. SignSeafarers
Unionofinthe
City,
NewInternational
Jersey. a member
ing on with the
2001.
Brother
Omar
first
on
union
inshipped
1989 and
JAMES INSKEEP
EPIFANIO
HIPOLITO
union in 1967,
the Cape Alexan- worked in the enheHipolito,
first sailed
RICARDO
James Inskeep,
77,94,
died
Pensioner Epifanio
der and sailedQUINONES
in gine department.
with
Octoberaway
5. HeDecember
began
hisBloomcareer
passed
11.
He
both the deck
and Brother
Pensioner
Ricardo
Quinones,
73,
Moon
field
Steamship.
with thetheSeafarers
in 1991.
Brother
joined
SIU in 1978
when
he
engine
depart-21. Sailing
died
January
aboard
workedfirst
aboard
the
Brother
Inskeep
onWashington.
theGamble
USNS
sailed
onfirst
the shipped
Overseas
ments. His final Independence for
wasa amember
stewardof
deBrother Hipolito was
vessel was the
the duration of his
partment
the deck department
and lastmember
shipped Mercury. Brother career. He began
and
last shipped
on the Enterprise in
1993.
He beOmar
became a collecting his
Final
Departures
Correction
on the
Delta
Marcame a pensioner the
following
year
pensioner
2014
pension
in in
2001
and lived in Sandy,
iner.made
He became
a pensioner
in 2006 Utah.
and
his home
in Daly City,
and made his
The February
included thehome
obituary
of the late SIU penand settled
in Mobile,LOG
Alabama.
California.
in Jersey
sioner Herbert Scypes – but it ranCity,
withNew
a photo
of his son by the
Jersey.
JAMES ALLEN
ABRAHAM
ABAS
Pensioner
James
Allen, 91, died
MAHER
OMAR
same name,
who also sailed with the
SIU. The
write-up with the
JAMES
INSKEEP
LONNIE
GAMBLE
Pensioner
Maher
Omar,
76, passed
correct James
photoInskeep,
follows.
We
apologize
for
the
error
and sincerely
RICARDO
QUINONES
Pensioner Lonnie Gamble,77,
78,died
died
away
November
21.
Heabout
joinedit.
the
appreciate
younger
Scypes
being
a
very
good
sport
October
5. He the
began
his
career
February 8. Sign-
PensionerInternational
Ricardo Quinones,
Seafarers
Union 73,
in
with the Seafarers ing
in 1991.
Brother
on
with
the SCYPES
died January
Sailing
aboard
2001.
Brother21.
Omar
firstfirst
shipped
on
HERBERT
Inskeep first shipped
on the
USNS
union
in 1967,
the Cape AlexanPensioner
Herbert
Scypes,
91,
died
December
18.
he first sailed
der and sailed in
donned the SIU colors in 1956 and sailed in the
withHe
Bloomboth the deck and
department. Brother Scypes first worked
fieldsteward
Steamship.
engine
departFinal
Departures
Correction
with
Waterman
Steamship
Corporation. He last
Brother Gamble
ments. His final
on the
Harriette before going on
wassailed
a steward
de-Overseas
vessel was the
pension
in 1996.the
Brother
Scypes
Mobile,
The February
LOG
included
obituary
of resided
the lateinSIU
penpartment
member
Mercury.
Brother
Alabama.
sioner Herbertand
Scypes
– but it ranOmar
with became
a photoaof his son by the
last shipped
on the
Marsame name, who
alsoDelta
sailed
with the
SIU. The
write-up with the
pensioner
in 2014
iner.
He became
pensionerWe
in 2006
correct
photoa follows.
apologize
for the
and made
hiserror and sincerely
andappreciate
settled in Mobile,
Alabama.
the younger
Scypes being
a very
good sport about it.
home
in Jersey
City, New Jersey.
16 Seafarers LOG
JAMES INSKEEP HERBERT SCYPES
Pensioner
HerbertRICARDO
Scypes, 91, died
December 18.
QUINONES
Pensioner James Inskeep,
77, died
Hecareer
donned the SIU colors in 1956 and sailed in the
October 5. He began his
Pensioner
Quinones,
steward
department.
BrotherRicardo
Scypes first
worked73,
with the Seafarers in 1991.
Brother
died
January
21.
Sailing
with
Steamship Corporation. Hefirst
last aboard
Inskeep first shipped on
theWaterman
USNS
sailed on the Overseas Harriette before going on
79203_SEAFARERS_LOG_APRIL_2023.indd 16
pension in 1996. Brother Scypes resided in Mobile,
Alabama.
Final Departures Correction
16
The February LOG included the obituary of the late SIU pensioner
Herbert Scypes
Seafarers
LOG – but it ran with a photo of his son by the
same name, who also sailed with the SIU. The write-up with the
correct photo follows. We apologize for the error and sincerely
appreciate the younger Scypes being a very good sport about it.
the Warrior, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1971.
Brother Quinones
worked in the
deck department.
He last shipped
on the Horizon
Navigator in 2009
before going on
pension the following year. Brother Quinones resided in Puerto Rico.
the Warrior, he
donned the SIU
STUART
SCHROEDER
colors
in 1971.
Brother
Quinones
Pensioner
Stuart Schroeder, 73,
worked
in theFebruary 7. He signed
passed away
deck
department.
on with
the Seafarers in 1980. A
He
last shipped
steward
department member, he first
on
the Horizon
shipped
on the Oceanic IndepenNavigator
in 2009
dence. Brother
Schroeder last sailed
before
going on
on the Independence
in 1990. He bepension
the fol- in 2014 and settled
came a pensioner
lowing
year. Brother Quinones rein Honolulu.
sided in Puerto Rico.
LEONARD STEINHARDT
STUARTLeonard
SCHROEDER
Pensioner
Steinhardt, 79,
Pensioner
Stuart
Schroeder,
73,on his
died
January
23. He
embarked
passed
awaythe
February
7. He signed
career
with
SIU in 1964,
initially
the
Warrior,
he
on with the SIU
Seafarers
in 1980.
A an
sailing
aboard
donned
stewardindepartment
member,
he first
Isco
Inc. vessel.
colors
1971.
shipped Quinones
on the Oceanic
IndepenBrother
SteinBrother
dence. Brother
last sailed
hardt worked
worked
in the Schroeder
on thedepartment.
Independence
He bein in
the1990.
engine
deck
came
2014 and settled
and
He
lasta pensioner
shipped indepartment
in Honolulu.
also worked on
on
the Horizon
Navigator in 2009 shore gangs. He
concluded his
before
going on
LEONARD
STEINHARDT
pension the fol- career working
Pensioner
Leonard
Steinhardt,
79,
with
World Crane
lowing
year.
Brother
Quinones
redied January
23.Rico.
He in
embarked
on his
Services
and retired
2000. Brother
sided
in Puerto
career withmade
the SIU
1964,
Steinhardt
his in
home
in initially
Omaha,
sailing aboard an
Nebraska.
STUART SCHROEDER
Isco Inc. vessel.
Brother SteinPensioner Stuart Schroeder,
73,
CLYDE
THOMPSON
hardt7.worked
passed away
February
He signed
in the
engine
Pensioner
Thompson,
70,
on
with theClyde
Seafarers
in 1980.
A
department
and
passed away
February
22. He he
joined
steward
department
member,
first
also worked
on
the uniononinthe Oceanic
shipped
Indepenshore gangs.
He
2001 and
first Schroeder
dence.
Brother
last sailed
shipped
aboard concluded
on
the Independence
in 1990. his
He bethe Navigator.
came
a pensioner incareer
2014working
and settled
Brother
Thomp- with World Crane
in
Honolulu.
Services
and retired in 2000. Brother
son
worked
Steinhardt
made his home in Omaha,
in
the
steward
LEONARD
STEINHARDT
Nebraska. He
department.
Pensioner
Leonard
last sailed aboard Steinhardt, 79,
died
January 23. He embarked on his
the
Freeport
CLYDE
THOMPSON
career
the SIU in 1964, initially
before with
becoming
Pensioner
70, an
sailing aboard
a pensionerClyde
in Thompson,
passedBrother
away February
He
joined
Isco22.
Inc.
vessel.
2014.
Thompson
was
a New
the
union
in
Brother
SteinOrleans resident.
2001 and first
hardt worked
shipped aboard in the engine
JERRY
VAN ETTEN
the Navigator.
department and
Brother ThompPensioner
Jerry Vanalso
Etten,
66, died
worked
on
son worked
December
shore
gangs.13.
He
in the steward
A deck departconcluded
his
department. He career
ment member,
working
last sailed aboard with
he signed
Worldon
Crane
the Freeport
the SIU
in
Services
and retiredwith
in 2000.
Brother
before becoming
Steinhardt
made his1974.
homeBrother
in Omaha,
a pensioner in
Van Etten first
Nebraska.
2014. Brother Thompson
was
New
worked
onathe
Orleans resident. Chas C. West.
CLYDE THOMPSON
He last shipped
Pensioner Clyde Thompson,
aboard the70,
DeJERRY
VAN
ETTEN
passed away February
22. He
veloper
in joined
2002.
Pensioner
Jerry
Van
Etten,
died
the
unionVan
in
Brother
Etten
went
on 66,
pension
December
2001
andand
first
in 2021
made his
home in 13.
Las
A deck departshipped
Vegas. aboard
ment member,
the Navigator.
Brother Thomp- he signed on
LEROY
WOODSwith the SIU in
son worked
1974.77,
Brother
Pensioner
Leroy Woods,
passed
in
the steward
Van
Etten afirst
away JanuaryHe17. He
became
department.
worked
on the
member
the Seafarers
Internalast
sailedofaboard
Chas
C. West.
tional
Union in 2001.
Brother
Woods
the
Freeport
before becoming He last shipped
aboard the Dea pensioner in
veloper
in a2002.
2014. Brother Thompson
was
New
Brother Van
Etten went on pension
Orleans
resident.
in 2021 and made his home in Las
Vegas.
JERRY VAN ETTEN
Pensioner Jerry Van Etten, 66, died
LEROY WOODSDecember 13.
Pensioner Leroy Woods,
77,departpassed
A deck
away January 17. He
became
a
ment
member,
member of the Seafarers
Internahe signed
on
tional Union in 2001.
Brother
Woods
with
the SIU
in
1974. Brother
Van Etten first
worked on the
Chas C. West.
He last shipped
aboard the De-
first sailed with
Marine Personnel
and Provisioning.
He was a deck department member
and last shipped on
the Alliance Norfolk. Brother Woods
went on pension
in 2015 and lived
in Jacksonville,
Florida.
Union. Brother
Severs was a deck
department member and sailed
with OLS Transport for his entire
career. He became
a pensioner in
2020 and lived in
Hawesville, Kentucky.
first sailedGREAT
with LAKES
Marine Personnel
and
Provisioning.
DANIEL
NATTO
He was a deck dePensioner
Daniel
partment memberNatto, 74, died
January
13. He joined
and
last shipped
on the Seafarers in
1988 and
first worked with
the
Alliance
NorDunbar
and Sullivan.
folk.
Brother
Woods Brother Natto
sailedon
in pension
the deck department. He
went
became
a pensioner
in
2015 and
lived in 2011 after
concluding
his
in Jacksonville,career with Great
Lakes Towing. Brother Natto made
Florida.
his home in Cleveland.
GREAT LAKES
Union. Brother NMU
Severs was a deck
department memOLMEDO
ber and sailedALVAREZ
with OLS Olmedo
Trans- Alvarez, 92,
Pensioner
port foraway
his entire
passed
November 30. Brother
career. He
became
Alvarez
first
sailed aboard the Amoco
a pensioner
in
Illinois
and worked
in the engine
2020 and lived
department.
He in
concluded his career
Hawesville,
Ken- Keystone. Brother
aboard
the Chelsea
tucky. retired in 1995 and made his
Alvarez
home in Coral Springs, Florida.
PAUL SHA
DANIELPaul
NATTO
Pensioner
Sha, 90, passed away
Pensioner
Daniel
Natto,
74, colors
died
March
6. He
donned
the SIU
first
sailed
January
13.with
He joined
in
1966, initially
sailingthe
withSeafarGreat
Marine
Personnel
ers in 1988
and first
Lakes
Associates.
He worked
shipped with
in the
and
Provisioning.
Dunbar
and Sullivan.
Brother
deck
department
and last
sailed Natto
aboard
He
was athe
deck
de-department. He
sailed
deck
the
St. in
Clair. He
retired in 1997 and
partment
member
becameina Carson
pensioner
inNevada.
2011 after
resided
City,
and
last shipped
on with Great
concluding
his career
the
Alliance
NorLakes
Towing.
Brother Natto made
folk.
Brother
Woods
his home in Cleveland.
INLAND
went on pension
in 2015 and lived
PAUL
SHA
RUBY
HOWARD
in
Jacksonville,
Florida.
Pensioner Paul
90, passed
away
RubySha,
Howard,
79, passed
MarchFebruary
6. He
donned
the
SIU
colors
away
5.
She
began
sailing
GREAT LAKES
in 1966,
sailing
withAGreat
with
the initially
Seafarers
in 1994.
steward
Lakes Associates.
He Sister
shipped
in the
department
member,
Howard
DANIEL
NATTO
deckemployed
department
andOrgulf
last sailed
aboard
was
with
Transport
the
St.
Clair.
He of
retired
in74,
1997
and
Pensioner
Daniel
Natto,
died
for the duration
her career.
She
resided
Carson
City,
Nevada.
January
He joined
theand
Seafarwent
onin13.
pension
in
2014
called
ers
in 1988Kentucky,
and first worked
Ledbetter,
home. with
Dunbar and Sullivan. Brother Natto
INLAND
sailed
in thePRIMEAUX
deck
department. He
LAODIS
became a pensioner in 2011 after
Pensioner
Laodis
concluding
his career
with Great
RUBY HOWARD
Primeaux,
Lakes Towing. Brother
Natto 93,
made
Pensioner
Ruby
Howard,
79, passed
died February
7.
his
home in
Cleveland.
away February 5. She
sailing
He began
embarked
on
with the Seafarers in
A with
steward
his1994.
career
PAUL
SHA
department
member,
theSister
unionHoward
in 1967
was employed
Orgulf
Transport
Pensioner
Paul with
Sha,and
90,
passed
away
shipped
in the
for the 6.
duration
of her
She
March
He donned
thecareer.
SIU
colors
deck
department.
went
on initially
pension sailing
inBrother
2014with
and
called
in
1966,
Great
PrimeLedbetter,
Kentucky,
home.
Lakes
Associates.
He
in with
the
auxshipped
worked
deck department and
last sailed
aboard
Dixie
Carriers
for
the
Clair.
He retired
in 1997
and
his St.
entire
career.
He retired
in 1994
LAODIS
PRIMEAUX
resided
in Carson
City, Nevada.
and resided
in Kaplan,
Louisiana.
Pensioner Laodis
Primeaux, 93,
WESLEY ROSSdied February 7.
INLAND
He embarked
on
Pensioner Wesley Ross,
64, passed
his career with
away January
RUBY
HOWARD
the union in 1967
13. He joined
and shipped
in the
the SIU in Ruby
1988,Howard,
Pensioner
79, passed
deck
department.
initially
sailing 5. She
away
February
began
sailing
Brother
PrimeMariner
Tow-in
with the
Seafarers
1994. A
steward
worked
with
ing. Brothermember,
Ross aux
department
Sister
Howard
Carriers
for
worked
in the withDixie
was
employed
Orgulf
Transport
his the
entire
career.ofHe
1994
deck
department
for
duration
herretired
career.inShe
resided
in Kaplan,
and concluded
hisin 2014Louisiana.
went
on pension
and called
career withKentucky,
Penn
Ledbetter,
home.
Maritime
in 1999.
WESLEY
ROSS
He
began collectLAODIS
PRIMEAUX
Pensioner
Wesley
Ross,and
64, made
passedhis
ing
his pension
in 2020
away January
Pensioner
Laodis
home
in Bayboro, North
Carolina.
13. He joined
Primeaux, 93,
the SIU in 1988, died February 7.
DALE
SEVERSHe embarked on
initially sailing
with Mariner
TowPensioner
Dale
Severs,
64, died
his career
withJaning. Brother
Rosshethe
uary
2. In 1993,
became
unionainmem1967
worked
in Seafarers
the
ber
of the
International
and
shipped in the
deck department deck department.
and concluded his Brother Primecareer with Penn aux worked with
Maritime in 1999. Dixie Carriers for
He
collect-He retired in 1994
his began
entire career.
ing
pension
in 2020 Louisiana.
and made his
and his
resided
in Kaplan,
home in Bayboro, North Carolina.
WESLEY ROSS
DALE SEVERS
Pensioner
Wesley Ross, 64, passed
Pensioner
Dale Severs, 64, died Janaway
January
uaryHe
2. joined
In 1993, he became a mem13.
ber SIU
of the
International
the
in Seafarers
1988,
initially sailing
with Mariner Towing. Brother Ross
worked in the
deck department
and concluded his
career with Penn
JOSE BRITONMU
Pensioner Jose Brito, 90, died OcOLMEDO ALVAREZ
tober 30. A stewPensioner
Olmedo ard
Alvarez,
92,
Union. Brother
department
passed
30. Brother
Severs away
was aNovember
deckmember,
he first
Alvarez
firstmemsailedshipped
aboard the
department
on Amoco
the
Illinois
workedTexaco
in the engine
ber andand
sailed
Maryland.
department.
He concluded
career
with OLS TransBrother his
Brito’s
aboard
Keystone.
port forthe
hisChelsea
entire final
vesselBrother
was
Alvarez
retired
in 1995
and made
his
career. He
became
the Valley
Forge.
home
in Coral
Florida.a
a pensioner
in Springs,
He became
2020 and lived in pensioner in 1997
Hawesville,
Ken- and lived in PawJOSE
BRITO
tucky. Rhode Island.
tucket,
Pensioner Jose Brito, 90, died October 30. A stewJACK COLSONard department
NMU
member,95,
he first
Pensioner Jack Colson,
shipped on the
passed away
OLMEDO
ALVAREZ
Texaco Maryland.
December 26.
Brother Colson
Pensioner
Olmedo Brother
Alvarez,Brito’s
92,
was
was born
in November
Los final vessel
passed
away
30. Brother
Valley
Angeles.first
Hesailedthe
Alvarez
aboard
theForge.
Amoco
a
workedand
in worked
the He
Illinois
in became
the engine
pensioner
1997
deck department
department.
He concluded
hisincareer
lived inBrother
Pawand initially
aboard
the Chelseaand
Keystone.
tucket,
Rhode
sailed aboard
Alvarez
retiredIsland.
in 1995 and made his
the Flying
Scud.
home
in Coral
Springs, Florida.
Brother
Colson
JACK COLSON
concluded
his
JOSE
BRITO
Pensioner
Jackthe
Colson,
95,
career
aboard
Key Tanker
passed going
away
Pensioner
Joseon
Brito,
90, died
Ocbefore
pension
in 1968.
December
30.Hills,
A stewHe
resided 26.
in Killtober
Devil
BrotherCarolina.
Colson ard department
North
was born in Los member, he first
Angeles. He
shipped on the
SIDNEY
worked inDAVIS
the Texaco Maryland.
deck department
Pensioner
Sidney Davis,
died
Brother82,
Brito’s
and initially
December
26. Brother
finalDavis
vesselsailed
was
sailed
in
both aboard
the deck and
theengine
ValleydepartForge.
the Flying
Scud. He his
ments.
He concluded
careera
became
Brotherthe
Colson
aboard
Cape Knox
and went
on
pensioner
in 1997
concluded
his Brother
pension
in 2002.
Davis
was
and lived
in PawaboardIsland.
the Key Tanker
acareer
New Orleans
resident.
tucket,
Rhode
before going on pension in 1968.
He resided in Kill Devil Hills,
JACK
COLSON
PEDRO
DEL CASAL
North Carolina.
Pensioner
95, 99,
Pensioner Jack
PedroColson,
Del Casal,
passed away
passed away
SIDNEY
DAVIS
December 26. January 28.
PensionerColson
Sidney Davis,
82,Ecuadied
Brother
Born in
December
26.Los
Brother
sailed
was
born in
dor,Davis
he first
in both theHe
deck and
engine on
departAngeles.
shipped
the
ments. He
his career
worked
inconcluded
the
Great
Fall Vicaboarddepartment
the Cape Knox
went on
deck
tory.and
Brother
pension
in 2002. Brother
Davis
was
and
initially
Del Casal sailed
a New Orleans
sailed
aboard resident.
in the deck dethe Flying Scud. partment. His
Brother Colson final vessel was
PEDRO DEL
concluded
his CASAL
the Blue Ridge
and he retired in
career
aboard
the
Key
Tanker
Pensioner
Pedro
Casal,
99,
1985.
Brother
DelDel
Casal
called
before
going
on
pension
in 1968.
passed
Peotone, Illinois, home. away
He resided in KillJanuary
Devil Hills,
28.
North Carolina. Born in Ecuador, he first
SIDNEY DAVISshipped on the
Great Fall VicPensioner Sidney Davis,
82, died
tory. Brother
December 26. Brother
Davis
Del Casal sailed
sailed
in both the deck and
departin engine
the deck
dements. He concluded
his career
partment.
His
aboard the Cape Knox
wentwas
on
finaland
vessel
3/20/23
pension
2002. and
Brother
Davis was
the BlueinRidge
he retired
in
a1985.
New Brother
Orleans resident.
Del Casal called
Peotone, Illinois, home.
April 2023
PEDRO DEL CASAL
April 2023
Pensioner Pedro Del Casal, 99,
passed away
January 28.
Born in Ecuador, he first
9:00 PM
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
April 10
June 5
July 17
August 28
October 23
April 28
June 23
August 4
September 15
November 10
April 10
May 8
June 5
July 3
July 31
April 21
May 19
June 16
July 14
August 11
May 15
June 26
August 14
Fast Rescue Boat
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
July 31
October 23
August 11
November 3
Machinist
September 25
October 20
Pumpman
September 18
September 22
Welding
May 8
June 5
May 26
June 23
Engineroom Resource Management
June 12
June 16
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
May 1
June 5
July 10
June 2
July 7
August 11
ServSafe Management
June 2
July 14
September 1
April 24
May 29
July 3
August 7
April 28
June 2
July 7
August 11
Advanced Galley Operations
July 17
August 28
July 21
September 1
May 22
July 31
October 16
June 16
August 25
November 10
Chief Steward
Leadership & Management Skills
June 19
June 23
Advanced Shiphandling
September 25
October 6
April 17
June 26
September 11
November 13
May 12
July 21
October 6
December 8
Advanced Stability
October 9
October 13
Advanced Meteorology
October 16
October 20
Search & Rescue Management Level
October 23
October 25
Lifeboat/Water Survival
RFPNW
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
June 5
June 9
Medical Care Provider
June 12
June 16
Basic Training
April 17
April 21
Basic Training Revalidation
April 17
April 21
May 1
May 5
April 17
April 21
May 1
May 5
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
May 15
May 19
Government Vessels
April 10
April 24
May 8
April 14
April 28
May 12
RFPEW
May 15
August 14
June 9
September 8
FOWT
June 12
October 2
July 7
October 27
Junior Engineer Program
June 5
August 21
July 28
October 13
Marine Electrician
April 24
September 18
May 26
October 20
Tank Ship DL (PIC)
August 14
August 18
Marine Refer Tech
August 7
September 15
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
May 22
May 26
Advanced Refer Containers
April 10
April 21
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
May 15
May 19
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
April 2023
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
4/23
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #891 – Graduated January 27 (above, in alphabetical order): John Stephano Moris Adarayan, Taher Albaneh, Jacob Burns, Trinity Carter, Jacob
Devers, Tevon Edwards, Jesus Fernandez, Chase Greenawalt, Antonio Johnson, Jayline Johnson, Sierjohn Caba Jove, Owen Lehman, Jabar Mohamad, Darriona Noisette, Valerie
O’Reilly, Robert O’Neal, Andrew Pecheux, Josh Neilsen Templonuevo Rivera, Nakari Smith-Barnard, Jermal Torney and Eric Willey.
Junior Engineer – Graduated January 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Reco Bennefield, Shawn James Diaz Benosa, Kevin Brown, Jarvis Carter, Zachary Ali Cartwright, Ricardo
Antonio Escorcia, Dennison Forsman, Joshua Glancy, Malcolm Haynes Jr., Eric Jackson, Anson Johny, Daryl Thomas Jr., and Paul Valiente.
18 Seafarers LOG
April 2023
�Paul Hall Center Classes
UA to Able Seaman-Deck – A pair of apprentices recently completed their requirements in this course. Graduating January 27
(above, from left) were Cordera Deandre Looney and Brandon
Coleman.
Important Notice to All Students
Basic Training (First Aid, CPR & AED) – Graduated January 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Rasheed Groden,
Donald Harwerth, Reyna Lee Mendez, Jorge Morales, Perrin Proctor, William Rackley, Jocelyn Ramos, Zachary
Rosenthal and Joseph Alvarez Samonte. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason
- that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places.
Government Vessels –
Graduated January 20
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Nassr Hassan
Ahmed, Angel Manuel Berrios Jr., Marsheta Brooks,
Gionet Dennis, Steven Ellis
Jr., Timothy Fogg, Tammy
Gammage, Carlos Marcos
Gutierrez, Donna Hickman,
Sheena Borinaga Jumamil,
Michael Knight, Sedell
Mitchell-Reynolds, Jesus
Alberto Morales Izquierdo,
Joseph Alvarez Samonte,
Dequan Vanandez Smith Jr.,
Jayson Velez-Cruz and Kenneth Williams. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)
Certified Chief Cook (Module 5A) – Graduated January 6 (above, in
alphabetical order): Xavier Burgos, Richard Dolan, Tkeyah Elliot and
Xander Balian Farris. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
April 2023
Certified Chief Cook (Module 5B) – Graduated January 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Khiry Jamal
Bivins, Raymond Gregory Forse, Kenneth Paul Von Kaenel, Ali Mohamed Mossed Yahia and Cody Younghans.
Seafarers LOG 19
�APRIL 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 4
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 18-19
The Ronald H. Brown, above, is NOAA’s largest vessel, at 274 feet long.
(Photo courtesy NOAA). Deck gang members aboard the vessel, photo
at right, from left are: Michael Lastinger, Gregory Jackson, Michael Burke,
Harrison Bruce, Jared Van Borgen, John Hampton and Jeff Greely.
Members Team Up Aboard NOAA Ship
W
hen Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson earlier
this year took a temporary job aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) vessel, he didn’t know what to expect.
It turned out that working side-by-side with members
of the SIU Government Services Division aboard the
Ronald H. Brown agreed with him.
“It was a pleasant experience,” Jackson stated. “It reinforced that we are all just merchant seamen and never
too old to learn new things.”
The Brown is NOAA’s largest vessel. Its mis-
sions include collecting and assessing scientific
data above and below the ocean surface, “allowing
us to simultaneously measure the atmosphere and
the ocean and increase our understanding of global
climatic changes and other issues,” the agency
noted. Some of the crew members are represented
by the SIU.
“The food was great,” Jackson added. “Just working
alongside the NOAA crew was enjoyable. No matter
where we come from or who we work for, we’re all seamen and all here for a reason.”
AB John Hampton – like Jackson a member of the
SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters – was
part of the same voyage and came away with a similar
outlook.
“The NOAA crew were some of the most generous,
fun-loving people I’ve ever sailed with,” he said. “We
took the ship from Rhode Island to Brazil and it was a
really good experience. We had guys from all walks of
life when it comes to sailing. We all shared our experiences and our knowledge with one another. I enjoyed my
time and learned a lot.”
Executive Officer Aaron Maggied, Commanding Officer Marc
Moser
Anna McAuliffe, NOAA Scientist
Chief Engineer Alan Currie, Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson
20 Seafarers LOG
OMU Mark Watson
Chief Cook Deandre Speight, Chief Steward Emir Porter, Second Cook Ashley Pape
April 2023
�
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MENDONCA DELIVERY HIGHLIGHTS U.S.-FLAG SEALIFT CAPABILITIES
PRO ACT INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS AGAIN
ITF REINFORCES SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIAN MARINERS
SIUNA ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS
ATB LEGACY CREW RESCUES 8 MIGRANTS IN GULF OF MEXICO
LABOR MOVEMENT MOURNS PASSING OF TOM DONAHUE
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN NOMINATES JULIE SU TO BECOME NEXT U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR
RETIRED GOVERNMENT SERVICES OFFICIAL 'CHET' WHEELER DIES AT 77
MARITIME COMMUNITY REACTS TO SACCO RETIREMENT
Q&A WITH SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS MICHAEL SACCO
LILAC PRESERVATION PROJECT EXECS SOLICIT MEMORABILIA FOR HISTORICAL EXHIBITION
MEMBERS TEAM UP ABOARD NOAA SHIP
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VOL. 85, NO. 4
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a3a0f2a4e824736655c8ed9f6139d884.pdf
2a659877de63b8e9736760154bc0e713
PDF Text
Text
FEBRUARY 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 2
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Seafarers Step Up During Emergency
Five SIU members employed by NY Waterway
played vital roles in safely evacuating hundreds
of passengers from a Staten Island Ferry that
caught fire in late December. In background
photo, passengers board the NY Waterway
ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Page 2.
(Photo courtesy Baris Barlas, Big City Tourism)
SIU Helps Brighten Holidays
For U.S. Military Families
‘Santa’s Castle’ Outreach a Rewarding Success
The union’s annual participation in a winter holiday project benefiting service
members and their families in the Pacific Northwest once again proved fruitful late last year. AB Samed Kassem (center in photo below) is one of many
Seafarers who donated to Santa’s Castle, a charitable project that primarily supports military families E-4 and below. Kassem, who donated three
bicycles in December, is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (left) and
SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp. Page 24.
Members Applaud Updated
Contract at G&H Towing
The SIU recently finalized a contract extension with G&H Towing, a major employer of Seafarers
in the inland division. The agreement features significant pay increases and has been widely commended by rank-and-file members. Pictured from left aboard the tug Haden II are Chief Engineer
Leo Borror, Capt. Juan Gonzalez, Oiler Taj Scott, Mate Ignacio Barcenas and SIU Asst. VP Mike
Russo. Page 3.
Remembering John Gallagher
Page 4
Tax Tips for 2023
Pages 11-14
�President’s Report
Union Membership Grows
This year’s government report on union membership showed an increase
of 273,000 members across the nation in 2022 a relatively modest gain that
nevertheless carries significance. It’s also worth noting that some of last
year’s landmark organizing efforts aren’t showing up in the Bureau of Labor
Statistics numbers yet because workers are still
fighting for a first contract.
Even when there’s a pro-worker administration in Washington, it’s usually difficult to win a
traditional organizing campaign. That’s true even
when there’s overwhelming support for unionization within a potential bargaining unit.
I won’t repeat the details as to why that’s the
case, but the short version is that our nation’s various labor laws are either badly outdated or rarely
enforced, or both. Corporations spend hundreds
of millions of dollars every year to stop workers
from joining unions, often illegally. That’s why
the AFL-CIO and its affiliates, including the SIU,
continue pushing for enactment of the Protecting
Michael Sacco
the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public
Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which will
hold union-busting companies and organizations
accountable and give workers the negotiating power they deserve. Those bills
will help ensure that anyone who wants to join a union on the job can do so.
Meanwhile, a report released by the National Labor Relations Board late
last year found that in fiscal year 2022, union election petitions increased
by 53% from the previous year. And, as you may know, according to a
recent Gallup poll, union approval is at its highest level in nearly 60 years,
with 71% of Americans supporting labor unions. Studies show that 70% of
hourly workers say they would join a union if given the opportunity.
These are positive trends, and our movement must and will capitalize on
them. The SIU will continue working with Congress and the administration
and the rest of the labor movement to make it happen.
Manpower and Recruiting
As I’ve mentioned more than once recently, both the union and our affiliated school are heavily engaged in efforts to improve and expand our
recruiting strategies.
The U.S. maritime industry, like so many others, is dealing with a shortage
of workers. Recent data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shows there are
more than 10 million job openings across the country, but only around six million unemployed workers. This means that if everyone who wanted to work
did in fact find a job, there would still be four million openings.
Additional data shows that there are three million fewer Americans participating in today’s labor force compared to three years ago (before the pandemic).
While there isn’t a once-size-fits-all answer, we are ramping up and refining our approaches for in-person and online recruiting. And I’m confident
we’ll meet the challenge, sooner rather than later.
Saluting Great Work
We are in the midst of a noteworthy stretch for our union – one that includes multiple rescues, generous philanthropy, contract gains, and major
improvements at one of our hiring halls. These developments don’t happen
without terrific work by our rank-and-file members, dedicated leadership from
our officials, and strong working relationships with our contracted operators.
Collectively, they’re good examples of why I’m so proud of the SIU.
Lastly for this month, I’d be remiss in not praising the respective work of
two longtime colleagues: Jim Given, who recently retired as president of the
SIU of Canada, and Jack Gallagher, head of the SARC, who passed away
following a brief illness.
Jim worked as hard and as passionately as anyone I’ve ever met. He
earned immense respect not only in Canada but on the global maritime
stage, where he regularly went to bat for the world’s mariners. He did a
great job and will be missed. I wish him well in his retirement, and I also
offer our unwavering support for, and confidence in, the new administration.
The same is true of Jack and his work, as reflected by the tremendous
outpouring of appreciation that followed his death. He made such a positive
difference in so many lives, and he’ll always be part of our legacy. May he
rest in peace.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 85 Number 2
February 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
The former Overseas Texas City has a new name (Seakay Sky) but still carries an SIU crew. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard)
Union Members Retain Jobs
On Three Contracted Tankers
SIU members are sailing
aboard three vessels formerly
operated by OSG and now operated by Keystone under bareboat
charters.
Those vessels, which are
owned by American Shipping
Company, are the Overseas Los
Angeles, the Overseas Texas
City, and the Overseas New York.
They’re covered by the SIU standard tanker agreement and they
also have new names, as follows:
The Los Angeles is now the
Seakay Star; the Texas City is the
Seakay Sky; and the New York is
the Seakay Valor.
SIU Assistant Vice President
Kris Hopkins led the union’s effort
during the transition from OSG
to Keystone, which wrapped up
in December. He met with crew
members several times in Tampa
and stated the following: “It defi-
nitely was a challenging transition
but we got it done, and any time
we maintain jobs for the membership, it’s good news. We actually
picked up some GUDE jobs, so
it’s a win-win.”
SIU members may be aware
that not only are those vessels
union-crewed, they’re also unionbuilt. The tankers were constructed at Philly Shipyard, which
is a union shop.
NY Waterway Crew Rescues Hundreds
From Burning Staten Island Ferry Vessel
Thoroughly trained SIU members working aboard NY Waterway-operated ferries yet again
answered the call, and helped
rescue hundreds of passengers
aboard a Staten Island Ferry
(SIF) vessel which had caught
fire during a recent holiday rush
hour.
On Dec. 22, the SIF ferry
Sandy Ground experienced a fire
in the mechanical room which
left the vessel inoperable and at
anchor off the St. George Terminal dock in New York Harbor.
The NYPD and FDNY responded
to the incident by requesting aide
from other ferries in the harbor,
and the SIU crew of NY Waterway’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt
rushed to help the passengers in
peril.
Making multiple trips to ensure safety, the smaller ferry
helped rescue 558 passengers
throughout the course of about 90
minutes. In total, 868 passengers
were evacuated off the Sandy
Ground, with five reported injuries among the passengers.
The crew of the Franklin
Delano Roosevelt included Capt.
Tom Beckedorff and Deckhands
Elio Pineda, William Capko,
Jonathan Lowman and Amer
Abouzeid.
Beckedorff said, “I was just
responding to a NYPD harbor
unit’s call for assistance. Credit
for the transfer of passengers
belongs with my crew members, the crews of the two tugs
that enabled us to safely bow
up to the SIF Sandy Ground –
Capt. Chris Mitchel of the tug
Mr. Jim was outstanding – and
of course the captain and crew
of the Sandy Ground, who not
only were able to contain and
extinguish the fire but also
maintained an atmosphere of
calmness amongst their passengers. It was a highly unusual
situation for all involved, and it
went very smoothly considering
all the circumstances.”
NY Waterway said on Twitter,
“This evening, NY Waterway
assisted with the evacuation of
a Staten Island Ferry that experienced an engine room fire. NY
Waterway’s Franklin Delano
Roosevelt ferry evacuated 558
passengers, who are now being
brought to St. George on Staten
Island…. We’re grateful to the
captain and crew of the FDR, and
for all our partners in the harbor,
who worked together to ensure
all passengers on the disabled
Staten Island Ferry got home safe
tonight.”
Meera Joshi, NYC Deputy
Mayor for Operations, also expressed her appreciation for the
efforts of the rescuers, saying,
“Adding my gratitude to the crew
and passengers, as well as NY
Waterway for ensuring everyone
is getting home safely to their
families after this experience. We
will learn what exactly transpired
to ensure the continued safety of
all SI Ferry riders.”
The SIU crew of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt consists of Capt. Tom
Beckedorff and Deckhands Elio Pineda, William Capko, Jonathan
Lowman and Amer Abouzeid. (Photo courtesy NY Waterway)
February 2023
�SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from right in photo at left, second from left in photo
above) meets with G&H boatmen to discuss the contract extension.
SIU, G&H Towing Agree to Significant Pay Increases
Capt. Phil May said the pay increases are
“going over exactly as you’d imagine. We
went from some of the guys struggling to
maybe being the highest-paid in the nation.
This is a credit to the union and the company.
All parties knuckled down and said, ‘We’re
going to be the premier company in the industry.’”
May, who has sailed with G&H for almost 16 years, added, “The union is changing
lives, and I’m living proof of it.”
With millions more job openings than job
seekers nationwide, many employers are taking extra steps to recruit and retain workers.
SIU-contracted G&H Towing is one such
outfit. Near the end of last year, the union and
the company finalized mid-contract pay increases that are unprecedented in size.
“This came after months of good-faith negotiations,” stated SIU Vice President Gulf
Coast Dean Corgey. “Concern for the mariner was the top priority. Now, G&H is the
industry leader in wages, benefits and work-
ing conditions for the most modern, powerful
state-of-the-art tugs in the country.”
He added that the company is hiring.
More information is available through the
SIU’s Houston hall.
The current contract between the SIU and
G&H originally was set to expire in 2024, but
(following ratification by rank-and-file members) has been extended through September
2026. It covers more than 300 SIU boatmen.
Capt. Mark Kazin served as a delegate
during the recent negotiations. He said the
Capt. Mike Zepeda, SIU Asst. VP Mike
Russo, Chief Engineer Roy Wick
SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (second from right) pauses for a photo with rank-and-file members during recent talks about
the wage increases negotiated by the union.
pay increases are “great. This is unprecedented and it seems like G&H is really trying
to step up their game. Money helps take care
of your family. This definitely convinces me
to stay here.”
Fellow delegate Chief Engineer Chris
Wootton stated, “I would say that G&H Towing is leading the industry on making sure
their mariners have better lives aboard and at
home. These wage increases are life-changing
for us and our families. Everyone I’ve talked
to in the fleet is very happy and grateful.”
Norfolk Hall Renovations
Significantly Progressing
The renovations taking place at the
SIU hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, are
moving along, with the months-long project recently entering a new phase.
“The renovations have been extensive,
and the members can expect a much-improved facility when we reopen,” said
SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift. “From below the floors to above the
These photos from early January show
some of the recent progress on the
hall in Norfolk, Virginia.
February 2023
ceilings, windows to walls, the crews have
been hard at work modernizing and improving the building.”
These modernizations undoubtedly
will be welcomed, as the building first
opened for business as a hall on Nov. 4,
1963. At the time, the Seafarers LOG
reported, “Included in the fully air-conditioned structure is an expanded hiring
hall … with ample space to handle all
membership and business functions of the
union.”
Since then, the building has been
spruced up from time to time, though
nowhere near as extensively as now. The
improvements include upgraded, more
energy-efficient windows, as well as fully
renovated restrooms, plumbing, concrete,
and electrical wiring. When the project is
completed, members and guests can expect to see a brand-new counter, as well as
new furniture and other furnishings.
Vandegrift said, “It’s a complete interior renovation, and it’s moving as expected towards reopening.”
Of course, one thing that won’t change
is the prime location. The hall is situated
near the waterfront and close to main
roads, which undoubtedly are factors in
the other local development taking place
near the hall.
Until the hiring hall at 115 Third Street
reopens, the temporary facility located
at 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100,
Chesapeake, Virginia, will remain fully
operational and ready to serve members
in the area.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Revered SARC Director Gallagher Dies at 67
A mainstay of both the SIU and the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education,
John “Jack” Gallagher Jr. passed away on Dec.
16, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. A proud
Philadelphian, Gallagher was 67 years old.
Gallagher joined the SIU in 1973, following
in his father’s footsteps, and sailed on tugboats
for most of his career on the water. In 2003, he
became the director of the Seafarers Alcohol
and Drug Rehabilitation Center (SARC) in
Valley Lee, Maryland, where he worked with
his fellow SIU brothers and sister to help them
regain their sobriety and/or drug-free status.
During his tenure, Gallagher also taught
courses for the SIU, Navy, and several colleges.
Among his many accomplishments, he was
especially proud of earning his Doctor of Education degree.
Longtime SIU member Mike Fay, who
occasionally teaches at the Paul Hall Center, said, “I have had the pleasure of having
Jack as a dear friend and co-worker for over
40 years. We started our careers sailing together in the early 70s, on coastwise towing
vessels out of the Port of Philadelphia. Jack
was genuine; he never falsely presented
himself to win your favor. We negotiated
a few contracts together with Crowley and
Jack always did his homework – he always
had the numbers ready during the debates.
“Jack was known to most as the Director of
the ARC program, helping members with substance dependency issues,” Fay continued, “but
I really admired how many young mariners he
helped that simply made a dumb mistake drinking or smoking one night, and their career and
livelihood was in jeopardy because of today’s
regulations. Jack was an expert at navigating
the process of restoring their documents, and
was a true ‘Brother of the Sea.’”
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
said, “John was a selfless man who sacrificed
to obtain the highest credentials in his field for
the sole purpose of providing the best service
to the membership. He inherently understood
the plight the Seafarer was going through, and
poured his heart and soul into helping them
obtain a better life. His legacy is the countless
sober Seafarers making a living today. He will
be sorely missed.”
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel
said, “I knew John for over 40 years and in that
time, John has always had a penchant for assisting others in their time of need, even before
coming on as the SARC’s certified counselor.
He was a consistent advocate for our Seafarers with the Coast Guard and DOT, while also
providing a calming welcome to anyone arriving at the Center. While professionally his
presence is already missed, my sympathies go
out to (widow) Maureen and their children for
their loss.”
Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret
Bowen, who worked closely with Gallagher
for years, said, “The first things that come to
mind when I think about Jack are his smile, his
professionalism and his concern for the mariners. He was genuinely kind, and a pleasure
to work with. His loss will be felt by everyone
who knew him.”
Paul Hall Center Vice President Tom
Orzechowski said, “Jack had a great passion
for the work that he did. It wasn’t a job to him;
it was a vocation. He truly believed in what he
taught, and believed in the members and helping them in any way he could. He was a mainstay here on campus, and would do anything
for a member in need. His compassion towards
Seafarers was unrivaled, and he leaves behind
big shoes to fill.”
He is survived by his wife, Maureen, as
well as his six children. In lieu of flowers, the
family has requested donations to the SARC,
to which Gallagher dedicated his life. Checks
should be made out to SARC and can be mailed
to Margaret Bowen, SARC, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camps Springs, MD 20746.
In photo above, SARC Director Jack Gallagher is pictured at the Paul Hall Center in 2009,
with his wife, Maureen. In the photo at left, he addresses the school’s advisory board in
2018. In photo below, Gallagher (left) chats with Maritime Trades Department Executive
Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan at an employee appreciation event in Piney Point,
Maryland, in the early 2000s.
SIU-Crewed Sagamore Rescues 15 Near Florida
Fifteen Cuban Nationals today are safe,
thanks to the efforts of SIU crew members
and officers aboard the Sealift Inc.-operated
and union-contracted Sagamore.
Watch standers aboard the vessel caught
glimpses of the 15 individuals during the
afternoon hours of Jan. 3, while transiting
the western reaches of the Straits of Florida
en route to Houston. The Cubans were hailing for assistance by frantically waving their
arms. All were aboard a makeshift watercraft
which was stranded and at the mercy of the
straits’ currents.
Sagamore vessel master Capt. Paul Bon-
ney immediately notified officials at the U.S.
Coast Guard Group in Key West, Florida, and
briefed them on the situation. Bonney was
advised that the agency would immediately
dispatch the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard
Ethridge to the location to assist in rescue and
recovery operations. Bonney then maneuvered the Sagamore into position alongside
the stranded craft, and the SIU crew sprang
into rescue mode.
“Members of the crew performed like a welloiled machine during the rescue operations,”
said Bosun Brian Ebanks. “I was so proud of
everyone involved because each person knew
exactly what to do and when to do it.
“Thanks to their collective quick and decisive efforts – both byproducts of their training
– the rescue went off smoothly and without
any negative incidents,” Ebanks concluded.
“All involved deserve kudos for a job well
done.”
Ebanks added that once the stranded migrants had been extracted from their vessel,
they were brought aboard the Sagamore and
given water, food, blankets and clothing. Not
long thereafter, the Richard Ethridge arrived
on the scene and crew members transferred
the migrants to the cutter.
In addition to Ebanks, the following SIU
members were aboard the Sagamore at the
time of the rescue: ABs Sixto Avila Castro,
Erwin Joiner and Matthew Martinson;
OSs Richard Russ and Stephanie Vidrio;
OMUs Mario Jojo Anden Dela Cruz and
Kim Tye; Steward/Baker Herminio Gutierrez Vasquez Jr.; Chief Cook Brandy
Griffin; SA Jess Rillera; and Apprentice
Michael Wilt.
The migrants’ raft is seen next to the Sagamore in both photos above – from a distance (left), and directly from the deck.
4 Seafarers LOG
February 2023
�NDAA Contains Big Wins for Maritime
The most recent National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA), along with
the related Consolidated Appropriations
Act, contained several key victories for
mariners and the maritime industry as
a whole.
Among other bipartisan achievements, these annual bills provide full
funding for vital U.S.-flag maritime
packages including the Maritime Security Program and the much newer Cable
Security Fleet. Increased funding also
is provided for U.S. food-aid programs,
the primary source of such cargoes for
American-flag ships.
One of the particularly noteworthy
developments is the doubling of the new
U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP)
from the initial 10 ships later this year
to 20 in the year 2024. Not only will
this mean more shipboard jobs, it also
will strengthen U.S. national security by
reducing potential reliance on foreign
ships and crews.
In addition, those bills also feature
new safeguards for the Jones Act and
cargo preference; funding for badly
needed studies pertaining to U.S.-flag
fleet growth; largely sensible improvements for promoting maritime workplace safety; rules to facilitate the entry
of military veterans into civilian maritime jobs; and renewed examination of
methods to reduce Coast Guard backlogs for merchant mariner credential
processing.
One of those Jones Act safeguards
boosts enforcement through procedural
mandates, including: explicitly giving
the MARAD Administrator the sole
authority to make non-availability determinations; limits waivers to specific
vessels, as opposed to blanket waivers;
and prohibiting the issuance of waivers
for vessels already at sea with a cargo
that would be covered by the Jones
Act if it lands at a U.S. port. U.S.-flag
proponents have stated that this should
help preserve American jobs while making it harder for foreign-flag interests to
attempt “crisis arbitrage” – taking advantage of situations such as natural disasters in order to increase profits.
SIU Legislative Director Brian
Schoeneman said, “It’s worth mentioning that these new legislative changes are
borne out of hard work – in this case, a
years’ worth of working with friends and
allies of the maritime industry on Capitol Hill to make sure the importance of
our issues was not lost on them. These
achievements underscore the never-ending need for grassroots political action,
and these results are a testament to the
effectiveness of those efforts.”
Moreover, the legislation includes
this “Sense of Congress on Merchant
Marine” that is straightforward and
powerful: “It is the sense of Congress
that the United States Merchant Marine
is a critical part of the national infrastructure of the United States, and the
men and women of the United States
Merchant Marine are essential workers.”
Domestic shipbuilding also got
a boost in the NDAA, according to
the Shipbuilders Council of America
(SCA). Matthew Paxton, the organization’s president, said the bill “represents
a critical investment into our national
defense and domestic security. The
$4.7 billion increase authorized in the
Navy’s shipbuilding account, as well as
provisions that support our U.S. Coast
Guard and fund opportunities for the
expansion of the U.S. shipyard industrial base and workforce development,
Kudos to Galley Gang
demonstrates that Congress recognizes
the industry’s capacity and readiness to
support the Navy fleet.”
He added, “The single most critical
factor in the capacity of the shipbuilding and repair industrial base today is
people. The most effective mechanism
to ensure that the industrial base is stable and resilient is through a consistent
demand signal and a recognition that
the cost of doing business has changed.
The U.S. new construction and repair
SIU of Canada President Retires
The SIU of Canada in mid-December announced the retirement of President Jim
Given (pictured above), who’d held that post since 2012. Given joined the union
in 1979, sailed for 13 years, then came ashore to work for the organization. He
is succeeded by Mike Given. Additionally, the union announced the retirement of
Executive VP Patrice Caron. His successor is Charles Etienne-Aubry.
SIU CIVMARS Aboard USNS
John Lewis Help with Rescue
SIU CIVMARS from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis helped
give an early holiday gift to a boater
stranded at sea, when the ship answered a
distress call off the coast of Southern California, the U.S. Military Sealift Command
(MSC) reported.
The Lewis received a distress call from
a man whose sailboat had been damaged
in a storm that tore the sails and caused the
boat to take on water. Once the boater was
located, the ship maneuvered next to the
damaged sailboat. The man on the sailboat
then climbed the Lewis’ pilot ladder. After
boarding the ship, he was given a security
check, a medical examination, a shower, a
hot meal, clothes and a ride to San Diego.
“Once we got this poor guy on board,
we found out that he had been stranded
for five days!” said Capt. Dan Glazier,
Recertified Bosun Adel Ahmed submitted
these photos along with his praise for the
steward department’s outstanding work
aboard the Alaskan Navigator (ATC).
The galley gang treated fellow mariners
to delicious holiday meals for Christmas
and New Year’s Day and did “a fantastic
job,” the bosun noted. Pictured from left
in the posed photo are Chief Steward
Roberto Coronado and Chief Cook Nasr
Almusab. (Additional photos from the
feasts are available on the SIU’s Facebook page.)
February 2023
shipyards that provide 650,000 American jobs with direct economic impact
in every Congressional district in the
nation will meet a demand signal that
is clear, consistent and predictable.
Shipyards are not incentivized today
to invest in facilities in an unpredictable environment with routine shifts in
fleet size and mix. Moreover, once these
skilled people are lost, as production
lines are stopped and started, it is more
and more difficult to replace them.”
the John Lewis’ civil service master. “I’m
glad we were in the area and were able to
help. Everything has a purpose, and now
this guy can make it home for the holidays
rather than the alternative, stuck on the
ocean.”
The 746-foot Lewis is the first of the
new John Lewis-class of fleet replenishment oilers, and one of MSC’s newest
ships, having been christened in 2021 and
accepted into MSC’s fleet in 2022. It has
the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel and dry stores
cargo. The upgraded oiler is built with
double hulls to protect against oil spills,
and it features strengthened cargo and ballast tanks.
The crew of the USNS John Lewis includes members of the SIU Government
Services Division.
Notice
Officials Provide Update on SARC
With the death of Seafarers Addictions
Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Director
John Gallagher, the SIU-affiliated facility has been left without an immediate replacement for him. In an effort to ensure
uninterrupted assistance, the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Trustees
took immediate action to provide for inpatient coverage.
Therefore, effective Dec. 8, 2022,
eligible SHBP participants who want to
attend the SARC under the Plan’s Rules
and Regulations shall be eligible to re-
ceive inpatient rehabilitation services
for substance use disorders at other facilities. These services will be covered at
the same levels as other inpatient medical services.
This action shall remain in effect until
the SARC resumes full services. If a member is in need of a substance abuse professional (SAP) in the meantime, there are
links on the Department of Transportation
website (www.transportation.gov/) which
can direct those members to available resources.
Seafarers LOG 5
�MDR Yan Paing conducts COVID tests
for shipboard guests.
AB Robert O’Connell enjoys a well-earned break.
SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (left) and MDR Yan Paing review paperwork in the crew mess.
SIU-Crewed CS Decisive
Plays Key Roles for USA
During routine times, the SIU-crewed
cable ship Decisive (operated by SubCom) helps keep the world connected to
high-speed internet. The vessel’s mariners do so by installing and repairing
undersea fiberoptic cables.
Additionally, for the last year, both the
Decisive and the SIU-crewed Dependable
(also operated by SubCom) have shared new
responsibilities as the first enrollees in the
new U.S. Cable Security Fleet (CSF). Those
tasks primarily consist of installing, repairing
and maintaining U.S. Defense Department
communications cable systems.
Writing for the Naval Institute of the
United States – in an article headlined
“Repairing Submarine Cables Is a Wartime Necessity” – Navy Capt. Douglas R.
Continued on next page
OS Levi Gorokhovsky (left)
OS Anthony Johnson
OS Darius Parker helps ensure smooth operations as the vessel prepares for a shipyard period.
6 Seafarers LOG
Chief Engineer (and SIU hawsepiper)
Greg Thomas
OMU Eric Mose
OS Habash Ahmed
Chief Electrician Igor Yakunkov
Cable is loaded into a hold aboard the Decisive.
February 2023
�OMU Xyla Jimenez
OMU Kasim Ahmed
Chief Steward Wesley Head
High-Speed Internet
Users Worldwide Reap
Benefits of Cable Ship
Continued from Page 6
Chief Cook Paul Erickson
SA Calvin Johnson
The Decisive preps for a voyage down the East Coast, from Baltimore to Charleston, South Carolina.
February 2023
Burnett (Ret.) pointed out, “The
information packets transmitted
at the speed of light on garden
hose–diameter international fiberoptic cables are as critical, if not
more, to the nation’s economy and
defense as U.S. trucks, railroads,
and shipping…. Not providing
for cable repair ships in wartime
is like building firehouses in a
town, but not providing for fire
trucks and firefighters to extinguish the fires. It is an undeniable
emergency when the glass fibers
in fiber-optic submarine cables are
broken, whatever the cause. Putting the internet and critical voice,
data, and video communications
back in order after hostile action
requires U.S.-flagged cable ships
crewed by U.S. mariners. The CSF
accomplishes this vital national
goal.”
Editor’s note: The photos accompanying this article were taken
in Baltimore in late December. Additional snapshots from that shipboard visit will be published in an
upcoming edition of the LOG.
The vessel sails under the Stars and Stripes and is part of
the U.S. Cable Security Fleet.
Seafarers LOG 7
�IN THE ALOHA STATE – AB Desmond Unutoa (right) picks
up his full B-book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with
SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso.
BOOKS SECURED IN HOUSTON – Steward/Baker Cole Briggs (left in photo at left) receives his A-seniority book while
AB Juan Solis (left in other photo) picks up his full B-book. Both members are pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD HORIZON SPIRIT – Pictured aboard the Sunrise Operations vessel in Hawaii are, from left, Relief Bosun Rezk
Mohamed, ABM Richard Grubbs and ABM Zaid Said. Photo was taken a few days before Christmas.
ABOARD USNS JOHN GLENN – Pictured aboard the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel Dec. 13 in Oakland, California, are (from left) Recertified Bosun
Dana Naze, QEE Rahsaan Alexander, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, QE4 Isaiah
Thomas and CC Ammar Sailan.
ABOARD ATB LIBERTY – Looks as if spirits are high aboard the Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning vessel. Pictured from left in the back row are ABU
Paa Kwakye, 2AE Peter Hudak, ABT Travis Stringer, ABT Victor Martinez, 2M
Manny Wilson and CS Ed Pinnace. In front are (also from left) CM Lindsey
Austin and ABT Matthew Harris.
8 Seafarers LOG
FULL BOOK IN NJ – SIU member (and Watco crane
operator) Larry Rizzo (right) receives his full book in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU New Jersey
Safety Director Jose Argueta.
HONORING THOSE WHO
SERVED – SIU member Vernell
Cornell (second from left in photo
at immediate left) took part in the
Wreaths Across America event
Dec. 17 at the Philadelphia National Cemetery. SIU-contracted
Crowley Maritime regularly sponsors Wreaths Across America observances. An estimated 3,400
such ceremonies took place
across the country Dec. 17. The
snapshot above is from a related
event in Puerto Rico, where SIU
Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and
SIU ABs Ruben Gonzalez and
Victor Velez placed flowers on
veterans’ graves. Crespo is second from right, along with Crowley officials and members of the
late Roberto Clemente’s family.
Clemente served as a Marine Reserve while playing Major League
Baseball.
February 2023
�COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN JERSEY CITY – Seafarers and guests kick off a Toys for Tots drive while also gathering for a holiday celebration at the hiring hall in early December.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN – AB Jonamie Encarnacion
(right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the
San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.
KUDOS FOR SEAFARER – SA Ruby Jackson, pictured
aboard the Keystone-operated RocketShip (formerly
Delta Mariner), is ready to serve Christmas dinner plus a
banana split pie “that was out of this world,” according to
Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson (no relation).
ABOARD MAERSK HARTFORD – The steward department offered an extensive menu for Christmas. Pictured
from left are Chief Cook Chris Coston, SA Nilza Chavez
and Recertified Steward Ali Matari. (Additional photos
from the meal are available on the SIU’s Facebook page.)
February 2023
ABOARD TANKER WASHINGTON – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are Chief
Cook Abdul Qwfan, SA Rolando Roldan, vessel master Capt. Daniel Goodwin and Recertified Steward Fakruddin Malahi.
The steward department went all-out with its Christmas menu and received accolades for it.
ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – The galley gang put out a wellreceived New Year’s feast (photos above and at right) aboard
the TOTE vessel. Pictured from left in the group photo below are
Steward/Baker Ingrid Ortiz, Chief Cook Kevin Valentin and SA
Edna Bakhos. (Additional photos from the meal are available on
the SIU’s Facebook page.)
HONORING WWII MARINER – Former SIU member Lawrence Abrams displays his replica of the
Congressional Gold Medal for World War II mariners
(along with the edition of the LOG that reported the
formal ceremony in Washington, D.C.). Abrams, 97,
was featured in the August 2022 issue of the LOG
(the article also is available on the SIU website).
Seafarers LOG 9
�AB James Schulte is sworn in for his Bbook.
ABM Stanley Bailey (left) receives his B
book from SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.
With Seafarers in Jacksonville
The photos on this page were taken late last year and earlier this year, both at the hiring
hall in Jacksonville, Florida, and during a couple of nearby vessel servicings. Both of the
ships – the Perla Del Caribe and the Liberty – are operated by TOTE Services.
SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left), Oiler Brianna Ashley on board the Perla Del Caribe
Pictured from left aboard the Liberty are Chief Cook Norma Baucan, SIU Port
Agent Ashley Nelson, Steward/Baker Cynora Hunter and Steward/Baker Rondell Richardson.
Aboard the Perla Del Caribe (from left), SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo meets with
Recertified Bosun Noel Otero and ABM Thyron Dy as the Seafarers fill out Coast
Guard applications related to their respective endorsements.
ABM Jose Chumpitaz
Perla Del Caribe
10 Seafarers LOG
Pictured at the November membership meeting are (from left) QEE Robert Neff, GUDE
Henry Brown and STOS Terry Jackson, along with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (administering the oath). Neff received his A book while the other members got their respective
B books.
ABM Shantaz Harper
Perla Del Caribe
MDR Edwin Lashley (left) receives his full B-book.
SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman is at right.
Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz
Perla Del Caribe
Oiler William Means
Perla Del Caribe
Bosun Michael Pockat
MV Liberty
SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo (left) and SA Diana Perez confer
near the Liberty.
February 2023
�What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season
Following are some of the changes that
took effect in 2022, along with provisions
that remain in effect from prior years.
Please check www.irs.gov before filing
your return.
Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations
The following is a list of tax legislation
and considerations affecting the current and
future tax years as noted. Provided in parenthesis are the abbreviations that will be used
throughout this document in reference to the
respective legislation.
nThe Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA):
The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Described as
the largest major tax reform in over three
decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax
provisions that impact individuals and businesses.
n The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders
Act): The Relief Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed
by President Trump on December 27, 2020,
extending several tax provisions that were
set to expire.
n The Setting Every Community Up
for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed
into law by President Trump on December
20, 2019 significantly modifying many requirements for employer‐provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts
(IRAs), and other tax‐favored savings accounts. While some of the modifications
went into effect retroactively or upon enactment (December 20, 2019), many of them
carry future effective dates.
n The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (CARES Act):
The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion economic
stimulus bill that was signed into law by the
President Trump on March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of the COVID19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were
enhanced and expanded by the recent signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2021.
n
American Rescue Plan Act of
2021: In response to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the ARPA was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to deliver
taxpayers immediate and direct relief from
related hardship. As discussed in further
detail below, the ARPA provided for additional Economic Impact Payments (stimulus
checks), advanced payments of the Child
Tax Credit, housing assistance, and other
employment-related relief.
n Inflation Reduction Act of 2022:
The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August
2022, providing numerous tax credits related to green energy, most of which go into
effect until 2023. It has also extended some
current credits, detailed below.
n Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2023 (CAA): Signed into law December 29,
2022. The act expanded existing automatic
enrollment programs, enhanced various retirement saving credits, modified RMD (required minimal distribution) that will help
retirees with plan selection and decision
making.
Due Date of Returns
File a 2022 Form 1040 and pay any
tax due by April 18, 2023. An automatic
6-month extension of time to file the return
can be made by filing Form 4868 and paying an estimate of tax owed to avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 by
October 16, 2023.
n Net Investment Income Tax (NII):
In 2022, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser
of the individual’s net investment income
for the year or the amount the individual’s
modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)
exceeds the threshold amount.
Net Investment Income can be further categorized into three:
n Category 1 (investment income) income interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents
n Category 2 (passive and trading income) -gross income from a trade or business that is a passive activity with respect
to the taxpayer, or is a trade or business of
trading commodities or financial instruments
n Category 3 (gain on dispositions) net gain from disposition of property
MAGI for the purpose of calculating the
additional Medicare tax is a person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign earned
income exclusion or foreign housing exclusion added back in.
MAGI threshold amounts for the additional tax are as follows:
n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse)
n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household)
n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately)
Investment income reduced by deductions properly allocable to the items of income and net gain that make up the NII.
Social Security Tax:
Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee
and employer are each subject to a 6.2% tax
on wages for Social Security. The maximum
wages subject to the Social Security are as
follows:
n $147,000 (2022)
n $160,200 (2023)
Medicare Tax:
Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee
and employer are each subject to a 1.45%
tax on wages for Medicare, unchanged from
2021. There is no wage base limit for Medicare tax. In 2022, in addition to the standard
Medicare tax, there will be an additional
0.9% tax on wages that exceed the following threshold amounts:
n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse)
n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household)
n
$125,000 (Married Filing Separately)
Self-Employment Tax Rate:
The Social Security portion of the selfemployment tax is 12.4% in 2022. The
Medicare portion of the SE tax is 2.9% not
including the 0.9% additional tax on the
amounts above the applicable thresholds as
noted above. A taxpayer can take an above
the line deduction for a percentage (Maximum is 50%) of self-employment tax paid
during the year.
Kiddie Tax:
The kiddie tax changes introduced by the
TCJA were repealed by the SECURE Act.
For taxable years beginning in 2022, the
first $1,150 of the net unearned income of
Standard Deduction
The standard deduction adjusts annually for inflation. The standard deduction for taxpayers who are at least 65 years old and/or blind at the close of the year can be increased with an
additional deduction added for each taxpayer for each qualifying condition. For dependents,
the standard deduction cannot exceed the greater of (1) $1,150, or (2) the sum of $400 and
the individual’s earned income. See the current amounts below.
Filing Status
Married Filing Jointly
Head of Household
Single/Married Filing Separately
2022
$25,900
$19,400
$12,950
Additional Standard Deductions
Age 65+ and/or Blind (MFJ)
Age 65+ and/or Blind (Single/HOH)
$1,400
$1,750
a child meeting certain requirements is not
taxed, the next $1,150 is taxed at the child’s
marginal tax rate and amounts over $2,300
are taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate. A
child is defined as younger than 18 or 19-23
if fulltime student at the end of the tax year
and does not provide more than half of his/
her own support with unearned income.
Itemized Deductions
If more advantageous than the standard
deduction, an individual may elect to claim
certain itemized deductions. The most common itemized deductions are listed below:
n Medical and Dental Expenses: Unreimbursed medical expenses to the extent
they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income.
The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended
this threshold.
n State & Local Tax Deduction: For
tax years 2018-2025, the itemized deduction
for taxes paid or accrued by an individual
during the tax year that are not directly
connected with a trade or business, or with
property held for the production of income
is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of
the aggregate of (1) state and local property
taxes, (2) state and local personal property
taxes, (3) state, local, and foreign income
taxes, as well as state and local general sales
taxes deducted in lieu of state and local income taxes.
n Mortgage Interest Deduction: The
deduction for mortgage interest is limited to
underlying indebtedness of up to $750,000
($375,000 for MFS) for tax years 20182025. The deduction for interest on home
equity indebtedness is eliminated. The
lower limit doesn’t apply to any acquisition
indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017, which is limited to $1 Million
($500,000 for MFS).
n Mortgage Insurance Premiums:
The itemized deduction for mortgage insurance premiums has expired.
n Charitable Contribution Deduction: The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b)
for cash contributions to public charities
and certain private foundations is 60% of an
individual’s contribution base for tax years
2021-2025. The CARES Act temporarily increased the limitation to 100% for tax years
2020-2021. The contribution base is an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not
including the charitable deduction or any
net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks. The
limit depends on the aggregate contributions of the spouses if married filing jointly.
Excess contributions are generally carried
forward and deducted for up to five years,
subject to the later year’s ceiling.
n Above-the line Charitable Deductions. During COVID, standard deduction
taxpayers could take up to a $600 charitable
donation tax deduction on their tax returns.
This is no longer applicable to 2022.
n
Miscellaneous Deductions: Jobrelated expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were
previously subject to the 2%-of-adjustedgross-income floor, are no longer deductible
for tax years 2018-2025. The eliminated
deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees.
n Gambling Losses: All deductions
for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling
losses, are deductible only to the extent of
gambling winnings.
n
State Itemized Deductions: The
TCJA modified or eliminated several popular itemized deductions. It is important to
note that although the federal deductions
have been adjusted, you may still qualify
for deductions at the state level.
Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Other Deductions
n Exemptions: Under the TCJA, for
tax years 2018-2025, the deduction for the
personal exemption is reduced to zero. Furthermore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not
entitle that parent to an exemption deduction, instead, releasing the dependency exemption does make the noncustodial parent
(Continued on next page)
Child Tax Credit
Phase Out when the taxpayer’s MAGI exceed the following amounts. In the phase-out
range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above these thresholds:
Filing Status
MAGI Phase-out
Married Filing Jointly
$400,000
All other Filing Status
$200,000
Tax Rates & Thresholds
2022 Tax Brackets: Below are the tax brackets for tax year 2022, including the taxable income range for each bracket.
Married Filing Jointly
10% $0 – $20,550
12% $20,551 – $83,550
22% $83,551 – $178,150
24% $178,151 – $340,100
32% $340,101 – $431,900
35% $431,901 - $647,850
37% $647,851+
Head of Household
$0 – $14,650
$14,651 – $55,900
$55,901 – $89,050
$89,051 – $170,050
$170,051 – $215,950
$215,951 – $539,900
$539,901+
Single
$0 – $10,275
$10,276 – $41,775
$41,776 – $89,075
$89,076 – $170,050
$170,051 – $215,950
$215,951 – $539,900
$539,901+
Married Filing Separately
$0 – $10,275
$10,276 – $41,775
$41,776 – $89,075
$89,076 – $170,050
$170,051 – $215,950
$215,951 – $323,925
$323,926+
Estates & Trusts
$0 – $2,750
N/A
N/A
$2,751 – $9,850
N/A
$9,851 – $13,450
$13,451+
2022 Net Capital Gains & Qualified Dividend Tax Rates: Below are the 2022 net capital gains and qualified dividend rates per taxable income range for each type of filing status.
Married Filing Jointly
0%
$0 – $83,350
15% $83,351 – $517,200
20% $517,201+
Head of Household
$0 – $55,800
$55,801 – $488,500
$488,501+
Single
$0 – $41,675
$41,676 – $459,750
$459,751+
Married Filing Separately
$0 – $41,675
$41,676 – $258,600
$258,601+
Estates & Trusts
$0 – $2,800
$2,801 – $13,700
$13,701+
Capital gains and losses are reported on Form 8949 and then totaled on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2022, your broker will report the cost basis on your Form 1099-B. Refer
to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/form8949 for additional information and other new developments affecting this form and Schedule D.
February 2023
Seafarers LOG 11
�What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season
(Continued from Page 11)
eligible for the child tax credit with respect
to the child.
Child Tax Credit
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 modified CTC for tax year beginning 2021 in a
few significant ways:
n Partially Refundable. In 2021, if a
taxpayer had a principal place of abode in
the United States for at least one-half of the
tax year; or is a bona fide resident of Puerto
Rico for the tax year, the credit was fully
refundable. In 2022, the tax credit will be
refundable only up to $1,500, depending on
your income.
n No More Advance Payment. From
July to December 2021, parents were able to
receive half of the child tax credit they qualified for in advance of filing their returns. In
2022, the advance payment option is no longer available, and parents will receive their
credit as usual when they file their returns
for the 2022 tax year.
Maximum Child Tax Credit has reverted to:
n $2,000 for each qualifying child under
the age of 17
n $500 for any other dependent
Definition of a Qualifying Child: MUST meet
all 5 criteria
n Relationship: The person must be
your child, stepchild, adopted child, foster
child, brother or sister, or a descendant of
one of these (for example, a grandchild or
nephew).
n Residence: For more than half the
year, the person must have the same residence as you do.
n Age: must not have attained the age
of 19 by the end of the year, or age 19-23
and be a full-time student for at least five
months out of the year, or any age if totally
and permanently disabled.
n Support: the person did not provide
more than half of his or her own support
during the year.
n Valid Social Security Number: Each
dependent must have a Social Security number (SSN). Individuals may get a SSN for their
dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local
Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It
usually takes about two - six weeks to receive
a SSN. Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax
Credit for any tax year if the individual or a
qualifying child did not have an individual
SSN issued on or before the due date of the
return for that tax year.
Child and Dependent Tax Credits: The Child
and Dependent Care Credit is a federal tax
benefit that helps families pay expenses
for childcare needed to work or to look for
work. The credit also is available to families
that must pay for the care of an incapacitated spouse or an adult dependent. There
must be earned income to take the credit.
The credit is equal to 35 percent of up
to $3,000 in employment-related expenses
for a taxpayer with one qualifying individual, or up to $6,000 in employment-related
expenses for a taxpayer with two or more
qualifying individuals. Thus, the maximum
credit is $1,050 or $2,100, respectively. The
credit percentage is reduced by one percentage point for each $2,000 of AGI or fraction
thereof over $15,000.
Definition of a Qualifying Person: meet one
criterion
n Qualifying child under the age of 13
n Taxpayer’s spouse who is physically
or mentally incapable of caring for himself
or herself.
n Dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself and meets below tests:
n Relationship: the person must be
your parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/
uncle, in-law, or an individual who has the
same place of abode as the taxpayer for the
entire year
n
Gross Income: The individual’s
gross income for the year must be less than
$4,400 in 2022.
n Support: the person did not provide
more than half of his or her own support
during the year.
n Cannot be claimed as Qualifying
Child: The individual must not be the qualifying child of the taxpayer or of any other
taxpayer for the tax year.
Adoption credit: The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,890 per
child with adjusted gross income phase out
starting at $223,410, and fully phasing out
at $263,410 or more. The credit is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried
forward for five years. In general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and
necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs,
attorney’s fees and travel expenses. Income
limits and other special rules apply. In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified
Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must
include with their 2022 tax returns one or
more adoption-related documents.
IRS Refund Claim: The IRS has additional time to review refund claims based on
the EIC or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax Credit in order to reduce
fraud and improper payments. No credit or
refund for an overpayment shall be made to
a taxpayer before February 15 following the
close of the tax year, if the taxpayer claimed
the Earned Income Credit or additional
Child Tax Credit.
A SSN is not valid for EIC purposes unless it was issued on or before the due date
of the return. For tax years beginning after
2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC
under the rules for taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child
for the EIC who is claimed as a qualifying
child by another taxpayer.
Deduction for Qualified Business Income
(QBI): An individual generally may deduct
20% of qualified business income from a
partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly
traded partnership income.
The 20% deduction is not allowed in
computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a
deduction reducing taxable income.
When taxable income exceeds a threshold amount, the wages/capital limit may
reduce the deductible amount of QBI from
each business; A disallowance of the deduction with respect to specified service trades
or businesses also is phased in above these
threshold amounts of taxable income.
Premium Tax Credit:
Individuals with low to moderate income
who get health coverage through the Health
Insurance Marketplace may be eligible for
this refundable credit if meeting the following requirements:
n Purchased coverage in the Marketplace for someone in their tax family (taxpayer, spouse, if married filing jointly and
dependents for which a personal exemption
is claimed) for a month that person was not
eligible for minimum essential coverage
(other than coverage in the individual market).
n You are within certain household income limits. For tax years 2021 and 2022,
the American Rescue Plan of 2021 temporarily expanded eligibility for the premium
tax credit by eliminating the rule that a taxpayer is not allowed a premium tax credit if
his or her households income is above 400%
of the Federal Poverty Line. for 2021, for
Deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI)
For tax years beginning in 2022:
Filing Status
Married Filing Jointly
All Other Filling Status
Threshold amount
$340,100
$170,050
individuals receiving unemployment compensation, advance premium tax credits
will be provided as if the taxpayer’s income
was no higher than 133 percent of the federal poverty line (FPL), regardless of their
actual income. This provision is no longer
effective for 2022
n An exception, a resident alien who is
ineligible for Medicaid and has household
income less than 100% of the federal poverty line can take the credit.
n If married, individuals must file a
joint return. Exceptions apply to victims
of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment
and to individuals who are considered unmarried.
n Cannot be claimed as a dependent by
another person.
Education Credits, Deductions and Other
Related Issues
Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T,
Tuition Statement, from educational institutions to claim the American opportunity
credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit or
the above-the- line deduction for qualified
tuition and fees. The tuition and fees deduction does NOT apply to tax years beginning
after December 31, 2020.
Qualified higher education expenses
generally include tuition, fees, and related
expenses such as books and supplies. The
expenses must be for the student pursuing a
degree, certificate, or similar program, at an
eligible educational institution. An eligible
educational institution includes most colleges, universities, and certain vocational
schools.
The American Opportunity Tax
Credit: For tax year 2022, the maximum
credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to
40% of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years of
post-secondary education in a degree or certificate program. The credit is calculated by
taking 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified
tuition and related educational expenses and
25% of the next $2,000 of such expenses.
The credit is gradually phased out if your
Modified AGI is between $80,000-$90,000
($160,000-$180,000). Taxpayers cannot
claim the American Opportunity Credit for
any tax year if the individual or a student did
not have a Taxpayer Identification Number
(TIN) issued on or before the due date of the
return for that tax year. Taxpayers must report the (EIN) of the educational institution
to which payments were made.
Lifetime Learning Credit: For tax year
2022, the maximum credit amount per tax
return can be up to $2,000. The credit is
calculated by taking 20% of the educational
expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified
educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds
$80,000 ($160,000 if married filing joint
return) and is completely eliminated if your
Modified AGI exceeds $90,000 ($180,000 if
married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on
the number of years for which the credit can
be claimed for each student. Expenses that
are claimed for the American Opportunity
Credit are not eligible for the lifetime learning credit.
529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses: The TCJA changed the definition of
qualified higher education expense. For pur-
Earned Income Credit (EIC)
The EIC is a refundable tax credit available to low-income individuals meeting certain requirements including income amount, income source,
and filing status.
The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2022:
Number of Qualifying Children
Three or More
Two
One
None
Credit Amount
Up to $6,935
Up to $6,164
Up to $3,733
Up to $560
Income Less Than:
$53,057 ($59,187 if married filing jointly)
$49,399 ($55,529 if married filing jointly)
$43,492 ($49,622 if married filing jointly)
$16,480 ($22,610 if married filing jointly)
Phase in ceiling
$440,100
$220,050
poses of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher
education expenses now include expenses
for tuition for attendance at an elementary
or secondary public, private or religious
school. Cash distributions from all 529
plans are limited to $10,000 for elementary
and secondary school tuition per tax year,
per student. Under the SECURE Act, qualified higher education expenses now also
include student loan repayments as well as
the expenses of registered apprenticeships.
Education IRAs (Coverdell Education
Savings Account): Taxpayers can contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to
an Education IRA for a person under age
18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly with modified
adjusted gross income between $190,000
and $220,000, and between $95,000 and
$110,000 for single filers. The contribution
is not deductible.
Educator Deduction: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of
2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible grade K-12 schoolteachers. In 2022, the annual limit increased to
$300 per year ($600 if you and your spouse
were both eligible educators) for expenses
paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, computer and other equipment, and
supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015,
eligible expenses also include expenses for
professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she
teaches or to the student he/she teaches.
Student Loan Forgiven: President
Biden has announced an expanded student
loan forgiveness program. In most circumstances, the forgiven student loans should
not be taxable as cancellation of indebtedness income in 2022.
Retirement Savings and Distributions
Below is information regarding current
tax year contribution limits, required distributions, and various legislation updates to
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and
401(k) plans.
Retirement Savings Contribution
Credit: Lower-income individuals (AGI
below $68,000 for MFJ, $49,500 for HOH
and $33,000 for all other filling status) may
be eligible for the retirement savings contribution credit for contributions and deferrals
to certain retirement plans. The taxpayer’s
qualified contributions may be reduced
by distributions from qualified retirement
plans. The maximum credit is $1,000. The
maximum credit for joint filers is $2,000.
Qualified contributions include but not limited to contributions to traditional or Roth
IRAs and elective contributions and deferrals to 401(k) plans, 403(b) annuities, section 457(b) plans, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEPs.
n Small Incentives: Under CAA, employers can now offer small immediate incentives, such as gift cards in exchange for
employees making elective deferrals.
n
Matching Student Loan Payments: The CAA provides that employers
may make payments to qualified plans that
match qualified student loans payments by
employee.
Traditional IRAs: For 2022, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is the
lesser of $6,000 or your compensation. For
taxpayers age 50+ at year end, lesser of
$7,000 or compensation. Deduction may
be limited if taxpayer or spouse are covered
by a retirement plan at work and income
exceeds certain levels. When a taxpayer is
covered by an employer’s retirement plan at
any time during the year, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range
in 2022 is $68,000-$78,000 ($109,000$129,000 for married filing joint).
Roth IRAs: The maximum total yearly
contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $6,000 (increased to $7,000 for taxpayers age 50+ at
year end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs
(Continued on next page)
12 Seafarers LOG
February 2023
�What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season
(Continued from Page 12)
are subject to income limits. The maximum
yearly contribution is gradually phased out
for taxpayers with Modified AGI between
$129,000-$144,000 ($204,000-$214,000 for
married filing joint). Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions
may be tax-free depending on the timing
and reasoning of the distribution.
Excess IRA Contributions: if a contribution is made to an IRA in excess of the allowable amount, that contribution is referred
to as an excess contribution and is subject to
a 6% excise tax. These excess contributions
may be corrected without penalty, however,
provided the correction occurs within a certain time frame.
Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs: For rollover contributions made after December 18,
2015, distributions to employer sponsored
retirement plans or a traditional IRAs may
be rolled over to a SIMPLE IRA after two
years of participation in the plan.
Special Charitable Contributions: An
IRA owner age 70½ or older can directly
transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year
to eligible charities. Known as a qualified
charitable distribution (QCD), this option
is available for distributions from IRAs,
regardless of whether the owners itemize
their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee
pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible to be
treated as a qualified charitable distribution.
To qualify, the funds must be contributed
directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible
charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the
transfer. Not all charities are eligible. For
example, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients.
Remember to check eligibility of the charity
before requesting a QCD. All QCDs from
an IRA to eligible charities are counted in
determining whether the owner has met
the IRA’s required minimum distribution.
Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs,
a special rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable
funds, as would be the case with regular
distributions.
IRA Updates for SECURE Act and CARES Act:
n The starting age for individuals to
begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) has been increased to 72 years
old from 70½ years old, effective for taxpayers turning 72 years old January 1, 2020 or
later. Starting in 2023, the age is increased to
73 for individuals who turn 72 after 2022 and
age 73 before 2033. For individuals who turn
74 after 2032, RMDs must begin at age 75.
n The 70½ age limit for contributions
to an IRA has been eliminated.
n Non-spouse individuals who inherit
an IRA after December 31, 2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years, subject to
certain exceptions.
n Early Withdrawal 10% Penalty: In
2020, the CARES Act waived the penalty
on early withdrawals up to $100,000 from
qualified retirement plans for COVID-19
related distributions. Starting in 2021, the
early withdrawal penalty of 10% is reinstated, with exceptions related to non-COVID disaster relief. The SECURE 2.0 Act
would make permanent the ability of a taxpayer to make an early withdrawal without
incurring a 10-percent penalty as result of
a federally declared disaster. After 2023,
early withdrawal by a victim of domestic
abuse, up to the lesser of $10,000 or 50 percent of the present value of the accounts. A
penalty-free early withdrawal may also be
made by an individual diagnosed with a terminal illness, within a period of 84 months
after a physician certifies the diagnosis.
After 2023, a penalty-free withdrawal of up
to $1,000 is also allowed due to a personal
financial emergency
401(k) Updates for SECURE Act and CARES
Act:
n
Long-term, part-time employees
may now qualify to participate in elective
deferral plans in plan years beginning after
December 31, 2020. SECURE ACT 2.0
reduced SECURE Act length-of-service
requirements for part-time participants in
sponsored plans from three years to two
years (plan years beginning after 2024)
February 2023
n Early withdrawal penalty exemption
of $5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2019
n Included in compensation for purposes of determining retirement plan contributions are taxable non-tuition fellowships/
stipends and nontaxable “difficulty of care
payments” earned by home healthcare
workers in taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2019
n Increased cap to encourage higher
auto-enrollments in taxable years beginning
after December 31, 2019
Energy Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has
renewed many energy-related provisions
that were set to expire at the end of 2021.
Below are common energy credits.
Pre-2023 Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit Through 2022, a credit is
allowed for 10% of the amounts paid/incurred for qualified energy improvements
of principal residences (windows, doors,
skylights, and roofs). Taxpayers can take
$50-$300 fixed dollar amount credits allowed for energy-efficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat
pumps, water heaters, central A/C, and
circulating fans, subject to a lifetime cap
of $500. Starting in 2023, this credit will
be restricted as the Energy Efficient Home
Improvement Credit.
Energy Efficient Home Improvement
Credit: For property placed in service after
December 31, 2022, and before January 1,
2033, a credit can be claimed equal to 30%
of costs paid or incurred for:
n Energy efficient improvements include, but not limited to, insulations, windows and doors (subject to category limits)
n Qualified residential energy property expenditures ex: electric or natural gas
heat pump, water heater, biomass stove,
central AC, etc.
n Amounts paid or incurred for home
energy audits which is an inspection and
written report on significant and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements,
including estimates of their energy and
cost saving the taxpayer owns or uses as a
principal residence in the US
n $1,200 annual credit, effective for
2023 through 2032.
Residential Clean Energy Credit: An
individual may claim this credit for qualified residential clean energy efficient property placed in service before January 1,
2035. The credit applies to qualified solar
electric property, qualified solar water heating property, qualified fuel cell property,
qualified small wind energy property, geothermal heat pump property, and biomass
fuel property, as well as expenditures made
after December 31, 2022, for battery storage technology. The credit is equal to 30%
of eligible property placed in service in
2022 through 2032, 26% percent for 2034,
and 22% for 2034. The only limitation that
applies is a $500 limit with respect to each
half kilowatt of capacity of qualified fuel
cell property expenditures per year
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling
Property Credit (FKA as Residential
energy efficient property credit): An individual taxpayer may claim a 30% credit
for the cost of installing non-hydrogen alternative vehicle refueling property at the
taxpayer’s principal residence. The credit
is limited to $30,000 for property that is
subject to depreciation and $1,000 for any
other property through the end of 2022.
Starting in 2023, the credit will be limited
to property located in rural or low-income
census tracts.
Energy Efficient Home Credit (Builders): The new energy-efficient home credit
is available to eligible contractors for the
construction or manufacture of new energy
efficient homes that are acquired after 2021
and before 2033, as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Certified sin-
gle member homes will qualify for a credit
of up to $5,000.
Clean Vehicle Credit (FKA Plug- In
Electric Vehicle Credit): The Inflation
Reduction Act of 2022 established a maximum credit of $7,500 for a new clean vehicle under Code Sec. 30D, effective for
vehicles placed in service after December
31, 2022. Similarly, a business credit under
Code Sec. 45W is available qualified commercial clean vehicles placed in service
after December 31, 2022. A tax credit of
up to $4,000 is also available for the purchase of certain used clean vehicles after
December 31, 2022 under Code Sec. 25E.
Qualifying vehicles must be manufactured
by a qualified manufacturer regulated by
Code Sec. 25E. Both manufacture and
dealers are subject to reporting requirements. Consult tax professionals for details
on the code section.
Used Clean Vehicle Credit: A credit
is also available for a qualified buyer who
purchases a previously owned clean vehicle after 2022 and before 2033 and may
be able to claim a nonrefundable tax credit
for the year the vehicle is placed in service.
The credit is equal to 30% of the vehicle’s
purchase price, up to a maximum credit of
$4,000. To be a qualified buyer, the taxpayer: must be 1) an individual 2) buy the
vehicle for use and not for resale 3) not
qualify as any other taxpayer’s dependent,
4) not have claimed the credit during the
three years preceding the purchase.
Other Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions:
Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence: Cancellation of indebtedness income is generally
includible in taxable income. However,
extended by the Tax Extenders Act of
2020, income from cancellation of debt
on a qualified principal residence of up to
$750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately) may be excludable for tax years
2021-2025.
Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer
Credit: The first-time homebuyer credit
is not available for new home purchases.
However, taxpayers who previously
claimed the credit, which was available for
homes purchased during 2008-2011, may
have to repay (recapture) their credits over
a 15-year period.
Moving Expenses: For tax years 20182025, moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the
Armed Forces on active duty (and their
spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a
permanent change of station. Moving expenses are claimed on Form 3903.
Transit Benefits: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended
transit benefits. These include commuter
highway vehicle benefits, transit passes, and
qualified parking. For taxable years beginning in 2022, the monthly exclusion amount
has increased to $280.
Standard Mileage Rates: For 2022,
there has been a mid-year adjustment to
the standard mileage rate to address the
increased inflation during the year. Therefore, business miles will have to be separated into two periods to apply the two
rates as listed in the table at the bottom of
this page.
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
Exemption: In 2022, the AMT exemption
amounts increased to $118,100 for married
filing jointly, $59,050 for married filing separately, and $75,900 for single or head of
household filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at $1,079,800 for married
filing jointly and $539,900 for other filers.
Foreign Income
Foreign Financial Assets: If you had
foreign financial assets in 2022, you may
have to file Form 8938 with your return. In
addition, a separate FBAR document must
be e-filed by April 18, 2023 if the aggre-
gate value of the foreign accounts exceeds
$10,000 in any time during the calendar
year. An automatic extension to October
16, 2023 is allowed if you fail to meet the
April 18th annual deadline.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: A
qualifying individual who lives and works
abroad may elect to exclude from gross
income certain foreign earned income attributable to their residence in a foreign
country during the tax year. For tax year
2022, the maximum foreign earned income
exclusion amount is $112,000. This exclusion amount is increased to $120,000 for
tax year 2023.
Foreign Tax Credit: Taxpayers may
elect to claim foreign tax credit if opted
out foreign income exclusion. The foreign
tax credit, which may be claimed in lieu
of a deduction, is a dollar-for-dollar credit
against the U.S. tax liability. This limits
the combined rate of tax on foreign-source
income to the greater of the foreign tax
rate or the U.S. tax rate. The credit may
be taken for foreign taxes paid directly by
U.S. persons.
Consumer Alert
The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the
alert for emails and phone calls they may
receive which claim to come from the IRS
or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund.
These are almost certainly scams whose
purpose is to obtain personal and financial
information (such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card
numbers, or even PIN numbers) from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers
to commit identity theft. The emails and
calls usually state that the IRS needs the
information to process a refund or deposit
it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The
emails often contain links or attachments
to what appears to be the IRS website or an
IRS “refund application form.” However
genuine in appearance, these phonies are
designed to elicit the information the scammers are looking for.
The IRS does not send taxpayers emails
about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does
not request detailed personal information
through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN
numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank,
or other financial accounts. If you receive
an unsolicited email claiming to be from
the IRS, forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse
of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS
property to the Treasury Inspector General
for Tax Administration toll-free at 1-800366-4484 or TTY/TDD 1-800-877-8339. If
you lost money to a scam that started with
an email, you can report the incident with
the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.
gov/complaint or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877438-4338). Visit IRS.gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more
about identity theft and how to reduce your
risk.
If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the
IRS, respond right away to the name and
phone number printed on the IRS notice or
letter. If your tax records are not currently
affected by identity theft but you think you
are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or
wallet, questionable credit card activity or
credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For
more information, see Publication 4535,
Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are
experiencing economic harm or a systemic
problem or are seeking help in resolving
tax problems that have not been resolved
through normal channels, may be eligible
for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the
National Taxpayer Advocate helpline at
1-877-777-4778.
Standard Mileage Rates:
Category
Business
Medical
Charitable
Moving (Armed Forces only)
1/1/2022—6/30/2022
58.5 cents per mile
18 cents per mile
14 cents per mile
18 cents per mile
7/1/2022—12/31/2022
62.5 cents per mile
22 cents per mile
14 cents per mile
22 cents per mile
Seafarers LOG 13
�Tax Tips for Members During 2023 Tax Filing Season
How to Prepare A Tax Return
Step 1. Gather all records for the current
tax return filing year.
Income Records
n Forms W-2/W-2G
n Forms 1099 (Interest, Dividends, Brokerage Statements, Unemployment Compensations, Misc.)
n Schedules K-1 (Investment in Partnerships/SCorporations)
n
Other income documents and records of digital asset transactions (Crypto,
NFTs)
n
Form 1095-A, Health Insurance
Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance payments or claims Premium Tax
Credits for 2022 Marketplace coverage.
Itemized deductions and tax credits
n Medical and dental payment records
n Real estate and personal property
tax receipts
n State and local tax payments
n Interest payment records for items
such as a home mortgage or home equity
loan
n Charitable contributions
n Records of payments for childcare
so an individual could work
n Educational expenses
CP01A Notice with your new Identity
Protection PIN: only applicable to taxpayer
who opted-in to receive an IP PIN or Tried
to e-file your tax return and it was ‘rejected
because you did not include an IP PIN.
Step 2. Gather any forms, schedules
or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. Most IRS offices and many
local banks, post offices and libraries have
publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax
returns. Also, you may access the IRS website at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions
and publications.
Step 3. Fill in the return. Cents may be
rounded to the nearest whole dollar on the
tax return and schedules. To do so, raise
amounts from 50-99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and
$1.50 becomes $2.
Step 4. Review the return for accuracy.
Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form
1040 is not considered a valid return unless
signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a
joint return.
Step 6. File Return.
Filing Electronically (E-file)
n Due to staffing issues, processing paper
returns can take several weeks longer. The IRS
encourages taxpayers to file electronically.
n Information regarding available e-filing options can be found at www.irs.gov/efile-options
Filing Paper Return
n Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G
and 1099-R to the front of the Form 1040.
n Attach all other schedules and forms
behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number.
n If paying any balance due by check,
do not staple or attach the payment or
Form 1040-V (payment voucher) to the return. Instead, just put them loose in the
envelope. Write your name, address, phone
number, Social Security number, and form
number on your check or money order.
n Private Delivery Services - Tax returns
and extensions can be mailed through private
delivery services such as DHL Express, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service.
Electronic Payment Options
n Visit www.irs.gov/payments for full
listing of electronic payment options.
n Direct Pay – Payment can be directly
withdrawn from a bank account through the
IRS website or through the software/website the taxpayer or paid preparer used to
electronically file the tax return.
n Debit/Credit Cards – The IRS website listed above provides links to pay by
debit or credit card. All major cards (VISA,
MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are
accepted, fees apply.
n Payments by Phone – The IRS website also lists toll-free numbers available to
make payments by phone.
14 Seafarers LOG
Refunds
n Taxpayers can request direct deposit
of their tax refunds by filling out the refund
section on Form 1040, which includes the
taxpayer’s bank account number and the
bank’s routing number.
n For electronically filed returns, a refund will typically be received in about 2
weeks if deposited directly into a checking
or savings account.
n Paper checks will be mailed to the
address listed on the tax return if direct deposit is not requested. Paper check refunds
may take several weeks to arrive by mail.
n Where’s My Refund - If taxpayers have
not received a refund check within 28 days
from the original IRS mailing date, information
can be accessed through the website at www.
irs.gov/refunds.
Filing an Extension
Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month
extension if, no later than April 18, 2023,
Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It
is important to remember that a 6-month
extension to file does not extend the time
to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in,
must be accompanied by all tax monies due
to the U.S. government.
Change of Address
If an individual has changed his or her
address from the one listed on that person’s
last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be
filled out and filed with the agency.
Death of a Taxpayer
If a taxpayer died before filing a required
return for 2022, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint
return) must file and sign the return for that
person. A personal representative can be an
executor, administrator or anyone who oversees the taxpayer’s property.
Your Online Account
To access your online account, you must
authenticate your identity. To securely log
in to your federal tax account, go to IRS.
gov/Account. View the amount you owe,
review 24 months of payment history, access online payment options, and create or
modify an online payment agreement. You
can also access your tax records online.
Which Income to Report
In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains,
dividend payments and other income listed
on the federal tax return, the following kinds
of income must be reported:
n Jones Act settlements for lost wages
n Amounts received in place of wages
from accident and health plans (including
sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy
n Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than
the premium paid
n Canceled debts
n State income tax refunds
n Rents
n Repayments
n Royalties
n Unemployment benefits
n Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts
n Endowments
n Original Issue Discount
n Distributions from self-employed
plans
n Bartering income (fair-market value
of goods or services received in return for
services)
n Tier 2 and supplemental annuities
under the Railroad Retirement Act
n Lump-sum distributions
n
Gains from the sale or exchange
(including barter) of real estate, securities,
coins, gold, silver, gems or other property
(capital gains)
n Accumulation distributions from trusts
n Prizes and awards (contests, raffles,
lottery and gambling winnings)
n Earned income from sources outside
the United States
n Director’s fees
n Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate
n Embezzled or other illegal income
n Social Security benefits
Which Income Need Not Be Reported
The following kinds of income do not need
to be reported on the federal tax return:
n Benefits from government welfare
programs
n Jones Act settlements for injuries,
pain, suffering, and medical costs
n Maintenance and Cure
n Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness
n Disability retirement payments (and
other benefits) paid by the Veterans Administration
n Child support
n Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed
n Dividends on veterans’ life insurance
n Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death
n Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire
or other casualty to the extent the amounts
were more than the cost of normal expenses
while living in the home
n Loan repaid to you
What Items Are Considered Deductions
and Credits
The following are common deductions
and credits, which are discussed in more
detail in above sections:
n Standard Deduction
n Itemized Deductions
n Qualified Business Income Deduction
n Student Loan Interest
n Education Credits & Deductions
n Earned Income Credit (EIC)
n Child & Dependent Care Credit
n Energy Credits
Which Records to Keep
Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (such as canceled
checks) and credits shown on the tax return,
as well as any worksheets used to figure
them, until the statute of limitations runs
out for that return, usually 3 years from the
date the return was due or filed, or 2 years
from the date the tax was paid, whichever
is later. However, it is recommended that
all records be kept for about 6 years. Some
records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home,
stocks) as long as they are needed to figure
the basis of property.
Away at Tax Time
Should Seafarers find themselves
overseas and seeking IRS forms
or assistance, U.S. embassies and
consulates are equipped to provide
some taxpayer-related services. At
a minimum, IRS forms are available
at all U.S. embassies and consulates
located in various countries (refer to
IRS website for details).
Why Seafarers Must Pay State Income Tax
Federal law prohibits employers from
withholding state and local taxes from the
wages of mariners working aboard U.S.flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA
11108(11)] provides that “no part of the
wages due or accruing to a master, officer
or any other seaman who is a member of
the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign,
coastwise, intercostal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to
the provisions of the tax laws of any state,
territory, possession or commonwealth, or a
subdivision of any of them, but nothing in
this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports
in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such
seaman and his employer.”
The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given
state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each
state has a set of criteria to determine whether
an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he
or she is unsure about residency status.
For example, in California during the
early 1970s, a case before the California
State Board of Equalization stated that a
merchant seaman—despite the fact that he
was on a ship for 210 days of the year—
was a resident of the state for tax purposes.
The board took into consideration the fact
that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a
California-based bank. Additionally, each
state has established conditions under which
non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned
income from a source based in that state.
Many states allow a credit in the amount an
individual must pay the state if that person
has already paid taxes in another state. In
2000, President Clinton signed into law the
bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and
local income taxes for certain individuals
who perform duties on vessels.”
The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000,
stipulates that pilots and other mariners
“who perform regularly assigned duties
while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable
waters of more than one State” shall be
subject to state income tax only in his or
her residential state. If any questions arise
regarding residency and state tax issues,
mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they
reside.
Where to Get IRS Information
General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for
general information between 7am-7pm your local time.
Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to download
forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently
asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status of your refund; send the IRS comments
or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and
national tax news by email.
Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by
phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The
federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering
about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-
Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number
“9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic.
To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message
finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund.
This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS
offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot
be answered easily by telephone.
Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding
tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed
on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter.
Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior
year forms, instructions and publications.
February 2023
�Notice
New Online Tool Available
For Finding In-Network
Providers, Determining Costs
The Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan (SHBP) is
pleased to announce a comprehensive new “cost and
quality” tool that is available
to all SHBP participants, via
mycigna.com, as of Feb. 1,
2023. This tool should prove
beneficial by allowing participants to find in-network
providers in their respective
areas, see ratings from other
consumers, and view information about quality and cost
of services. Participants can
search by type of service, category of provider, or by nature of medical symptom(s).
The tool contains information about hundreds of services, and will be expanded
at some point.
The tool generates information that is specific to
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec. 15, 2022 - Jan. 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 15, 2023.
Port
A
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
B
C
A
B
Registered on Beach
Trip
C
Reliefs
All Groups
A
B
C
SHBP participants. Users
can see actual costs for specific services (with variations
depending on whether annual
deductibles have been met).
It will list the top five rated
providers in the user’s geographic area (and includes
options to expand the list).
Users also may change the
parameters for searching by
various distances between
a provider’s office and their
respective residences.
The SHBP encourages all
participants to set up an account on mycigna.com. Once
a user is logged in, click on
“Find Care and Costs” to
start using the cost and quality tool.
Additional information
will be available at the hiring
halls and from Cigna.
February & March
Membership Meetings
Piney Point.............................Monday: February 6, March 6
Algonac...................................Friday: February 10, March 10
Baltimore.................................Thursday: February 9, March 9
Guam................................Thursday: February 23, March 23
Honolulu.............................Friday: February 17, March 17
Houston................................Monday: February 13, March 13
Jacksonville.........................Thursday: February 9, March 9
Joliet.................................Thursday: February 16, March 16
Mobile............................Wednesday: February 15, March 15
New Orleans...........................Tuesday: February 14, March 14
Jersey City..................................Tuesday: February 7, March 7
Norfolk........................................Friday: February 10, March 10
Oakland................................Thursday: February 16, March 16
Philadelphia......................Wednesday: February 8, March 8
Port Everglades.....................Thursday: February 16, March 16
San Juan.................................Thursday: February 9, March 9
St. Louis...................................Friday: February 17, March 17
Tacoma....................................Friday: February 24, March 24
Wilmington.........*Tuesday: February 21, Monday: March 20
* Wilmington change due to President’s Day observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
ATTENTION
SEAFARERS
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD
SPAD Works For You.
February 2023
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
This month’s question was posed to members attending classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What are your plans for enhancing your career during the upcoming year?
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Clinton Omisong
AB
Well, I’m an AB now and I
take bosun jobs from time to time.
So, I plan to continue upgrading
and become a bosun. I also plan
to talk to as many people as I can
back home and try to get them to
join the SIU.
Terrance Stevens
OS
I will continue taking classes to
become an AB. Then I hope to continue working my way up from a C
card to B card. That way, I won’t
have to sit around at the union hall
waiting to get a job. Long term, I just
want to better position myself to go
out and be great.
Semere Debos
QMED
I plan to upgrade as much as
possible by attending classes here
at the school. This will enhance
my career going forward and
hopefully make it more lucrative.
Christopher Perry
AB
I plan on applying for my AB
unlimited so that I can advance my
career forward. Hopefully, before
too long, I will be able to start taking
bosun’s jobs.
Collin Sabitsky
AB
Well right now I’m taking
courses to get my AB ticket. Later
on, I plan to get enough sea tim to
continue taking classes. My ultimate goal is to become a bosun or
third mate.
Donald Hatch
Pumpman
I will be working at sea aboard
as many vessels as I can to start the
year off. Later on, I hope that I will
be able to come back to Piney Point
to upgrade.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
ABs (and brothers) Jim and Frank Edmonds secure a tank cover on the T-5 tanker Shenandoah (operated by Hudson Waterways) in 1974 in New Jersey.
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
16 Seafarers LOG
February 2023
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
SALEH ALI
Brother Saleh
Ali, 68, signed
on with the SIU
in 1979 when he
sailed aboard the
Coastal California. He worked
in all three departments and
last shipped on
the Integrity. Brother Ali lives in
Lexington, South Carolina.
ARMONDO ALVAREZ
Brother Armondo Alvarez, 68,
embarked on his career with the
union in 1990,
first sailing
on the USNS
Vindicator. He
shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Alvarez
concluded his career aboard the St.
Louis Express. He makes his home
in Jacksonville, Florida.
NEIL BALL
Brother Neil Ball, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 1972 when he
worked with Interocean American Shipping. He
was a steward
department member and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Ball’s
final vessel was the Keystone
State. He is a Seattle resident.
JEFFREY BEASLEY
Brother Jeffrey Beasley, 60, joined
the Seafarers in 1981, initially sailing on the Montpelier Victory. A
steward department member, he
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Beasley
most recently
shipped on the Texas. He calls
Pennsauken, New Jersey, home.
ALEXIS BONILLA
Brother Alexis Bonilla, 66,
joined the union in 2005. He
shipped in all
three departments and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Bonilla’s first
vessel was the
Independence;
his last, the SBX. He makes his
home in Miami.
February 2023
ELIDIO CANDARI
TERRY MAGNO
Brother Elidio Candari, 74,
donned the SIU
colors in 2001
and first shipped
on a Keystone
vessel. He was a
deck department
member and
most recently
sailed on the
Presque Isle.
Brother Candari
is a Las Vegas resident.
Brother Terry Magno, 62, began
sailing with the
Seafarers in
1980, initially
working aboard
the Oceanic
Independence.
He sailed in
the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother
Magno last sailed on the Patriot.
He lives in Pearl City, Hawaii.
GERMAN DOLMO
Brother German Dolmo, 65, joined
the union in 1999. A steward
department
member, he first
sailed aboard
the Franklin
J. Phillips.
Brother Dolmo
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. He most
recently shipped
on the Maersk
Denver and resides in the Bronx,
New York.
MARK HOFFMAN
Brother Mark Hoffman, 62, became an SIU member in 1987
when he sailed
on the USNS
Contender. He
upgraded on
several occasions at the Paul
Hall Center and
worked in the
deck department.
Brother Hoffman’s final vessel was the Ohio. He is a resident
of Kent, Washington.
BERNARD HUTCHING
Brother Bernard Hutching, 65,
joined the SIU in 1979. He sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded often
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school.
Brother Hutching first shipped
on the Puerto
Rico. He most
recently sailed
on the John Boland and makes his
home in Leonardtown, Maryland.
ORIN KING
Brother Orin King, 72, signed
on with the union in 2016, sailing first aboard
the Corsica. He
worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother King
most recently
shipped on the
Liberty Grace and is a resident of
Jacksonville, Florida.
GARY NAGEL
Brother Gary Nagel, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1989. He first
sailed aboard the Cove Trader and
was a member of the deck department. Brother Nagel upgraded at
the Piney Point school in 2001. He
settled in Costa Mesa, California,
after concluding his career on the
Overseas Joyce.
ALFONSO MARTINEZ
Brother Alfonso Thomas Martinez,
66, signed on
with the SIU in
2007. A steward department
member, he
initially worked
on the President Truman.
Brother Thomas
Martinez most
recently sailed
on the Safmarine Ngami. He lives
in the Bronx, New York.
ROBERT VARNEY
Brother Robert Varney, 67, joined
the union in 1999 and first sailed
aboard the USNS
Yano. He worked
in the steward
department and
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Varney’s
final vessel was
the USNS Montford Point. He resides in Jacksboro, Tennessee.
VICTORINO VIERNES
Brother Victorino Viernes, 63,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
2001 when he
shipped on the
USNS Able. He
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded
on several occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Viernes
last shipped on the USNS Capella
and settled in North Las Vegas,
Nevada.
MATILDE ZUNIGA
Brother Matilde Zuniga, 65, became an SIU member in 1989. He
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center and primarily worked in
the deck department. Brother
Zuniga’s first
vessel was the
Independence.
He most recently
sailed on the Overseas Cascade
and is a Houston resident.
INLAND
DANIEL BRUTON
Brother Daniel Bruton, 66, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1995. He upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in
1997. Brother Bruton worked for
OSG Ship Management for the
duration of his career. He lives in
Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania.
MARK GASKILL
Brother Mark Gaskill, 65, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1995
when he was
employed with
McAllister Towing of Virginia.
A deck department member,
he upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Gaskill
most recently sailed on the Courage. He makes his home in Sea
Level, North Carolina.
CALVIN HATFIELD
Brother Calvin Hatfield, 62, began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1978.
He was a deck department member and worked for Higman Barge
Lines for his entire career. Brother
Hatfield lives in Call, Texas.
GUSTAVE LEDAY
Brother Gustave Leday, 63, started
his career with the union in 1988
when he worked with Hvide Marine. He shipped in both the deck
and engine departments. Brother
Leday’s final vessel was the Samson. He resides in Port Arthur,
Texas.
TERRY MURLEY
Brother Terry Murley, 65, joined
the SIU in 1978. He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions
and sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Murley
was employed by
Crescent Towing
& Salvage for the
duration of his
career. He resides
in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
G&H Towing for his entire career.
Brother Pizzitola makes his home in
Hallettsville, Texas.
ELMER PRESTIDGE
Brother Elmer Prestidge, 64,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1980
when he shipped
on the Manhattan Island. He
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
multiple occasions. Brother
Prestidge most recently worked
on the Dodge Island. He resides in
Walton, New York.
JOHN SCHUSTER
Brother John Schuster, 62, became an SIU member in 1991
when he sailed
with OSG Ship
Management. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions and
worked in the
deck department.
Brother Schuster
remained with the same company
for most of his career. He lives in
Cape May County, New Jersey.
JEROME SMITH
Brother Jerome Smith, 66, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1991. He
primarily sailed
in the deck department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother Smith’s
first vessel was
the USNS Regulus; his last, the RocketShip. He
resides in Mobile, Alabama.
JAMES WEST
Brother James West, 63, signed on
with the Seafarers in 1977. Sailing
in the deck department, he worked
for Dravo Basic Materials for his
entire career. Brother West calls
Citronelle, Alabama, home.
GLENN WILLIAMS
Brother Glenn Williams, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 2013, initially working for Crowley Towing
and Transportation. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in both
the deck and engine departments.
Brother Williams most recently
shipped aboard the Pacific Reliance. He makes his home in Fort
Walton Beach, Florida.
MICHAEL PIZZITOLA
Brother Michael Pizzitola, 72, signed
on with the union in 1976. A deck
department member, he worked for
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
LAWRENCE DUEITT
Pensioner Lawrence Dueitt, 95,
died December 22. He signed
on with the Seafarers in 1955.
A deck department member, he
first shipped with Interocean
American Shipping Corporation. Brother Dueitt last sailed
on the Sacramento and became a
pensioner in 1991. He resided in
Mobile, Alabama.
GARY FAVALORA
Pensioner Gary Favalora, 74,
passed away December 30.
He embarked
on his career
with the SIU in
1994, initially
sailing aboard
the Manhattan
Island. Brother
Favalora sailed
in the steward
department and
concluded his
career on the APL Pearl. He retired in 2013 and called Covington, Louisiana, home.
DANIEL HERRERA
Pensioner Daniel Herrera, 95,
died December 29. He joined the
Seafarers International Union
in 1965. Brother
Herrera’s first
vessel was the
Steel Scientist.
He sailed in the
steward department and last
shipped on the
Mayaguez. Brother Herrera went
on pension in 1992 and lived in
Puerto Rico.
DERRICK HURT
Brother Derrick Hurt, 57, has
passed away. Born in Maryland,
he began his
career with the
SIU in 1994
when he shipped
on the Constellation. Brother
Hurt sailed in
the deck department, most
recently aboard
the Potomac Express. He was a
resident of Richmond, Virginia.
GEORGE JORDANIDES
Pensioner George Jordanides,
85, died January 1. He signed on
with the union in 1979, initially
sailing aboard
the Point Judy.
A deck department member, Brother
Jordanides
concluded his
career on the
Constellation
18 Seafarers LOG
in 2004. He became a pensioner
the following year and settled in
Kissimmee, Florida.
EULA KOPPEL
Sister Eula Koppel, 61, passed
away June 3. She joined the
union in 1982
when she
shipped on the
Dynachem.
Sister Koppel
was a steward
department
member and last
sailed aboard
the Jack Lummus in 1993.
She resided in Taylorsville, Kentucky, her native state.
MELVIN MORGAN
Pensioner Melvin Morgan, 78,
died December 16. He joined the
SIU in 1961,
initially sailing
with Suwannee Steamship.
Brother Morgan
sailed in the
steward department. He went
on pension
in 2008 after
concluding his
career on the Horizon Kodiak.
Brother Morgan lived in Othello,
Washington.
OLIVER ORTIZ
Brother Oliver Ortiz, 98, passed
away November 30. He signed
on with the
union in 1952
when he sailed
aboard the Yaka.
Brother Ortiz
was a deck
department
member and
last shipped on
the Oakland
in 1985. He made his home in
Puerto Rico.
OSMAN RAJI
Pensioner Osman Raji, 75, died
December 6. He became a member of the SIU
in 1978 when
he sailed aboard
the Cove Engineer. Brother
Raji worked in
the deck department and most
recently shipped
on the John
U.D. Page. He
became a pensioner in 2016 and
settled in Brooklyn, New York.
ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ
Pensioner Antonio Rodriguez,
85, passed away January 5. He
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers International Union
in 1970. Brother Rodriguez was
a deck department member
and also worked
on shore gangs.
He was last
employed with
Sealand before
his retirement in
1999. Brother
Rodriguez lived
in the Dominican Republic.
HERBERT SCYPES
Pensioner Herbert Scypes, 91,
died December 18. He donned
the SIU colors
in 1956 and
sailed in the
steward department. Brother
Scypes first
worked with
Waterman
Steamship Corporation. He last
sailed on the Overseas Harriette
before going on pension in 1996.
Brother Scypes resided in Mobile, Alabama.
GREAT LAKES
RICHARD BOCKERT
Pensioner Richard Bockert,
86, passed away January 2. He
joined the SIU
in 1970, initially
sailing aboard
the Steel Age.
A deck department member,
Brother Bockert last sailed
aboard the Walter J. McCarthy.
He became a pensioner in 2007
and settled in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
ARTHUR DURFEE
Pensioner Arthur Durfee, 85,
died January 4. He signed on
with the union in 1961 and first
sailed with Zenith Dredge Company. Brother Durfee continued
working for the same company
for most of his career. He began
collecting his pension in 1999
and made his home in Duluth,
Minnesota.
INLAND
FLOYD PHILLIPS
Pensioner Floyd Phillips, 76,
passed away December 13. He
began sailing
with the SIU in
1990. Brother
Phillips sailed
in the engine
department and
was employed
with Great
Lakes Dredge and Dock for
the duration of his career. He
retired in 2009 and resided in
Avella, Pennsylvania.
EDWARD WHITFIELD
Pensioner Edward Whitfield, 81,
died December 9. A deck department member,
he donned the
union colors in
1997. Brother
Whitfield
worked for Penn
Maritime for his
entire career. He
went on pension in 2012 and
settled in Hobucken, North Carolina.
NMU
ROBERTO ALTAMIRANO
Pensioner Roberto Altamirano, 96,
passed away January 10. Brother
Altamirano sailed in the deck department and concluded his career
aboard the Genevieve Lykes. He
retired in 1992 and made his home
in Auburn, Alabama.
DAVID DAVIS
Pensioner David Davis, 82, died
November 28. A deck department member, Brother Davis last
shipped on the Cape Henry in
1996. He became a pensioner the
same year and lived in Wilson,
North Carolina.
ERNEST HOPPER
Pensioner Ernest Hopper, 82,
passed away December 16.
Brother Hopper worked in the
deck department. He went on
pension in 1995 after sailing on
his final vessel, the Stella Lykes.
Brother Hopper called Metairie,
Louisiana, home.
FRANCIS MCCANN
Pensioner Francis McCann,
76, died November 18. Brother
McCann last sailed aboard the
Green Wave in 2003 and was a
deck department member. He
began collecting his pension in
2012 and made his home in New
Orleans.
MURPHY MIDDLETON
Pensioner Murphy Middleton, 93, passed away June 30.
Brother Middleton sailed in
the steward department, most
recently aboard the Megallanes.
He became a pensioner in 1993
and settled in North Charleston,
South Carolina.
NAHON MORALES
Pensioner Nahon Morales, 87,
died December 23. Brother
Morales worked in the deck
department. He retired in
1996 after concluding his career aboard the Mormac Sky.
Brother Morales resided in
Puerto Rico.
CLAYTON PARRY
Pensioner Clayton Parry, 96,
passed away
December 10.
Brother Parry
was born in
Quincy, Massachusetts.
He last sailed
aboard the
American Accord before
going on pension in 1984. Brother Parry
lived in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also
passed away. Insufficient information was available to
develop summaries of their respective careers.
NAME
Aguilar, Armando
Manning, Lee
AGE
DOD
86
12/01/2022
94
12/04/2022
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February 2023
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 23 –
Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary
Charles Brooks, Deck Delegate
Kyle Silva, Engine Delegate Rafii
Ibrahim Paramana. Chairman
reported a safe trip. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed medical benefits and
offered suggestions on how to
possibly improve them. Members
requested a centralized hard drive
for movies aboard ship and for
multiple physical exams per year
to no longer be required.
MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 29 –
Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Norma West, Educational
Director David Watkins, Steward
Delegate Richard Torres. Secretary reported an enjoyable trip.
Crew discussed ship funds with
captain so they could order DVD
players, various board games and
other items. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members requested
increase in vacation benefits.
Crew reviewed company policies
regarding alcohol consumption in
port and sexual assault/harassment
training. Members suggested creating a program that would expedite physicals.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning),
October 31 – Chairman Charles
Hill, Secretary John Greubel,
Educational Director Benjamin
Mathews, Deck Delegate Edward
Gavagan, Engine Delegate Jose
Smith, Steward Delegate Jose
Clotter. SIU Patrolman Kelly
Krick boarded ship in Houston and
reviewed details of new contract.
Educational director advised crew
to upgrade at the union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education and to
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
keep documents current. Crew
thanked chief cook for great meals
and agreed to add American Phoenix to the “good feeder” list.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty
Maritime) November 13 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Gerald
Joseph, Deck Delegate Donald
Appu, Engine Delegate Joneses
Ente, Steward Delegate Nadine
Nome-Ryf. Chairman urged members to renew shipping documents
before they expire. He encouraged
everyone to recruit people they
know that might be interested in
joining the SIU. More overtime
needs to be added to the deck
department, per deck delegate.
Engine delegate reported that no
overtime was given for trash handling/burning. Crew received new
refrigerators and mattresses. Members suggested reducing sea time
requirements needed to qualify for
pension benefits.
NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid
Personnel & Provisioning), November 27 – Chairman Joseph
White, Secretary Lionel Packnett, Educational Director Edward Williams, Deck Delegate
Moises Arzu, Steward Delegate
Esperanza Crespo-Guillen.
Chairman thanked everyone for
a smooth voyage and praised
steward department for a job
well done. He noted the positive
impact that good food has on a
member’s life at sea. Steward
department thanked everyone
for their help keeping mess halls
clean. Educational director reminded crew to secure higher
wages by upgrading at the Piney
Point school. Deck delegate discussed plans pertaining to coffee
and meal breaks for ABs. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members discussed frustrations
due to having no internet aboard
ship. Next port: Houston.
Supporting Our Troops
GREEN BAY (Waterman), December 7 – Chairman Nicholas
Turano, Secretary Derrick Williams, Deck Delegate Tenereo
Cacpal. Educational director
advised crew to upgrade at the
Paul Hall Center, located in Piney
Point, Maryland. Televisions are
wanted in each room, per ship’s
treasurer. New mattresses have
been ordered. Members were encouraged to continue doing their
part by keeping rooms and other
areas clean. Next port: Vancouver,
Washington.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), December 17 –
Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary William Storey, Educational
Director Tijani Rashid. Chairman
announced payoff at sea December
18 in Newark, New Jersey. Ship
to receive more money for food
and consumables at the first of the
year, per secretary. Educational
director discussed the importance
of upgrading at the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center, as well as renewing credentials early. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
discussed new retirement plan,
sea-time requirements and problems with not getting overtime
due to cargo. Crew requested improved Wi-Fi. Next port: Newark,
New Jersey.
POHANG PIONEER (U.S. Marine Management), December
17 – Chairman Mohamed Mohamed, Secretary Rudy Lopez,
Deck Delegate June Kirk Margaja, Engine Delegate Kevin
Hunt, Steward Delegate Jack
Boscia. New TV for crew mess
and new dryer for crew laundry
received. Crew thanked steward
U.S. Marines in mid-January load an MV-22B Osprey onto the
SIU-crewed dry cargo ship USNS Green Ridge (Waterman) in
San Diego. According to the Defense Department, the materiel
will be utilized for “a self-mobile crisis response force that conducts theater-security missions to protect U.S. personnel, property, and interests in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe/Africa
area of responsibility.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl.
Daniel Childs)
department for good food. Chairman reminded everyone to keep
documents current and to upgrade
at the Piney Point school when
possible. He also encouraged
members to contribute to SPAD
(Seafarers Political Activities
Donation, the union’s voluntary
political action fund). No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members requested movies and for
the treadmill to be moved back
to the gym. Crew wished everyone happy holidays. Next port:
Sasebo, Japan.
GLOBAL SENTINEL (Subcom),
January 11 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Randy Sudario,
Educational Director Nicolae
Marinescu, Deck Delegate Eric
Young, Engine Delegate Danilo
Achacoso, Steward Delegate
Jafet Misla-Mendez. Chairman
extended “big thanks to (SIU VP
Contracts) George Tricker and
SIU for getting contract done with
increase in pay, vacation, and a
stipend for having a security clearance.” He discussed purchase of
fitness equipment and encouraged
crew to continue helping keep
laundry and lounge areas clean.
He also reported on air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Secretary mentioned plans to purchase two new
refrigerators. Educational director
reminded everyone to check documents before sailing, to make sure
they’re up-to-date. Similarly, keep
medical certificates current. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew was reminded that fresh
linen is available every week.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
February 2023
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
February 27
April 10
June 5
March 17
April 28
June 23
February 13
March 13
April 10
May 8
February 24
March 24
April 21
May 19
RFPNW
March 20
May 1
April 7
May 19
Fast Rescue Boat
July 17
July 21
Leadership & Management Skills
June 19
June 23
Lifeboat/Water Survival
Start
Date
ServSafe Management
February 13
March 20
April 24
May 29
July 3
August 7
February 17
March 24
April 28
June 2
July 7
August 11
Advanced Galley Operations
March 13
May 22
April 7
June 16
Chief Steward
April 17
June 26
May 12
July 21
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
June 5
June 9
Basic Training
April 17
April 21
Basic Training Revalidation
February 13
February 24
March 20
March 24
April 7
April 17
April 21
May 1
May 5
May 22
June 2
February 13
February 24
March 20
March 24
April 7
April 17
April 21
May 1
May 5
May 22
June 2
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
May 15
May 19
Government Vessels
February 13
March 13
March 20
April 10
April 24
May 8
June 19 `
February 17
March 17
March 24
April 14
April 28
May 12
June 19
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
February 20
May 22
February 24
May 26
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
February 27
May 15
March 3
May 19
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
May 1
May 26
FOWT
February 27
April 3
March 24
April 28
Junior Engineer Program
March 27
June 5
May 19
July 28
Marine Electrician
April 24
May 26
Marine Refer Tech
March 13
April 21
Advanced Refer Containers
April 10
April 21
Machinist
March 13
March 31
Pumpman
April 3
April 7
Welding
March 20
May 8
April 7
May 26
Engineroom Resource Management
June 12
June 16
Important Notice To All Students
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
February 20
March 27
May 1
June 5
July 10
March 24
April 28
June 2
July 7
August 11
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
20 Seafarers LOG
Date of
Completion
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Date of
Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
Title of
Course
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that
they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so
arrangements can be made to have other students take their places
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
2/23
February 2023
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #889 – Graduated December 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Rickay Channer, Curtis Gillard II, Isaiah Godette, Terrence Green Jr., Kamaria Lapread, Sherman McClain Jr., Thaisha Morris, Amar Ogletree, Malik Oxendine Jr., Nick Randall, James Shoats, Armani Wells and Ross Williams.
Correction
On Page 18 of the December 2022 Seafarers LOG, we erroneously identified the photo below as Paul Hall Center Apprentice Water Survival Class #886. In fact, this is Class
#887. We apologize for any inconvenience our oversight may have caused anyone affected, especially the trainees.
Apprentice Water Survival Class #887 – Graduated Oct. 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Diaz Florez, Britorria Hogan, Craig Lash II, Matthew McManus, Pyron Meyers,
Kaicee Proctor, Christopher Rolbiecki and Ubaydulwakeel Shambley.
February 2023
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed, Nabil Saleh Ahmed, Saif Al Tamimi, Timothy Behnke, Willie
Dawston Jr., Gerald Durham, Alfred Edmond, David Garrett, Deon Green, Alton Hickman Jr., Ransom Andrew Ki O’ka Puuku I. Kauwe, Steven Laubach, Saber Abdulhamid Naser,
Kelly Percy, Fahmi Ali Taher Saeed, Mohsen Mohamed Said, Ahmed Omar Sharif, Andrea Sharpe, Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez and Mukhtar Mohamed Yahia.
RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated
November 25 (photo at right,
in alphabetical order): Mukhtar
Nasser Ahmed Ali, Dale Armstrong III, Parker Hampton, Kaylah Hill, Jordan Jeffries, Joseph
McCrea, Derrel Oliver, De’Andre
Peden, Julian Ramirez, Felix
Manuel Rivera Rodriguez and
Domingo Ladringan Sadia IV.
Class instructor Dominic Hix is
at the far right. Upon the completion of their training, each plans
to work in the deck departments
of SIU-contracted vessels.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, but
later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend,
should inform the admissions
department immediately so arrangements can be made to
have other students take their
places.
UA to AS-Deck – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Ramona Cabrera
Appleby, Johncarlo Garibaldi, Seth James, Bryce Kennebeck, Jesse Schecher, Alec Stensaa, Bradley Tucker and Emilie Whitlow.
22 Seafarers LOG
Welding – Graduated November 18 (above, in alphabetical order): William Aebi, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera, Kenneth Loria Zuniga, Tracy
Mitchell Jr. and Joel Williams. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right.
February 2023
�Marine Electrician –
Graduated December 2
(photo at left, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar,
Hector Ismael Caballero,
Rustin Calame, Michael
Clark, Christian Cruz, Tony
Hamaguchi, Daryl Hicks,
Wordell Prescott and Sanjay Waidyarachchi. Roy
Graham, their instructor, is
at the far left.
RFPEW – Graduated October 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Saif Al Tamimi, Jesse Kleinfelter and Morey Lewis. Class instructor John Wiegman III is at the far right.
Government Vessels – Graduated November 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Basheer
Abdo Hasan Ali, Karen Barron, Johnnie Owens Jr. and Kevin Royster.
Junior Engineer (Basic
Electricity) – Graduated
November 11 (photo at
right, in alphabetical order):
David Argo Jr., Samuel
Fagerness, Michael Jamal
Garcia, Troy Hubbard Jr.,
Thomas Koncul, Cristian
Efrain Lalin, Tyler Maddox, Zeke Pasquarelli
and Joesef Moses Shaibi.
Christopher Morgan, their
instructor, is in the back
row at the far left.
Basic Training (First Aid, CPR & AED) – Upgrader Adrian Bartholomew recently completed his
requirements in this class. A member of the engine
department, Bartholomew graduated October 28.
February 2023
Advanced Galley Operations – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Mark Brooks, Lady Joanna CanoOrozco, Todd Curry, Dylan Faile, Najeeb Ali Ginah, Janelle Harper and Shadonna Jones. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Seafarers LOG 23
�FEBRUARY 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 2
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) welcomes retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella to the hall as
he contributes to the cause.
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
SA Christopher Dizon helps carry gifts for transport.
Recertified Bosun Sanjay
Gupta is a longtime backer of
the program.
Truly a Team Effort
SIU Continues Outreach for Military Families
Holiday traditions vary, but for the past 16 years, one particular philanthropic outreach invariably has been on the SIU’s
calendar in Tacoma, Washington.
That mission is known as Santa’s Castle, which produces
donations of toys and other presents for U.S. military families
(primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord
(JBLM), Washington, and from other bases.
SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo said the union’s
participation in 2022 proved as strong as ever, and resulted in
more than $8,000 worth of donations. The union also hosted a
luncheon Dec. 16 for Santa’s Castle volunteers, SIU members,
retirees and their families and friends. Immediately afterward,
the donations were loaded into trucks and vans for transportation to the nearby Santa’s Castle facility.
“Seafarers reached deep in their pockets to make this year
as special as previous years, bringing Christmas to hundreds
of lower-ranking enlisted service members and families and
to show their appreciation and thanks to our war fighters and
peacekeepers,” Vincenzo said. “And it’s not just our rank-andfile members who participate. Seattle-based Crowley Maritime
has consistently contributed to the toy drive over the years and
this year was no different. Additionally, Tacoma Seafarers are
always inspired to know that SIU executives’ own contributions help get us across the finish line. This truly is a team effort that we can all be proud of, running on 16 consecutive years
with a total contribution well north of $100,000. The spirit of
giving here remains as strong as ever.”
Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe said the union’s efforts “always make a big difference. We’re very grateful for the
Seafarers – the amazing luncheon, and seeing all those beauti-
Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime once again supported the outreach.
Pictured from left are SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp, Crowley Director of
Marine Personnel John Woodcock and Crowley Director of Labor Relations Dan
Lowry (the latter two individuals were dropping off donations).
Retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl
loads a donated bike onto a truck.
ful toys. It goes a long way to supporting our military folks.”
She added that the program had an especially strong year
overall, so the abundant donations “let us support even further
and wider than we usually do. It’s a beautiful thing to support
even more service members.”
AB Samed Kassem donated three bicycles for the most recent iteration of Santa’s Castle, and he has no plans to stop.
“I just like to donate,” Kassem stated. “I’ve been doing this
since we started. It’s good to make kids happy. I have kids and
I like to see them happy, so I want other kids to also be happy.
Whether I’m at home or on a ship, I always donate. It makes
me feel good.”
The luncheon proved popular and featured traditional
holiday fare including baked ham, roasted turkey breast and
numerous side dishes and desserts. Active and retired Seafarers played vital roles with the setup and serving, Vincenzo
noted. He credited Chief Steward Nina McFall, Chief Steward
Ingra Maddox, Recertified Steward Bob Haggerty, retired
Chief Steward Vicky Haggerty, Recertified Steward Amanda
Suncin and retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl.
“We could not pull this off without their help,” Vincenzo
said. “I extend a heartfelt vote of thanks to all who made this
year’s toy drive and annual holiday luncheon possible.”
AB Mark Manalansan (left) and a guest enjoy the luncheon.
Pictured from left are retired Recertified Steward Tommy Belvin and a guest; retired Recertified Steward Lewis Johanson and his wife, Shelly; and Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin.
24 Seafarers LOG
February 2023
�
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NY WATERWAY CREW STEPS UP DURING EMERGENCY
SAGAMORE RESCUES 15
MEMBERS APPLAUD UPDATED CONTRACT AT G&H TOWING
SIU HELPS BRIGHTEN HOLIDAYS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES VIA SANTA'S CASTLE
SARC DIRECTOR JOHN GALLAGHER DIES AT 67
NDAA CONTAINS BIG WINS FOR MARITIME
SIU CIVMARS FROM USNS JOHN LEWIS HELP WITH RESCUE
SIU OF CANADA PRESIDENT JIM GIVEN RETIRES
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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02/01/2023
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Vol. 85, No. 2
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3ef123d173ac59f1549c65b759931fe7.pdf
40a6670e60918d7cb5dfc135d1bd82b4
PDF Text
Text
JANUARY 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 1
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Bisso Boatmen Ratify Contract
3-Year Pact Features Numerous Gains
SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso & Son recently approved a new contract that
boosts wages and includes many other improvements. Negotiations took place in New
Orleans in mid-November; voting concluded Nov. 23. The photo above includes members of the respective bargaining committees. Pictured from left in the Crescent City
are SIU Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler, Bisso Operations Manager Timothy Michel,
Bisso President Matt Holzhalb, Bisso VP Mike Vitt, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook,
SIU Alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais, Bisso HR Manager Ashley Sorrells, SIU Wheelman Delegate Ian Strother, Bisso CFO Casey Willis and SIU Engineer Delegate Kevin
Wells. The photo at immediate right, taken in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, includes boatmen from the Vera Bisso along with SIU delegates and Westbrook (third from right).
Page 3.
Oakland Thanksgiving Event
Another Rousing Success
The yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, took
place Nov. 22 and featured an array of U.S. congressional representatives, military personnel, company executives – and of course, Seafarers, SIU retirees and
their families. Pictured at the gathering are members of the 4th Marine Division,
23rd Regiment Color Guard along with (front, from left) Chief Cook Ronald Williams, AB Paul Clow, AB Josesimo Balerite, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman
and ACU Mohamed Wasel. Pictured from right to left in the second row are SIU
Port Agent J.B. Niday, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona and retired
Recertified Steward George Pino, along with the color guard. Page 5.
Steward Departments Brighten Holiday at Sea
Continuing a decades-long tradition,
steward-department Seafarers made
extra efforts to help ensure an enjoyable Thanksgiving for their respective shipmates throughout the fleet.
Among those providing scrumptious
holiday fare at sea was Recertified
Steward Cleto Lindong (left in photo
at immediate right) aboard the Safmarine Ngami. He’s pictured with vessel
master Capt. William Fisher. Enjoying a meal aboard the Maersk Line,
Limited vessel are (from left in photo
above) QMED Brandon Thornton, AB
Alex Busby, SA Santiago Aquino, AB
Orlando Da Cruz and QEE Matthew
Yowell. Pages 10-11.
SHBP Scholarship Info
Page 9
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 1
SIU Year in Review
Page 20
12/20/22 12:07 PM
�President’s Report
Big Wins for Maritime
The most recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
contains a number of key victories for the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I’m
proud to say the SIU played an active role in helping secure many of the
components.
One of the particularly noteworthy developments is the doubling of the new U.S. Tanker
Security Program (TSP) from the initial 10 ships
later this year to 20 in the year 2024. Not only
will this mean more shipboard jobs, it also will
strengthen U.S. national security by reducing potential reliance on foreign ships and crews.
In what I would describe as a “lessons
learned” section, the legislation boosts Jones Act
enforcement through a series of smart procedural
mandates. This should help preserve American
jobs while making it harder for foreign-flag
interests to attempt “crisis arbitrage” – taking advantage of situations such as natural disasters just
Michael Sacco
to make a buck.
The NDAA also has a lot of meat when it
comes to modernizing the mariner credentialing system and reducing the current backlogs. As Seafarers know, these are
critical steps that absolutely affect U.S. national, economic and homeland
security.
Other elements of the bill focus on maintaining safe workplaces, making
it easier for military veterans with sea time to enter our industry, and guaranteeing shore leave for our brothers and sisters in the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration fleet.
Finally, the legislation includes this “Sense of Congress on Merchant
Marine” that is straightforward and powerful: “It is the sense of Congress
that the United States Merchant Marine is a critical part of the national infrastructure of the United States, and the men and women of the United States
Merchant Marine are essential workers.”
Our legislative team deserves kudos for helping advance your interests
– and our rank-and-file members deserve credit, too. Your professionalism
and reliability strengthen our voice on Capitol Hill (and at other levels of
government). Candidly, your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, also makes a big difference. It’s vital for helping us promote
and protect not just the SIU but the broader U.S. Merchant Marine.
I look forward to watching all of this play out and to helping make it
happen.
Brotherhood of the Sea
Whether you’re flipping through printed pages or scrolling online, a
look at pretty much any issue of the LOG gives readers a good idea of what
we’re all about.
In this edition alone, our coverage reflects the SIU securing great contracts, saving lives at sea, brightening the holidays for one another, engaging in grassroots political action, and even speaking up for mariners on the
world stage.
Additionally, the class photos from our affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland, are more than just potential keepsakes. They reflect the steady
operations of a world-class training facility – one that serves as a gateway
for career advancement. And, the apprentice photos show the next generation of Seafarers (who’ll benefit greatly from what we’re working on now).
We need to make sure these young women and men continue entering our
industry.
Not to be overlooked are the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholarships that are available to members and their dependents. Be sure to check
on those details, apply if it’s something that might help you, and encourage
others to do the same.
Last but definitely not least, read the answers in our “Inquiring Seafarer”
feature. (By the way, that feature has run in the LOG off and on for decades.) Those comments from longtime members again reflect an organization that has a lot to offer and much to be proud of.
Now, let’s continue our momentum in the New Year!
Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) AMP President Ku’uhaku Park, U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón
(R-Puerto Rico) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez.
AMP Salutes Rep. González-Colón
The leading U.S. domestic maritime coalition
recently honored a longtime backer of the industry.
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) on
Nov. 16 presented U.S. Rep. Jenniffer GonzálezColón (R-Puerto Rico) with its American Maritime
Champion Award. According to the coalition, “The
award recognizes individuals or groups of individuals who have added to the rich heritage of the
United States as a maritime nation through their
professional contributions, courage, outstanding
achievements, or noble qualities.”
The SIU is an AMP affiliate; SIU Executive Vice
President Augie Tellez represented the union at the
awards ceremony.
“In her role as the Resident Commissioner of
Puerto Rico, Rep. González-Colón has been an ardent supporter of the Jones Act and American Maritime as a whole,” AMP noted in a news release.
“She is a member of the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and possesses a
deep understanding of the importance of a robust
national maritime capacity. Rep. González-Colón is
a champion of the Puerto Rican people on the issues
that matter most to the Island.”
“I am honored to have been selected for this
award, finding myself in the company of many distinguished congressional leaders,” said GonzálezColón. “We all share a common goal of defending
American industry and jobs and the preservation of
our security of supply. Our economy moves based
on what we can export and import; the maritime
industry is the main artery of our supply chain and
inserts our products in the market. The American
shipping industry has served Puerto Rico for over
a century, developing infrastructure, employees,
fleets, specialized equipment, and systems, and
continuing to improve them, which assists the recovery of Puerto Rico with the presence of a regular
route system. We have seen how having direct, reliable, and expeditious service lifts up our economy.
The current effort in the modernization of the fleet
is critical for the reliability of service and drives an
investment in the American shipbuilding in which
many Puerto Rican workers are part of the team in
the mainland, as well as creating and sustaining port
and shipping jobs in Puerto Rico in support of our
export and import industries.”
“Representative González-Colón has been a
steadfast leader in her commitment to the people
she serves, including the men and women of American maritime in Puerto Rico,” said AMP President
Ku’uhaku Park. “She understands not only the importance of a reliable, on-time American supply
chain to and from Puerto Rico, as was seen during
the pandemic and supply-chain disruption, but also
the larger significance of ensuring national security
through a strong shipbuilding and merchant mariner
capacity.”
Union Assists Maritime Ally in Important Drive
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 85 Number 1
January 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
The SIU is assisting with a (free) membership drive for American Maritime Voices, which is affiliated
with the coalition American Maritime Partnership. Individuals are encouraged to sign up online. This
is a grassroots effort to stand up for the Jones Act.
Reversed to White
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 2
January 2023
12/20/22 12:09 PM
�Deckhand Ryan Bryce (left) discusses the new contract with bargaining committee members Ian Strother (center) and Jacob Toler.
SIU boatmen are pictured Nov. 23 outside the company’s fleet office in New Orleans. SIU Port Agent
Chris Westbrook is at center in photo above, and fourth from right in the photo below.
Bisso Boatmen Ratify Three-Year Contract
SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso &
Son unanimously have ratified a three-year
contract featuring substantial gains.
The union represents 70 boatmen at Bisso,
which is headquartered in New Orleans.
They work as wheelmen, deckhands and engineers aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing
ship docking and offshore towing services.
Negotiations took place Nov. 15-17 in
New Orleans. Ratification began immediately thereafter and concluded Nov. 23.
The SIU negotiating committee consisted
of Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Engineer
Delegate Kevin Wells, Wheelman Delegate
Ian Strother, Deckhand Delegate Jacob
Toler and alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais.
“We had a lot of experience on the committee, along with some newer guys,” Westbrook said. “The company, to their credit,
stepped up and negotiated a package that reflects the current labor market. They recognize the value of their employees. I think the
contract is a tremendous retention and attraction tool, and it’s a win-win for both sides.”
Wells stated, “All in all, the negotiations
were pretty tough, but in the end, both sides
came to an agreement. After going out and
speaking with the guys, everybody was very
pleased. Personally, I was pleased with the
company’s willingness to work with us.”
He added that the annual wages increases
are the largest he’s seen in his 35-year tenure
with Bisso.
“That’s the highlight to me and I think it’s
the same for the rest of the guys,” Wells said.
Strother, a nine-year employee, served as
a bargaining-team member for the first time
and said he found the process “interesting. At
times we were joking, and at other times it
was very stressful. I’m very happy with the
SIU Helps in Delivery
Of Mariner Message At Key
United Nations Conference
The global maritime industry faces massive changes
related to new fuels – and the SIU is helping make sure
mariners’ voices are heard throughout what undoubtedly
will be a decades-long process.
Most recently, this outreach consisted of longtime SIU
member Lindsey Austin participating in the Conference
of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – abbreviated as COP27 (it’s the
twenty-seventh such conference). The well-attended gathering took place Nov. 6-20 in Egypt.
“I was really proud to represent working seafarers and
especially to represent the SIU,” said Austin, a 10-year
member currently sailing as a chief mate. “The industry’s
goal is to be emissions-free or neutral by 2050, so mariner
retraining is needed. Not only will we need to reskill and
retrain, we’ll also need to attract and retain new people.”
While the conference had a wide-ranging agenda, a
highlight for shipboard personnel and their unions was
the introduction of Maritime Just Transition Task Force.
Formed by unions, vessel owners and United Nations entities, the group’s mission statement underscores that its objective is “to ensure that shipping’s response to the climate
emergency puts seafarers and communities at the heart of
the solution.”
In that vein, COP27 included the unveiling of a new
report commissioned by the Task Force. The research and
findings pertain to mariner training and skills for decarbonized shipping.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF),
touching on some of the report’s findings, noted, “The
three emission-reduction scenarios assessed in the research
January 2023
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 3
way it turned out.
“We tried to get the best agreement possible for our co-workers,” he added. “We
didn’t necessarily get everything we wanted,
but we did really well.”
In addition to calling for yearly wage increases, the contract also boosts base pay; includes an immediate cost-of-living bonus for
all ratings; and features a longevity bonus for
highlight an immediate need to start putting the training
infrastructure in place, to ensure hundreds of thousands of
the world’s nearly two million seafarers are upskilled and
empowered through the transition. Findings also suggest
that a lack of certainty on alternative fuel options is having [undesirable] effects for seafarer training, as the global
maritime community works towards a clearer decarbonization pathway in a post-fossil fuel era.”
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel – who chairs
both the ITF Seafarers’ Section and the Maritime Just Transition Task Force and has been extensively involved in promoting mariner welfare around the globe – stated, “A Just
Transition for shipping will require a commitment to safe
crewing: having enough seafarers on board to allow for the
safe handling of new fuels, technologies and ship designs.”
(Heindel announced the federation’s sustainable shipping
policy a year earlier.)
COP27 attendees expressed appreciation for the specific recommendations contained in the Maritime Just
Transition Task Force report. Those goals include committing to global labor standards, prioritizing mariner health
and safety, investing in training, supporting career pathways, addressing attrition and recruitment, and more.
Austin, who also participated in the 2021 COP meeting online, primarily took part in two of the COP27 panels. She found the experience “100 percent worthwhile.
It’s always nice to be around a group of people who have
a common cause and are passionate about it,” she stated.
“People might not agree on the politics or science of climate change, but there is no question that change is coming
in our industry. Now we have a plan.”
She added that a comment from one of the other panelists underscored the importance of mariners participating in COP27 and in future related events. “The sentiment
was that we wouldn’t talk about farming without including
farmers, and we shouldn’t talk about the maritime industry
without seafarers,” Austin said. “That may sound basic but
it’s a good point and it reinforces the need for us to be
involved.”
employees who’ve been with the company
for at least 30 years.
The pact maintains medical coverage at
the top level available through the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan (Core Plus), adds
a paid holiday, expands the bereavement
clause, doubles the rate for maintenance and
cure, and doubles the reimbursement for personal protective equipment.
SIU member Lindsey Austin takes notes during one of
the discussions at COP27. She also addressed attendees, providing the perspective of an active mariner.
Seafarers LOG 3
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�Pictured from left in the back row are Chief Steward John Greubel, AB Ed Gavagan, Bosun Charles Hill,
AB Nick Carey, OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano and OMU Jose Smith. Seated (from left) are GVA Ricardo
Escorcia, AB James Riley, AB Andrew Graham and Chief Cook Jose Clotter.
Chief Cook Jose Clotter (left) is pictured with the rescued migrants.
American Phoenix Crew Rescues Migrants
SIU members sailing aboard the American Phoenix were
in the right place at the right time, and helped to rescue a
raft full of Cuban migrants adrift in the Straits of Florida on
Nov. 22.
The SIU members sailing aboard the Seabulk-operated
tanker included: Recertified Bosun Charles Hill; ABs
Nicholas Carey, Edward Gavagan, Andrew Graham, Edward Majesky and James Riley; QEP Benjamin Mathews;
OMUs Damir Josipovic, Javier Murillo Solorzano and
Jose Smith; Steward Baker John Greubel, Chief Cook Jose
Clotter and GVA Ricardo Escorcia. The officers aboard the
vessel are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American
Maritime Officers.
Vessel master Capt. Thomas Liebsch reported, “At 0742
local time on November 22, while the American Phoenix
was transiting from Port Everglades to the Southwest Pass,
the 2nd Mate and lookout, AB Andrew Graham, spotted a
small object approximately 3.5 nautical miles from the vessel. Upon further inspection, they could see a raft with men
onboard, waving their arms and a flag.”
Graham stated, “We saw an object from afar and when it
got closer, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw people trying to flag us down. I thought it was trash at first, they were
being pushed into the Gulf of Mexico and had minimal supplies left. They may have had a grave outcome if we hadn’t
spotted their little makeshift raft.”
The raft was described by the captain as a “makeshift
craft, poorly constructed of plywood and Styrofoam and with
an open bottom, with seven Cuban migrants onboard.” After
contacting the United States Coast Guard Sector Key West,
the crew of the American Phoenix was first advised to remain
in the area, and then later instructed to attempt a rescue and
bring the migrants aboard.
Liebsch continued, “At 0828 local time, the USCG asked
if the vessel would attempt a rescue and disembark the mi-
grants from the raft onto the ship. The Chief Mate and Bosun
Charles Hill directed ABs Andrew Graham, Ed Gavagan,
Eddie Majesky and Nick Carey, and QMED Benjamin
Mathews to rig the accommodation and pilot ladders and
prepare life rings and heaving lines. With the Captain giving
rudder commands, AB James Riley carefully steered the vessel closer to the raft and the crew was able to get a sea painter
over by using a line throwing appliance. Once the raft was
safely alongside, all seven migrants were transferred to the
ship at 1015 local time.”
Clotter provided translation assistance between the
crew and the migrants. He stated, “The Chief Mate asked
me to help translate once they determined the men were
Cuban. Upon boarding the vessel, I questioned the men
to make sure they did not have any weapons, and asked
if they were looking for help. They responded that they
were in need of help, and that they had been out at sea for
nine days.”
Clotter added, “The steward department gathered some
fruit and water for them, and then my wife, who was working
on another ship at the time, suggested that I offer to give them
some spare clothes to change into, once I shared the news
with her. So I did just that – I gave them pants and shirts, and
also asked the rest of the crew to join in as well, if they had
anything to spare.”
The captain agreed, saying, “Chief Cook Jose Clotter,
GVA Ricardo Escorcia and OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano
did a fantastic job of translating so the crew could better
help and provide comfort for the migrants. Additional engine
room personnel who provided assistance in the engine control
room and on deck included OMUs Damir Josipovic and Jose
Smith.”
He concluded his report: “The vessel proceeded towards
Key West to rendezvous with USCG Cutter Vigorous. QMED
Mathews helped the men all properly don their lifejackets in
VP Harris Reiterates Support
SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (left) and
United States Vice President Kamala Harris meet at a recent
labor gathering in San Francisco. Harris is a longtime friend
of the SIU. During the meeting, she underscored her ongoing
support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights.
4 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 4
The raft as seen from the SIU-crewed American Phoenix.
preparation for the transfer to the cutter. At 1254 local time,
the cutter launched a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and the seven
migrants boarded via the accommodation ladder at 1312 local
time.”
Sunshine State Helps Save 9
On October 16,
while transiting the
Florida Straits en
route from Jacksonville, Florida, to
Port Arthur, Texas,
the mate on watch
aboard the Sunshine State (Intrepid Personnel
and Provisioning)
noticed what he
thought to be an
unusually small
sailboat on the
starboard bow.
Further investigation revealed
a makeshift craft
overloaded with
refugees making
various signals indicating distress.
Closer inspection
revealed a homemade, small craft consisting of plastic or foam blocks cobbled together along with a small windsurfing sail.
Under advisement from the Coast Guard, the Sunshine State circled the craft to calm the seas until a U.S.
Customs vessel arrived on scene. The SIU crew of the Sunshine State included Recertified Bosun Randell
Porter; ABs Carlos Avila, Daniel Harris, Paul Riley and Lloyd Stock; QE3 Manolito Garcia; Steward/Baker
Mamie Porter and GVA Ernesto Martinez.
January 2023
12/20/22 12:11 PM
�U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee
(D-California)
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
(D-California)
Yardena Wolf
Chief of Staff, Office of
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California)
Patriot Contract Services President Lance Bardo, SIU VP
Nick Marrone
Oakland Thanksgiving Event a Success
The yearly pre-Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Oakland,
California, once again proved smooth,
successful – and filling.
Locally renowned for decades, the
2022 iteration took place in its usual
slot on the Tuesday before the holiday
(Nov. 22). The event featured a comprehensive menu, remarks from union
officials and guests, and relaxed fellowship.
Among those addressing the crowd
of approximately 120 people were U.S.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-California),
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California),
U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Andrew
Sugimoto and Yardena Wolf, chief of
staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (DCalifornia).
Guests included rank-and-file SIU
members and their families, SIU re-
tirees, shipping company executives,
representatives from various labor
organizations, and others. Among the
vessel operators represented at the
traditional feast were Matson, Patriot,
Pasha, Crowley and Starlight Marine.
“Our theme this year really focused
on giving thanks and also on unity,”
said SIU Vice President Government
Services Nicholas Celona, long the
driving force behind the event. “One
point I emphasized is that we can
disagree about policies, but we have
to stay unified. We’re Americans and
we’re all in this together.”
Other speakers shared those sentiments and also underscored their support for the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Charles
Farruggia for supplying the photos on
this page.
SIU VP Nicholas Celona (center) is pictured with International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 8 Business Reps Ryan Lange (left) and Greg Hardeman.
Members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard and retired Recertified
Steward George Pino (right, holding U.S. Merchant Marine flag) help kick off the event.
SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) chats with guests from Carpenters Local 2233. Pictured
from left are Arturo Rodriguez, Tim Favaloro and Francisco Martinez.
January 2023
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 5
In photo at immediate left, U.S. Coast Guard
Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto (right) addresses
the audience as VP Nick Marrone looks on. Pictured from left (photo above) are SIU VP Nicholas Celona, Richard Carpeneti (former president
of the San Francisco Housing Authority) and
Larry Mazzola Jr. (president of Plumbers and
Pipe Fitters Local 38).
Bosun Victor Frazier (center) and his family enjoy the gathering.
Seafarers LOG 5
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�Pictured from left to right are OS Levi Gorokhovsky, Bosun Santos Contreras, Chief Officer Gary Bigham, OS Destini Dunlap, OS
Robert Freer, OS Ryan Heinberger and UA Carl Piercy.
Chief Cook Walter Schoppe
Longtime Seafarer Praises Cable Ship Comrades
Bosun Robert O’Connell recently was
moved to write to the staff of the Seafarers
LOG, detailing his experiences while sailing aboard the cable ship Decisive late last
year. The vessel, operated by Subcom, was
tasked a cable-laying operation in the Mediterranean Sea, which lasted about 40 days.
O’Connell embraced the challenge, saying, “I caught the AB job and hadn’t been
on one of those cable ships in 20 years. It’s
an interesting operation.” He joined the SIU
in 1991, as part of Class 475, and sailed
until 2004. He left the industry for personal
reasons, but returned to sailing in 2019.
While the trip was unique in its own
way, what inspired him to catalogue the
voyage was his collective interaction with
the rest of the crew: “They showed great
teamwork, and were able and willing to perform any task given to them.”
He added, “What really stuck out to me
was how the apprentices and ordinaries really stood up. They really impressed me.
There was nothing they couldn’t do. They
worked together, stayed happy and upbeat
and got the job done. And it was a long job.”
O’Connell also stated that in conversations with the captain, Eric Ellsworth, the
vessel master mentioned more than once
how pleased he was with the work of the
apprentices.
O’Connell wanted to highlight the efforts of the following crew members while
he was aboard: Bosun Santos Contreras,
Bosun’s Mate Jerry Dingal, ABs Suallah
Osman, John Reid and Cameron Ruthlev, OSs Destini Dunlap, Robert Freer,
Levi Gorokhovsky, and Darius Parker,
Chief Electrician Casey Frederick, MDR
Luke Mueller, CASJ Dominador Diaz,
OMU Kasim Ahmed, Chief Steward
Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Walter
Schoppe, Third Cook Virgilio Brosoto, SA
Mahmoud Fares, GVAs Khaleel Boatner, Donato Camandang, Verna Dotson,
Apprentice Preston Stine plays guitar during Justo Guity, Ryan Heimberger, Ruby
his coffee break.
Jones, Salah Mohmohd, Kassem Salah
and Van Valladolid, and Apprentices Preston Stine and Carl Piercy.
Regarding the work of Chief Cook
Schoppe – who has sailed with the SIU
for more than 40 years – O’Connell noted,
“The food was great. He’s a real professional.”
He concluded by saying, “It made me
feel good that the SIU tradition of good
seamanship and work ethic hasn’t been lost.
My hat’s off to them.”
AB Suallah Osman (left) and OS Levi Gorokhovsky take inventory and stow gear for the
cable operations.
Observance Includes Merchant Mariners
The U.S. Merchant Marine was included in the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony Dec. 7 in the
nation’s capital. The event, hosted by Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National
Park Service, took place at the World War II Memorial. Retired Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus attended
the ceremony and provided these photos. The posed photo by the wreaths includes (from left) Deputy
Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley and Adm. Christopher W. Grady, who serves as the twelfth Vice
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
6 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 6
January 2023
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�CHEERFUL VISIT – AB Donald Desir (second from left) meets with personnel
from the Baltimore International Seafarers Center aboard the ARC Defender
(TOTE Services). The ladies brought gifts for the crew to brighten their time
in Charm City.
ABOARD MAERSK SARATOGA
– Bosun Kemer Rojas (left) and AB
Ramon Guity are pictured aboard the
Maersk Line, Limited ship in mid-November in Kuwait.
ABOARD MAERSK DURBAN – QMED Sammy Montana
cuts a metal pipe fitting with an electric jigsaw.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Bosun Mark Hoffman (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent
Warren Asp, receives his first pension check. Hoffman
started sailing with the union in 1987.
WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Recertified Steward
Jeff Beasley (left) picks up his first pension check at the
hiring hall following a 40-year career. His daughter, Leilani,
is in the center, while SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice is at
right.
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Longtime SIU
member and delegate Capt. Terry Murley (left), who spent
his entire 44-year career at Crescent Towing, picks up his
first retirement check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Chris
Westbrook is at right.
TAKING THE OATH IN OAKLAND – Chief
Cook Kirk Fisher (center in photo at left) receives his A-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right)
and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera. In the larger
group photo above, SA Stephen Nowell (center, with hand raised) takes the oath prior to
receiving his B-book at the hall. Pictured from
left are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon,
MDR Yan Paing (partially visible), Niday, Rivera, Nowell, SA Ahmed Abubaker, OS Abdelrahim Salih, and Chief Cook Ashley Graham.
HELPING AT THE HALL – QEE Randy Slue
takes a busman’s holiday by volunteering at the
hall in Jacksonville, Florida. “He always comes
through for us,” said SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.
January 2023
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 7
Seafarers LOG 7
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�HONING SKILLS – Mariners from the Algol and Capella are pictured following small-arms training. From left: Capt.
Raymond Davis, Electrician Salah Saleh, GUDE Ruel Decrepito, Electrician Alex Canada, Recertified Bosun Artis Williams, Capt. Andrew Diamond and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD USNS MAURY – GVA Brian Peralta (seated) is surprised with a chocolate mousse cake in celebration of his retirement from sailing. Chief Steward Rhonda Jenkins is at left while
vessel master Capt. Jon Skogland is at right aboard the Ocean
Shipholdings-operated vessel.
ABOARD MAUNAWILI – SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon (right) meets with Seafarers aboard the Matson ship.
Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz is at left while Recertified
Steward Christopher Amigable is at center.
A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Brandon Urich (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall
with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr.
A-BOOKS IN FLORIDA – Picking up their respective
A-seniority books at the Jacksonville hall are (left in
photo above) QMED George Box and (left in photo
below) Bosun Terry Hester. Box is pictured with SIU
Safety Director Adam Bucalo, while Hester is shown
with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.
FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Two Seafarers recently received their respective B-books at the Houston hall. They are AB
Adolf Abbey (right in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel) and AB Daniel Hanback (left in photo at left, with SIU
Patrolman Kelly Krick).
MILESTONE IN JERSEY – AB Dennis Saggese (right in
photo at immediate right) receives his A-seniority book at the
hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta
is at left.
8 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 8
January 2023
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�SHBP Offers Scholarships For 2023
Previously Non-Selected Applicants May Reapply if Still Eligible
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
(SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer
eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2023
calendar year.
Three scholarships will be designated
for Seafarers while five will be targeted
for spouses and dependents. One of the
endowments reserved for Seafarers totals
$20,000 and is intended to help defray the
costs associated with attending a four-year,
college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each
and are designed as two-year awards for
study at a postsecondary vocational school
or community college. Each of the five
scholarships for spouses and dependents is
for $20,000.
Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to obtain
a scholarship program booklet. This package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and
an application form. Union members and
their dependents now have three avenues
through which they may obtain this booklet.
Prospective applicants may request
these booklets via mail by completing and
mailing the form provided. Booklets may
also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall.
Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet
online by visiting www.seafarers.org, go to
the Benefits menu, open the “Core Plus and
Core Benefits” section, scroll to “Applications and Forms,” and select Scholarship
Application. Although the booklet says
2021, all information is still current for the
2023 SHBP Scholarships.
Once the scholarship booklet has been
received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of
the paperwork needed to submit with the
full application, which must be received by
April 15, 2023.
A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators,
will examine the high school grades of all
applicants as well as evaluate scores from
their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and
American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these
tests no later than February 2023. Doing so
will virtually assure that the results reach
the evaluation committee in time for review.
Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program
and were not selected are encouraged to
apply again this year, provided they still
meet the eligibility requirements.
Please send me the 2023 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form.
Name ..........................................................................................................................................
Street Address ............................................................................................................................
City, State, Zip Code...................................................................................................................
Telephone Number (
) ..........................................................................................................
This application is for:
Self
Dependent
Mail this completed form to:
Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746
1/23
Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan
Introduction
This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes
general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension
plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean
that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in
any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2021
and ending July 31, 2022 (the “2021 Plan Year”).
How Well Funded Is Your Plan
The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure
called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the
plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s
funded percentage for the 2021 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years is shown in the chart
below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period.
Funded Percentage
2021 Plan Year
Valuation Date
August 1, 2021
Funded Percentage
Over 100%
Value of Assets $111,300,133
Value of Liabilities
$105,199,118
2020 Plan Year
August 1, 2020
Over 100%
$106,834,294
$102,467,876
2019 Plan Year
August 1, 2019
Over 100%
$106,530,327
$ 99,134,084
Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets
The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial
values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in
the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture
of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and
are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the
Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31,
2022 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this
notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2021
annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2023.
Fair Market Value of Assets
July 31, 2022
$110,134,839
July 31, 2021
$119,994,941
July 31, 2020
$101,823,920
Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status
Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than
80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may
also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become
insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies).
If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of
the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish
steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The
plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce
current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries.
The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2021 Plan Year.
Participant Information
The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,050.
Of this number, 785 were current employees, 862 were retired and receiving benefits, and 403 were retired
or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits.
Funding & Investment Policies
Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by
employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016,
the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective
bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding
standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue
Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance
with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code.
Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a
portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve
positive investment results over the long term.
Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of
investments, as of the end of the 2021 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets:
Asset Allocations Percentage
1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing)
2.9%
January 2023
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 9
2. U.S. Government securities 0.0%
3. Corporate debt instruments 0.0%
4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities):
22.2%
5. Real estate (other than employer real property):
8.5%
6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds)
62.3%
7. Other 4.1%
Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report
Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the
“Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic
copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual
reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC
20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making
a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400,
San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available
now. The annual report for the 2021 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee
Benefits Security Administration in May 2022. Annual reports do not contain personal information,
such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993
or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits.
Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans
Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans
that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan
administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice.
A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest
level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay
benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the
plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount
necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s
financial condition improves.
A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition,
participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option.
This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded.
Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC
The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have
earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There
are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for singleemployer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program.
Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11
of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times
each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month
times a participant’s years of credited service.
Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit
of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by
dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The
guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33),
or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10).
Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual
rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount
for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the
participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).
The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which
are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before
starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will
disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of
the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the
time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health
insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay.
For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to
the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact
your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension
benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your
Plan,” below.
Where to Get More Information
For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator,
SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107,
415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the
Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number
or “EIN” is 94-6061923.
Seafarers LOG 9
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�From left, Chief Cook Robert Wright, SA Santiago Aquino and Recertified Steward Cleto Lindong stand behind some of their handiwork aboard the Safmarine Ngami.
Recertified Steward Ali Matari led the way in making sure fellow mariners
aboard the Maersk Hartford were well-fed on Thanksgiving.
Pictured from left aboard the USNS Red Cloud are C/M Brad Lawhon, C/E Jared Ciavola, Chief Steward Dennis Dizon, SA Emily Lepley,
QMED Floro Ponce, Chief Cook Alvinmar Aldana, Capt. Doug Nagy and SA Amado Angeles.
Pictured clockwise, starting at front left are Chief Cook Nicoll Rodriguez, Capt. Gabor Ujvari,
Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, ACU Nasser Alarqban and Chief Engineer Tommy Stillwachs aboard the President Wilson.
SIU Steward Departments Deliver Thanksgiving Feasts
Spending holidays at sea often comes with the job of
being a mariner, but Seafarers and their shipmates still appreciate extra effort from the galley gangs on Thanksgiving.
Based on recent communications to the LOG as well as
online posts, such output proved quite evident Nov. 24 aboard
SIU-crewed ships. Elaborate menus became the norm on
vessels including the President Wilson (operated by APL),
Safmarine Ngami (Maersk Line, Limited), USNS Red Cloud
(Patriot), USNS Dahl (Patriot) and many others.
Prior to press time, the union posted photos from those
feasts, and the subsequent comments on the SIU Facebook
page were voluminous and enthusiastic. They included:
“There are some super-talented steward departments out
there!”
“Awesome job by the steward department. That is an impressive spread.”
“I wouldn’t use the word effort. That is hard work!”
“WOW what an awesome spread. Looks so tasty! Happy
Thanksgiving.”
Similar sentiments surfaced in related emails sent to the
LOG, including this one from Safmarine Ngami vessel master Capt. William Fisher: “A strong shout-out to the steward
department for an awesome job they did, as you can see in
the pictures. (Recertified) Steward Cleto Lindong and Chief
Cook Robert Wright and SA Santiago Aquino are some of
the SIU’s finest.”
With another Thanksgiving having passed, SIU galley
gangs have upheld a tradition that’s almost as old as the union
itself.
Editor’s note: The photos on these two pages were submitted on Thanksgiving and in the days immediately afterward. Additional images are posted on the union’s Facebook
page.
The three photos directly above are from the Safmarine Ngami, as is the image that’s third from left, middle row, on page 10. The two photos at immediate left are
from the President Wilson, while the remaining two (directly next to the one of the USNS Dahl crew) are from the USNS Red Cloud.
Crew members aboard the USNS Dahl line up for a holiday feast.
10 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 10-11
January 2023
January 2023
Seafarers LOG 11
12/19/22 12:09 PM
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by graduates of the most recent bosun recertification
course in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Nasser Hafid
Recertified Bosun
My dad was a sailor. What
made me do what I do now is,
seeing my dad support a wife
and eight children. That’s what
inspired me to join the SIU. Also,
the money is good!
Carlos Gibbons
Recertified Bosun
I joined with the hope of a better
future – to put myself into a good financial position, and also because of
the family time that this profession
offers. I’ve stayed because of the
many opportunities that the industry
offers if you keep upgrading.
Neftali Erausquin
Recertified Bosun
I enjoy traveling around the
world and being part of a great
union, the SIU. I’m proud to be a
member and I definitely love the
sea.
Larry Dizon
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU back in 2005 and
it has been a life-changing experience. I’ve developed skills and excelled in my chosen career. This has
given my family a better life, and I
plan to stay with the SIU.
Ronald Poole Sr.
Recertified Bosun
Life in the union has been
good for me and my family. I
have two daughters in college and
one more to go. The sky is the
limit with the SIU.
Richard Molina Blackman
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU in 2001 and it
has been a great experience. I always
wanted to be a seaman. The SIU has
given me the opportunity to provide
for me and my family. The SIU made
me the man I am today, and I plan to
retire with the union.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
James B. Hall
Recertified Bosun
After I completed four years in
the Navy, I went back to the small
town where I grew up, went back
to school and got a job. Within a
year, I really missed going to sea.
I considered re-enlisting but came
across the SIU website and got
into the apprentice program. I’ve
remained with it because I enjoy
travel and because the lifestyle is
flexible.
Pic From The Past
In photo at right, workers in Rotterdam put
the finishing touches on the stern of the
Sea-Land McLean in 1972. SIU members
crewed up the SL-7 shortly thereafter. The
photo below (taken with a fisheye lens,
from one of the port cranes) shows a longrange view of the ship at berth.
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
12 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 12
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
January 2023
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Notice/Reminder
Medical Department
Outlines Drug Test
Collection Procedures
In order to help prevent
any misunderstandings that
may affect your merchant
mariner credential, the Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan Medical Department
offers the following brief review of a few of the federal
rules related to drug test collections.
n You have up to three
hours to provide an acceptable urine specimen. Do not
schedule a test for a day and
time if you don’t have three
hours available to stay at the
clinic if needed.
n The collection process usually starts when
you are taken into the back
to provide a sample. You
cannot leave until the col-
lector says that the sample
is acceptable.
n You must follow the
collector’s directions. Leaving prior to providing an
acceptable specimen, being
unable to provide one within
the three-hour timeframe
without a medical explanation, or interfering with the
collector constitutes a refusal to test. Refusal to test
may result in action by the
U.S. Coast Guard as if there
had been a positive test.
In summary, pick your
appointment time so you
can stay as long as needed,
do not interfere with the
collector and, most importantly, follow the collector’s
instructions.
January & February
Membership Meetings
Piney Point................*Tuesday: January 3, Monday: February 6
Algonac...................................Friday: January 6, February 10
Baltimore.................................Thursday: January 5, February 9
Guam................................Thursday: January 19, February 23
Honolulu..................................Friday: January 13, February 17
Houston................................Monday: January 9, February 13
Jacksonville.........................Thursday: January 5, February 9
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 14 -December 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 14.
Port
Total Registered
Total Shipped
Registered on Beach
All Groups
All Groups
All Groups
A
B
C
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
17
0
1
21
0
8
6
43
29
21
2
3
20
12
3
1
4
17
0
22
230
5
5
0
12
0
8
2
19
27
8
2
3
7
3
0
5
1
6
1
7
121
6
0
0
2
0
0
0
6
6
1
2
1
6
2
0
0
2
0
2
4
40
Deck Department
22
1
2
0
2
0
2
2
0
10
6
3
0
0
0
9
5
0
4
1
0
23
7
2
25
19
3
15
8
5
3
1
1
4
1
0
16
5
5
5
1
0
1
0
0
0
4
0
2
1
1
11
2
0
1
1
1
15
5
2
168
72
25
New Orleans...........................Tuesday: January 10, February 14
Jersey City..................................Tuesday: January 3, February 7
Norfolk.........................................Friday: January 6, February 10
Oakland................................Thursday: January 12, February 16
Philadelphia......................Wednesday: January 4, February 8
Port Everglades......................Thursday: January 12, February 16
San Juan..............................Thursday: January 5, February 9
St. Louis...................................Friday: January 13, February 17
Tacoma....................................Friday: January 20, February 24
Wilmington..........*Tuesday: January 17 , *Tuesday: February 21
* Piney Point change due to New Year’s Day observance
* Wilmington changes due to Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day observances.
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political
Activities Donation
SPAD
SPAD Works For You
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
4
1
1
5
0
4
7
15
19
7
0
3
9
8
0
3
6
8
4
7
111
1
0
1
5
2
3
5
8
12
5
1
4
12
3
0
5
3
2
2
5
79
0
1
0
0
1
2
1
0
3
0
0
1
4
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
16
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
3
0
1
4
1
3
8
17
24
5
1
2
24
8
1
3
5
11
0
17
138
0
1
0
2
1
1
0
4
16
2
0
4
16
5
1
3
6
1
3
6
72
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
2
0
0
1
1
1
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
3
15
January 2023
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 13
GRAND TOTAL: 494
C
Reliefs
A
B
C
16
0
1
30
4
12
10
48
41
41
2
6
23
14
3
3
8
24
1
39
326
8
3
0
17
0
10
6
23
36
14
3
7
11
3
2
2
5
14
1
11
176
3
1
0
5
1
2
0
6
5
2
0
2
2
1
0
0
2
5
0
2
39
Engine Department
5
0
1
1
0
0
1
2
0
6
3
1
1
0
1
0
3
1
7
3
1
11
8
1
14
12
2
7
1
1
0
3
0
1
4
2
11
11
3
4
2
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
2
1
0
3
1
2
0
2
0
12
1
1
88
59
17
1
0
2
7
0
3
2
10
8
1
1
1
6
3
1
1
3
2
3
5
60
4
1
1
10
1
6
8
18
27
9
1
2
10
10
4
3
10
17
7
15
164
0
0
1
6
3
1
9
6
16
6
0
3
8
5
0
3
5
5
2
10
89
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
3
0
0
0
3
1
0
0
0
2
1
4
19
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
3
1
0
2
1
0
0
0
11
Steward Department
3
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
4
0
6
1
1
0
2
1
0
4
2
0
8
2
0
12
13
0
8
3
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
8
18
2
5
3
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
3
2
1
8
1
0
0
1
0
14
8
0
81
66
6
3
0
0
4
0
1
3
7
9
4
0
2
8
3
0
1
5
4
0
10
64
5
0
1
15
0
5
8
19
31
9
1
4
23
14
2
3
7
11
2
26
186
1
1
0
7
1
1
1
11
20
7
0
6
7
5
3
3
7
1
2
8
92
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
4
2
0
0
5
1
0
2
3
0
0
3
24
8
3
1
2
1
5
0
14
32
13
1
0
11
4
0
7
0
7
2
10
121
10
2
1
1
1
1
1
15
54
15
1
0
16
4
0
15
2
8
1
3
151
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
7
Entry Department
6
4
3
1
0
2
2
2
0
1
2
1
2
2
7
5
23
30
6
7
1
0
0
0
10
13
5
2
0
0
4
10
0
1
8
4
1
0
8
4
88
89
4
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
9
4
0
0
5
2
0
4
0
2
0
1
35
4
0
0
1
1
2
2
3
2
2
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
3
0
4
27
7
3
0
4
1
3
3
18
29
20
0
1
11
5
0
3
0
18
2
23
151
10
2
3
4
1
5
3
25
101
20
2
0
20
6
2
12
1
9
2
10
238
393
218
344
258
703
508
320
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
ATTENTION SEAFARERS
B
5
1
4
11
0
6
1
14
12
12
0
3
8
4
0
0
2
4
1
11
99
Joliet.................................Thursday: January 12, February 16
Mobile............................Wednesday: January 11, February 15
A
285
137
Seafarers LOG 13
12/20/22 12:18 PM
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), August 28 – Chairman
James Joyce, Secretary Donna
Hickman, Educational Director
Monroe Monseur. Educational
director reminded crew to upgrade
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school and to apply for TWIC renewal online. Members requested
new mattresses and fridge for crew
mess room.
tary Caezar Mercado Educational
Director Tijani Rashid, Deck
Delegate John Worae. Members
were reminded about flu shots
and keeping documents current.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested new mattresses,
unlimited Wi-Fi access on board,
fans in each room and additional
benefits. Next port: Charleston,
South Carolina.
MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk
Line, Limited), September 18 –
Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary
Stephan Osovitz, Educational
Director Jeffrey Hamer, Deck
Delegate James Moody, Engine
Delegate Arthur Bailey, Steward
Delegate Christopher King. Chairman reminded crew to keep rooms
clean and to stay on top of documents. Educational director urged
members to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested new
washer and dryer as well as a new
coffee maker. Vote of thanks given
to steward department for a job well
done.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), October 7 – Educational
Director Carlos Mohler Vega,
Steward Delegate Andrea Hargrove. Chairman reiterated importance of leaving clean rooms for
reliefs. Secretary recommended
members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. Educational
director urged crew to stay on top of
documents. No beefs or disputed OT
reported.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line,
Limited), September 24 – Chairman
Cleofe Castro, Secretary Anthony
Harrell, Deck Delegate Samuel
Pedrosa, Engine Delegate Ruben
Haynes. Payoff scheduled for September 27. Chairman discussed ship
fund. Educational director advised
members to upgrade at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Cooktop grill in galley
to be replaced. Members requested
clarification regarding weekend
overtime. Steward department was
thanked for a job well done. Crew
was reminded to keep rooms clean.
Members requested annual physicals and increased dental and vision
benefits.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 2 – Secre-
MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 16 – Chairman Ali Alhamyari, Secretary
Sajid Foster. Educational director
advised crew to go to Piney Point
and upgrade. Crew looking into
getting new DVD players and TVs.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested new gym equipment
and better Wi-Fi service. Members
voiced concerns regarding new
contract.
SEABULK PRIDE (Eco-Tankers
Crew Management), October 27 –
Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary
Jasmine Garrett. Crew met with
union representative and reviewed
the latest communications. Educational director reminded members
to continue to upgrade and to keep
documents up to date. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew discussed health insurance coverage
and provided several suggestions to
enhance medical benefits for union
members and their families. Steward
Recruiting in City of Brotherly Love
SIU Philadelphia Safety Director Andre MacCray (facing camera) is pictured at a recent job fair,
spreading the word about the SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
department was commended for a
job well done. Crew was encouraged to submit content to Seafarers
LOG office. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida.
ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services),
October 30 – Chairman John
Cedeno, Secretary Armon Bailey,
Educational Director Hector Ginel,
Deck Delegate Junior Augustin,
Steward Delegate Adalberto Colon
Rosa. Chairman reminded crew to
verify credentials with patrolman
when registering at the hall. He asked
everyone to keep up the good work
and to stay safe. Educational director
advised members to attend upgrading
courses at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. He instructed everyone
to apply at least 30 days in advance.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew was asked to use outside ladder well since steward department
just stripped and waxed inside
ladder well. Crew requested 401k
contributions to be matched and for
mental health coverage for spouses.
Members suggested providing tour
of duties for all who complete their
assigned tours.
MATSON TACOMA (Horizon
Lines), October 30 – Chairman
Christopher Pompel, Secretary
Justo Reyes, Deck Delegate Michael Salatto, Engine Delegate
Brandon Tanton, Steward Delegate
Christopher Hopkins. Chairman
discussed new agreement details
and Seafarers Appeals Board action regarding length of jobs. He
encouraged members to carefully
watch documents and physicals.
Educational director urged crew to
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center as
soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested
Starlink internet for all ships, one
job call a day and Wi-Fi access at
halls. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska.
MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk
Line, Limited), November 13 –
Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Memo Elfeky, Educational
Director Jan Morawski, Deck
Delegate Suyapa Smith, Steward
Delegate Malcolm Holmes. Chairman reported a great trip as did
other union members. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew is in
need of better internet connection
as they are often without. Members
asked for increases in vacation days
and increases in dental care.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
14 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 14
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
January 2023
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
BRUCE CHILDERS
Brother Bruce Childers, 65, started
his career with the union in 1988.
He first shipped
with Mariner
Towing and was
a deck department member.
Brother Childers
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He last
sailed aboard the
Discovery and makes his home in
Panama City, Florida.
MARK CLARK
Brother Mark Clark, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1978 when he
sailed aboard the Leo. He upgraded at the Piney Point school
on numerous occasions and was a
member of the deck department.
Brother Clark’s final vessel was
the Mayaguez. He lives in Long
Branch, New Jersey.
ALBAD COLON
both the deck
and engine departments and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Fernandez most
recently shipped
on the Isla Bella.
He makes his
home in Jacksonville, Florida.
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Llave
last shipped on
the Horizon Reliance and calls
La Mirada, California, home.
CHRISTOPHER KICEY
Brother Victor Gil Mariano, 65,
started sailing with the SIU in
1991 when he
worked on the
Independence.
He shipped in
the deck department, upgraded
in Piney Point
on multiple
occasions and
concluded his
career aboard the
SBX. Brother Mariano resides in
Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Brother Christopher Kicey, 66,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1991
when he sailed
on the Richard
G. Matthiesen.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Kicey’s
final vessel was the Overseas
Boston. He resides in Navarre,
Florida.
MICHAEL KOVACH
Brother Albad Colon, 70, began
sailing with the
union in 2000.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Colon’s
first vessel was
the Patriot; his
last, the Bay State. He is a Houston resident.
Brother Michael Kovach, 65,
donned the union colors in 1987
and first sailed
aboard the William R. Button.
He primarily
sailed in the engine department
and also worked
on shore gangs.
Brother Kovach
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. He
calls Matawan, New Jersey, home.
OWEN DUFFY
AMADO LABORIEL
Brother Owen Duffy, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1978, initially sailing
aboard the Leo.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions
and shipped
in the engine
department.
Brother Duffy’s
final vessel was the El Yunque. He
is a resident of Orlando, Florida.
MAURICIO ELOPRE
Brother Mauricio Elopre, 65,
signed on with the union in 2006.
A deck department member,
he first sailed
aboard the
Pride of Aloha.
Brother Elopre
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. He last
shipped on the
Maersk Tennessee and makes his
home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
RAYMOND FERNANDEZ
Brother Raymond Fernandez, 67,
became a member of the union
in 1980, initially sailing aboard
the USNS Potomac. He sailed in
January 2023
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 15
Brother Amado Laboriel, 65,
signed on with
the Seafarers in
2003. He sailed
in all three
departments.
Brother Laboriel’s first vessel
was the Flickertail State; his
last, the Maersk
Hartford. He resides in Far Rockaway, New York.
ENRICO LA MARCA
Brother Enrico La Marca, 65,
began sailing with the union in
2003 when
he shipped on
the Atlantic
Guardian. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous
occasions and
worked in the
steward department. Brother La
Marca most recently sailed on the
Liberty Glory and lives in Puerto
Rico.
RONIE LLAVE
Brother Ronie Llave, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 2006, initially sailing on the
Pride of Hawaii. He worked in the
deck department and upgraded at
VICTOR GIL MARIANO
PAUL MORAN
Brother Paul Moran, 65, joined
the union in 1978. He first sailed
aboard the Connecticut and
worked in all three departments.
Brother Moran’s final vessel was
the Overseas New Orleans. He
makes his home in Brooklyn, New
York.
EMILIO PLACIDES
Brother Emilio Placides, 65, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1996 when he
shipped on the
USNS Wyman.
He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions
and was a member of the steward department.
Brother Placides
last sailed aboard the John McDonnell and settled in Oxnard,
Virginia.
JO POSTELL
Brother Jo Postell, 65, signed on
with the union
in 2004, initially
sailing aboard
the William R
Button. A deck
department
member, he
concluded his
career aboard the
Maersk Sentosa.
Brother Postell
calls Moyock, North Carolina,
home.
resident of Bella Vista, Arizona.
TOMMY RODGERS
Brother Tommy Rodgers, 65,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2007
when he shipped
on the Resolve.
He upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center and
was a member of
the deck department. Brother
Rodgers’ final
vessel was the
Liberty Grace. He makes his home
in Corpus Christi, Texas.
ROY SCOTT
Brother Roy Scott, 65, began
sailing with the
union in 1991.
An engine
department
member, he first
sailed aboard the
Independence.
Brother Scott
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1995.
He last shipped on the Green Bay
and settled in Pearl City, Hawaii.
KENNETH SIMMONS
Brother Kenneth Simmons, 67,
signed on with the SIU in 2001
and first sailed with Marine
Personnel and
Provisioning. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year of membership and was a
deck department
member. Brother
Simmons most
recently shipped
on the Liberty Pride. He resides in
Tampa, Florida.
ROBERT WEEKS
Brother Robert Weeks, 65, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1976
when he shipped
on the Arthur
Middleton. He
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and sailed in all
three departments. Brother
Weeks’ final vessel was the El
Morro. He lives in Mobile, Alabama.
JILL PRESCOTT
Sister Jill Prescott, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1983. She was a
steward department member
and first shipped
on the Taurus.
Sister Prescott
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions.
She concluded
her career
aboard the Horizon Spirit and is a
INLAND
EDWARD BOPP
Brother Edward Bopp, 64, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1981. He sailed in the deck
department and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center within his first
year of membership. Brother Bopp
worked for Crescent Towing and
Salvage for the duration of his
career. He lives in Covington,
Louisiana.
PAUL HACKNEY
Brother Paul Hackney, 59, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1989
when he sailed
on the USNS
Stalwart. A
deck department
member, he
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Hackney
was most recently employed by
Penn Maritime and makes his
home in Smyrna, Georgia.
RAYMOND KUCHARCZYK
Brother Raymond Kucharczyk, 62,
joined the union in 1978, initially
working with
Inland Tugs.
He upgraded
on multiple occasions at the
Paul Hall Center
and shipped in
the deck department. Brother
Kucharczyk was
last employed by
McAllister Towing of Baltimore
and is a Baltimore resident.
MIRIAM MERLUZZO
Sister Miriam Merluzzo, 62,
began sailing with the Seafarers in
2000. She was a
steward department member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Sister Merluzzo
worked with
Great Lakes
Dredge and Dock
for her entire career. She lives in
Tamworth, New Hampshire.
WILLIAM RICHARDSON
Brother William Richardson, 62,
started his career with the union
in 1979 when
he worked with
G&H Towing.
He shipped
primarily in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 2000.
Brother Richardson last sailed
with OSG Ship Management. He
is a resident of Mathews, Virginia.
DOUGLAS SCOTT
Brother Douglas Scott, 64, joined
the SIU in 1994.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2002.
Brother Scott
was employed
by G&H Towing
for the duration
of his career. He
resides in Willis, Texas.
Seafarers LOG 15
12/19/22 12:19 PM
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
BRYAN DAWSON
Pensioner Bryan Dawson, 76, died
December 4. He signed on with
the Seafarers in
2001. An engine department
member, he first
shipped on the
Maersk Vermont.
Brother Dawson
last sailed on the
Edward A. Carter
in 2009. He became a pensioner
in 2017 and settled in Foxborough,
Massachusetts.
LOUIS DIESSO
Pensioner Louis Diesso, 71, passed
away November 16. He embarked
on his career with
the SIU in 1982,
initially sailing
aboard a Delta
Line ship. Brother
Diesso sailed
in the engine
department and
also worked on
shore gangs. He
concluded his career in Tacoma and retired in 2009.
Brother Diesso called LaQuinta,
California, home.
GARETH HUNT
Pensioner Gareth Hunt, 75, died
November 11. He joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2003.
Brother Hunt’s
first vessel was
the John Chapman. He sailed in
the deck department and last
shipped on the
Pride of America.
Brother Hunt
went on pension in 2016 and lived in
Port Angeles, Washington.
PAUL JAGGER
Brother Paul Jagger, 66, passed
away July 22. He
began his career
with the SIU
in 1983 when
he shipped on
the Capricorn.
Brother Jagger
sailed in the deck
department, most
recently aboard the American Mariner. He was a Las Vegas resident.
LEOLA JOHNSON
Sister Leola Johnson, 53, died
October 12.
Born in Chicago,
she joined the
union in 2001.
Sister Johnson
was a steward
department
member and
first shipped on
the Patriot. She
most recently
sailed aboard the Cape Isabel in
2019 and resided in Jacksonville,
Florida.
16 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 16
JOSE MATA
Pensioner Jose Mata, 91, passed
away December 2. He joined the SIU
in 1963, initially sailing aboard the
Mankato Victory. Brother Mata sailed
in all three departments. He went on
pension in 1995 after concluding his
career on the Green Island. Brother
Mata lived in Metairie, Louisiana.
HENRY MORIN
Brother Henry Morin, 89, died November 1. He signed
on with the union
in 1990 when he
sailed aboard the
USNS Triumph.
Brother Morin was
a deck department
member and concluded his career
aboard the Stephen
W. Pless. He made
his home in Jaco, Costa Rica.
EDWIN ORTEGA
Pensioner Edwin Ortega, 63, passed
away November 19. He became a
member of the
SIU in 1979
when he sailed
aboard the Pisces.
Brother Ortega
worked in the
deck department
and most recently
shipped on the
Maersk Seletar.
He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Spring
Hill, Florida.
LAWRENCE RAZO
Pensioner Lawrence Razo, 95, died
November 1. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1967
and worked in the
steward department. Brother
Razo’s first vessel
was the Baylor
Victory. He last
sailed on the
Navigator before
going on pension in 1994. Brother
Razo resided in Stockton, California.
JOSEPH SAXON
Pensioner Joseph Saxon, 74, passed
away November
12. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1964,
initially sailing
aboard the Our
Lady Of Peace.
Brother Saxon
sailed in the engine department.
He last shipped on the Brenton Reef
and retired in 2003. Brother Saxon
lived in Mobile, Alabama.
PAUL SU
Pensioner Paul
Su, 86, died October 17. He started
sailing with the
union in 1989. An
engine department
member, Brother
Su was employed
with AMCV
Cruise Operations for the duration
of his career. He went on pension in
2003 and resided in Taiwan.
GREAT LAKES
WILLIAM GILLETTE
Pensioner William Gillette, 93,
passed away October 26. He
joined the SIU
in 1974 and first
worked with
Great Lakes Associates. A steward department
member, Brother
Gillette last
sailed aboard the
Paul Thayer in
1993. He became
a pensioner the following year
and settled in Reidsville, North
Carolina.
INLAND
RONALD AINSLEY
Pensioner Ronald Ainsley, 82,
died December
2. He signed on
with the union
in 1962 and first
sailed with Allied
Transportation.
Brother Ainsley
worked in the
deck department and was
last employed
with Moran Towing of Virginia.
He began collecting his pension in
2014 and made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
ERIK ERIKSEN
Pensioner Erik Ericksen, 85, passed
away December 2. Initially working
with Gulf Atlantic Transport, he
joined the union
in 1968. Brother
Eriksen was a
deck department
member. He last
sailed with Allied
Transportation
and retired in
1999. Brother
Eriksen was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida.
engine department. Brother
Herman was
employed by
G&H Towing for
the duration of
his career. He retired in 2002 and
made his home in
Cleveland, Texas.
CURTIS IRELAND
Pensioner Curtis Ireland, 92, died
November 23. He started sailing
with the union in 1953 when he
worked for Sprogue Steamship
Company. Brother Ireland was a
member of the deck department. He
was last employed by Mariner Towing and went on pension in 1993.
Brother Ireland resided in Lowland,
North Carolina.
HARALD SEVLAND
Pensioner Harald Sevland, 85,
passed away November 17. Born
in Norway, he
joined the SIU
in 1979. Brother
Sevland was
a deck department member.
He worked with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation until his retirement in 2002.
Brother Sevland lived in West
Palm Beach, Florida.
PAUL TULLIS
Pensioner Paul
Tullis, 83, died
November 18. He
began sailing with
the union in 1977
when he was employed by Crowley Towing and
Transportation.
Brother Tullis was
a deck department
member and last
worked on the Sugar Island in 1983.
He became a pensioner in 2004 and
settled in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
NMU
RAYMOND LEITE
Pensioner Raymond Leite, 80,
passed away October 3. He joined
the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU
merger in 2001 and first sailed
aboard the Atlantic Forest. Brother
Leite sailed in the deck department.
He concluded his career on the
Green Cove before going on pension
in 2004. Brother Leite was a Miami
resident.
ANDRES WATLER
Pensioner Andres Watler, 83, died
December 3.
A deck department member, he
signed on with the
union during the
2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother
Watler’s first vessel was the USNS
Altair; his last, the
Rover. He retired
in 2003 and made his home in New
Orleans.
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to develop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME
AGE
Beck, Douglas
85
Brown, Alexander
87
Castellanos, Antonia 93
Cespedes, Salvador 91
Dunn, Edwin
95
Eldridge, Shirlie
80
El Zofri, Mohamed 94
Grey, Charles
90
Hartstick, Edward
94
Hearn, George
95
Lane, Louis
98
Polito, James
100
Ruiz, Marcelino
92
DOD
07/06/2022
11/21/2022
01/26/2022
09/25/2022
11/07/2022
12/24/2021
09/05/2022
10/15/2022
11/04/2022
11/12/2022
11/07/2022
11/22/2022
10/29/2022
WILLIAM HARVELL
Pensioner William Harvell, 71, died
November 27. He donned the union
colors in 1989.
A deck department member,
Brother Harvell
first worked with
Interstate Oil and
Transportation.
He last shipped
on the Courage and became
a pensioner in
2019. Brother Harvell lived in Mollusk, Virginia.
EARL HERMAN
Pensioner Earl Herman, 85, passed
away October 25. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1980 and shipped in the
Have You Missed
An Issue of the
Seafarers Log?
PDF versions of nearly
every edition are available at seafarerslog.org
You can also scan this QR
code to go directly to the
website
January 2023
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
ServSafe Management
February 13
February 17
March 20 March 24
April 24 April 28
May 29 June 2
July 3 July 7
August 7 August 11
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
February 27
March 17
April 10 April 28
June 5 June 23
Lifeboat/Water Survival
February 13
February 24
March 13 March 24
April 10 April 21
May 8 May 19
RFPNW January 30 February 17
March 20 April 7
May 1 May 19
Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21
Leadership & Management Skills
June 19
June 23
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW January 30 February 24
May 1 May 26
FOWT February 27 March 24
April 3 April 28
Junior Engineer Program
March 27
May 19
Marine Electrician April 24 May 26
Marine Refer Tech
March 13
April 21
Advanced Refer Containers
April 10
April 21
Machinist March 13 March 31
Pumpman April 3 April 7
Welding January 23 February 10
March 20 April 7
Engineroom Resource Management
June 12
June 16
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
January 16
February 17
February 20 March 24
March 27 April 28
May 1 June 2
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
January 2023
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 17
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
June 5
July 7
July 10 August 11
Advanced Galley Operations
March 13
April 7
May 22 June 16
Chief Steward February 6 March 3
April 17 May 12
June 26 July 21
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
June 5
June 9
Basic Training January 23 January 27
April 17 April 21
Basic Training Revalidation
January 13
January 13
January 23 January 23
January 27 January 27
February 13 February 13
February 24 February 24
March 20 March 20
March 24 March 24
April 7 April 7
April 17 April 17
April 21 April 21
May 1 May 1
May 5 May 5
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
January 30
February 3
May 15 May 19
Government Vessels January 16 January 20
February 6 February 10
February 13 February 17
March 13 March 17
March 20 March 24
April 10 April 14
April 24 April 28
May 8 May 12
May 22 May 26
June 5 June 9
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
February 20
February 24
May 22 May 26
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
February 27
March 3
May 15 May 19
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
1/23
Seafarers LOG 17
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #888 – Pictured November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Tahjarian Campbell, Shavel Freeman, Samyra Gardner, Stephen Hoskins, Devine
Lents, Ishmael McNeal, Jawuam Mixon,Tre Scott and Jermal Torney.
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed,
Saif Al Tamimi, Gerald Durham, Alfred Edmond, Deon Green, Ransom Andrew KB Kauwe, Fahmi Ali Taher Saeed,
Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez and Jonathan White.
Junior Engineer (Engineering Plant Maintenance II) – Graduated October 14 (above, in alphabetical
order): David Argo Jr., Samuel Fagerness, Michael Jamal Garcia, Troy Hubbard Jr., Thomas Koncul,
Cristian Efrain Lalin, Wayne Linnette IV, Tyler Maddox, Zeke Pasquarelli and Joesef Moses Shaibi. Class
instructor Roy Graham is at the far right.
18 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 18
Radar/ARPA – Graduated October 21 (above, in alphabetical order): James Blackburn III, Dominique Glover and Will
Jordan.
RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated October 21 (above, from left): Charles
Armand Bishop and Keshun Dominique Corpus. Instructor John Wiegman
III is at right. Upon the completion of their training, both Bishop and Corpus
plan to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels.
January 2023
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels –
Graduated October 28
(photo at left, in alphabetical order): Nathan Elliott,
Kirk Fisher, Aaron HeltonCox, Terry Hester, Joseph
Huls, Mohamad Mahmoud
Kammoun, Alexander Miraglia, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Abdo
Ahmed Saleh, Trovarius
Thomas, Reynaldo Tinay
and Cortney Williams.
Marine Refer Tech – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar, Hector Ismael Caballero, Rustin Calame, Michael Clark, Christian Cruz, Tony Hamaguchi, Daryl Hicks, Wordell Prescott, Ahmed
Omar Sharif and Sanjay Waidyarachchi. Class instructor Chirstopher Morgan is at the far right in the back row.
Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) –
Graduated October 14 (above, from left): Upgraders Lisa Evans
and Marcus Stackpoole.
RFPNW – Upgrader Matthew Conley (above, right) recently completed his requirements in this course. The ordinary seaman graduated October 14. Pictured with him at left is his instructor Dominic Hix.
Advanced Stability – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Baird, Matthew O’Donnell,
Scott Salo and Andrew Torti.
Certified Chief Cook (Module
4) – Graduated November 25
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Bradley Albert, Cameron Amir Azadi, Alexis Claro,
Joseph Crisante Jr., Rosetta
Jackson, Krystal Mosley, Delphine Simmons, Souleymane
Tamla, Joel Williams and
Shana Zeidenberg.
January 2023
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 19
Seafarers LOG 19
12/19/22 11:44 AM
�JANUARY 2023
VOLUME 85, NO. 1
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
I
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 18-19
SIU Year in Review: 2022
n many ways, 2022 represented a gradual return to normalcy for the SIU. With
the pandemic largely in the past, the
year saw new vessels, new construction,
new contracts and wage reopeners, and
multiple conventions with themes focused
on the future.
SIU members answered the call time
and time again, even amid a global labor
shortage. While many union brothers and
sisters upgraded their skills and earned new
ratings by returning to the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, union representatives ramped
up the SIU’s recruiting efforts, both in person and online.
The following is an overview of some
of the year’s top stories for the union, the
maritime industry as a whole and the labor
movement.
New Tonnage
In January 2022, the second of two reflagged vessels joined the U.S.-flag fleet of
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC):
the ARC Commitment and the ARC Defender. These roll-on roll-off vessels, which
are both enrolled in the U.S. Maritime
Security Program (MSP), “are among the
most capable and militarily useful vessels
in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to
carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, helicopters, and other high and heavy project
cargoes,” according to ARC.
Additionally, Crowley flagged in the
tanker Stena Polaris while the union regained jobs aboard the tanker Seabulk Pride
when the ship was delivered to Seabulk.
Also joining the fleet in 2022 was the
MV George III, an LNG-fueled Ohanaclass vessel operated by Pasha Hawaii.
Additionally, more new vessels are on the
way, as three new Aloha-class containerships were ordered by Matson – to be built
by union labor at Philly Shipyard. The first
of those vessels is expected to be delivered
in 2026.
Conventions and Maritime News
The past year also included a mix of virtual and in-person conventions, both with
the union’s own events as well as those of
SIU affiliates and industry partners.
The SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades
Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) hosted its
Quadrennial Convention in Philadelphia
June 9-10. In a schedule which included
speeches and presentations from various
maritime and labor leaders, SIU President
Michael Sacco was re-elected to serve as
president of the MTD.
Authorization Act of 2023, which is expected to pass as of the writing of this
article. That language tightened up the
Jones Act waiver process, restricting who is
authorized to grant such waivers, and other
codified changes. The NDAA also included
many outright gains for the maritime industry, which will be covered in detail in the
February issue of the Seafarers LOG.
SIU President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left)
and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond moments after their respective elections to office last summer in Philadelphia. Sacco conducted the election (and himself was
re-elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council during the same convention). (Photo by Jay
Mallin)
The following week, Sacco oversaw the
elections of Liz Shuler as president of the
AFL-CIO and Fred Redmond as the federation’s secretary-treasurer. Sacco was reelected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council
during a convention that featured in-person
remarks from President Biden.
The SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU)
conducted a virtual convention on Sept.
20, while the SIUNA convention, with
its theme “Building for the Future,” took
place virtually on Sept. 14. Both saw the
respective executive boards reelected,
with the full confidence of those in attendance.
In April, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) reaffiliated with
the MTD, thereby becoming the 24th affiliate. Additionally, the United Seamen’s Service’s 53rd annual Admiral of the Ocean
Sea (AOTOS) Award dinner took place
Oct. 28, and honored Edward W. Aldridge,
president of CMA-CGM North America
and American President Lines; Harold J.
Daggett, president of the ILA; and Eric P.
Ebeling, president and CEO of American
Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group. Also honored for their rescue efforts were the SIU
crews from four vessels: the USNS Yuma,
Pacific Tracker, Herodote and the Maersk
Peary.
In other maritime news, the merchant
mariners who served during World War II
were finally awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal, in a ceremony conducted in
the Capitol Building on May 18.
In July, former AFL-CIO President
Richard Trumka was awarded a Posthumous Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
The sanctity of the Jones Act was violated in September, when a onetime waiver
was granted to a BP Petroleum tanker to
sell their cargo in Puerto Rico in the wake
of a hurricane. In a joint statement from
U.S. maritime unions (including the SIU),
the groups pointed out, “This waiver was
unnecessary. U.S.-flagged vessels and
foreign-flagged vessels carrying legal cargoes of fuel, either from American ports or
from foreign ports, had safely discharged
their cargoes in Puerto Rico after the storm.
American ships were available. American
crews were available. But none of that
mattered, because the political optics of
a ship waiting to bring fuel to the island
apparently matters more than a century of
bedrock American law.”
This waiver situation was used as fuel
for political advocates and allies to attach
specific language to the National Defense
Seafarers - including those pictured above, with SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White (right) - approved new, five-year standard freightship and tanker agreements last year.
20 Seafarers LOG
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 20
Contracts
The contracts department of the SIU
was busy in 2022, working out the standard freightship and tanker agreements,
which were overwhelmingly ratified by the
membership. The five-year pacts increase
wages, maintain benefits, help ensure shipboard internet access, and preserve every
SIU job.
Those were far from the only contracts
in the news in 2022. New pacts also were
reached (or existing ones were extended)
with TOTE, Key Lakes, Port City Marine
Services, E.N. Bisso & Son, Chesapeake
Crewing, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, American Petroleum Tankers, Liberty
Maritime, Maersk, Seabulk, Marine Personnel and Provisioning, Waterman Steamship, and Subcom.
Rescues
There were quite a few instances of rescues at sea in 2022, in which SIU members
went above and beyond to save lives. Full
recaps of each rescue are available on our
website (and in the pages of the Seafarers
LOG), but notable examples include: MT
Pennsylvania in April; the Endurance in
June; the NY Waterway tugboats John Stevens and Garden State in July; the Pacific
Tracker in July; The Maersk Tennessee in
July; the Centerline Logistics-operated tugboats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea in
July; NY Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln
in August; the National Glory in October;
the Alliance Fairfax in October; the Sunshine State in October; and the American
Phoenix in November.
Progress, Grassroots Action
Various construction projects and curriculum enhancements took place throughout the year at the Paul Hall Center, a staple
for many Seafarers. The school offers the
most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses
of any maritime institution in the nation.
Those classes include ones for entry-level
students and upgraders.
A massive renovation at the hiring hall
in Norfolk, Virginia, got underway and
has continued in the new year, with an expected completion date likely in the second
quarter.
Meanwhile, Election Day saw strong
performances by SIU-backed candidates.
The vast majority of those running for
House or Senate seats with support from
the union’s voluntary political action fund
won their respective races.
Throughout the year, the union actively
advocated for laws and programs that keep
the U.S. Merchant Marine afloat, including
the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime Security Program, the new Tanker
Security Program and more.
Final Departures
Finally, a few leaders in the maritime
community crossed the final bar in 2022,
including: Saltchuk Co-Founder Stan
Barer, former Transportation Secretary
Norman Mineta, Alaska Congressman and
maritime advocate Don Young, former U.S.
Maritime Administrator Vice Admiral (ret.)
Albert Herberger, and longtime SIU Chief
Bosun John Natoli.
January 2023
12/20/22 12:56 PM
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Title
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Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present
Description
An account of the resource
Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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Dublin Core
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Title
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January 2023
Description
An account of the resource
AMP SALUTES REP. GONZALEZ-COLON
BISSO BOATMEN RATIFY THREE-YEAR CONTRACT
SIU HELPS IN DELIVERY OF MARINER MESSAGE AT KEY UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE
AMERICAN PHOENIX CREW RESCUES MIGRANTS
SUNSHINE STATE HELPS SAVE 9
OAKLAND THANKSGIVING EVENT A SUCCESS
LONGTIME SEAFARER PRAISES CABLE SHIP COMRADES
SIU STEWARD DEPARTMENTS DELIVER THANKSGIVING FEASTS
Creator
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Seafarers Log
Source
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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01/01/2023
Format
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Newsprint
Type
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Text
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VOL. 85, NO. 1
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log